Driving to Buxton in the snow

Driving to Buxton in the snow - 23rd March 2013

It was out of necessity that we drove to Buxton on the morning of Saturday 23rd March 2013 it had been snowing most of the night and the wind howling, there was a light covering of snow on the road.

We reached Chapel bypass to find it down to one lane, by the time we approached Ferodo roundabout there was a good covering and past the roundabout we found the lanes obliterated and visibility  reduced by the blowing snow, yet Barmour Clough was relatively clear.

As we approached Dove Holes it became apparent that major drifts had formed and the road was down to just over one lane.

There was minimal delay through Dove Holes and the traffic was moving as we climb out but we came to a halt as a Morrisons Lorry decided to reverse back down the hill to the lay by, a wise move.

As we reached the summit visibility was once again reduced  and road conditions very poor. We were however lucky enough to catch up with a Lomas tanker that was being towed by a tractor with snow plough attached so road conditions improved until they turned off for Waterswallows.

 

As we approached Hazel Croft Garage the road was down to one lane at best and we were driving on the wrong sided, with traffic approaching from Buxton the two vehicles in front decided to do a U turn at Hazel Croft and we followed suit.

We took the turning for Waterswallows Lane in the hope that the tractor had cleared the road enough to allow us passage, the wind was howling and visibility non existent, oncoming traffic added to the fun but we pressed ahead, turning right onto Waterswallows Road conditions improved due to the sheltered location and as we approached Buxton the road was little more than slushy.

It had taken a little over 50 minutes to drive to Buxton not bad considering the conditions, we dropped off our passenger and did a little shopping, not that we found many shops open.  A telephone call alerted us that Fairfield Common was now impassible and it  remained that way for the next 36 hours, our only option was to try and return via Long Hill.  

Surprisingly the road was passable,  albeit  with extreme care on the exposed corners and on the summit but it was a far easier journey.

The Gritter lorries and farmers deserve a huge thank you for their tireless efforts in  keeping the roads open, the tractor on the summit of Long Hill appeared to be fighting a losing battle but he somehow managed to keep the road open.

This was not a journey we enjoyed and would not of even considered had we not been in our trusty Freelander 4 x 4.