Snake Woodland Autumn Colours — Magical Woodland Walk off Snake Pass

Tucked just off the A57 Snake Pass, Snake Woodland (near Lady Clough) is a peaceful, photogenic spot that explodes with colour in autumn. Expect ferns, conifers and broadleaf trees, a lively stream and soft forest light. It’s an easy win for families and a perfect place to shoot those dreamy woodland frames without a long hike.

Where to start & park

• Hope Woodland Car Park (S33 0AB) — small free car park on the A57; fills quickly at weekends and school holidays. There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks.
• Lay-bys along Snake Pass — some sections have double yellow lines added in 2022; only park where legal and safe. Arrive early.

Route options

Option A: Family loop (2.3 km / 1.4 miles)

From the car park, pick up the forest path towards Lady Clough. Follow the stream-side trail through mixed woodland, cross footbridges where signed and loop back via the higher forest path. Great for a short autumn colour fix.

Option B: Snake Woodlands loop (5.8 km / 3.6 miles)

A longer loop using good forest tracks and riverside paths, adding gentle climbs and wider views across the trees. Watch for slippery stones near the water.

Navigation tip: Mobile signal can be patchy. Download your map offline and carry a paper backup if extending onto the moor.

Best time for autumn colours

Colours here often peak mid–late October. Evergreen conifers keep the woodland vibrant even earlier/later in the season, with bracken turning copper by late September.

Photography guide

• Classic frames: Stream curves with golden leaves, pine trunks with backlight, small footbridges and ferny understorey.
• Lenses: 35–85 mm for intimate scenes; 70–200 mm for compressed tree layers.
• Light: Sunny spells with mist after cool nights are magic. Early mornings reduce traffic noise from the A57.

Safety & etiquette

• After heavy rain the streams can swell quickly; keep kids and dogs close.
• Stay on paths to protect banks and tree roots.
• No facilities nearby; pack out all rubbish.
• Parking: obey restrictions on Snake Pass and never block gates or passing places.

Add‑on ideas

• Fairholmes & Ladybower Reservoir — combine a woodland morning with a reservoir afternoon.
• Kinder Scout / Bleaklow edges — for a bigger moorland day (experienced walkers).

FAQs

Is Snake Woodland suitable for families? Yes — the short loop is ideal, but expect roots, mud and occasional steep banks near water.
Are there toilets? No. The nearest facilities are around Ladybower/Derwent visitor areas or in Glossop/Hathersage.
Are dogs allowed? Yes — keep on leads near wildlife and during bird nesting season.

What to pack

Waterproof boots, warm layers, waterproofs, snacks, microspikes if it’s icy, small trash bag, microfibre cloth for lenses.