Snake Pass A57 — Peak District's Classic MoorlandRoad.

Distance

32 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

480 m

Rating

4.8 / 5

445 reviews

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Snake Pass A57 — Peak District's Classic Moorland Road.

The iconic Snake Pass through the Dark Peak — England's most celebrated motorcycle road. The A57 crosses Bleaklow Moor at 512m between Sheffield and Manchester, a sweeping high moorland road with flowing curves, open vistas, and the atmospheric Snake Inn at the top. Frequently closed in winter. A motorcyclists' pilgrimage route.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance32 km

Days1

Total climb480 m

DifficultyModerate

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

6 stops

Sheffield — Rivelin ValleyStart · Depart Sheffield west via Rivelin Valley — already scenic before the proper Snake begins.

Ladybower ReservoirPhoto Spot · The twin-towered overflow towers of this huge reservoir are a striking sight. The flooded villages beneath are part of local legend.

Ashopton ViaductScenic Point · The road swings across the reservoir causeway — one of the best views of Ladybower.

Snake Pass Summit — 512mMountain Pass · The high moorland summit. The Snake Inn pub is here — great coffee and bacon butties. Bleaklow Moor stretches endlessly.

Doctor's Gate Roman Road ViewpointScenic Point · The old Roman trans-Pennine road follows the ridge above. Peat bog and heather in every direction.

GlossopEnd · End in Glossop — Victorian mill town at the Manchester fringe. Continue into Manchester or loop back via Woodhead Pass for double the fun.

Reviews

From riders.

445 verified rides logged on this route.

4.8/ 5

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

445 verified rides

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