For those looking to explore the rugged beauty of the High Peak without the hassle of driving, Route 61 operated by High Peak Buses offers a journey that is as practical as it is picturesque. Connecting the elegant spa town of Buxton with the bustling market town of Glossop, this route cuts a path through some of Derbyshire’s most dramatic landscapes.
Whether you are a local commuter, a hiker seeking the hills, or a visitor wanting to see the “real” Peak District, the 61 provides a front-row seat to the transition from the limestone White Peak to the gritty, heather-clad Dark Peak.
What makes this route special
The true charm of Route 61 lies in its variety. In under an hour, you travel from Georgian elegance to wild moorland, passing through deep valleys and industrial heritage sites along the way. It’s a route of contrasts: one moment you are navigating the tight, stone-built streets of New Mills, and the next you are climbing the exposed road at Chunal with sweeping views over the reservoirs.
Unlike the main train lines that stick to the valley floors, the 61 climbs the hills, offering superior vantage points. It serves as a vital artery for the High Peak, linking communities that feel remote yet are only minutes apart by bus.
A journey through the High Peak
The journey begins in Buxton, the highest market town in England. Before you board at the Market Place, you might catch a glimpse of the famous Crescent or the Opera House. As the bus leaves the town, it heads north, quickly trading urban streets for the rolling green hills of the Goyt Valley.
The first major scenic highlight comes as you pass Fernilee. Here, the road skirts the edge of the reservoir, offering passengers on the left-hand side of the bus fleeting glimpses of water through the trees—a hint of the wilder country to come.
Descending into Horwich End and Whaley Bridge, the scenery shifts to river valleys and canals. Whaley Bridge is a perfect stop for those who love waterways, with its historic canal basin and transhipment warehouse.
Continuing north, the route passes through Furness Vale before arriving in New Mills. This town is a dramatic sight, built into the rocky gorge of the River Torrs. It’s a place of steep streets and stone bridges, famous for the Millennium Walkway that hangs suspended over the river.
From here, the bus heads towards Birch Vale and into Hayfield. Hayfield is a walker’s paradise and the spiritual home of the “Right to Roam” movement. Nestled at the foot of the Kinder Scout plateau, the village feels enclosed by the massive hills rising around it.
Leaving Little Hayfield, the bus tackles the steepest part of the journey: the climb up to Chunal. As you crest the hill near the Grouse Inn, the trees disappear, replaced by open moorland. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles towards Manchester in the west and the bleak beauty of Bleaklow to the east.
Finally, the bus descends through Charlestown and Whitfield before terminating in Glossop. This superb gateway town offers a mix of independent shops, cosy pubs, and direct rail links into Manchester, making it a fitting end to a diverse journey.
When does the route run
Route 61 is a daily service, providing a reliable connection throughout the week.
- Monday to Saturday: Services generally run hourly during the daytime.
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: The service runs approximately every two hours.
The journey time from end-to-end is roughly 55 to 60 minutes, making it an easy trip to fit into a half-day or full-day itinerary.
Practical details and value for money
High Peak Buses accepts contactless payments, so there is no need to hunt for exact change. You can simply tap on and tap off or purchase a ticket from the driver.
- Fare Cap: This route participates in the national fare cap scheme, meaning a single journey is currently capped at just £3. This makes it incredibly affordable to get from Buxton to Glossop.
- Day Tickets: If you plan to hop on and off, or return the same day, a “Peak Plus” day ticket usually offers the best value, allowing unlimited travel on High Peak buses across the area.
- Connections: In Buxton, you can connect to services heading to Derby, Sheffield, or Macclesfield. In Glossop, the bus terminates near the train station for easy connections to Manchester Piccadilly.
Planning a day out on this route
Because Route 61 connects so many walking hubs, it is perfect for a linear day out.
The “Mass Trespass” Pilgrimage:
Take the bus to Hayfield and spend the morning hiking up onto Kinder Scout or walking around the reservoir. After a hearty lunch at a local pub like The Packhorse, hop back on the bus to Glossop for an afternoon browsing the local market or enjoying a coffee in Norfolk Square.
The Industrial Heritage Trail:
Start in Whaley Bridge to see the canal basin, then take the bus to New Mills. Walk down into the Torrs gorge to experience the Millennium Walkway—a steel path clinging to the cliff wall above the river. It’s a spectacular spot for photography. Afterward, catch the bus back to Buxton for a relaxing evening.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the left: If you are travelling from Buxton towards Glossop, try to sit on the left-hand side of the bus. You will get the best views of the Fernilee Reservoir and the drop into the valleys.
- Check the timetable: While the service is reliable, the Sunday service is less frequent, so plan your connections accordingly if travelling on a weekend.
- Winter travel: This route goes over high ground at Chunal. In deep winter snow, the road can occasionally be tricky, but the bus is often one of the few vehicles making it through! It makes for a magical, snowy landscape if you catch it at the right time.
