If you are looking for the perfect blend of convenient travel and breathtaking scenery, look no further than the sixes 6.1. Operated by Trentbarton, this isn’t just a bus route; it’s a front-row seat to some of Derbyshire’s most spectacular landscapes.
Connecting the vibrant city of Derby with the heart of the Peak District, the 6.1 creates a golden thread through history, winding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites, market towns, and rolling hills before arriving in the culinary capital of the Peaks, Bakewell.
Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor planning a grand day out, here is why the 6.1 should be your ride of choice.
What Makes This Route Special?
While the wider “sixes” family of buses serves the A6 corridor, the 6.1 is the adventurous sibling. Instead of taking the direct road, it peels off at Belper to explore the hidden gems of the Derbyshire Dales.
It takes you high up into the hills around Wirksworth and Middleton in Worksworth, offering sweeping panoramas that you simply cannot see from the train or the main road. The moment the bus crests the hill at Middleton and begins its descent into Cromford is widely regarded as one of the best views from a bus window in Britain.
The Journey: A Route Breakdown
The 6.1 takes around 90 minutes from end to end, but the changing scenery makes it feel much faster. Here is what you can expect along the way:
1. The Mills of the Derwent Valley
Starting at Derby Bus Station, the route heads north through the historic Darley Abbey and Allestree. You’ll quickly reach Duffield and Milford, where the industrial heritage of the area begins to shine. Keep an eye out for the historic mill buildings that line the river.
2. Beautiful Belper
As you arrive in Belper, you are in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The town’s high street was once named the best in England, and it’s a great place to hop off for a coffee.
3. The Scenic Detour: Wirksworth & Middleton
This is where the 6.1 shines. Leaving the valley floor, the bus climbs towards Blackbrook and Shottlegate, passing Cowers Lane and Idridgehay.
You’ll soon arrive in Wirksworth, a quirky, ancient market town known for its independent shops and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. The bus continues climbing to Steeple Grange and Middleton in Worksworth. Keep your camera ready here—the altitude gives you incredible views across the dales.
4. Cromford & Matlock Bath
Descending steeply, the bus drops you into Cromford, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Moments later, you enter the unique seaside-away-from-the-sea resort of Matlock Bath. With its cable cars (Heights of Abraham) and fish and chip shops, it’s a holiday destination in its own right.
5. Matlock to Bakewell
Passing through the county town of Matlock, the route follows the river through Darley Dale and Rowsley. Look out for Haddon Hall, one of the most romantic medieval manor houses in the country, before terminating in the stunning town of Bakewell.
When Does the Route Run?
The 6.1 is a reliable service that runs seven days a week:
- Monday to Saturday: Buses generally run hourly throughout the day.
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: The service continues to run, though at a slightly reduced frequency (usually every hour or two hours).
It’s always best to check the latest timetable on the Trentbarton website or app before you travel, as evening services can vary.
Tickets and Value for Money
Traveling on the 6.1 is surprisingly affordable, especially given the distance covered.
- £3 Fare Cap: As of 2025, the national single fare cap applies, meaning a single journey from Derby all the way to Bakewell costs just £3.00. This is exceptional value for a 90-minute scenic tour.
- zigzag: If you plan to hop on and off (perhaps stopping in Wirksworth for lunch and Matlock for tea), the zigzag ticket is your best friend. It offers unlimited travel on Trentbarton buses after 9am on weekdays (and all day on weekends).
- Contactless: There’s no need to fumble for change. All buses accept contactless payment—just tap on when you board and tap off when you leave (if using the “mango” system), or ask the driver for your specific ticket.
Top Tips for the Journey
- Sit on the Left (Northbound): When traveling from Derby towards Bakewell, try to get a window seat on the left-hand side. This gives you the best views as you descend from Middleton into the valley at Cromford.
- Charge Up: Trentbarton’s “sixes” buses are usually high-spec vehicles equipped with USB power sockets, so you can keep your phone charged for all those photos.
- Market Days: Bakewell holds its famous market on Mondays. It’s bustling and brilliant, but the bus can be busier, so allow a little extra time.
- Don’t Rush: This isn’t a commuter express; it’s a country route. Relax, enjoy the winding lanes, and embrace the slower pace of life.
Planning a Day Out
Here is a suggested itinerary for a perfect Saturday on the 6.1:
- 09:50: Catch the 6.1 from Derby.
- 10:40: Hop off at Wirksworth. Explore the StarDisk, grab a coffee at a local bakery, and wander the “puzzle gardens.”
- 12:40: Jump back on the 6.1 heading north. Enjoy the view as you drop into the valley.
- 13:00: Get off at Matlock Bath. Walk along the river, eat some fish and chips, or take the cable car up to the Heights of Abraham.
- 15:00: Catch the bus for the final leg to Bakewell.
- 15:30: Arrive in Bakewell. Treat yourself to a proper Bakewell Pudding (distinct from the tart!) and stroll along the River Wye.
- 17:30: Catch the bus back to Derby, resting your legs after a day of adventure.
The sixes 6.1 proves that you don’t need a car to explore the best of Derbyshire. With friendly drivers, comfortable seats, and views that rival any national park, it’s time to get on board.
