You may think you haven’t discovered the Peak District but if you’ve enjoyed a film or television production of Jane Eyre or Pride and Prejudice, or chuckled at three daft men in Last of the Summer Wine, the chances are you’re already on intimate terms with the area, as all have been filmed here. This journey will see you tackle hair-raising bends, steep climbs and heartbeat-raising descents, give you a close up of some of the darkest, most imposing scenery in the Peak and present you with the most breath taking scenery which will stay in your memory forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Begin by heading over to the A6 through pretty Bakewell, push on and turn left on the A6020 then left to Ashford-in-the-Water (1.) to admire Sheepwash Bridge. Leave the village the way you came, turn left to pick up the B6465 and meander past countless limestone walls to Monsal Head (2.) to view distant Headstone Viaduct (park near the Stables Bar). Then, for the views and the thrill of driving through limestone canyons (3.), turn left and meander to the A623, turn left then left again onto Mires Lane to Litton and follow the signs to Buxton to admire this spa town’s gracious architecture. Don’t miss the vast, awe-inspiring Dome (a former 18th-century stableblock), the Opera House and the Grade I-listed Crescent (4.), then have a sip from St Ann’s Well, where the water gushes out at 82F (28C). 

 

Join the A6051 to pick up the A624 Glossop Road and head up to the A57 and turn left before picking up the A628 Woodhead Road.  Now you can either take the A624 as it soars over dramatic Holme Moss (5.), making your ears pop and giving you a close-up of some of the Peak District’s darkest, most imposing scenery or if you fancy driving the steep climbs and heartbeat-raising descents, via the dramatic Torside Reservoir (6.) route, then you'll do a u-turn on yourself, taking a right onto the B6105. Both ways will pick up at Ladybower Reservoir.

 

1)  Holme Moss Taking a left onto the A624 your heading for 'Last of the Summer Wine' land and the chances are you’re already on intimate terms with the area, as all have been filmed here. Head for Holmfirth with Sid’s Café and Nora Batty’s steps. The lofty Huntsman Inn is a good place to take a break from the rugged countryside and impending route. From Holmfirth take the B6106 before turning right onto the A616. From here your needing to pick up the B6106, turning right and heading for Strines Wood on the long Mortimer Road. You will find civilisation again... as eventually you will be grateful to hit the A57! Turn right, and head for the vast reach of water, Ladybower Reservoir.  Turn right on the A6013 at the traffic lights to Bamford, with High Neb on your left. .

 

2)  Torside Reservoir From the A628 Woodhead Road you'll take a right onto the B6105, u-turning back to Glossop. You'll be aiming high above the dramatic Torside Reservoir (though it’s only passengers who will enjoy the views; the drivers eyes will be on the road and the bends, such as the one at Devil’s Elbow). 

At Glossop, still giddy from the views, turn left at the traffic lights back onto the A57 and climb again, to tackle Snake Pass, exhilarating with its blind bends, staggering views and signs urging caution. Another vast reach of water, Ladybower Reservoir, awaits you at the bottom. Turn right on the A6013 to Bamford with High Neb on your left.

 

After passing Ladybower Damn look out for the “Welcome to the Derbyshire Dales” sign after Bamford, take the A6187, then stop at The Square in Hathersage to collect a well deserved picnic and coffee from Coleman’s Deli.

 

Once you’ve resumed your ascent and reached the beauty spot of Stanage Edge (7.), your takeaway cappuccino will be just the right temperature, so sip and stroll – you might spot the location where Keira Knightley stood, as Elizabeth Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice.

 

Rejoin the A6187 before turning right at the Fox House Inn, following signs to the National Trust’s  Longshaw Estate (8.), where you can soak up more views and have your lunch at one of the estate’s picnic tables. Replete, return to the Fox, turn left and left again onto the B6521 for Grindleford (9.) as the scenery changes, browns and blacks yielding to softer greens. Briefly join the A625 then turn left onto the A623, on past pretty Baslow, following signs to Chatsworth.

 

Driving through picturesque Chatsworth Estate (10.) you'll begin to sence home. You'll soon pick up the A6 Matlock Road where either a nice cup of tea or a well deserved beer for the driver will be waiting!