Great British Driving Roads – Woodhead Pass, Derbyshire

Thank you to Stuart of MotoringSpy.co.uk for allowing us to summarise his great series on Great British Driving Roads.  Here we look at the Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire.  Please let our readers have your views once you have driven this road.  Is it a 10 out of 10?  Driving nirvana or not?

So to Derbyshire in the Peak District.

The Woodhead pass on the A628 is one of the main roads connecting Manchester to South Yorkshire. Although this is a major road, it’s one of the best in the country. Due to the elevation of the road it provides magnificent views over the countryside.

Starting at Stocksbridge and heading west towards Hollingworth this stretch of road is like a tour of the region’s reservoirs as you’ll pass at least eight during the 19 mile route.

Leaving Stocksbridge you’ll pass Underbank Reservoir then Langsett Reservoir and out into the Peak District countryside towards the Woodhead pass.

Then it’s on towards Woodhead reservoir, through Crowden and past Tarside Reservoir. Next, it’s Rhodeswood Reservoir, Valehouse Reservoir and Bottoms Reservoir in quick succession. Finally, you’ll drive through Tintwistle, then past Arnfield Reservoir before reaching Hollingsworth.

As this is both a major road and a popular driving route you’ll generally encounter plenty of traffic and several hidden speed traps. It’s also popular with walkers, bikers and the occasional sheep.

And finally, due to the height of the road, exposed sections can often become treacherous with black ice, so drive carefully.