Which road is Snake Pass?
England, europe
42 km
512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern England, craving a drive that'll make your palms sweat and your jaw drop. Look no further than Snake Pass! This 26-mile stretch of road, officially the A57, winds its way between Manchester and Sheffield, climbing to a respectable 1,679 feet.
Built way back in the early 1800s by the legendary Thomas Telford, Snake Pass earns its name. It's a rollercoaster of bends and blind summits as it crosses the Pennines. Trust me, driving it is an *experience.*
Now, let's be real: Snake Pass isn't for the faint of heart. It's known for being hazardous, with tricky curves and elevation changes that can catch you off guard, especially when the weather turns. Expect a maximum gradient of around 10% in places. In winter, it's frequently closed due to snow and ice - on average, it's shut for 70 days a year! It can also get closed due to subsidence after heavy rain, so be sure to check conditions.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, especially as you descend towards Glossop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester. Just make sure your car is in tip-top shape, and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding drive.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42 km
- Max Elevation
- 512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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