How long is the Cat and Fiddle Road?
England, europe
16.41 km
515 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising between Macclesfield and Buxton in Cheshire, England, you'll find the Cat and Fiddle Road – a ride that's as thrilling as it is infamous.
This stretch of the A54 and A537 clocks in at just over 10 miles, linking Macclesfield to Buxton as it carves its way through the Peak District National Park. Built way back in 1823, it gets its name from the pub perched at the summit (rumoured to be one of the highest in England!).
But don't let the charming name fool you, this route is a challenge! Reaching a peak of over 1,600 feet, it's got some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 8%. Expect sharp bends, dramatic drops, and stone walls hugging the edges pretty much the whole way.
It's a hotspot for tourists, trucks, and motorcyclists, but be extra careful in winter. Snow and ice are common, making conditions treacherous. There's a reason it's gained a reputation.
Allow around 20-30 minutes to drive it without stopping, but factor in extra time for those views! This road is famous for its scenery across Greater Manchester, the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain. Plus, keep an eye out for the spot where a chase scene was filmed for the movie "The Living Daylights"!
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.41 km
- Max Elevation
- 515 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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