Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop — Peak District National Park
Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop — Peak District National Park
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Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop — Peak District National Park
04:57
90.0km
1,700m
Road cycling
Prepare for a difficult road cycling challenge on the Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop, a route often called one of the toughest in the Peak District. This 55.9-mile (90.0 km) ride demands very good fitness, featuring a significant 5569 feet (1697 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. As you climb Snake Pass, the landscape opens up to expansive views over moorland, Kinder Scout, and Bleaklow. The journey transitions from wooded areas to open moorland adorned with heather and pine trees. From the summit of Holme Moss, you can see for over 100 kilometers (60 miles) on a clear day, making the effort worthwhile.
Planning your ride requires careful consideration, especially regarding traffic. Snake Pass is an A-road (A57) and can be busy with vehicles, including HGVs and motorcycles, which might affect your experience and safety. To mitigate traffic concerns, it is often recommended to start your ride early on weekend mornings. Be prepared for wide, sweeping bends on the climbs and potentially tricky hairpins on descents. Both passes are exposed to wind, which can significantly impact your ride.
This loop features two of the UK's most famous and iconic cycling climbs: Snake Pass and Holme Moss. Holme Moss holds a special place in cycling history, having been a key part of the 2014 Tour de France, drawing immense crowds to its slopes. Snake Pass is notable for its length and average gradient, comparable to some continental climbs. The route offers a quintessential Peak District experience, traversing wild and beautiful high moorland.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
6.91 km
Snake Pass Climb from Glossop
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
This ascent goes on and on... Put your rear light on, grit your teeth and go for it. Gets steeper near the top (going from Ladybower to Glossop), so keep some energy in reserve, but the scenery, and a fast descent into Glossop make it worthwhile.
*new classification system, yet to achieve UCI approval.
Tip by
42.7 km
Langsett Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
58.2 km
Jackson Bridge Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
75.7 km
Holme Moss Summit Climb from Holmbridge
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
The gradient ramps up in Holmbridge to 12.5%, before easing a little through Holme. The final 2.2km (around 1.5 miles) have an average gradient of 9.3% and wide, open views that ease the suffering somewhat (ideally, you'll hit this climb when the sun is out!).
Tip by
90.0 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
44.1 km
42.1 km
2.71 km
1.05 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
70.3 km
19.6 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (520 m)
Lowest point (150 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 8 July
29°C
14°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
Nice circular route over the Strines to Lady Bower, then up and over Snake Pass to Glossop, short sprint on the A628 to pick up Woodhead Road to the top of Holme Moss. Nice decent down the other side …
August 30, 2018
Around 40 minutes on the train from Manchester, Glossop serves as both the grand depart and the arrivée for this ultra hilly route.
This one starts with Snakes Pass, the ultimate wake-up and warm-up after your train ride. Despite being an A-road, the traffic isn't all that bad and as it comes so early
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