Best mountain passes around Brough And Shatton are located in the Hope Valley, within the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England. This area provides access to several notable passes and elevated routes in the Peak District. The landscape features dramatic limestone gorges, high cols, and ridges that offer expansive views. These routes are known for their geological formations and serve as key points for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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Popular around Brough And Shatton
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Mountain Hikes around Brough And Shatton
Climbing Snake Pass westwards from Ladybower Reservoir on the A57 is a long, steady ascent through classic Peak District moorland, demanding rhythm and endurance rather than explosive power. Settle in for the extended effort as the average gradient is only around 3-4%, though some sections might steepen temporarily to perhaps 6-8%. Experience the vast, open scenery unfolding around you as you gain height. The defining challenge here is often less the gradient and more the significant exposure to wind sweeping across the high moors, so be prepared to battle the elements on this scenic but often demanding A-road climb towards the summit.
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Challenging/tasty climb. Or... fun downhill after climbing Mam Nick, whichever way you prefer. Either way around, absolutely breathtaking views! The road isn't super wide, so do be mindful of cars, whether you're ascending or descending :)
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I’d grab a coffee and flapjack at the edale train station cafe before tackling mam nick … great climb !!
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One of the most famous routes in the Peak District, The Great Ridge has stunning views on a clear day down to Castleton and Edale, and over to the peaks of Grindslow Knoll and Kinder Scout. It gets quieter as you travel further along the ridge to Lose Hill, with many people just nipping up to the Mam Tor summit. It's a lovely place for a sunrise and cloud inversions, popular with photographers, so get there early! Parking is at the National Trust Mam Tor car park, just down the hill from Mam Tor (S33 8WA).
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A bit of a cross roads on the Great Ridge. It's around halfway between Mam Tor and Back Tor and from here you can head down into Edale or Castleton. There is a Monument near the gate.
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One stunning but punchy climb full of hikers and riders. Try and get to it early before all the cars are there
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The area around Brough and Shatton offers several highly scenic mountain passes. Hollins Cross is known for its spectacular panoramic views along the Great Ridge. Winnats Pass features a dramatic limestone gorge with towering rock sides, offering a visually striking journey. Additionally, the routes around Mam Tor, including Mam Nick and Edale Valley, provide breathtaking views over the Peak District.
Yes, while not a dramatic mountain pass in the modern sense, Batham Gate is an ancient Roman road near Brough and Shatton. It connected the Roman fort of Navio with the spa town of Buxton, offering a glimpse into the region's historical elevated routes.
You can expect expansive and breathtaking views. From Hollins Cross, you'll see across the Hope Valley and surrounding peaks. Mam Tor offers panoramic vistas over the Peak District, with clear conditions allowing sightlines all the way to Manchester. Lose Hill provides stunning views towards Mam Tor and across the Hope and Edale valleys, while Win Hill offers spectacular views over the River Derwent, River Noe, and Ladybower Reservoir.
Absolutely. Winnats Pass is a fantastic area for walkers and scramblers, offering challenging Grade 3 scrambles like Elbow Ridge and Matterhorn Ridge. The climb up Winnats Pass itself is incredibly steep, with an average gradient of 11.4% and a maximum of 18.3%, making it a demanding ascent for cyclists and hikers alike.
While some passes are challenging, the area also offers easier options. The walk along the Great Ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill is popular for half-day hikes and is relatively easy to follow. For more specific easy hiking routes, you can explore options like the Bradwell Edge & the Navio Roman Fort loop or the View of Win Hill – View of Hope Valley loop, which are part of the Easy hikes around Brough And Shatton guide.
The mountain passes around Brough and Shatton are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking along scenic ridges, challenging running trails, and gravel biking routes. For detailed options, check out the Easy hikes around Brough And Shatton, Running Trails around Brough And Shatton, and Gravel biking around Brough And Shatton guides.
While popular spots like Hollins Cross can get busy, Lose Hill, situated at the end of the Great Ridge, often provides a quieter alternative to the busier Mam Tor. It still offers breathtaking views towards Mam Tor and across the Hope and Edale valleys.
Winnats Pass is a must-visit due to its dramatic limestone gorge, carved by glacial meltwater, and its iconic, twisting road. It offers stunning panoramic views, challenging scrambles, and is frequently included in popular hiking routes from nearby Castleton, often combined with ascents of Mam Tor.
The Great Ridge is a prominent path that extends from Mam Tor, connecting it to Lose Hill. It's a significant feature in the area, offering continuous stunning scenery and serving as a natural crossroads for several walking trails, including Hollins Cross. Walking along the Great Ridge is considered one of the best hikes in the Peak District.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular panoramic views, especially from points like Hollins Cross and Mam Tor. The dramatic scenery of Winnats Pass and the challenging climbs are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the rewarding experience of traversing the Great Ridge and the variety of trails available for hiking, running, and cycling.
The mountain passes are beautiful year-round, but conditions vary. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for hiking and enjoying the views. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the landscape. During winter, the high moors can be exposed to strong winds, especially on routes like the Snake Pass climb, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.
Yes, the area is known for challenging cycling climbs. Winnats Pass is listed as one of the top 100 official climbs in the UK, featuring a 1.8km ascent with an average gradient of 11.4%. The Snake Pass climb from Ladybower Reservoir offers a long, steady ascent through classic Peak District moorland, demanding endurance.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Brough And Shatton: