Snake Pass, one of the UK’s most scenic and well-known driving routes, faces the possibility of permanent closure due to frequent landslips. Derbyshire County Council has warned that it cannot afford the continuous repairs and is seeking government support to keep the road open.
Originally built in the early 19th century as a turnpike road connecting Sheffield and Manchester, Snake Pass has long struggled with financial viability. Exposed to harsh weather and unstable ground, it has often been closed due to snow and landslides. Despite its popularity among tourists and motorists, maintaining the road has become increasingly challenging.
The route gets its name from the historic Snake Inn, rather than its winding nature, and has been a backdrop for music videos and films. However, frequent road damage, exacerbated by extreme weather, has forced authorities to implement temporary traffic control measures, as full repairs would require millions of pounds—funds the council does not have.
While Derbyshire County Council has requested a dedicated landslips fund from the Department for Transport, the government has stated it is not responsible for the road’s maintenance. With four landslips currently affecting Snake Pass and no guaranteed funding for major repairs, the road’s future remains uncertain. If a significant collapse occurs, permanent closure may be inevitable, as seen with the A625 at Mam Tor in the 1970s.
The uncertainty surrounding Snake Pass raises concerns for both residents and motorists who rely on the route as a key link between Sheffield and Manchester. If the road were to close indefinitely, it could lead to increased congestion on alternative routes, longer travel times, and economic impacts on nearby communities that benefit from tourism and commuter traffic.
Local officials argue that the government needs to recognize the unique challenges posed by landslips in Derbyshire and provide dedicated funding for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. However, without central support, the council may be forced to make difficult decisions about which roads to prioritize, potentially leaving Snake Pass to deteriorate further.
Some experts have suggested engineering solutions such as reinforcing the road with retaining structures, improving drainage to reduce erosion, or even rerouting certain sections to more stable ground. However, all of these options require significant investment, which the council says it cannot afford under current funding constraints.
Meanwhile, campaigners and local businesses are urging authorities to find a way to keep the road open, emphasizing its importance for tourism and regional connectivity. Some have proposed that Snake Pass be classified as a strategic national route, which could open up new funding opportunities.
For now, the fate of Snake Pass remains uncertain. If the landslips continue to worsen without intervention, permanent closure may become the only viable option, marking the end of one of Britain’s most iconic driving routes.
