Winnats Pass: Road and footpaths at popular Peak District beauty spot to be closed for ten days

Winnats Pass on the outskirts of Castleton

A route through one of the most popular Peak District beauty spots is to be temporarily closed. Winnats Pass is a spectacular limestone gorge, which lies to the west of the village of Castleton.

The narrow road has twists and turns hidden between high limestone ridges offering those who pass through along the route an incredible experience – hence its popularity with motorists and cyclists. However, between February 19 and March 1 the road is to be closed to allow for stone works on the rock faces.

Geotechnical engineers will be scaling the pass to carry out inspections at close hand, and therefore temporary footpath and road closures will be in place to ensure visitors safety. Between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, the road will be closed to all users. The road will re-open as soon as the work is finished and could be earlier than March 1.

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A diversion will be in place. The diversion will be: B6061 From Sparrowpit To Rowter Farm Entrance, Hernstone Lane, A623 From Manchester Road To Trot Lane, B6049 From Benstor House Farm To Crossroads, New Road, B6049 From Dale End To New Road, Stretfield Road, B6049From District Boundary To Junction With A6187, Hope Road, Castleton Road, How Lane and vice versa.

The National Trust is advising people not to walk through the pass when work is taking place and to plan alternative routes. Footpaths above Winnats pass will also be temporarily closed when engineers are on site. The work will only take place on weekdays, so all roads and paths will be open at weekends.

Kait Jones, countryside manager at the National Trust said: “We’ll work as quickly as we can to complete this essential task to inspect the condition of this famous and dramatic landmark in the Peak District. We know it is a popular spot for visitors, and an important route for people who live and work here, but these inspections are vital to help us understand the condition of the pass and ensure we know what we need to do to care for it into the future. We will reopen all routes through, and over it, as soon as possible.”

Footpaths along Mam Tor and the Broken Road (Old Mam Tor Road) will still be open and provide an alternative route for visitors on foot. Mam Tor Car Park will also remain open.

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