Road conditions in Derbyshire?

[Ewazix]

I'm set to travel to Buxton Derbyshire from Somerset on Wed 1st Dec for a funeral, they forecast snow and -6 to -11 deg in Buxton Tue/Wed.

I can guess what the M5/M6 will be like but don't know the last part of the journey through the Peak District so would appreciate any local knowledge on the likely chances of making the journey? (not in the Zed I hasten to add!)

Forecasters tend to exaggerate severe weather warnings these days so I’m loathed to trust them fully, but unfortunately we have to make plans, yes or no today.

 

[sars]

I use

http://www.trafficengland.com/index.aspx?ct=true

Its quite good, on roads with cameras you can actually see what the conditions are like. At the moment its snowing heavily across the East, I have more than a 50mm, but sorry have no idea what its like in Buxton apart from cold!

 

[Ewazix]

I use

http://www.trafficengland.com/index.aspx?ct=true

Its quite good, on roads with cameras you can actually see what the conditions are like. At the moment its snowing heavily across the East, I have more than a 50mm, but sorry have no idea what its like in Buxton apart from cold!

Cheers for that, unfortunately it's the usual story with main roads generally passable with care but no use if you can't get in or out on the minor roads. I'm a hundred yards from a trunk road that was kept clear last year but couldn't get out of the village.

 

[z4phill]

My Inlaw's are in that part of the world this weekend they had no problems they on there way home now I was speaking to them this morning main roads no problems hope this is of help

 

[Ewazix]

My Inlaw's are in that part of the world this weekend they had no problems they on there way home now I was speaking to them this morning main roads no problems hope this is of help

That's good thanks

 

[aquazi]

I'm currently in London; however earlier in the year when Derby had a few inch of snow Buxton sufferred a much more snowy fate....

Yesterday Derby had a cm or so of snow.. so most of the roads around the peaks which are largy untreated will be snow/ ice covered now.

Many of which will be passable (as it wont be as much snow as say scotland!).. just do so with caution... and take gloves/ water and warm clothing just incase.

 

[Ewazix]

I'm currently in London; however earlier in the year when Derby had a few inch of snow Buxton sufferred a much more snowy fate....

Yesterday Derby had a cm or so of snow.. so most of the roads around the peaks which are largy untreated will be snow/ ice covered now.

Many of which will be passable (as it wont be as much snow as say scotland!).. just do so with caution... and take gloves/ water and warm clothing just incase.

Thanks, I don't know the area but it has a reputation for 'closing in', I will keep an eye on the forcasts.

 

[cj10jeeper]

That's my home territory - Brought up in and around the Peak. Spent by youth taking FWD cars out there in impossible conditions

Once you get to the Norhtern part of the Peak the conditions will be much more serious than anywhere around. If Derby has 1/2" then the High Peak will get 2" and it will drift and block roads in minutes as winds tend to be high.

Main roads will be well gritted but in a RWD car take the precautions of shovel, blanket, real warm coat, gloves, etc. Chances are slim you'll need them but I've spent a good few nights holed up in pubs....

Def not scaremongery from me but if you're not prepared then you're asking for trouble and the rescue teams don't see the funny side of people in T shirts, etc.

Given it's predicted to hit -14c in Birmingham later next week I'd imagine out in the Peak it shoudl be rather scenic http://www.holiday-weather.com/birmingham/seven-day-forecast.html

 

[mmm-five]

I've got a pal in Buxton (Harper Hill, IIRC), so I'll ask him for updates via Facebook.

Although he did get stuck in Basingstoke last year when they had a foot of snow overnight and they couldn't even open the gate to the car park

He also told me that there are some local webcams up around the Cat & Fiddle and general Derbyshire area, and Buxton has its own weather station.

Current conditions are about 1-2" of snow on the ground, with drifts, and another few inches predicted over the coming week.

 

[Ewazix]

That's my home territory - Brought up in and around the Peak. Spent by youth taking FWD cars out there in impossible conditions

Once you get to the Norhtern part of the Peak the conditions will be much more serious than anywhere around. If Derby has 1/2" then the High Peak will get 2" and it will drift and block roads in minutes as winds tend to be high.

Main roads will be well gritted but in a RWD car take the precautions of shovel, blanket, real warm coat, gloves, etc. Chances are slim you'll need them but I've spent a good few nights holed up in pubs....

Def not scaremongery from me but if you're not prepared then you're asking for trouble and the rescue teams don't see the funny side of people in T shirts, etc.

Given it's predicted to hit -14c in Birmingham later next week I'd imagine out in the Peak it shoudl be rather scenic http://www.holiday-weather.com/birmingham/seven-day-forecast.html

Umm, holed up in a pub? sounds OK and could be the perfect antidote to having the mother-in-law with along with us! (muttering "I told you")

 

[Ewazix]

I've got a pal in Buxton, so I'll ask him for updates via Facebook.

Although he did get stuck in Basingstoke last year when they had a foot of snow overnight and they couldn't even open the gate to the car park

Nice one, thanks

 

[mmm-five]

Not been out driving in the past couple of days, but majors seem ok. We've only seen a few inches if snow here. It is cold and icy, exposed routes will need extra care but most likely are being managed by local authority.

 

[Ewazix]

Not been out driving in the past couple of days, but majors seem ok. We've only seen a few inches if snow here. It is cold and icy, exposed routes will need extra care but most likely are being managed by local authority.

Thanks for that, it looks like it may be OK then, but I will keep an eye on those webcams and the weather station and take some gear in the boot, cheers

 

[ballington31]

hi i lved in buxton for ten years as a general rule of thumb what ever the forcast in scotland wont be far of what buxton is getting .it has been known to snow there in june for gods sake

 

[Ewazix]

hi i lved in buxton for ten years as a general rule of thumb what ever the forcast in scotland wont be far of what buxton is getting .it has been known to snow there in june for gods sake

Cheers, I nearly bought an old Landy to muck about in last year, having said that I wouldn't fancy a 200 miler in one, even if it made it you would be deaf, frozen and skint!

 

[mmm-five]

Roads quite passable today, infact traffic levels light on m-ways. Major roads fine in my area, Bs and dude roads passable with care.

 

[Ewazix]

Roads quite passable today, infact traffic levels light on m-ways. Major roads fine in my area, Bs and dude roads passable with care.

Thanks for the update.

I also emailed the guy who runs a weather station and website for the Peaks from Buxton, he reckons heavy snow, high winds & drifting are likely Tue Wed saying "it could be serious stuff" which has to be taken heed of I guess (At this point I suppose our Canadian and cold-US state friends are )

 

[mmm-five]

Doesn't look good today, lots of roads impassible or closed. Lots of queues everywhere.

Cat & Fiddle - on the A537 Macclesfield to Buxton road

Axe Edge - on the A53 Leek to Buxton road

Monyash - just off the A517 Ashbourne to Buxton road

 

[SpaceCoyote]

I live in Matlock and there's about 2 foot of snow here. The A6 looks pretty clear, but my poor Z is sitting on the drive, covered in snow. Well I think it's my Z, could just be a car shaped jelly mould.

I really wouldn't come in the Z unless you've got snow tyres and chains.

 

[Ewazix]

Thanks to all we had to cancel the trip