Days out in Derbyshire: Take an open bus for wonderful walks and sightseeing in the Peak District this summer

The Peak Sightseer – improved for this summer – takes passengers across the Peak District stopping off at some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, breathtaking beauty spots, quaint villages and bustling towns.

Derbyshire folk are well- acquainted with The Peak District National Park – much of which is in the county itself. But whether you’re a regular visitor or you’ve not been for ages, this open-top bus route is the perfect excuse for a day out.

The Peak Sightseer buses are run daily throughout the summer to the beginning of October. There’s a Red route and Blue route – which take in popular destinations including Castleton, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Bamford, Padley Gorge, Hathersage, the Monsal Trail and more.

Adults pay £9.50 and it’s just £5.50 for under 19s, concession card holders or passengers with a Derbyshire or Manchester Wayfarer ticket. If up to five of you are travelling together – ideal for friends and families or smaller walking groups  –   it’s just £25 and a 48-hour ticket costs £18 per adult.

Notable beauty spots include Win Hill, Lose Hill, Surprise View and Longshaw Estate. There are wonderful woodlands, charming riversides, castles, caves and breathtaking views to be found across the area.

All you need to decide is where to go and what to do, and to help you we asked Stagecoach to recommend some walks along the way to help you make the most of this stunning scenery on the doorstep and to pick out some of the friendliest and best pubs, cafes and restaurants too.

Best foot forward

Chatsworth to Bakewell walk – This route goes over the Monsal Trail, through woodland to the pretty village of Edensor eventually taking you to the jewel in Derbyshire’s crown – Chatsworth House. You can opt for a six or eight mile route

Mam Tor Great Ridge walk –  This ridge is considered one of the best in the country. Following this six-and-a-half mile route, starting in Castleton not only will you see the best of the ridge, but you’ll also pass Treak Cliff and Blue John Cavern, and you could walk back along the riverside to extend the walk to eight miles.

Castleton Children’s Walks – A walk of castles and caverns this route is a challengeing one but includes sights such as  Peveril Castle and the show caves of Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern.

Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge walk – Another notable beauty spot, this walk begins and ends in the peaceful Longshaw Estate, which is owned and managed by the National Trust and highlights include the fairytale ancient oak woodland of Padley Gorge. There is a tearoom at the start/end of the walk and a café roughly halfway round for refreshments.

Bamford bus stop to Hope bus stop walk –  Expect a climb with this 5.3mile walk from Bamford to Hope via the rocky heights of Win Hill. After the well-made paths alongside Ladybower Reservoir you’ll start to go across country to the top of Win Hill for a 360 degree view.

Click on the links to the walks for more details or to download a pdf of the route

Food and drink on the Blue route

For traditional, friendly dog and walker-welcoming pubs you are spoiled for choice.

Fox House pub is dog and walker-friendly with great walks to Padley Gorge, at Scotsman’s Pack, Hathersage is a traditional Peak District pub with a warm welcome and Brough Travellers Rest is another traditional pub, this time near Hope, which has great walks nearby.

 The George at Hathersage has a lovely outdoor terrace, and the insider has been recently refurbished whilst light bites and pizza can be found at the Bareca Bar at Bike & Boot Hotel, a dog and walker friendly restaurant within the hotel.

Chatsworth House restaurants and café offer local produce and a great place for lunch or afternoon teas in elegant surroundings.

For a quintessentially English experience try Edensor Tea Cottage and for great coffee and light bits the Grasshopper Café at Hope is highly recommended.

Summer means ice cream! And you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer at the traditional Padley Gorge ice cream van or the artisan producers Hope Valley IceCream.

Check the routes

The Red Route open top bus travels one way in a loop with stops at:

-        Chatsworth House

-        Pilsley for the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

-        Hassop Station for the Monsal Trail

-        Bakewell Bakewell Road for the town centre Ashford in the Water for Ashford Arms

Buses on the Peak Sightseer Blue route go between Chatsworth House and Blue John Cavern using the same route in both directions. The route has stops at:

-        Chatsworth House

-        Baslow Nether End for Baslow Edge

-        Fox House for Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate

-        Hathersage for Stanage Edge

-        Bamford for Bamford Edge and Ladybower if you’re a keen walker

-        Hope for Lose Hill

-        Castleton for Peveril Castle

-        Blue John Cavern for Mam Tor

To find out more visit the Stagecoach Peak Sightseer website here