The Snake Pass is probably most frequently heard of on weather and traffic reports as it is usually one of the first trans-Pennine routes to be blocked by snow and ice. However there is more to this picturesque valley than meets the eye, for instance, how did it get its name?
First impressions of the road winding through the valley like a snake would suggest the name came from this but the link with the road can be found elsewhere.
The origins of the name can be found in the early part of the 19th century when construction of the Turnpike road began. A Turnpike Trust was set up to manage the toll road and the then Duke of Devonshire was appointed Chairman. Tolls were collected at the Snake Inn, then a coaching inn, which derived its name from the Duke of Devonshire family coat of arms the 'Snake and Staff'.
Influence of successive Dukes is noticeable throughout the valley, the extensive tracts of moorland were part of the vast shooting estate and a number of the farm buildings reflect the imposing building style of the Duke's Chatsworth estate. Notable examples are Rowlee Farm, Blackden View Farm and Blackden Barn built in the mid 19th century.
Hill farming has also shaped the valley over the centuries. The field patterns and walls have changed little since the 16th century. Stone sheep pens are a distinctive feature in the landscape although some now are only ruins, others have been carefully rebuilt by the National Trust and are still used today. The pens at Fairbrook were given a Merit Award by the Council for the Protection of Rural England Award in 1989.
The National Trust and our tenants care for much of the farmland and moorland of this picturesque valley on either side of the road. Much of the landscape lies within the Government's Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme through which payments are made to farmers and other land managers to farm in a traditional and sensitive manner for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people.
What to see and do
Excellent walking with spectacular and remote landscape. Some good mountain biking routes on bridleways.
How to get there
By car follow A57 through the valley. Sunday buses operate infrequently from Glossop and Sheffield - otherwise walk footpaths from Fairholmes with links to Sheffield and Manchester via buses to Bamford railway station.
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