{"id":816,"date":"2026-06-04T13:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=816"},"modified":"2026-06-29T09:49:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T09:49:54","slug":"peak-district-scenic-drives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/peak-district-scenic-drives\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Spectacular Peak District Scenic Drives (incl. Snake Pass &#038; Winnats Pass)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/peak-district-scenic-drives-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Peak District scenic drives infographic map showing the 8 best driving routes across the Peak District National Park, including Snake Pass, Winnats Pass, Cat and Fiddle, Mam Tor, Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Dam, Chatsworth House, Holme Moss and Curbar Edge, with route difficulty ratings, driving advice and Manchester <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/car-hire-east-midlands-airport.htm\">Airport<\/a> as the gateway to the Peak District.&#8221; class=&#8221;wp-image-828&#8243;\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 8 best Peak District scenic drives, from the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass and the wild moorland of Snake Pass to the reservoirs of Ladybower, the views from Mam Tor and the stately landscapes around Chatsworth House, all within easy reach of Manchester Airport.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center;margin:8px auto 16px auto;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Peak-District-Drive-Guide.pdf\" download\n   onclick=\"if(typeof gtag==='function'){gtag('event','file_download',{'file_name':'Peak-District-Drive-Guide','file_extension':'pdf','link_text':'Peak District Drive Guide','link_url':'https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Peak-District-Drive-Guide.pdf'});}\"\n   style=\"display:inline-block;background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;text-decoration:none;padding:15px 32px;border-radius:8px;border:2px solid #ffdb70;box-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\">\n   &#11015;&nbsp; Download the FREE Peak District Drive Guide (PDF)\n<\/a>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#545454;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin-top:8px;\">The route map, all 8 drives at a glance, and driving tips. Print it or save it to your phone.<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:inline-block;text-align:left;margin-top:12px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#404040;\">\n<strong style=\"color:#1a1a3e;\">Download includes:<\/strong>\n<ul style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0;padding-left:20px;line-height:1.6;\">\n<li>Route difficulty ratings<\/li>\n<li>Safety tips<\/li>\n<li>Best-for recommendations<\/li>\n<li>Manchester Airport access guide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Peak District was Britain&#8217;s first national park, and it remains one of the country&#8217;s finest places to drive. From the wild moorland of Snake Pass to the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass, its roads pack huge variety into a compact area, and it is the closest national park to Manchester, barely an hour from the airport. These are the best Peak District scenic drives, eight routes from thrilling mountain passes to gentle valleys of stately homes, each chosen for the scenery it delivers. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/car-hire-birmingham-airport.htm\">hire car<\/a> is the only way to link them, and the Peak District is the easiest of all the northern parks to reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Peak District Scenic Drives at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you only have time for one of the best scenic drives in the Peak District, make it Snake Pass for wild moorland or Winnats Pass for sheer drama. Here are all eight of the best Peak District scenic drives at a glance, with distance and difficulty so you can match a route to your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table gch-table\"><table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\"><thead><tr><th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Scenic drive<\/th><th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Distance<\/th><th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Difficulty<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Snake Pass (A57)<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 24 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate, winding, exposed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Winnats Pass (Castleton)<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 1 mile<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Hard, steep 20% gorge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Cat and Fiddle (A537)<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 12 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate, speed cameras<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Hope Valley and Mam Tor<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 10 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Easy to moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Derwent Valley and the Dams<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 8 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Bakewell and Chatsworth<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 12 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Holme Moss (A6024)<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 10 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate, high and exposed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">The Eastern Edges (Curbar and Baslow)<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 10 miles<\/td><td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Easy to moderate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Need to Know Before Driving in the Peak District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-596827934dae6d0f472480b3d70b09d8 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#cf0000\"><strong>IMPORTANT: The high passes can be demanding. Winnats Pass is a steep, narrow gorge with gradients around 20%, and Snake Pass and Holme Moss are high, exposed moorland roads that can close in winter snow and ice. Take the steep climbs slowly in a low gear, use passing places on the narrow lanes, and watch for cyclists, sheep and walkers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UK drives on the left. Many of the best scenic drives in the Peak District cross high, open moorland where the weather changes fast, so check conditions before you set off, especially in winter when Snake Pass and Holme Moss can be closed by snow. The Cat and Fiddle road is monitored by average-speed cameras, so keep to the limit and enjoy the views rather than the speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mobile signal can drop out on the moors, so download your route offline first, and fill up with fuel in the larger towns such as Buxton, Bakewell or Glossop before a long day on the back roads. For official guidance, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peakdistrict.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Peak District National Park<\/a> site has visitor and access information, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/driving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UK government driving pages<\/a> cover the rules of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 1: Snake Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Snake Pass, the most famous scenic drive in the Peak District, a high winding road across the Dark Peak moorland\" class=\"wp-image-824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/snake-pass-peak-district-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snake Pass: the A57 across the wild Dark Peak moorland.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most famous road in the Peak District, Snake Pass (the A57) climbs over the wild moorland of the Dark Peak between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir. Reaching 510 metres, it is one of the highest and most dramatic A-roads in England, winding through huge, empty Pennine landscapes with views that on a clear day stretch all the way to Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road takes its name from the old Snake Inn rather than its many bends, though it has plenty of those too. The descent towards Ladybower, with its woodland and sweeping reservoir views, is just as memorable as the climb. It is one of those Peak District scenic drives that changes completely with the weather, so pick a clear day and take your time. Note that it can close in winter snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 2: Winnats Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Winnats Pass near Castleton, the most dramatic of the Peak District scenic drives through a steep limestone gorge\" class=\"wp-image-825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/winnats-pass-peak-district-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Winnats Pass: the dramatic limestone gorge near Castleton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short but unforgettable, Winnats Pass is the most dramatic single stretch of road in the Peak District. This steep, narrow gorge near Castleton cuts between towering limestone cliffs, the remains of a collapsed underground cave system, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest rich in 350-million-year-old fossils. With gradients around 20%, it is a thrilling drive in either direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the best experience, drive down from Sparrowpit towards Castleton, when the view opens up dramatically from behind the high rock faces. It is over in a flash, so take it slowly. One of the most thrilling Peak District scenic drives, pair it with a visit to Castleton&#8217;s show caverns, where the rare Blue John stone is mined, or a walk up nearby Mam Tor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 30px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 3: The Cat and Fiddle Road<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most famous of all the Peak District scenic drives, the Cat and Fiddle (the A537) runs for around 12 miles over the moors between Buxton and Macclesfield. A succession of sweeping bends and hairpins through wild, high country, it is a favourite of driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists, and is named after the old Cat and Fiddle Inn near the summit, now a distillery you can visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A word of warning: the road is monitored by average-speed cameras along its length, so this is one to savour at a steady pace rather than rush. Driven sensibly, it is one of the most enjoyable scenic drives in the Peak District, with views over the moors the whole way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 4: The Hope Valley and Mam Tor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Mam Tor and the Hope Valley, a classic Peak District scenic drive in the green heart of the national park\" class=\"wp-image-822\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mam-tor-peak-district-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mam Tor, the Shivering Mountain, above the Hope Valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the gentlest of the Peak District scenic drives, the Hope Valley is the green heart of the national park, a broad, beautiful valley dotted with pretty stone villages. A drive through it takes in Castleton, with its caverns and the ruins of Peveril Castle, and the dramatic bulk of Mam Tor, the Shivering Mountain, whose summit gives sweeping views over Edale and the valley below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road up to the Mam Nick car park is a fine short drive, and from there a three-mile circular walk reaches the summit. This is one of the gentler Peak District drives, scenic touring through some of the loveliest country in the park, easily combined with Winnats Pass, which climbs out of the same valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 5: The Derwent Valley and the Dams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">North of Bamford, one of the most peaceful Peak District scenic drives follows the chain of reservoirs, Ladybower, Derwent and Howden, that supply much of the region&#8217;s water. The drive alongside them is one of the most peaceful in the Peak District, passing the magnificent neo-Gothic Derwent Dam, built in 1916 and famously used by the RAF&#8217;s Dambusters to practise their low-level runs in the Second World War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road runs for around eight miles through woodland and water, one of the most peaceful scenic drives in the Peak District. Note that the upper section beyond Fairholmes is closed to cars at busy times to protect the area, so check before you go, but the lower drive is open and lovely year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 30px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\"><div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 6: Bakewell and Chatsworth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chatsworth House near Bakewell, a gentle and stately Peak District scenic drive through the Derwent Valley\" class=\"wp-image-821\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/chatsworth-peak-district-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chatsworth House: the stately side of the Peak District.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the gentler, stately side of the Peak District scenic drives, the roads of the southern Derwent Valley link some of England&#8217;s grandest houses with classic market towns. Start in Bakewell, the park&#8217;s largest town and home of the famous Bakewell pudding, then follow the A6 and B-roads to Chatsworth House, the palatial seat of the Dukes of Devonshire set in vast landscaped grounds, and on to medieval Haddon Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an easy, rolling drive through soft green countryside, perfect for combining scenic driving with a stately-home visit and afternoon tea. It is the ideal contrast to the wild moorland passes of the north and one of the most relaxing Peak District scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 7: Holme Moss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the highest of all the Peak District scenic drives, head to Holme Moss (the A6024), which climbs to 524 metres on the wild northern moors near Holmfirth. A famous climb on the 2014 Tour de France, it is a long, exhilarating ascent onto exposed high ground topped by a landmark television transmitter mast, with enormous views in every direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is bleak, beautiful moorland driving at its best, but the height and exposure mean it can be cold, windy and prone to closure in winter, so save it for a clear day. It pairs well with Snake Pass for a full day of Peak District scenic drives exploring the wild Dark Peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 8: The Eastern Edges, Curbar and Baslow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the eastern side of the park, a string of dramatic gritstone escarpments, the Eastern Edges, rise above the Derwent Valley. The roads that run beneath and over them, around Curbar, Baslow and Bamford, are among the most rewarding Peak District scenic drives, offering some of the best views in the park, including the famous Surprise View near Hathersage, which lives up to its name as the landscape suddenly opens out beneath you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an easy, rewarding drive with plenty of places to pull over for the views, and the edges themselves are a magnet for walkers and climbers. It makes a perfect final leg to your Peak District scenic drives, linking the wild north of the park with the gentler south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiring a Car for Your Peak District Scenic Drives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Peak District is wonderfully accessible, and a hire car is the best way to explore it. The nearest major airport is Manchester, only about an hour away, making the Peak District the closest national park to the airport and an ideal first stop on any northern road trip. For everything you need on collecting a car, the suppliers and the best rates, see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/manchester.htm\">car hire at Manchester Airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A smaller car is easier on the steep, narrow passes such as Winnats. Wherever you are heading in Britain, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/uk.htm\">UK car hire guide<\/a> compares all the major suppliers in one search, with insurance and taxes included. Compare deals below and start planning your Peak District scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best scenic drive in the Peak District?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Snake Pass is the most famous scenic drive in the Peak District, a high, winding A-road across the wild Dark Peak moorland between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir. For sheer drama, Winnats Pass near Castleton, a steep limestone gorge, is the most spectacular short drive, while the Cat and Fiddle road is the favourite of driving enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long do you need to drive the Peak District?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single drive such as Snake Pass or Winnats Pass takes 1 to 2 hours, while a loop linking the main routes can be done in a full day. To enjoy a good selection of the Peak District scenic drives along with the villages, caverns and stately homes, allow two to three days based in a town such as Bakewell, Buxton or Castleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Winnats Pass difficult to drive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winnats Pass is steep and narrow, with gradients of around 20%, so it requires care, especially in the wet when traction can be poor. It is short and well surfaced, and most drivers manage it comfortably in a low gear, but it is not suitable for large vehicles. Drive down from Sparrowpit towards Castleton for the best views of this, the most dramatic of the Peak District scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the best time to drive in the Peak District?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring to autumn is best, when the days are long and the moors are at their most colourful. The high passes, Snake Pass and Holme Moss, can close in winter snow and ice, so check conditions before setting off. Summer weekends are busy around honeypots like Castleton and Bakewell, so start early to beat the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which airport is best for a Peak District road trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester Airport is by far the best gateway, only about an hour from the Peak District, making it the closest national park to the airport. It has a dedicated Car Rental Village with all the main suppliers. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/manchester.htm\">car hire Manchester Airport<\/a> guide for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Peak District Road Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the wild heights of Snake Pass and Holme Moss to the limestone drama of Winnats and the stately calm of Chatsworth, these eight routes capture everything that makes the Peak District such rewarding driving country. Moorland passes, hidden valleys, grand houses and gritstone edges, all within an hour of Manchester and easily explored over a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick up at Manchester Airport, head into the hills, and the Peak District is yours. Compare car hire deals below and start planning your Peak District scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 40px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\"><div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exploring more of the North of England? Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/lake-district-scenic-drives\/\">Lake District scenic drives<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"author-bio\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:20px;padding:24px;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;margin:30px 0;\"><div class=\"author-info\"><h4 style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;color:#222;\">About the Author<\/h4><p style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#555;\">Written by the Digitalhound.co.uk editorial team. Every guide is thoroughly researched with genuine local knowledge, road numbers, food stops and practical driving tips gathered from on-the-ground experience across Europe.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:2em;padding-top:1em;border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#545454;\">Follow Getcarhire.com: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">X<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=6\"><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget-banner.js?v=6\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/peak-district-scenic-drives\/#article\",\"headline\":\"8 Spectacular Peak District Scenic Drives (incl. Snake Pass & Winnats Pass)\",\"description\":\"The 8 best Peak District scenic drives, from Snake Pass and Winnats Pass to the Cat and Fiddle and Chatsworth, with distances, difficulty and driving tips.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Darryl Antonio\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Getcarhire.com\"}},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/peak-district-scenic-drives\/#faq\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the best scenic drive in the Peak District?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Snake Pass is the most famous scenic drive in the Peak District, a high, winding A-road across the wild Dark Peak moorland between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir. 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It is short and well surfaced, and most drivers manage it comfortably in a low gear, but it is not suitable for large vehicles. Drive down from Sparrowpit towards Castleton for the best views.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When is the best time to drive in the Peak District?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Spring to autumn is best, when the days are long and the moors are at their most colourful. The high passes, Snake Pass and Holme Moss, can close in winter snow and ice, so check conditions before setting off. Summer weekends are busy around honeypots like Castleton and Bakewell, so start early.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which airport is best for a Peak District road trip?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Manchester Airport is by far the best gateway, only about an hour from the Peak District, making it the closest national park to the airport. It has a dedicated Car Rental Village with all the main suppliers.\"}}]}]}<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#11015;&nbsp; Download the FREE Peak District Drive Guide (PDF) The route map, all 8 drives at a glance, and driving tips. Print it or save it to your phone. Download includes: Route difficulty ratings Safety tips Best-for recommendations Manchester Airport access guide The Peak District was Britain&#8217;s first national park, and it remains one of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scenic-drives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=816"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1266,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816\/revisions\/1266"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}