About This South Yorkshire and Derbyshire Mini Itinerary
Spend a day wending your way through South Yorkshire and Northwest Derbyshire, stopping at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a little-known free attraction, before driving through a Pennine landscape,the High Peaks area of the Peak District National Park.In all there's roughly 80 miles of driving, in three 26-27 mile chunks. Plan on at least 40 minutes to an hour for each leg of the journey, allowing more time to enjoy the pleasures of the scenic Snake Pass. Except in rare snowy weather, the route is safe, well paved and easy. Time your journey right and you should be in Sheffield in time for dinner.
Click here for a detailed, zoomable map of this route
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an outdoor catalog of 20th and 21st century British sculpture. Covering 500 acres of rolling countryside on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the park presents works of art displayed in a way that only the wealthiest patrons, with vast estates might expect to see them, tucked into leafy glades or perched on the crests of hills. Among the dozens of artists whose works are permanently displayed outdoors are: There are also commissioned, site-specific outdoor works by Andy Goldsworthy and James Turrell; indoor gallery spaces and landscaped gardens.The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is dog-friendly (except for the indoor galleries and garden) and, best of all, but for a small parking fee, this truly wonderful place is completely free.
Travel Tips
Before leaving Leeds, stop off at Kirkgate Market to pack a picnic for later. The market opens at 9a.m.The park, which opens at 10a.m. is one mile from exit 38 of the M1, off the Huddersfield Road. It should take 40 to 60 minutes get there. Plan on finishing here by 1p.m.
Through the High Peaks
Return to the M1, leaving exit 37 for the A628 toward Penistone. Among the UK's highest market towns, it's a good place to stop for lunch or supplies. Stay on the A628, heading west toward Manchester, and enjoying the high, open moorlands and gentle valleys, glittering with lakes and reservoirs. Watch for the Woodhead Reservoir south of the road. Just beyond it, take the B6105 which forks off to the left and is marked Glossop. After a rest break at Glossop, look for the A57 (a left) back into the park, toward Sheffield.Snake Pass
The most scenic part of this journey, marked by several dramatic granite outcrops and shelves, stretches between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir on the A57. Known as Snake Pass, the route follows the Ashop River Valley. Part of the National Trust High Peaks Estate, it's dotted with parking spots and easy, well marked paths.Once you've had your fill, simply follow the A57 all the way into Sheffield.
