The road
It climbs from Macclesfield onto open moorland, with the Cat and Fiddle inn near the summit, and then drops down to Buxton. Bends tighten unexpectedly, the surface is patched, and weather on top can be very different from the valleys. The road is closed after serious crashes, sometimes for hours.
What usually goes wrong here
Overheating on the climb in summer traffic, clutch failures on a stop-start Sunday, punctures from the patched surface, and drops at low speed on the summit car park gravel.
If you’re stuck right now
If you stop, get well off the road. The verges are narrow in places, so the inn car park or a lay-by is best. Tell us whether you’re on the Macclesfield or the Buxton side of the summit. It decides which way the truck comes in.
- Get off the road, and get the bike off it too if you can.
- Send your location: a WhatsApp live pin, what3words, or the last landmark you passed.
- Call 020 8058 0013, hear the price, and we’ll send a bike-ready truck.
Nearest areas we cover
FAQ
Rider questions
How long does it take to get a recovery truck to the Cat and Fiddle (A537)?
It depends on where the nearest available truck is and the traffic. Remote roads take longer than towns. We give you an honest estimate on the call.
What if I have no phone signal?
Walk to higher ground or the nearest village. A single bar is enough for a text or WhatsApp pin. Note the last landmark you passed.