If you are looking to travel between Matlock and Bakewell, you have two choices. You could take the main road, which is efficient but busy, or you could take the road less travelled. Route 172 is firmly the latter.
This route doesn’t just get you from A to B; it takes you on a winding, climbing, dipping adventure through some of the most beautiful and untouched limestone villages in Derbyshire. It is a lifeline for the locals and a secret treasure map for visitors.
What makes this route special
The 172 is often described by locals as the “scenic route,” and for good reason. While the main A6 road sticks to the valley floor, this bus climbs high onto the limestone ridges. It squeezes through lanes that seem too narrow for a car, let alone a bus, offering intimate views of cottage gardens, ancient rock formations, and sweeping valleys.
It connects a string of historic settlements that feel frozen in time. Because these villages are tucked away from the main highway, they remain peaceful and incredibly photogenic. Travelling on the 172 allows you to hop between these hidden gems without the stress of parking or navigating single-track roads yourself.
A journey through the limestone villages
The route typically starts in the bustling county town of Matlock. From the interchange, you head north, briefly joining the main road through Darley Dale, home to the beautiful Whitworth Park.
However, the real adventure begins when the bus turns off the main highway at Darley Bridge. Here, you cross the River Derwent and begin the long climb up the valley side. As the bus ascends through Wensley, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views opening up back across the valley towards Matlock.
The first major highlight is Winster. This historic village was once a centre for the lead mining industry and is famous for its Morris dancers. The bus passes right by the National Trust’s Market House, a beautiful brick building that dominates the main street.
From here, the route feels truly rural. You’ll pass through Elton, a high, exposed village with stone cottages that seem to huddle together against the elements.
Next is Birchover. This area is steeped in ancient history. If you look out of the window, you might spot the gritstone outcrops of Rowtor Rocks, a mysterious playground of caves and carvings located just behind the Druid Inn.
One of the most thrilling parts of the journey is the descent through Stanton in Peak. This postcard-perfect village sits on a steep hillside. As the bus navigates the sharp turns, you are treated to a panoramic view over the Haddon Estate that is arguably one of the best in the entire Peak District.
The bus then drops down into the valley to serve Middleton by Youlgreave and the larger village of Youlgreave. Youlgreave is famous for the “Cathedral of the Peak,” the massive All Saints’ Church which towers over the village. The route also crosses the River Bradford here, a spot beloved by walkers.
Before reaching the end of the line, you’ll pass through the tiny, picturesque hamlet of Alport, with its distinctive tufa rock formations and splashing weirs.
Finally, the bus pulls into Bakewell. You’ll arrive at the heart of this famous market town, perfectly placed to grab a Bakewell Pudding or explore the riverside walks.
When does the route run
The 172 is a reliable service, but it is built for daytime travel.
- Days of Operation: The service generally runs Monday to Saturday.
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: There is usually no service on the 172 route on Sundays or Public Holidays, so please plan accordingly.
Service frequency and connections
- Frequency: The bus runs roughly every 60 to 90 minutes during the day. Because the timetable can have gaps, it is highly recommended to check the specific times before you travel.
- Timetable: You can find the latest times on the Andrews of Tideswell website or via standard journey planners.
- Connections: At both Matlock and Bakewell, you can connect to the wider bus network, including the high-frequency Transpeak service or the X17 to Sheffield.
Value for money
Travelling by bus in the Peak District is currently exceptional value.
- Fare Caps: At the time of writing, single fares are capped at just £2 under the government scheme.
- Derbyshire Wayfarer: If you plan to hop on and off multiple buses (or use different operators), the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket is a fantastic investment. It covers almost all buses and trains in the county for a full day.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit at the front: The roads around Winster and Stanton are incredibly narrow. Sitting at the front of the bus gives you a driver’s-eye view of the skill required to navigate these limestone lanes.
- Bring your walking boots: This route connects some of the best walking territories in the UK. You can easily hop off at one village, walk a scenic dale to the next, and catch the following bus.
- Check the return times: Because the service isn’t high-frequency, know exactly when your last bus back is, especially if you are enjoying a pub lunch in a village like Birchover or Youlgreave.
Planning a day out on this route
The 172 is perfect for a “linear walk” day out. Here is a suggested itinerary:
- Morning: Catch the bus from Matlock to Birchover. Explore the Rowtor Rocks or take a short hike up to Stanton Moor to see the Nine Ladies Stone Circle.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at one of the village inns in Birchover or Winster.
- Afternoon: Hop back on the bus towards Youlgreave. Walk down to the river at Bradford Dale—it’s a flat, stunningly clear limestone river perfect for a paddle in summer.
- Late Afternoon: Catch the bus into Bakewell for a cream tea before heading home.
Year-round appeal
While summer brings the best of the green hills and blooming cottage gardens, the 172 is a year-round lifeline. In autumn, the turning leaves in the Lathkill and Bradford dales are spectacular. In winter, the stone villages look like something from a Christmas card—though do check for service disruptions if the snow falls, as these high roads are often the first to be affected!
Whether you are a hiker, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a beautiful view from a comfortable seat, the 172 offers a genuine slice of Derbyshire life that you simply miss on the main roads.
