Forget the hassle of parking, the stress of narrow country lanes, and the cost of fuel. Imagine instead gliding through the heart of the English countryside, watching the landscape transform from industrial heritage to rolling green hills from the comfort of your seat. Welcome aboard the Transpeak – one of Derbyshire’s most scenic and historic bus routes.
Operated by High Peak Buses, this service isn’t just a commute; it is a journey through the very soul of the Peak District. connecting the vibrant city of Derby with the elegant spa town of Buxton, threading its way through the UNESCO World Heritage Derwent Valley and the stunning White Peak.
What makes this route special
The Transpeak offers a unique cross-section of English history and geography. You start in the bustling city, move through the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, pass through a Victorian “seaside” resort (miles from the ocean!), and end up in a Georgian spa town nestled in the high hills.
It is a route of contrasts. One moment you are looking at red-brick mills reflected in the River Derwent, and the next you are surrounded by the limestone walls and sheep-dotted hills that define the Peak District National Park. For walkers, sightseers, and history buffs, it is arguably the best value tour in the region.
A route breakdown of key locations
The journey begins in Derby, leaving the city centre and heading north along the A6. As you leave the urban sprawl, you pass through Darley Abbey and Allestree, where the river begins to make its presence felt.
The Derwent Valley Mills
As you reach Duffield and Milford, the valley narrows and the history deepens. You soon arrive in Belper, a town famous for its cotton mills. Keep an eye out for the historic architecture—this area is a designated World Heritage Site for good reason. The route continues through Ambergate and the leafy Whatstandwell, following the twists and turns of the river and the railway line.
The Matlocks
The scenery shifts dramatically as you approach Cromford and Matlock Bath. Matlock Bath feels like a coastal resort dropped into a gorge, complete with fish and chip shops and amusements. Look up to see the cable cars ascending to the Heights of Abraham. A few minutes later, you arrive in the county town of Matlock, a perfect spot to stretch your legs.
Into the White Peak
Leaving Matlock, the bus climbs towards Darley Dale and Rowsley, passing the impressive Peak Village shopping centre. Just around the corner, keep your eyes peeled for Haddon Hall, one of the finest medieval manor houses in England, often visible from the road.
The bus then rolls into the heart of the National Park: Bakewell. Famous for its Monday market and the delicious Bakewell Pudding, this is a bustling hub for tourists.
The final leg takes you through the picture-postcard village of Ashford in the Water and up the steep climb into the high limestone plateau. You’ll pass Monsal Dale and the village of Taddington, surrounded by dry stone walls, before descending past Taddington and Brierlow into your final destination: Buxton.
When does the route run
The Transpeak runs seven days a week, making it a reliable option for both locals and visitors.
- Monday to Saturday: Services generally run hourly for most of the day.
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: The service is slightly reduced, usually running every two hours.
The total journey time from Derby to Buxton is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic, especially in summer.
Service frequency and tickets
High Peak Buses operates the route using comfortable vehicles, often equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Tickets and Value:
- Single Fares: As of late 2025, the route participates in the government’s fare cap scheme, meaning a single journey currently costs just £3. This makes an end-to-end trip incredibly good value.
- Day Tickets: If you plan to hop on and off, or use other buses in the area, consider a High Peak Day Ticket or the Derbyshire Wayfarer. The Wayfarer is particularly excellent as it covers almost all buses in Derbyshire and even some trains.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the right (northbound): If you are travelling from Derby towards Buxton, sitting on the right-hand side often gives you the best views of the river in the Derwent Valley and Haddon Hall later on.
- Check the blind: The route is sometimes split operationally into “TP2” (Derby to Matlock) and “TP3” (Matlock to Buxton). However, many buses run through. Just ask the driver “Does this go to Buxton?” when you board to be sure you don’t need to swap vehicles at Matlock.
- Bring walking boots: The route stops at wonderful trailheads. You could get off at Cromford to walk the canal, or Bakewell to walk the Monsal Trail.
Planning a day out on this route
For a perfect Saturday, catch the morning Transpeak from Derby.
- 10:00 AM: Hop off at Matlock Bath for a coffee and a stroll along the riverside promenade.
- 11:30 AM: Catch the next bus to Bakewell. Explore the market and grab a traditional pudding for lunch.
- 02:00 PM: Continue to Buxton. Visit the Pavilion Gardens and admire the Crescent.
- 05:00 PM: Catch the return bus, watching the sunset over the hills as you head back to Derby.
Year-round appeal
While summer offers green hills and bustling markets, the Transpeak is beautiful year-round. Autumn brings spectacular golden colours to the wooded Derwent Valley, while winter offers a stark, dramatic beauty on the high moors near Taddington—and there’s nothing quite like arriving in a warm Buxton pub after a crisp winter journey.
