Imagine a journey that takes you from one of the UK’s largest shopping malls, through a bustling steel city, up into wild heather moorland, down through lush river valleys, and finally into a Victorian spa town. The Stagecoach 65 does exactly that.
Connecting Meadowhall and Sheffield with Buxton, this route is often cited as one of the most scenic bus rides in England. It acts as a vital artery for locals and a “hop-on, hop-off” adventure for visitors, slicing right through the heart of the Peak District National Park. Whether you are a hiker looking to tackle the gritstone edges or a history buff interested in the plague village of Eyam, the 65 is your ticket to the Peaks.
What makes this route special?
Unlike many rural services that stick to the main roads, the 65 is a true explorer. It weaves through the smaller, honey-coloured limestone villages that define the White Peak area of Derbyshire.
Operated by Stagecoach Yorkshire, the route typically uses double-decker buses. If you can grab the front seat on the top deck, you are treated to panoramic views that rival any tour bus. You will watch the landscape shift dramatically from the industrial heritage of South Yorkshire to the dramatic gritstone escarpments of the Dark Peak, before softening into the rolling green hills and dry stone walls of the White Peak.
A route of contrasts: The journey breakdown
The Urban Start
The route begins at Meadowhall, a shopping haven built on the site of former steelworks. From here, it travels through the industrial heartlands of Brightside, Carbrook, and Atlas, offering a glimpse into the city’s working past before arriving at Sheffield city centre.
The Ascent to the Moors
Leaving the city via the vibrant Ecclesall Road, you’ll pass Hunters Bar and Parkhead. As the suburbs fade, the bus climbs sharply towards the horizon. Suddenly, the city is gone, replaced by the vast expanse of the Longshaw Estate. Here, the bus stops at Fox House, a historic inn that has welcomed travellers for centuries. This is a prime spot for walkers heading to the Longshaw Estate, National Trust.
The Valley Descent
The bus then winds down a steep, tree-lined road towards Grindleford and Nether Padley. To your left, you’ll see the dense ancient oak woodland of Padley Gorge, National Trust—a fairy-tale location with tumbling streams and mossy rocks.
History and Heritage
Crossing the River Derwent at Calver, the route enters a corridor of fascinating history. You pass through Stoney Middleton, famous for its dramatic cliffs and caves, before climbing up to the tragically famous village of Eyam. Known as the “Plague Village,” Eyam chose to quarantine itself in 1665 to stop the spread of infection, a story of incredible self-sacrifice that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Limestone Plateau
The bus continues across the high plateau, serving quintessential villages like Foolow and Great Hucklow, which houses a glider club on the ridge.
You will then arrive in Tideswell, home to the “Cathedral of the Peak”—the magnificent Church of St John the Baptist, which seems far too grand for such a small village. Nearby Litton offers another picture-perfect village green.
The Final Stretch
The route drops into the deep valley of Miller’s Dale, a former railway hub now popular with cyclists on the Monsal Trail. After a steep climb past Blackwell in the Peak and a run near King Sterndale, you arrive at your final destination: Buxton. At 1,000 feet above sea level, this thermal spa town greets you with elegant Georgian architecture, the famous Crescent, and the Opera House.
Practical information
- Frequency: The 65 generally runs every 2 hours from Monday to Saturday, with a reduced service on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Because of the lower frequency compared to city routes, it is essential to check the timetable before you travel.
- Tickets: As of 2025, the route is part of the national £2 fare cap scheme, making it incredible value for money. For unlimited travel in the area, look for the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket (valid on almost all buses and trains in Derbyshire) or the Stagecoach Gold day rider if you are making multiple Stagecoach journeys.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit Upstairs: The dry stone walls in Derbyshire can be high. Sitting on the top deck ensures you can see over them to the rolling hills beyond.
- Bring Layers: You might start in a warm city, but Fox House and Buxton are much higher and often cooler and breezier.
- Signal Clearly: Many stops in the rural sections (like near Tinsley or the deep dales) are request stops. Make sure you hail the driver clearly.
Planning a day out on this route
The One-Way Walk
A favourite for locals is to catch the bus from Sheffield to Fox House, enjoy a pint or a coffee, and then walk downhill through the Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge to Grindleford. You can catch the bus back from Grindleford station or the main road, having done all the scenery with none of the uphill struggle!
The History Tour
Get off at Eyam to visit the museum and the plague cottages. Afterward, hop back on the bus to Tideswell for a late lunch at one of the local bakeries or pubs before heading to Buxton for dinner.
Year-round appeal
While summer brings purple heather on the moors and green leaves in the gorge, the 65 is beautiful in winter too. The high vantage point of the bus offers safe views of snow-dusted peaks (when the roads are clear!), and the stone pubs along the route, such as those in Tideswell or at Fox House, are perfect for warming up by a fire.
