TOP ROADS: Derbyshire

The Peak District’s long been a popular place for bikers looking for their fix of stunning scenery and winding roads – and while riders of a sporty disposition might not have the same freedom as they did back in the day, it’s still worth making the trip and ticking off these excellent roads. 

SNAKE PASS

This one’s an infamous stretch of road that’s known by bikers far and wide. It’s a properly brilliant bit of Tarmac – and if you time it right and avoid the four-wheeled traffic you’ll have an absolute ball. It’s best in the sunshine, but in the rain it’s super-atmospheric and still great riding. There are a lot of accidents along here though, so try not to get too carried away. 

CAT AND FIDDLE

This is another big-name bit of road which runs from Buxton and Macclesfield. Back in the day you wouldn’t have been able to move for bikers pushing their luck and keeping their throttles pinned, and although it’s still plenty busy, things are a little more restrained than they used to be. Big views, loads of brilliant bends, and lots of fun to be had. 

WINNATS PASS

This is technically only a short little stretch of road; and it’s always very busy even in naff weather, but you can make a cracking little round route that takes it in by heading out from Castleton and following signs for the Blue John Cavern. At the top of the road swing a right in the direction of Edale and follow the road all the way round to Hope before turning right again and ending up back in Castleton. Great stuff. Lovely little manned petrol station in Hope if you need to top up, too.