If you are looking for a journey that seamlessly stitches together the rolling charm of the Derbyshire Dales with the wild, rugged beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands, look no further than D&G Bus Route 108. Connecting two of England’s most picturesque market towns—Ashbourne and Leek—before climbing into the High Peak to reach Buxton, this route is a hidden gem for sightseers.
Far more than a simple commuter service, the 108 offers a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Midlands. From the comfort of your window seat, you can witness the scenery shift from gentle limestone valleys to gritstone edges and high-altitude moorland, all without the stress of navigating narrow country lanes yourself.
What makes this route special
The 108 is a route of contrasts. It begins in the elegant, red-brick Georgian streets of Ashbourne, often called the ‘Gateway to the Peak’, and ends in Buxton, England’s highest market town and a historic spa resort. But it is the wild “dog-leg” in the middle that truly sets this journey apart.
Rather than taking the direct road, the 108 ventures west into Staffordshire, serving the historic market town of Leek and skirting the famous Roaches—a jagged gritstone escarpment that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel. It also has the distinction of passing through Flash, widely recognised as the highest village in Great Britain. This isn’t just a bus ride; it’s a tour of the roof of England.
A route breakdown of key locations
The gentle start: Ashbourne to Waterhouses
Leaving the cobbled lanes of Ashbourne, the bus crosses the River Dove at Hangingbridge. As you head west, the landscape is pastoral and green. You’ll pass through Caltonmoor before arriving at Waterhouses. This village is a crucial hub for walkers and cyclists, marking the southern trailhead of the Manifold Way, a traffic-free trail following the path of a disused light railway through a limestone canyon.
Through the Moorlands: Winkhill to Leek
Continuing through Winkhill and the evocatively named Bottom House, the route winds towards Bradnop. Soon, you arrive in Leek, known as the “Queen of the Moorlands”. It’s a bustling town famous for its double sunset (a rare solar phenomenon visible in summer) and its incredible antique shops. It’s the perfect place to hop off for a coffee or to browse the markets.
The high climb: The Roaches and Flash
This is where the drama begins. Departing Leek, the bus heads north towards Blackshaw Moor. Look out of the right-hand windows for your first glimpse of The Roaches. These imposing rock formations attract climbers from all over the country.
The bus climbs steeply towards Upper Hulme. The scenery here becomes wilder, with heather replacing the green fields. You will then pass through Flash. At 1,518 feet above sea level, this village is frequently snowed in during winter, but on a clear day, the views stretch for miles.
The final stretch: Into Buxton
Descending from the high moors, the bus travels through Ladmanow and the leafy suburb of Burbage. Finally, you arrive in Buxton. The service terminates centrally, leaving you perfectly placed to explore the Pavilion Gardens, the Georgian Crescent, or the famous Opera House.
When does the route run
The 108 service operates Monday to Saturday.
It is important to note that there is generally no Sunday or Bank Holiday service on this specific route. As this is a rural service connecting market towns, it is designed primarily for daytime travel. The first bus usually leaves Ashbourne in the morning (around breakfast time), with the last return journey from Buxton in the late afternoon.
- Always check the latest timetable on the D&G Bus website before travelling, as times can vary slightly by season.
Service frequency and connections
The 108 is not a high-frequency “turn up and go” city bus; it runs approximately every 2 to 3 hours.
- From Ashbourne: There are typically 4 to 5 departures a day.
- From Leek: The service is slightly more frequent as it acts as a central hub between the two ends of the line.
Because of this frequency, it is vital to plan your return journey in advance so you don’t miss the last bus home.
Connections:
- In Ashbourne: Connects with the swift Red Arrow service to Derby or Nottingham.
- In Buxton: Connects with the High Peak Skyline 199 to Manchester Airport or the train station for services to Manchester Piccadilly.
Value for money
Exploring the Peak District by car can be expensive when you factor in fuel and steep parking charges in tourist hubs like Buxton. The 108 offers excellent value.
- Fare Cap: As of late 2024/early 2025, the route participates in the national £2 single fare cap scheme, making a trip from Ashbourne to Buxton incredibly cheap.
- Day Tickets: If you plan to hop on and off (perhaps stopping in Leek for lunch), a D&G Day Ticket allows unlimited travel on their network.
- Derbyshire Wayfarer: If you are travelling in from Derby or the wider Peak District, the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket is valid on this cross-border route, offering great flexibility for tourists.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the Right (Northbound): If you are travelling from Leek towards Buxton, try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the bus. This will give you the best views of The Roaches and the Hen Cloud rock formations.
- Market Days: Tuesday is market day in Leek. The town comes alive with stalls selling local Staffordshire cheese, oatcakes, and antiques. It’s the best day to travel if you want to experience the local culture.
- Prepare for Weather: You are travelling through “Flash”—the highest village in the UK. Even if it is sunny in Ashbourne, it can be misty, windy, or significantly colder up on the moors. Bring layers!
- Signal is Patchy: Mobile data can be intermittent over the high moors near Flash. Download your timetables or maps before you set off.
Planning a day out on this route
For a perfect day out using the 108, start in Ashbourne with a morning coffee. Catch the mid-morning bus and head to Leek.
Spend two hours in Leek exploring the antique shops and grabbing a Staffordshire Oatcake (a local delicacy) for lunch. Hop back on the 108 northbound. As you pass Upper Hulme, enjoy the views of the climbers on the rocks.
Arrive in Buxton in the afternoon. You can fill your water bottle from the free St Ann’s Well (natural thermal water) and take a walk around the Pavilion Gardens. Treat yourself to an early dinner in the town before catching the last bus back, or take the train onward if you are heading north.
Year-round appeal
While summer offers purple heather and green valleys, the 108 is a spectacular route in autumn and winter. The stark beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands is atmospheric and moody in the colder months. Seeing The Roaches emerging from the mist is a photographer’s dream. However, due to the high altitude of the route (especially around Flash), snow can occasionally disrupt services in deep winter, so always check the forecast.
