Its not a bad road at all, the problem is that too many cars/buses/trucks etc use it.
If you are leaving Macclesfield and heading over the Cat and Fiddle to Buxton you might want to try a few other nearby roads.
As you pass the pub and the road straightens, you will see in the distance a junction of to the right. Take that road if you fancy a challenge it will bring you out on the road to Leek/Ashbourne.
Follow that road to Matlock and Chesterfield.
