Although today was glorious if you were out walking, it was also like a skating rink in places, especially where the snow has been compacted. Under the snow it is like sheet ice – certainly on the minor roads.
Do let us know what the Alsop Road, A515 to Ashbourne and Buxton and the road to Longcliffe is like, if you have driven down it today.
Ice lurking under the compact snow on Backhill Lane (road to Pikehall)
Junction of Backhill Lane, Parwich Lane and the road to Hill Top Farm
PARWICH.ORG 
We’ve just returned (Sunday late afternoon) from a round trip to Derby station, in a borrowed 4WD (thanks to G&A for that). The Alsop road was tricky but manageable, the worst stretch being the final uphill section just before the road meets the A515. The 4WD managed it fine, but other vehicles could well struggle here.
As for the A515, it was basically fit for purpose – but with some potentially hazardous icy patches along the way. The Buxton-to-Ashbourne lane was in a better state than the Ashbourne-to-Buxton lane, for some strange reason.
Ashbourne itself was fine, and the A52 to Derby was problem-free. By the time we reached Derby, many of the fields had turned green… a strange sight, when you haven’t seen green fields in a few days!
The journey from Parwich to Derby station took us around 45 minutes each way, compared to the usual 30 minutes or so.
How is the southbound road from Parwich to the B5056? Also, does anyone have any information on the state of the lane which connects the B5056 to Knockerdown/Carsington Water, via Bradbourne? We’re travelling to Nottingham tomorrow (Monday), and are intending to take an alternative route via Cromford.
Has anyone got a clue as to where I can buy some grit? Creamery Lane is a serious hazard, particularly worried about Allie falling over trying to get to and from the car. I’ve called the usual places, but everyone is out. Failing that, will table salt work, and how much does one need to put down for it to be effective?
I tried ringing Derbyshire County Council, but lost the will to live whilst on hold!
I’ve been to work in Ashbourne this morning and went via Bradbourne/Brackendale/Kniveton. This seems to be the best option for anyone without a 4×4 as it has been well gritted for the bus but it is still treacherous, so please take great care. The worst places are just outside the village where water has run across the road and ice has accumulated into large ruts. Brackendale isn’t great but is OK if you take it steady (and don’t have to pull in to let anything pass!!).
Just an update on northbound routes…. Despite radio reports this morning of the A515 being closed, it wasn’t. It was fine if treacherous (compacted snow and ice being major issues). For 95% of drivers this is OK, although there are some who seem oblivious to the dangers. The Dale looks very bad, but the Alsop road is OK.
In Buxton the main roads are clear, but the side roads are very difficult.
Thank you to the lovely person who brought us a carrier bag of grit! xo