Woodhead Pass is a busy road link between east and west across the south Pennines. It's only a little further north but the hills around Woodhead are a stark contrast to the touristy trails close to Snake Pass. Riding the hills around Woodhead you feel more isolated, more remote and the trails somehow feel different too. The particular tracks used in this route feel a little like the forests of South Wales with dense pine needle and leaf mulch disguising firmly seated rocky outcrops. The relative lack of trail traffic makes for excellent trail conditions and you won't find any loose rock gardens here. The tracks are firm but still fun and cope superbly with all weather conditions.