If you are looking for a bus route that feels more like a guided tour of the Peak District’s greatest hits, look no further than the Hulley’s 173. Operated by the local family-run company Hulley’s of Baslow, this service winds its way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Derbyshire, connecting the historic market town of Bakewell with the cavern-filled village of Castleton.
Whether you are a hiker looking to access the trails, a history buff hunting for ancient sites, or simply someone who enjoys a pint in a stone-built country pub, the 173 is your ticket to a perfect day out.
What makes this route special
The 173 is affectionately known by locals as a “proper” Peak District bus. It doesn’t just stick to the main roads; it dives into the narrow lanes and climbs the high ridges that make this national park so famous.
The journey offers a rolling slideshow of dry-stone walls, green valleys, and limestone plateaus. The standout moment for many is the stop at Monsal Head, widely considered one of the most photographed viewpoints in Derbyshire. But beyond the big vistas, it’s the connectivity that makes this route special. It links a string of quintessential English villages—places like Litton and Tideswell—that are often missed by visitors sticking to the main trunk roads.
A route breakdown: From Bakewell to Castleton
The journey begins in Bakewell, famous for its pudding (not a tart!) and its bustling Monday market. As the bus leaves the town, you almost immediately enter the charm of Ashford in the Water. Look out for the medieval Sheepwash Bridge to your left; it’s a postcard-perfect start to the trip.
From there, the bus climbs towards Great Longstone and Little Longstone. These sister villages are classic Derbyshire, featuring limestone cottages and the historic Packhorse Inn.
Then comes the highlight: Monsal Head. The bus stops right at the viewpoint. If you have time, this is a fantastic place to hop off, grab an ice cream, and gaze down at the Victorian railway viaduct spanning the River Wye far below.
Continuing north, the route passes through Wardlow and the beautifully preserved village of Litton, with its village green and stocks. A few minutes later, you arrive in Tideswell. You can’t miss the destination here—the “Cathedral of the Peak” (St John the Baptist Church) dominates the skyline and is well worth a visit.
The bus then traverses the high ground through Great Hucklow and Little Hucklow, areas famous for their gliding club and sweeping views across the moors.
As you descend into the Hope Valley, you pass through Bradwell, known for its narrow, winding main street and local ice cream, and the hamlet of Brough, the site of the Roman fort Navio.
The final leg takes you through Hope, a village with a beautiful church and plenty of cafes, before terminating in Castleton. Nestled under the ruins of Peveril Castle and the shivering slopes of Mam Tor, Castleton is the perfect end to the line, offering show caverns and the unique Blue John stone.
When does the route run?
This is a vital detail for your planning: the Hulley’s 173 runs Monday to Saturday only.
There is currently no Sunday or Bank Holiday service on this specific route. If you are planning a weekend trip, Saturday is your day to ride. The first bus usually departs Bakewell around 07:50, making it ideal for early risers wanting to hit the trails, while the last return from Castleton is generally in the late afternoon (check the latest timetable as this can vary seasonally).
Service frequency and connections
The service typically operates every two hours. While this isn’t a “turn up and go” frequency, the two-hour gap is actually perfect for sightseeing. It gives you just enough time to hop off at a village like Tideswell or Monsal Head, explore, have a coffee or a walk, and then catch the next bus onward.
At Bakewell, you can connect with the frequent Transpeak or Sixes services towards Derby or Manchester. At Hope and Castleton, you can connect with the train (Hope Station) or other bus services like the 271/272 towards Sheffield, opening up great linear walk possibilities.
Value for money
Travelling by bus in the Peak District is surprisingly affordable.
- Derbyshire Wayfarer: If you plan to hop on and off multiple buses (or use different operators), the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket is your best friend. For around £9 for an adult (or £18 for a group), you get unlimited bus travel across almost all of Derbyshire for the day. It’s exceptional value.
- Hulley’s Day Ticket: If you are sticking solely to Hulley’s buses, ask the driver for their own day ticket, often called the “Hulley Hopper,” which can be even cheaper.
- Single Fares: For a simple A to B journey, single fares are very reasonable. The bus accepts contactless payments, so you don’t need to worry about hunting for exact change.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit for the Views: If you are travelling from Bakewell to Castleton, try to sit on the right-hand side of the bus. You’ll get the best initial glimpse of the view at Monsal Head and the sweeping valley looks down towards Bradwell.
- The “Cathedral” Stop: Don’t just breeze past Tideswell. The church is genuinely magnificent and unlike anything else in the villages. A 2-hour stopover here is time well spent.
- Hiking One-Way: A popular option is to take the bus to Castleton and walk back over the Great Ridge to Hope to catch the bus (or train) back. It’s one of the finest ridge walks in England.
- Check the Return: Since the service runs every two hours and finishes relatively early in the evening, make sure you know exactly when your last bus back is. You don’t want to be stranded in Castleton (though there are plenty of nice pubs if you are!).
Planning a day out on this route
Here is a suggested itinerary for a Saturday explorer:
- 09:50: Depart Bakewell.
- 10:05: Hop off at Monsal Head. Admire the view, walk down to the viaduct and back (it’s steep but short).
- 12:05: Catch the next 173 to Tideswell. Grab lunch at a local bakery or pub and visit the church.
- 14:26: Hop back on and ride all the way to Castleton.
- 15:00 – 17:00: Explore Castleton, visit a cavern, or walk up to Peveril Castle.
- 17:50 (Approx): Catch the last bus back to Bakewell (always check the specific timetable for the last departure!).
The Hulley’s 173 is more than just transit; it’s an experience. It connects the heart of the Peak District in a way that driving simply can’t match, allowing you to stare out the window at the limestone dales rather than watching the road.
