An iconic road crossing the Peak District between Sheffield and Manchester, Snake Pass takes its name from the many tight bends in its route rather than any actual snake, and remains one of the best-known climbs in the north of England.
A steady climb from Glossop
From Glossop, it’s 8.5 km for 340 m of elevation gain, averaging 4% with no standout section. The road climbs across open heather moorland, exposed to the wind for most of the way.
A road at the mercy of the elements
The route crosses the Peak District’s peat moorland, an environment that leaves the road regularly closed by snow or fog in winter, a defining trait of this route linking Sheffield and Manchester.
Getting the ride right
Traffic can be heavy on this key artery between the two cities, which makes good front and rear lights worthwhile even in broad daylight, as visibility can drop quickly in fog.
When to go
April to October — the road is prone to unpredictable winter closures from snow or fog, common on this exposed stretch of the Peak District.
Good to know
Glossop, the starting town, also gives access to the nearby Woodhead Pass, another classic trans-Pennine road for cyclists looking to combine several climbs in the same outing.
