There is something undeniably special about the White Peak. Unlike the brooding, dark gritstone of the north, the southern Peak District is a land of rolling green hills, limestone dales, and picture-postcard villages. For those looking to explore this landscape without a car, High Peak Buses’ 441 and 442 offer a perfect window into the region’s charm.
Connecting the grand spa town of Buxton with the historic market town of Ashbourne, these routes don’t just get you from A to B—they take you on a tour through some of the most scenic countryside in England. Whether you are a walker looking to access the Tissington Trail, a foodie in search of local cheese, or simply someone who enjoys a view from a top deck (or a comfortable single decker), this route is a hidden gem in the Derbyshire transport network.
What makes this route special
While both the 441 and 442 serve the same corridor, they offer different experiences. The 441 is the direct sibling, sticking largely to the A515—a road that follows the path of an ancient Roman route. It’s faster, offering sweeping views across the high plateau.
However, the real star for the leisure traveller is the 442. This service acts as a lifeline to the hidden villages of the Dove and Manifold valleys. It deviates from the main road, winding its way down into steep valleys and back up again, squeezing through narrow country lanes and stopping in village squares that look like they haven’t changed in a century. It is widely considered one of the most scenic bus rides in the Midlands, offering views of the famous “Dragon’s Back” hills that you simply can’t see from the main road.
A route breakdown
The journey begins in Buxton, a town famous for its thermal waters and Georgian architecture. The bus departs from the Market Place, passing the impressive Buxton Opera House and the Crescent before climbing out of the town bowl.
As the bus heads south, it passes through Harpur Hill and Brierlow, leaving the urban edge behind for the open fields of the limestone plateau.
This is where the adventure begins. The 442 turns off the main road to serve Earl Sterndale. Keep your eyes peeled here for Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill—distinctive, jagged reef knolls that resemble the plates of a sleeping dragon.
The route drops steeply into the valley to cross the River Dove at Crowdecote before entering Staffordshire to visit Longnor. With its cobbled market square and historic craft centre, Longnor is a popular starting point for walkers. The bus continues through the remote and peaceful villages of Warslow and Hulme End (the northern trailhead of the Manifold Way).
Returning to Derbyshire, the bus arrives in Hartington. This is arguably the most famous village on the route, complete with a duck pond and the renowned Old Cheese Shop. It is a fantastic place to hop off for lunch or a cream tea.
Continuing south via Heathcote and Biggin, the route nears the Tissington Trail. It stops at Alsop en le Dale and then reaches Tissington.
- Note on Tissington: The 442 usually drives right into the village to “The Green,” allowing you to see Tissington Hall and the famous wells. The 441 (and some peak-time journeys) may stop at “Tissington Gates” on the main road, which is a short, tree-lined walk into the village.
Finally, the bus descends past Fenny Bentley, home to the knobbly-towered St Edmund’s Church, before arriving in the bustling town of Ashbourne. Known as the “Gateway to the Peak,” Ashbourne offers grand Georgian streets, independent shops, and plenty of cafés to relax in after your journey.
When does the route run?
The 442 is primarily a Monday to Saturday service. It generally runs every two hours during the day, making it easy to plan a half-day or full-day trip.
- Morning departures: Ideal for getting walkers to the trailheads early.
- Afternoon returns: The last bus back usually allows for a full day out, but always check the timetable as rural services wind down in the early evening.
The 441 is much less frequent, often running only at peak times for commuters or students, or as a single daily service. For a day out, the 442 is almost always the bus you want.
Important: There is currently no Sunday or Bank Holiday service on these specific routes, so plan your weekend trips for Saturday.
Tickets and value for money
Travelling by bus in the Peak District offers excellent value, especially compared to the cost of parking in tourist hotspots like Hartington or Tissington.
- Single Fares: As of late 2024/early 2025, the national bus fare cap is still in place, meaning a single journey costs just £3.00.
- Derbyshire Wayfarer: If you plan to make multiple trips—perhaps combining the 442 with a bus to Bakewell or Derby—the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket is unbeatable. It offers unlimited travel on almost all buses and trains in Derbyshire for a whole day.
- High Peak Tickets: The operator also sells their own day tickets (Peak Plus) which are valid on their wide network, including buses to Manchester Airport or Derby.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the right: If you are travelling from Buxton to Ashbourne, try to sit on the right-hand side of the bus. You’ll get the best views of the “Dragon’s Back” hills near Earl Sterndale and the drop into the Dove Valley.
- Hail and ride: In the rural sections between villages, if you see a safe place to stop, you can usually signal the driver to let you off, even if there isn’t a physical bus stop pole.
- Boots are best: If you plan to hop off at Tissington or Hartington, comfortable walking shoes are a must. The ground can be uneven, and you might be tempted to walk further than you planned once you see the views!
Planning a day out on this route
The “Trail and Ride” (One-Way Walk):
A popular option for walkers is to take the 442 bus from Ashbourne to Alsop en le Dale or Biggin. From here, you can join the Tissington Trail (a traffic-free former railway line) and walk the 7-9 miles back to Ashbourne. It’s mostly flat or slightly downhill, traffic-free, and offers stunning views. When you arrive back in Ashbourne, you’ve earned a cake!
The “Village Hopper”:
Start in Buxton and take the bus to Hartington. Spend the morning exploring the village and buying cheese. Enjoy a pub lunch at the Devonshire Arms. Then, catch the next 442 south to Tissington for a wander around the estate village. Finally, catch the late afternoon bus down to Ashbourne for dinner before heading home.
Conclusion
The High Peak 441 and 442 are more than just transit; they are an invitation to slow down. They connect the wild, open beauty of the high peaks with the gentle, manicured elegance of the estate villages. Whether you are a hiker, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good view, this route is the perfect way to unlock the secrets of the Derbyshire Dales.
