From Barnsley, some of the best driving in England is less than an hour away. The Peak District passes, such as the Snake Pass, the Woodhead Pass and Holme Moss, are the closest, and the Lake District, Wales and the Scottish Highlands make good longer trips. Wherever you go, check the weather and any road closures first.

Which good driving roads are closest to Barnsley?

Snake Pass (A57)

The A57 between the Ladybower Reservoir area and Glossop crosses the high moors of the Peak District. It is a mix of long sweeping bends, climbs and open views. It is exposed, so it can be affected by snow, ice, fog and landslips, and it is sometimes closed. Check before you set off.

Woodhead Pass (A628)

The main road from the Barnsley side of the Pennines towards Manchester. It is busier and carries a lot of lorries, so it is more of a scenic route than a quiet drive, but the moorland views are good on a clear day.

Holme Moss (A6024)

The road from Holmfirth over Holme Moss climbs steeply to a high, open summit with long views. It is popular with cyclists, so give plenty of room when passing.

Strines and the Bradfield moors

The minor roads west of Sheffield around Bradfield and Strines are narrow, twisty and very scenic. They are best taken slowly, with care for walkers, cyclists, livestock and oncoming traffic on single-track sections.

Which roads are worth a longer trip?

Hardknott and Wrynose passes, Lake District: among the steepest roads in England, with tight hairpins. Not suitable for large vehicles or caravans, and not one to attempt in ice or snow.
Black Mountain Pass (A4069), Wales: a well-known road through the Brecon Beacons with hairpins and open views.
Cheddar Gorge (B3135), Somerset: a narrow road through high limestone cliffs. It can be busy with visitors, so expect to take it gently.
North Coast 500, Scotland: a long touring loop around the far north of Scotland. Plan it over several days, and book accommodation ahead in busy months.

How do I get my car ready for a long drive?

Check tyre pressures and tread depth, including the spare if you have one.
Top up oil, coolant and screenwash.
Make sure all lights work and the windscreen and wipers are in good condition.
On steep passes, use a lower gear on the way down rather than relying on the brakes.
If your car is due a service, book it before a long trip. Our service centre can help.

How do I drive these roads safely and considerately?

Stick to the speed limit and drive to the conditions. Many moorland roads have sharp bends with limited visibility.
Watch for cyclists, horse riders, walkers and sheep on the road.
Use passing places properly on narrow roads and pull over to let faster traffic by.
Avoid noisy or aggressive driving through villages.

Common questions

What is the nearest scenic drive to Barnsley?

The Woodhead Pass and the roads over to Holmfirth and Holme Moss are the closest, with the Snake Pass a short drive further south-west.

Is the Snake Pass open?

It is sometimes closed for bad weather, repairs or landslips. Check the latest traffic news or the local council's road updates before you travel.

Are steep passes safe in an automatic or electric car?

Yes, if you drive sensibly. Use the lower gear or strongest regenerative braking setting on long descents to save the brakes, and check your charge before heading onto remote roads.

Find your next car

If you are after something more enjoyable for weekend drives, browse our cars in stock or talk to our sales team in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.

Best Driving Roads Near Barnsley, and a Few Worth the Trip