[TQMp5135]

Hi All,

I am taking a trip up to Manchester in the spring and am thinking of taking a detour to the Peak District to check out some of the great driving roads they are supposed to have there.

Snake pass is one that keeps coming up. Has anyone driven it recently? What’s it like? Is it corner after corner of smooth, progressive driving bliss where you can push on confidently, or will I find myself slowing down to less than ideal speeds avoiding potholes and rough bits of road to save my suspension and avoid annoying rattles developing?
(A bad experience on Honister Pass in the Lake District after someone told me it was a great driving road forces me to ask this question - I don’t think they realised I had a bmw with m sport suspension and not a Landrover Discovery!)

Can anyone recommend any other great driving roads in the Peak District?

Thanks!

[Chas325]

Originally Posted by TQMp5135

Hi All,

I am taking a trip up to Manchester in the spring and am thinking of taking a detour to the Peak District to check out some of the great driving roads they are supposed to have there.

Snake pass is one that keeps coming up. Has anyone driven it recently? What’s it like? Is it corner after corner of smooth, progressive driving bliss where you can push on confidently, or will I find myself slowing down to less than ideal speeds avoiding potholes and rough bits of road to save my suspension and avoid annoying rattles developing?
(A bad experience on Honister Pass in the Lake District after someone told me it was a great driving road forces me to ask this question - I don’t think they realised I had a bmw with m sport suspension and not a Landrover Discovery!)

Can anyone recommend any other great driving roads in the Peak District?

Thanks!

It's smooth road, but limited to 50 all the way I think, speed cameras at various points and busy. Same for the Cat and Fiddle which is speed camera'd and policed heavily.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by Chasdrury

It's smooth road, but limited to 50 all the way I think, speed cameras at various points and busy. Same for the Cat and Fiddle which is speed camera'd and policed heavily.

Cat and Fiddle has average speed cameras on it, has done for years.

Not sure the Snake Pass has any on right now, it certainly didn't last year when I last went over. Signs warning of possible mobile cameras, but I've been over a lot and not seen any.

It can be busy ish, but you can always pull over and find a decent gap to drive how you want in it. Plus, there are some decent overtaking opportunities if you only get stuck behind one or two cars/trucks.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Definitely no cameras on the Snake Pass just checked on speed camera map website.

If you do head to it, better off coming from Chesterfield, or Dronfield to get to it, rather than Sheffield. Some decent country roads before you get to the Snake Pass then.

[CJF30]

I used to drive out to Buxton from Manchester quite often - my favourite route out was through Wilmslow, Adlington, wind up through the hills past Pott Shrigley, down through Kettleshulme, and in to Whaley Bridge. Lovely driving roads and usually quiet (weekdays anyway). From there, there is a great road out to Buxton with spectacular views.

[TiredGeek]

Avoid any of those roads at weekends or you'll be watching for speed vans / unmarked cars and dodging the organ donors.
A mid week summer evening, 9pm onwards is usually best nowadays so you get a chance to enjoy the road and keep your licence....

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by CJF30

I used to drive out to Buxton from Manchester quite often - my favourite route out was through Wilmslow, Adlington, wind up through the hills past Pott Shrigley, down through Kettleshulme, and in to Whaley Bridge. Lovely driving roads and usually quiet (weekdays anyway). From there, there is a great road out to Buxton with spectacular views.

I used to use that route in reverse heading out to Warrington or Liverpool... the road up through the middle of the farm by Pott Shrigley was interesting!

[Donny_1962]

Originally Posted by CJF30

I used to drive out to Buxton from Manchester quite often - my favourite route out was through Wilmslow, Adlington, wind up through the hills past Pott Shrigley, down through Kettleshulme, and in to Whaley Bridge. Lovely driving roads and usually quiet (weekdays anyway). From there, there is a great road out to Buxton with spectacular views.

Travelled this way for over two years, most Fridays. But at Kettleshulme, do not carry onto Whaley bridge but take a turn onto Side End Lane, and head into the Goyt Valley (great views, never seen a camera van on this road) then onto The Street, then Goyt's Lane over the reservoirs to Buxton. From Buxton go any direction and you will find good roads.

[Eddamoo]

I live in Sheffield and have lived in/the peaks all my life. Unless you plan to drive at 6am on a Sunday morning I would say don't bother unfortunately. There's just far too many tourists and camera vans.

The Snake isn't a great road for pressing on, but the Cat and Fiddle is.

You really can't beat North Wales for some good fun. I've done tons of runs with car clubs the and it's fantastic.

[Richard52]

Know the road well and don't believe there are any fixed cameras on it . Haven't seen mobile units for a while .

I like it for a drive but expect to be held up at some stage . There are succinct passing places but only if you know the road well. Watch out for the weather to avoid getting stranded. Oh and don't hold me uo if I'm on a charge.

[TQMp5135]

Thanks all for the great recommendations!

[TQMp5135]

Originally Posted by Eddamoo

I live in Sheffield and have lived in/the peaks all my life. Unless you plan to drive at 6am on a Sunday morning I would say don't bother unfortunately. There's just far too many tourists and camera vans.

The Snake isn't a great road for pressing on, but the Cat and Fiddle is.

You really can't beat North Wales for some good fun. I've done tons of runs with car clubs the and it's fantastic.

That is a shame, but I expect it could still be a fun road even while driving at the speed limit?

Is the Cat and Fiddle better because there are less tourists and cameras or because the road itself is better?

I'm actually planning a trip to North Wales for the Summer. Can't wait!

Thanks.

[Richard52]

Originally Posted by TQMp5135

That is a shame, but I expect it could still be a fun road even while driving at the speed limit?

Is the Cat and Fiddle better because there are less tourists and cameras or because the road itself is better?

I'm actually planning a trip to North Wales for the Summer. Can't wait!

Thanks.

Cat and Fiddle is the better road but has an average speed trip . My advice would be to fill up and do both. I do love Snakes Pass though , nice twisty bits and a few very fast long straights.

[hilift]

Bakwell to Owler bar on the outskirts of Sheffield is a superb stretch if road , punctuated by baslow !!
Done this and enjoyed it many a time !!
There is a section called 13 sisters I think , several bends back to back an absolute hoot provided traffic is light , great fun in the Tuono , its the sort of road the bike was made for .
You have to pick the right time of day espessh in the car ,

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by hilift

Bakwell to Owler bar on the outskirts of Sheffield is a superb stretch if road , punctuated by baslow !!
Done this and enjoyed it many a time !!
There is a section called 13 sisters I think , several bends back to back an absolute hoot provided traffic is light , great fun in the Tuono , its the sort of road the bike was made for .
You have to pick the right time of day espessh in the car ,

13 bends I think it’s called - for a reason...

Also an accident blackspot, often bikers. Used to use it a lot. Spoilt by bikers who think rules like solid white lines don’t apply to them, they are immortal and can ride like Kenny Roberts...

[Lincoln61]

Try goung from Matlock to buxton this wayhttps://www.google.com/maps/dir/Matlock/Buxton/@53.1778867,-1.7745569,12.09z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x487987e12d158689:0xdfc 8a7f7df668c75!2m2!1d-1.551774!2d53.137156!1m5!1m1!1s0x487a2414c22d7fa1: 0xca079a2151fbb5bf!2m2!1d-1.91483!2d53.259082!3e0!5i2

No cameras, and a quieter route

[Richard52]

Originally Posted by Eddamoo

I live in Sheffield and have lived in/the peaks all my life. Unless you plan to drive at 6am on a Sunday morning I would say don't bother unfortunately. There's just far too many tourists and camera vans.

The Snake isn't a great road for pressing on, but the Cat and Fiddle is.

You really can't beat North Wales for some good fun. I've done tons of runs with car clubs the and it's fantastic.

I did the Evo triangle didn't think it was worth the time it took to get there - day would have been better spent bombing around the Peak District . There's roads aplenty up North