There are few bus routes in England that offer such a dramatic transition of scenery as the Andrews of Tideswell 257. In the space of an hour, you are transported from the bustling, industrial heritage of Sheffield city centre to the chocolate-box charm of the Peak District, ending your journey in the culinary capital of the Peaks, Bakewell.
It takes you on a tour through some of the country’s most dramatic reservoir landscapes and historic villages. Whether you are a hiker looking to tackle the edges or a foodie in search of the perfect pudding, the 257 is your scenic ticket to the heart of Derbyshire.
What makes this route special
The 257 distinguishes itself by taking the “high road” out of Sheffield. Unlike other services that stick to the valley floor, this route climbs high above the city through the Rivelin Valley and Hollow Meadows, offering sweeping vistas before descending into the Derwent Valley.
The highlight for many is the run alongside the Ladybower Reservoir. Known as “Little Switzerland” in the Victorian era, the views here are breathtaking, with pine forests reflecting in the deep waters. It is a route that feels like an adventure, crossing viaducts and winding through stone-built villages that seem frozen in time.
A scenic breakdown of the journey
The City Ascent
Leaving Sheffield city centre, the bus heads west through the university district and the lively suburbs of Broomhill and Crosspool. As you climb, look back for impressive views over the city skyline.
Into the Wild
Soon, suburban houses give way to the open moors of Rivelin and Hollow Meadows. This rugged stretch of the A57 (Snake Pass road) offers your first taste of the Peak District’s wilder side.
Reservoirs and Rails
The scenery shifts dramatically as you reach Ashopton and cross the famous Ladybower Viaduct. The bus turns south here, hugging the water’s edge past Yorkshire Bridge and into Bamford. This is prime walking territory, with Bamford Edge looming high above.
The Hope Valley Villages
The route continues through Hathersage, famous for its open-air swimming pool and literary connections to Jane Eyre. Following the river, you’ll pass through Grindleford, a favourite spot for hikers heading to Padley Gorge.
History and Heritage
Further south, the bus reaches Calver. Depending on the specific service (check the timetable for 257A variations), the bus may climb up to the historic “Plague Village” of Eyam and the dramatic limestone gorge of Stoney Middleton. If your bus stays on the main road, these gems are just a short walk or connection away.
The Grand Finale
Before reaching the terminus, the bus passes through Baslow and Nether End, where you might catch a glimpse of the deer in Chatsworth Park. Finally, you arrive in Bakewell, dropping you perfectly for a riverside stroll or a well-earned tart.
Practical information
- Timetable: The 257 runs daily, generally operating an hourly or bi-hourly service depending on the time of day. It is essential to check the Andrews of Tideswell timetable before travelling, as some journeys (often labelled 257A) take slightly different routes through the villages like Eyam.
- Tickets: You can pay with contactless card or cash on the bus.
- Fares: As of 2025, the route is part of the national £3 fare cap scheme, making a single journey incredibly good value. For a full day of exploration, the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket (around £9 for adults) is a fantastic option, allowing unlimited travel on most buses and trains throughout the county.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the right: When travelling from Sheffield towards Bakewell, try to sit on the right-hand side of the bus. This gives you the best views of the Ladybower dam wall and the reservoirs as you head south from Ashopton.
- Check the letter: The route sometimes has variations (257, 257A). If you specifically want to visit Eyam village centre without walking up the hill from Calver, look for the journeys that explicitly list Eyam on the schedule.
- Charge your camera: The section crossing the Rivelin dams and the descent toward Ladybower is photogenic in any weather, from moody mist to brilliant sunshine.
Planning a day out on this route
Option 1: The Literary & Historic Ramble
Alight at Hathersage to visit the grave of Little John (of Robin Hood fame) and grab a coffee. Walk along the river to Grindleford for a hearty lunch at the station café, then catch the next bus onward to Bakewell.
Option 2: The Reservoir Circular
Get off at Bamford or Yorkshire Bridge and walk up to the Ladybower plugholes and dam wall. It’s a flat, accessible walk with stunning views. You can hop back on the bus at Ashopton to return to Sheffield or continue to Baslow for a pub dinner.
Year-round appeal
While summer brings lush greenery and purple heather on the moors, the 257 is arguably even more atmospheric in the colder months. The reservoirs look dramatic in winter light, and the cozy stone pubs in villages like Baslow and Bakewell offer a warm welcome with roaring fires. Just remember that winter days are shorter, so plan your return journey before dusk to catch the last views of the twilight moors.
