Winnats Pass
A road through a gorge flanked by steep limestone cliffs, the Peak District's most photogenic spot for drivers and for sunrise photography.
Winnats Pass is an ancient limestone gorge formed from a coral reef. It climbs west from Castleton toward the Mam Tor side with a gradient of 20%. The road winds between green, steep slopes on either side, making it one of the Peak District's most iconic scenes. At sunrise, light enters through the mouth of the gorge, and mist adds to the mystery. You can drive through, but it is more rewarding to walk up from beside Speedwell Cavern along the grassy slopes of the valley edge, where you can climb for photos and link up with Mam Tor to make a loop. The road is narrow and steep, so take care when driving in rain or snow. Parking on the roadside is strictly prohibited.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Speedwell Cavern
- Blue John Cavern
- Mam Tor
- Peak Cavern
- Peveril Castle
- Castleton
- Derwent Dam
- Kinder Scout & Edale