England · Near Manchester/8 min read

The 10 best driving roads around Manchester.

Manchester’s urban sprawl sits on the doorstep of some of the UK’s finest driving territory. From the sweeping moorland of the Dark Peak to the tight, historic routes of the Pennines, these are the roads that make escaping the city worthwhile.

By Drivelines·Published 06 May 2026
REGION OVERVIEW

Pennine rhythm and Peak District grit

Head east or south from the M60 and the geography changes fast. The Peak District and southern Pennines offer a masterclass in varied topography, mixing high-speed sweeping A-roads with technical, single-track moorland crossings. Grip levels fluctuate with the notoriously changeable weather, and sightlines are often obscured by ancient drystone walls. You don't need a massive power output to enjoy these roads, but you do need mechanical sympathy and a willingness to read the surface.

Routes mapped
10
Total distance
155km
Avg curve idx
5.6/10
Map of all 10 routes in near-manchester
StartEnd
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10
A625 · Sheffield Fringe · Easy
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Ecclesall Road South (A625)

Acting as the primary artery from Sheffield into the Peak District National Park, the A625 is an easy-going introduction to the region. It sweeps cleanly out of the urban fringe and into the hills with broad, well-sighted corners. It is less about outright driving challenge and more about the anticipation of the moors to come.

Speed limits fluctuate regularly as you pass through the commuter villages; stick rigidly to the signs.

Distance
18.3km
Drive time
0h 29m
Curve idx
4.3/10
Climb
434m
StartEnd
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09
B5053 · White Peak · Easy
Dual-trackVaried surface

Buxton Road (B5053)

A gentler journey through the limestone geology of the southern Peak District. The B5053 meanders nicely without throwing any nasty surprises your way, making it perfect for a leisurely drive. The surface varies in places, but the overall flow is relaxed and picturesque.

Limestone walls sit right on the edge of the tarmac in several sections, meaning you need to place the car precisely.

Distance
16.5km
Drive time
0h 20m
Curve idx
4.7/10
Climb
543m
StartEnd
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08
A6024 · Holme Moss · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Woodhead Road (A6024)

Scaling Holme Moss, this is a dramatic, sweeping ascent that provides some of the best vistas in the South Pennines. The curves are relatively open, allowing you to settle into a relaxed, flowing rhythm as you gain altitude. It's a broad, confident road that prioritises sweeping momentum over tight apexes.

The wind across the summit car park is notorious; keep a firm grip on your door when stepping out.

Distance
11.6km
Drive time
0h 16m
Curve idx
5.1/10
Climb
323m
StartEnd
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07
Mortimer Road · Strines Moor · Expert
Mixed widthVaried surface

Mortimer Road

Cutting through the remote Strines Moor, Mortimer Road is a wildly undulating ribbon of tarmac that demands complete attention. The surface quality varies wildly, and the constant dips and compressions require genuine respect for the road's limits. It is a technical, physical drive that feels entirely removed from the city.

The Strines Inn makes for an excellent halfway waypoint, offering shelter and solid pub food when the moorland weather turns sour.

Distance
15.6km
Drive time
0h 20m
Curve idx
5.0/10
Climb
505m
StartEnd
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06
A5004 · High Peak · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Long Hill (A5004)

Connecting Buxton to the Goyt Valley, Long Hill is a beautifully engineered stretch of tarmac. The corners are well-sighted and progressively radius, making it immensely satisfying to stitch together at sensible speeds. It is the kind of road that flatters a well-sorted chassis without ever feeling overly punishing.

Traffic builds quickly on weekend mornings, making an early start essential if you want a clean run.

Distance
12.7km
Drive time
0h 17m
Curve idx
5.6/10
Climb
250m
StartEnd
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05
A54 · Peak District · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Buxton Road (A54)

Sharing the same high-altitude drama as the adjacent A537, the A54 is a longer, slightly more flowing alternative. It still asks plenty of the driver, with blind crests and sweeping bends that require excellent road positioning. The dual-track width provides welcome breathing room compared to the narrower lanes nearby.

The long descent towards Bosley can be tough on brakes if you rely on them too heavily; use engine braking where possible.

Distance
24.3km
Drive time
0h 29m
Curve idx
5.6/10
Climb
744m
StartEnd
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04
B5470 · Cheshire East · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Macclesfield Road (B5470)

A brilliant secondary road that threads its way east from Macclesfield into the hills. It is moderately winding, offering a classic B-road experience where you are constantly working with the topography. The mix of open views and enclosed, tree-lined sections keeps the drive deeply engaging.

Watch for agricultural traffic pulling out blindly from the farm gates that punctuate the western half of the route.

Distance
13.2km
Drive time
0h 22m
Curve idx
6.5/10
Climb
392m
StartEnd
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03
A57 · Dark Peak · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Snake Road (A57)

The Snake Pass is a flowing, high-moorland crossing that trades tight hairpins for long, sweeping curves. Wide and generally well-surfaced, it encourages a relaxed but engaged driving style where momentum is easily maintained. It is visually spectacular, but the true joy is in the predictable, sweeping rhythm of the tarmac.

Prone to sudden closures in winter, so always check local boards before committing to the climb out of Glossop.

Distance
14.9km
Drive time
0h 16m
Curve idx
4.4/10
Climb
356m
StartEnd
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02
A537 · Peak District · Expert
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Buxton New Road (A537)

Widely known as the Cat and Fiddle, this is perhaps the most famous driving road in the region. The curvature is dense and relentless, testing your ability to string complex series of bends together seamlessly. Average speed cameras have tamed the outright pace, which shifts the focus squarely onto maintaining rhythm and reading the camber.

Stop at the Cat & Fiddle distillery near the summit; the car park is a great spot to let the brakes cool and take in the view.

Distance
13.7km
Drive time
0h 16m
Curve idx
7.9/10
Climb
492m
StartEnd
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01
A6033 · Calderdale · Expert
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Hebden Bridge Road (A6033)

Carving a route over the moors above Hebden Bridge, this stretch is intensely technical for a primary route. The corners come thick and fast, demanding constant line adjustments and a vigilant eye for oncoming traffic. It is a road that rewards smooth, methodical inputs rather than outright pace.

The surface is generally smooth, but the sudden tightening of bends over crests can catch out the unwary.

Distance
14.2km
Drive time
0h 23m
Curve idx
7.1/10
Climb
402m
// KEEP READING
Sibling guide · Scenic
Top 10 scenic drives in Manchester
Parent region · England
Top 10 driving roads in England
Nearby · The east of England
Top 10 driving roads in the east of England
Nearby · London and the Home Counties
Top 10 driving roads in London and the Home Counties
Nearby · The Midlands
Top 10 driving roads in the Midlands
Index · Every region
All Top 10 Field Guides

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