Great days out on the bus from Buxton
Discover the beauty, history and heritage of the Peak District – all just a bus ride from Buxton
Let us take you on a bus journey from Buxton through the spectacular Peak District, calling at market towns, historic attractions, beautiful valleys and industrial heritage sites. Plan your day using local bus timetables and visit some of the more unusual attractions in the area.
Great Days Out on the Bus is a Buxton Town Team project providing the opportunity for local people and visitors to replace car journeys with public transport as an adventurous and more sustainable way of exploring the Peak District.
Buxton Town Team is a community organisation made up of local people who want to make Buxton a better place to live, work and visit.
Printed booklets can be purchased for £2 from the Pump Room in Buxton or download a copy here.
Explore Macclesfield & the Goyt Valley
The number 58 bus from Buxton to Macclesfield travels along the Cat and Fiddle road. The road climbs high above Buxton into the Peak District National Park with amazing views of the area.
Hop off at the Cat & Fiddle
Take a tour of the Forest Distillery, based at the Cat & Fiddle above Macclesfield Forest. Or take a Walk there are several circular walks from the Cat & Fiddle including the Shining Tor & Cat’s Tor walk or the Three Shires Head circular walk.
Hop off in Macclesfield
Take the RedWillow Brewery Tour and enjoy some beers or visit the only Silk Museum in the north of England and Europe’s largest collection of Jacquard silk hand looms in their original setting. Check out the creative workshops for all abilities and ages.
Follow the Macclesfield Art Trail and discover public art around town from murals and paintings to displays and light.
Explore Derbyshire’s Industrial Heritage
A journey on the number 61 bus from Buxton to Glossop will uncover some of Derbyshire’s industrial heritage. Along the valley you will find canals, railways, mills, market towns and winding streets.
Hop off in Whaley Bridge
There are plenty of footpaths and walks around the canal and the town of Whaley Bridge; or take the Peak Forest Tramway Trail from Bugsworth Basin for 1.6 miles to Charley Lane near Bridgeholm Green.
From there you can follow public footpaths to see the historic viaducts in Chapel Milton and on to Chapel-en-le-Frith, once known as ‘The Capital of the Peak District’, where you can take the 199 bus service back to Buxton.
Hop off in New Mills
The Torrs Riverside Park also contains the remains of what was an important industrial area, with the elegant Millennium Walkway winding its way for 125 yards through the gorge, high up among the canopy of trees.
Hop off in Hayfield
From Hayfield you can walk the Sett Valley Trail, a flat 2-mile greenway route to New Mills following a former railway line through outstanding countryside. For those who want a challenge, walk the splendid 9-mile circular walk to Kinder Scout.
Hop off in Glossop
Glossop is a bustling market town renowned for the production of cotton in the 18th century. The main town centre depicts this prosperous past around Norfolk Square. Why not try Clay Pigeon Shooting at Old Glossop Clay Shooting Ground.
Explore the White Peak & thrills of Alton Towers
Described by the Sunday Times as one of England’s most scenic bus routes, the 442 bus winds through the beautiful Derbyshire landscape between Buxton and Ashbourne. Explore picturesque villages steeped in history, discover countryside walks along the River Dove, visit cosy pubs and sample local food and drink, and take in dramatic scenery along the way.
Hop off in Earl Sterndale
Earl Sterndale is a popular base for walkers, set at the foot of the dramatic Parkhouse and Chrome hills – known as the Dragon’s Back. Take a hike up Chrome Hill: there is a delightful 5.4-mile walk that takes you through some of the most picturesque countryside in the Peak District. The route starts at the bus stop by the Quiet Woman pub.
Hop off in Hartington
Hartington is a charming old limestone village famous for its cheese. There’s lots of great walks from here as well as gift shops, cafes and pubs, a small pottery and the famous Hartington cheese shop.
Hop off in Tissington
Tissington is one of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire and has been the estate village of theFitzHerbert family since the 1460sThe old coach house tearoom is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat before taking a walk along the Tissington Trail to Ashbourne (4.3 miles).
Head to Alton Towers
Arrange to be picked up in Ashbourne by the Moorlands Connect Service to travel to Alton Towers, the UK’s biggest theme park. Don’t forget to book your ticket in advance. To use the Moorland Connect service - download the Moorlands Connect app or call the booking service on 01335 342 951. You can book on the day or up to 28 days in advance.
Explore Derbyshire Market Towns & Chatsworth Estate
The Transpeak bus service from Buxton to Derby journeys through picturesque towns and villages steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Enjoy great walks, town centre trails and attractions, or browse for local produce and quality souvenirs in the vibrant market towns. This great day out will take you from Buxton to Matlock.
Hop off in Ashford in the Water
A popular walk from the village is Monsal Head (circular 3.8 miles) one of the most popular beauty spots in the Peak District, with amazing views of Monsal Dale.
Hop off at Haddon Hall
Continue on the Transpeak to Haddon Hall, one of the country’s most historically important country houses. It is a magnificent example of a fortified manor house, enjoying fine Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, alongside beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens.
Hop off in Bakewell
Bakewell is a picturesque market town right in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Dating back to Saxon times, it is home to the famous Bakewell pudding. Visit The Rutland Arms Hotel, where Jane Austen is said to have stayed around 1811 and which she mentioned in her novel Pride and Prejudice.
Connect to Chatsworth
Change buses in Bakewell and take the 170 bus (Hulleys) to Chatsworth, home to the Dukes of Devonshire. Chatsworth House is set in 105-acre gardens, with a farmyard, adventure playground, and acres of natural parkland to explore.
Continue to Matlock
Pioneering industrialist John Smedley developed Matlock as a fashionable spa in the 19th century and his legacy lives on in buildings such as Smedley’s Hydro and Gothic-style Riber Castle. Visit Matlock Meadows Ice Cream Parlour & coffee shop and enjoy the children’s play area and feeding the farm animals too.
Explore the Derwent Valley
The Transpeak bus service from Buxton to Derby journeys through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, from Matlock Bath and Cromford in the north, through Belper to Derby, following the course of the River Derwent. The journey offers fascinating insights into life at the time of the Industrial Revolution. This great day out on the Transpeak will take you from Matlock Bath to Derby.
Hop off in Matlock Bath
Matlock Bath was developed as one of England’s first true tourist destinations. Dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ on account of its magnificent views and steep, wooded hillsides, Matlock Bath has a long high street lined with quirky shops, cafés, amusement arcades and attractions, and peaceful paths for shady strolls alongside the River Derwent.
Take the cable car to the Heights of Abraham and discover the 235-year story through lluminated underground caverns or discover thrilling rides and amazing attractions at Gulliver’s Kingdom, with spectacular views from its hillside location.
Hop off in Cromford
Set in a valley carved by the River Derwent, the village is a great base for exploring the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and is surrounded by glorious wooded hills and dramatic cliffs. Visit Arkwright’s Mill to discover the history around the mills and the purpose-built industrial community at Cromford.
The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Walk is a delightful 6- or 8-mile route through some of the key places within this acclaimed site.
Continue to Derby
Derby is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history of industry and rail heritage. Visit the Museum of Making, showcasing the region’s 300-year history of manufacturing and celebrating its rich history of innovation. The Museum is on a site of global significance: where the Derby Silk Mill – widely regarded as the world’s first modern factory – first stood over 300 years ago.
Explore cathedrals, plagues, gorges & the city
The number 65 bus from Buxton to Sheffield and Meadowhall travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak District. Stops en route include Longshaw Country Park (NT), Eyam the historic plague village, Tideswell, and the Millers Dale visitor centre for access to the Monsal Trail.
Hop off at Millers Dale
Enjoy an abseil experience off Millers Dale Bridge. The meeting point is at Millers Dale Station car park or visit the Millers Dale Goods Shed next to the station platform on the Monsal Trail.
Hop off in Eyam
Discover the fascinating true story of the Peak District’s ‘plague village’ and how the selfless villagers sealed themselves off from the outside world to prevent the deadly disease from spreading to neighbouring communities.
Hop off in Grindleford
Some of the very best walking routes in the Peak are around Grindleford and much of the area is managed by the National Trust, including the beautiful Padley Gorge, leafy Haywood, and the glorious Longshaw Estate
For more ideas and route details download the Great Days Out from Buxton booklet.
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