Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
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 over the surrounding moorland and is a true highlight of the High Peak region.
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking scenery and the immense sense of achievement that comes with conquering this climb. The panoramic views, especially on a clear day, can stretch as far as Manchester, making the effort truly worthwhile. Cyclists particularly relish the continuous gradient and the exhilarating descent, while hikers appreciate the access it provides to popular trails and the dramatic natural features of the area.
Before embarking on the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop, it's wise to be prepared for its challenging nature. The ascent from Glossop is relentless, with an average gradient of 5.3% over approximately 6.8 kilometers. Cyclists often recommend ensuring your bike is suitable for sustained climbing and to consider a rear light due to traffic. While the gradient is generally manageable, the road can get busy, so choosing a low-traffic day is advisable. Weather conditions in the Pennines can change rapidly, so appropriate clothing and footwear are essential for both cyclists and those exploring the hiking routes. Roadside parking is available at the summit, often marked by a distinctive bus stop.
The Snake Pass Climb is a popular destination year-round, though seasonal considerations are important. While stunning in all seasons, winter hiking and cycling can be particularly challenging, with the road often closing due to snow or landslides. Spring and autumn offer vibrant landscapes, while summer provides longer daylight hours for exploring the numerous hiking routes Snake Pass Glossop offers. It's a prime location for road cycling, with many clubs using it for hill climb challenges, and also serves as a starting point for various walks, including sections of the Pennine Way.
The climb itself is a memorable experience, with the landscape transitioning from wooded areas in the lower sections to open moorland adorned with heather and pine trees at higher elevations. Hikers and cyclists alike speak of the rewarding feeling at the top, often followed by an exhilarating descent. The views into the valley towards Ladybower are particularly celebrated, described by some as among the best descents they've ever experienced.
Whether you're seeking a challenging cycle, a scenic drive, or access to some of the best walks near Glossop Snake Pass, this area delivers. With its significant elevation gain and diverse terrain, it caters to various outdoor activities. You can discover numerous hiking routes, cycling trails, and viewpoints on komoot, helping you plan your adventure through this iconic part of the Peak District.
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Tips
September 4, 2020
Road cycling
This ascent goes on and on... Put your rear light on, grit your teeth and go for it. Gets steeper near the top (going from Ladybower to Glossop), so keep some energy in reserve, but the scenery, and a fast descent into Glossop make it worthwhile.
*new classification system, yet to achieve UCI approval.
July 6, 2023
Road cycling
August 3, 2021
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
3.0
(1)
140
riders
90.0km
04:57
1,700m
1,700m
Prepare for a difficult road cycling challenge on the Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop, a route often called one of the toughest in the Peak District. This 55.9-mile (90.0 km) ride demands very good fitness, featuring a significant 5569 feet (1697 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. As you climb Snake Pass, the landscape opens up to expansive views over moorland, Kinder Scout, and Bleaklow. The journey transitions from wooded areas to open moorland adorned with heather and pine trees. From the summit of Holme Moss, you can see for over 100 kilometers (60 miles) on a clear day, making the effort worthwhile.
Planning your ride requires careful consideration, especially regarding traffic. Snake Pass is an A-road (A57) and can be busy with vehicles, including HGVs and motorcycles, which might affect your experience and safety. To mitigate traffic concerns, it is often recommended to start your ride early on weekend mornings. Be prepared for wide, sweeping bends on the climbs and potentially tricky hairpins on descents. Both passes are exposed to wind, which can significantly impact your ride.
This loop features two of the UK's most famous and iconic cycling climbs: Snake Pass and Holme Moss. Holme Moss holds a special place in cycling history, having been a key part of the 2014 Tour de France, drawing immense crowds to its slopes. Snake Pass is notable for its length and average gradient, comparable to some continental climbs. The route offers a quintessential Peak District experience, traversing wild and beautiful high moorland.
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.
145
riders
83.4km
04:23
1,490m
1,490m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 6.77 km
Uphill 380 m
Downhill 20 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
13°C
5°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
How challenging is the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop for cyclists?
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.
Are there specific hiking routes or popular trails accessible from the Snake Pass Climb near Glossop?
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.
Is parking readily available at the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop, especially on busy days?
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.
Is the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop suitable for winter hiking or cycling?
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.
Are there any family-friendly walks near the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop?
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.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking routes around Snake Pass Climb from Glossop?
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.
What public transport options are available to reach Snake Pass from Glossop?
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.
Are there any cafes, pubs, or accommodation options directly on the Snake Pass road between Glossop and Ladybower?
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.
Are hiking permits required for trails in the Peak District around Snake Pass?
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.
What are some other notable viewpoints or natural features near the Snake Pass Climb from Glossop?
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.