The Joy of Driving from Barnsley to Derbyshire Dales

Do you ever feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a day and driving up to the rolling hills of Derbyshire Dales? It's a great idea, and with the right route, you'll be there in no time. In this post, we are going to explore two possible routes and compare the time it takes to drive from Barnsley to Derbyshire Dales. So, buckle up and let's get started.

Route 1: Via the A61

The A61 route is one of the fastest and most direct routes to Derbyshire Dales from Barnsley, and it takes approximately 37 minutes to reach your destination. This route covers around 21 miles, starting from Wakefield Road and ending at the A6. The A61 is a well-known route that usually has light to moderate traffic flow, so you'll get to enjoy the panoramic view of the hills as you drive.

Peak Traffic Time

If you're planning your journey during peak traffic times, it may take slightly longer, roughly 45 - 50 minutes. This is due to the increased volume of traffic on the roads.

Low Traffic Time

However, if you plan to visit Derbyshire Dales during the weekends or early in the mornings on weekdays or bank holidays, you may be able to reach there in just thirty minutes or less.

Route 2: Via the M1

Another possible route to reach Derbyshire Dales from Barnsley is by taking the M1. This route covers around 39 miles and takes approximately 52-55 minutes to get to your destination. You will take the M1 from Barnsley and exit at junction 28 towards the A38 towards Matlock and head to A6 towards Ashbourne.

Peak Traffic Time

If you're planning on taking this route during peak traffic hours or bank holidays, the journey may take you longer, around 1 hour. The M1 is a well-known motorway that can get congested during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening rush hours.

Low Traffic Time

On the other hand, if you plan your trip during week days at low traffic hours, you may be able to reach in just half an hour more than when traffic is low on Route 1.

Final Thoughts

There are various routes available for driving from Barnsley to Derbyshire Dales, but as we have explored, some routes are faster than others. Using the A61, you can reach your destination in under 37 minutes and can be an excellent option during weekends and bank holidays. If you don't mind driving a bit more and want to take the motorway route, the M1 may be a better option, especially when the traffic is low. All in all, enjoy the drive, and don't hesitate to explore different routes until you find one that suits you best.