A Guide to the Best Roads in the Peak District

Ready for a road trip? The Peak District is calling your name. It's one of Britain's most beautiful regions and an amazing place to explore by car. The roads here curve and cut through the landscape in a way that’s totally unique, offering a different kind of magic to the Yorkshire Dales or Welsh valleys. So, buckle up and let's discover it together.

Whether you're planning a trip with friends, family, or your other half, the Peak District serves up incredible views right from your car window. It's the UK's very first national park, and you can see why. Driving along the high roads gives you panoramic views that stretch for miles, while heading downhill into limestone gorges feels like entering another world.

We've put together a list of some of the best scenic drives in the Peak District, with a few that are easily among the best driving routes in the whole of the UK. From valleys to gorges and high roads to lakeside views, there’s so much to see. We’ve also included our top picks for things to do in the Peak District to make your trip one to remember. Importantly, make sure you read our guide on the checks you should carry out before setting off on a long car journey. If you're looking for a car that's comfortable on a long journey, here's our list of the most comfortable cars, or if you want something to weave through the roads near the Cat & Fiddle with the top down, here are some great used convertibles to buy.

Where is the Peak District?

First things first, where exactly is it? The Peak District is in central England, at the southern end of the Pennines. It's a huge area, covering 555 square miles and touching five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester. Many say Hope Valley is one of the most scenic parts, known for its stunning views and charming villages.

The Best Routes for a Peak District Road Trip

Here’s our list of the best drives to take on your next adventure:

Cat & Fiddle

If you want a classic scenic drive in the Peak District, the Cat & Fiddle is a great place to start. It runs right through the heart of the peaks between Buxton and Macclesfield. The road is actually the A537, but it got its nickname from a pub along the route. The pub itself has since been turned into a distillery, which you can tour (just maybe save the tasting for after you're done driving for the day).

This route is famous for its hairpin bends and sudden twists as it climbs above the reservoirs. It can be a bit tricky, so take your time and stay focused. There are plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the breathtaking views without any distractions.

Buxton

From the Cat & Fiddle, the road leads you straight into Buxton, another fantastic spot for a road trip. Buxton is a spa town (yes, where that famous bottled water comes from) and England’s highest market town, sitting 300 metres above sea level. You can tell it's been a popular spot for centuries just by looking at the grand Georgian and Victorian buildings. There’s loads to do here, from enjoying lovely cafes and restaurants to visiting museums or exploring natural limestone caves.

Chatsworth House

While you're in the area, it's worth following the A6 out of Buxton to check out the magnificent Chatsworth House. The beautiful house and its sprawling grounds are a brilliant place to visit – you could easily spend hours wandering around on a sunny day. Even if you’re just looking for a nice place to stop for lunch, this is a top choice.

Winnats Pass

The drive from Chatsworth House to Winnats Pass is beautiful on its own, but driving through the limestone gorge of Winnats Pass itself is something else entirely. It offers one of the best views in the Peak District by car, but if you don't take your time, it'll be over in a flash.

This valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it was once under a tropical sea. The limestone you see today is full of fossils from sea creatures that lived there over 350 million years ago. We think the best way to experience it is by driving downhill from Sparrowpit to Castleton. As you drive, the view opens up from behind the high rock faces, and it's truly spectacular. From there, you can carry on to the town of Hope.

Bamford Edge

If you fancy a bit of hiking during your Peak District road trip, Bamford Edge is a must-try. It's suitable for walkers of almost any level. From the A6013, keep an eye out for signs for Bamford Edge and turn onto New Road. If you only have a couple of hours, there’s a short 2km walk from the car park to the top.

Once there, you can sit on the edge of the gritstone rock face, which makes for some great photos. The view is amazing, looking out over Ladybower Reservoir and Win Hill. It's a perfect way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

Snake Pass

If you're all about the drive, head north on the A6013 towards Snake Pass. This road, also known as the A57, is widely considered one of the best driving roads in England. It crosses the Pennines and can be dangerous, especially when it’s wet and slippery. In winter, it often closes for safety reasons, so it's a good idea to make sure your car is prepared for tricky conditions if you're driving it outside of summer.

As the name suggests, expect some tricky bends and blind summits. The road reaches 510 metres above sea level, so you’ll be climbing some steep sections. It’s this challenging nature that makes it one of the most scenic drives in the Peak District. The road runs 20 miles from Glossop to the Ladybower Reservoir and takes about 25 minutes to drive – just remember to take it easy and watch out for sheep and cyclists!

Things to Do in the Peak District

There’s plenty to see and do during your trip, especially if you love the great outdoors. Why not explore some of these unique attractions?

Haddon Hall

You might recognise this grand manor house from its roles in films and TV shows like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. Set in the valley of the River Wye, it's one of the oldest houses in the country. You can spend a day exploring the medieval house and its beautiful gardens before grabbing afternoon tea in the 17th-century stable block restaurant.

Bakewell

This town will probably make you think of the delicious iced cake with a cherry on top. And you'd be right – Bakewell is the home of the famous Bakewell tart. It would be a shame not to try one while you're here! Situated on the banks of the River Wye, Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District and a lovely place for a pit stop, with its medieval bridge, quaint stone buildings, and quirky independent shops.

Monsal Head

If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity, Monsal Head is the place. It's one of the most photographed viewpoints in Derbyshire for a reason. From here, you can look out over the winding River Wye, the Headstone viaduct, and Hob’s House Cave. If you have time, you can also explore the dale on foot along the Monsal Trail.

Derwent Dams

For another scenic drive, check out the Derwent Dams. These impressive dams slope around the Ladybower and Howden Reservoirs for nearly eight miles. The drive features plenty of woodlands and water, making for lovely views. The dams themselves were built in 1916 and have a cool neo-gothic design. For hikers, there’s a circular route that takes in the dams and the reservoir.

Castleton Caves and Peveril Castle

For the adventurous types, don't miss the village of Castleton and its cave systems, which are great for exploring with kids. Nearby, you'll find the ruins of Peveril Castle, offering panoramic views over the Hope Valley. After your adventures, Castleton itself is worth a wander, with plenty of tea rooms, pubs, and shops to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest road in the Peak District?
The highest road is Holme Moss, which climbs to 524 metres (1,719 feet) above sea level. However, Snake Pass is also very high, reaching 510 metres.

How long is the drive from London to the Peak District?
The drive from London to the Peak District usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and where exactly in the park you're heading.

Why is it called Snake Pass?
Snake Pass gets its name from the emblem of the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, who used to own the land. The emblem is a snake, and you can see it on the sign of the pub at the summit, the Snake Pass Inn. The road's winding nature is just a happy coincidence!