The gorgeous Peak District road trip that’s like driving in a film
From hidden valleys to rolling hills, the Peak District is filled with some of the country’s most beautiful scenery[1]. A number of roads in the Peaks consistently are named as some of the best road trips in the UK, such as the Cat and Fiddle or Snake Pass.
One route that doesn’t always get recognition in these nationwide studies is Winnats Pass[2]. The route in the heart of the national park has been described by drivers as “stunning” and even compared to being in a movie.
Winnats Pass is a spectacular limestone gorge, which lies to the west of the village of Castleton[3]. A narrow road twists and turns between high limestone ridges, offering motorists an incredible driving experience, reports the Manchester Evening News[4].
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It’s a challenging drive, with the road reaching a gradient of more than 28 per cent in parts and even closed to buses, coaches and vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes. But if you’re up for it it’s one of the most beautiful roads you can drive on in the area – and drivers have been raving about it.
Many have taken to TripAdvisor to praise the driving experience. Emma Lucas wrote: “Satnav had taken me this route without me realising it would and I was in AWE I’ve never driven on a road like it, it felt like I was in a film. Absolutely stunning and well worth a drive through.”
Akghosal said: “It is such a stunning little area to drive (or even walk/cycle) through in the north of the Peak District and it forms the western gateway to the Hope Valley & Castleton. Although it is a small area, Winnats Pass is still so beautiful and stunning, consisting of a single-lane road through a narrow limestone gorge and the road always gives me the impression I’m going through a mini-mountain valley, especially when I go eastwards towards Castleton.
Winnats Pass, Castleton, in the Peak District. (Image: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)
“And there are stunning cliffs, ridges and limestone outcrops surrounding the road as you go across it that if you are driving (given that most of the area is otherwise gently rolling, it can be unexpected for people who have never encountered the Pass), you have to take care not to get too distracted by the beautiful scenery.”
Roberts69 added: “Quite a stunning driving experience. Previously I have driven up the pass when out with the TVR Car Club, this time I drove down the pass. Both times the experience was pretty cool and the view stunning. Quite a road and great for a petrolhead day out in the Peak District. It was (and can be) very busy though.”
From Derby, you can take the A52 onto the A515 through Buxton. There is parking at Castleton Village (S33 8WH) where you can stop and take some time to explore the surrounding area.
Alternatively, you can carry on, picking up Castleton Road and heading to the village of Hope. The road can be busy on weekends.
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References
- ^ Peak District is filled with some of the country’s most beautiful scenery (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Winnats Pass (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ lies to the west of the village of Castleton (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Manchester Evening News (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ What’s the best thing to do in Derbyshire on a rainy day? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ Love the Peak District as much as we do? Sign up for our (data.reachplc.com)