Snake Pass via the Pennine Way up Bleaklow Head: route map, distance and time
633 m · Peak District
Bleaklow Head is a remote peat moorland summit in the Dark Peak, crossed by the Pennine Way and known for its groughs and the Wain Stones.
You follow the flagged and peaty Pennine Way north along Devil's Dike and past the Wain Stones to the summit.
Snake Pass via the Pennine Way at a glance
| Distance | 4.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 126 m |
| Time up | 1h 0m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Snake Pass summit (roadside parking) |
| Start grid reference | SK 088 929 |
| Summit grid reference | SK 094 960 |
Snake Pass via the Pennine Way map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 30m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 15m | 2h 20m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 06:58, sunset 16:43. Start by 13:53 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:00, sunset 16:41. Start by 13:51 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Bleaklow Head summit weather for this route
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Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Slight rain, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 39 mph gusting 49 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 06:58, sunset 16:43.
-
Good Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Fog, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 4°C, summit wind 19 mph gusting 23 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:00, sunset 16:41.
Best day of the next seven for the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way: Saturday 31 October, with summit gusts around 11 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Bleaklow Head forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Bleaklow Head?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Peak District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 49 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Bleaklow Head
Bleaklow Head is a remote peat moorland summit in the Dark Peak, crossed by the Pennine Way and known for its groughs and the Wain Stones. More about Bleaklow Head, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, HuMP.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Higher Shelf Stones (622 m), 1.4 km south-west
Challenges that include Bleaklow Head
Other routes up Bleaklow Head
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones | 6.9 km one way | 477 m | 2h 10m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SK 088 929, the summit at SK 094 960), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Snake Pass via the Pennine Way: questions and answers
How far is the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way?
The Snake Pass via the Pennine Way is 4.1 km one way to the summit of Bleaklow Head, with 126 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.2 km.
How long does the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way take?
About 1h 0m to the summit of Bleaklow Head and 1h 50m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 20m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way?
The Snake Pass via the Pennine Way starts from Snake Pass summit (roadside parking). The grid reference is SK 088 929.
Is the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way today?
By 13:53 at the latest. Sunset on Bleaklow Head today is 16:43, The Snake Pass via the Pennine Way takes about 1h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).