Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Road cycling
4.6
(45)
The Snake Pass Climb from Glossop is a renowned ascent into the heart of the Peak District National Park, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for cyclists and a gateway to stunning walks for hikers. This iconic stretch of the A57 road winds its way through the Pennine hills, connecting the market town of Glossop in Derbyshire with the scenic Ladybower Reservoir area. Rising to a high point of 510 meters (1,680 feet) above sea level, it provides expansive views…
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Tips
September 4, 2020
Road cycling
July 6, 2023
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August 3, 2021
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Best routes to Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
3.0
(1)
145
riders
90.0km
04:57
1,700m
1,700m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.7
(3)
311
riders
101km
05:30
1,840m
1,830m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(3)
224
riders
74.6km
03:45
1,150m
1,150m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 6.77 km
Uphill 380 m
Downhill 20 m
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Friday 6 March
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1°C
81 %
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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The Snake Pass Climb from Glossop is considered a challenging ascent for cyclists. It spans approximately 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles) with a significant vertical ascent of 361 meters (1,184 feet) and an average gradient of 5.3%. While the gradient is generally manageable, it's described as 'relentless' and 'goes on and on' by experienced cyclists. It gets steeper near the top, so conserving energy is advised. Many cyclists find it a rewarding experience, often leading to an exhilarating descent towards Ladybower.
Yes, the Snake Pass area serves as an excellent starting point for various hiking routes. The renowned Pennine Way crosses the summit of Snake Pass, offering access to long-distance trails. Additionally, numerous paths lead to notable spots like Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. Hikers can explore areas like Ashop Clough and the Snake woodland, which are described as magical. You can find many of these routes on komoot to help plan your adventure.
Roadside parking is available at the summit of Snake Pass, often marked by a distinctive bus stop. However, community tips suggest that parking can fill up quickly, especially on good weather days or weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended to secure a spot, particularly if you plan a longer hike or cycle.
While stunning in all seasons, winter hiking and cycling on Snake Pass can be particularly challenging and potentially hazardous. The road is often closed in winter due to snow and occasionally due to landslides, making access difficult or impossible. Rapidly changing weather conditions are common in the Pennines, so if attempting a winter visit, ensure you have appropriate gear, check forecasts, and be prepared for adverse conditions.
While the main climb itself is challenging, the broader Snake Pass area within the Peak District offers various walks. For family-friendly options, it's best to look for shorter, less steep trails in the surrounding valleys or near Ladybower Reservoir, rather than directly on the main ascent. The wooded areas in the lower parts of the pass might offer gentler strolls, but specific family-friendly routes would require local knowledge or detailed trail maps.
Generally, dogs are welcome on public footpaths and bridleways in the Peak District, including those around Snake Pass. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, during ground-nesting bird season (March to July), and in areas designated as open access land. Always follow the Countryside Code and ensure your dog is under control.
Public transport options directly to the higher sections of Snake Pass from Glossop are limited. Glossop itself is accessible by train from Manchester. From Glossop, local bus services might operate along parts of the A57, but direct routes to the summit or specific trailheads are infrequent or non-existent. For most hikers and cyclists, driving or cycling from Glossop is the most practical way to access the climb and surrounding trails.
The Snake Pass road itself is quite remote. The historic Snake Inn, which gave the pass its name, is now the Snake Pass Inn, a private residential property and no longer operates as a public pub or accommodation. Therefore, there are no public cafes, pubs, or accommodation options directly on the A57 between Glossop and Ladybower. Visitors should plan to find amenities in Glossop or near Ladybower Reservoir.
No, hiking permits are generally not required for accessing public footpaths and open access land in the Peak District National Park, including the areas around Snake Pass. However, it's always important to respect private land, follow designated paths, and adhere to the Countryside Code.
Beyond the panoramic views from the summit, the Snake Pass area boasts several natural features. The landscape transitions from wooded areas in the lower parts to open moorland with rolling hills, pine trees, heather, and bracken at higher elevations. Ashop Clough and the Snake woodland are described as particularly magical. On the eastern end of the pass, the Ashopton Viaduct bridges the River Derwent near the Ladybower Reservoir, offering another scenic landmark.