Snake Pass doesn't get its name from the reptile. It gets its name from what the road does — it slithers across the Pennines through some of the most unforgiving terrain in England, rising and falling through gradients that would make a Swiss engineer nervous, wrapping around hillsides in bends that tighten when you least expect it.

The A57 between Sheffield and Glossop (and on to Manchester) is one of the highest and most exposed main roads in England. It climbs to 512 metres at the Snake Summit, crosses open moorland where the wind can push your car sideways, and descends through a valley so steep that the road needs every inch of its width for the hairpins.

It's also one of the most frequently closed roads in the country — landslips, flooding, snow, and ice shut it down regularly in winter. When it's open and conditions are right, it's one of the finest driving roads in England.

Quick Reference: Snake Pass (A57)

Where Is Snake Pass?

Snake Pass is the section of the A57 that crosses the Pennines between Ladybower Reservoir (near the junction with the A6013) and Glossop in Derbyshire. It's part of the route connecting Sheffield to Manchester, but most drivers who know the road think of the exciting bit as the climb from Ladybower up to the Snake Summit and the descent toward Glossop.

From Sheffield, take the A57 west past the Rivelin Valley. From Manchester, take the A57 east through Glossop. The Snake Pass section begins where the road leaves civilisation behind and enters the moor.

The road is named after the Snake Inn, a coaching inn on the route — which itself was named after the snake emblem on the coat of arms of the Duke of Devonshire, whose family built the road in the 1820s.

What Makes Snake Pass a Great Driving Road?

Snake Pass combines three things that make a driving road memorable: elevation change, varied corners, and atmosphere.

Elevation and Gradient

The climb from Ladybower to the summit gains over 300 metres in just a few miles. Gradients reach 12-14% in places — steep enough that you'll feel it in a lower-powered car. The descent to Glossop is even steeper, with sections that demand careful speed management on the way down.

This isn't a road you can cruise through on autopilot. The gradients affect braking distances, gear selection, and engine temperature. You're constantly adjusting.

Corner Variety

Snake Pass delivers a mix that keeps you engaged. The eastern approach from Ladybower features fast, sweeping bends that follow the contour of the reservoir valley. As you climb, the corners tighten progressively. Near the summit, several blind crests hide bends on the far side.

The Glossop descent is where things get properly technical. Tight switchbacks drop through the valley with limited run-off and stone walls on either side. These are 2nd and 3rd gear corners on a road that was flowing in 4th just minutes earlier.

This progression from fast to slow, from open to enclosed, from sweeping to tight — that's what makes Snake Pass rewarding. Every section asks something different of you.

Atmosphere

The Snake Summit sits in bleak, open moorland that feels genuinely wild. On a clear day, views stretch across the Dark Peak in every direction. On a bad day — fog, rain, crosswind — it feels like the edge of habitable Britain.

The descent into Glossop runs through the Woodlands Valley, a tree-lined cut that feels entirely different from the exposed summit. You go from windswept moor to sheltered forest in the space of a mile.

Section-by-Section: Driving Snake Pass East to West

Ladybower to the Climb (Miles 0-3)

Leaving Ladybower Reservoir, the A57 runs alongside the River Ashop through a valley that gradually narrows. The road here is fast and flowing — long, open curves with good visibility. It's tempting to carry speed, and in dry conditions the road surface is decent.

But don't get complacent. The curves tighten as the valley narrows, and there are several bends where the radius decreases mid-corner. If you're driving an unfamiliar road like this for the first time, having advance warning of which corners tighten makes a genuine difference — Rods calls out tightening bends through your speakers, so you're setting your speed before the corner reveals its true character.

The Climb to Snake Summit (Miles 3-5)

The road begins climbing in earnest. Gradients steepen to 10-14% and the corners become tighter. This is where the road earns its reputation. Blind crests hide corners on the far side, the road narrows in places, and the camber can work against you on several bends.

The Snake Inn sits partway up — a useful landmark and rest stop. Beyond the inn, the road pushes onto open moorland and the character changes entirely. No trees, no shelter, no margin. Just tarmac, moor, and sky.

Snake Summit (Mile 5-6)

At 512 metres, the Snake Summit is one of the highest points on any A-road in England. The road flattens briefly before beginning its descent. In clear weather, stop and look around — the views are spectacular.

In poor weather, this section is treacherous. Fog, ice, and crosswinds are common problems. The road surface deteriorates near the summit, with patches and repairs that create uneven grip levels. Winter closures are frequent through this section.

The Glossop Descent (Miles 6-9)

This is the technical section. The road drops steeply through the Woodlands Valley with tight switchbacks, stone walls, and minimal run-off. Gradients hit 14% on the steepest sections, and the corners come quickly — you're barely straightened from one bend before the next arrives.

Brake management matters on this descent. In a heavier car, riding the brakes will overheat them. Use engine braking, select an appropriate gear before the descent steepens, and don't chase speed between the corners.

The switchbacks ease as you approach Glossop, and the road widens as it enters the town.

Best Direction to Drive Snake Pass

East to west (Ladybower to Glossop) is the recommended direction. You start with the flowing valley section, build through the climbing technical section, experience the atmospheric summit, and finish with the challenging Glossop descent.

West to east works but feels less natural — you start with the steepest section as a climb (which is less engaging than descending it) and finish with the fast valley road, which is anticlimactic after the summit.

Best Time to Drive

Summer weekday mornings offer the best combination of conditions and traffic. The road is less busy before 10am, weather is most predictable, and visibility is usually good.

Avoid: Winter months (frequent closures and ice), bank holiday weekends (heavy traffic), and any day with fog warnings for high ground.

Check before you go. Snake Pass has a dedicated section on the Derbyshire County Council website with closure updates. It's closed more often than you'd expect — landslips alone have shut the road for months at a time.

Nearby Roads Worth Driving

Snake Pass sits in the centre of the Peak District, surrounded by excellent driving roads:

• Cat and Fiddle (A537) — 20 miles southwest, the other Peak District classic. Average speed cameras, so different character, but excellent flowing moorland road.
• Woodhead Pass (A628) — Runs parallel to Snake Pass, a few miles south. Longer and faster, with dramatic reservoir scenery.
• Winnats Pass — A short, steep gorge road near Castleton with towering limestone cliffs. Not long, but dramatic.
• Strines (road) — A quiet, twisting B-road between the A57 and the A616 through dense woodland.

For the full picture of UK driving routes, check the best driving roads in the UK guide.

Hazards and Practical Tips

• Road closures are common. Check Derbyshire County Council or traffic apps before setting out. Snow, landslips, and flooding all close Snake Pass regularly.
• HGVs and buses use the road. On narrow sections, you may need to tuck in and wait for a safe passing point.
• Cyclists — Snake Pass is a famous cycling climb. Expect riders on the road, especially on weekends. Give them room.
• Surface quality varies. Some sections are well-surfaced. Others have patches, repairs, and uneven surfaces. Don't assume consistent grip.
• No fuel, food, or services between Ladybower and Glossop (except the Snake Inn, which has limited hours). Fill up beforehand.
• Weather at the summit can be completely different from conditions at the bottom. Carry warm clothing and be prepared for sudden fog.

FAQ

Why is it called Snake Pass? Not because of the road's shape. It's named after the Snake Inn on the route, which took its name from the serpent on the coat of arms of the Duke of Devonshire — whose family funded the road's construction in the 1820s.

How often does Snake Pass close? Frequently. The road typically closes several times each winter due to snow and ice, and has had extended closures lasting months due to landslips. In 2018, it was closed for over a year after a major landslip. Always check before travelling.

Is Snake Pass suitable for motorcycles? Yes, and it's very popular with riders. The varied corners and elevation change make it engaging on two wheels. However, the steep gradients, blind crests, and variable road surface demand full attention. It's not a road for careless riding.

What is the elevation of Snake Pass summit? The Snake Summit reaches approximately 512 metres (1,680 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest A-road crossings in England.