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Travelling in and around Peak District National Park

BUSES : TRAINS : ROADS+DRIVING

All National Park Authorities, Tourist Boards, Local Councils and English Nature are in agreement in encouraging visitors to use public transport when travelling in and around the UK, especially in popular rural areas. This reduces CO2 emissions, road congestion and noise pollution. The Peak District enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car. There are even special events and discounts that you can make the most of as a public transport user.

Walking and footpaths in the Peak District. Getting around by bike: bike hire, cycling guides

Getting around by bus:

The Peak District Bus Timetable, published in March and October, is a comprehensive source of timetable information. It is available from any Tourist Information Centre in the area or you can order the Peak District bus timetable online. Alternatively, you can use the East Midlands online journey planner or view an interactive map of Peak District bus routes.

Enjoy funfilled days out exploring the Peak District by bus or train by using a Peak Connections guide leaflet  Peak Connections provides a range of guides giving information on how to have a day out at some of the area’s main attractions by bus or train, such as Chatsworth and the Castleton Caverns.Enjoy days out by bus or train across the Greater Peak District. Download one of the Peak Connections guides for ideas.

Getting around by train: operators, timetables, heritage steam trains, historic + scenic routes

The most popular and scenic train routes in UK are the Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester During the summer and weekends the train is packed with visitors who wish to explore the beautiful countryside that surrounds the line. The Derwent Valley Line serves the historic Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site which runs between Derby and Matlock that has attractions such as the Heights of Abraham and Gulliver’s Kingdom at Matlock bath and Peak Rail at Matlock. A series of linear walks can be enjoyed from the local stations on both the lines.

If you’re travelling by train, Transpeak Walks offer a range of free guided walks suitable for all ages and abilities. The volunteer guides meet designated trains for a stroll, or more strenuous walk, into the surrounding countryside. For details of the walks programme visit the Transpeak Walks website.

The Hope Valley Line also has regular Folk Trains, running into the Peak District from Manchester and Sheffield, and also on the Manchester to Glossop rail line.

Steam trains: At the other end of the Peak District, you can travel back in time by train – Peak Rail run steam trains between Matlock and Rowsley.

Getting around by car: driving tips, car parks and car hire

Driving tips
When you are in the area remember that driving in the peaks is very different to driving in other areas. Roads are lined with hard dry stone walls and often have poor visibility due to the twists and turns and gradients. Around any corner there may be a slow moving farm vehicle, livestock, a walker, cyclist or perhaps even a deer, low flying owl or bird of prey. It is important to slow down and enjoy the journey, use designated viewing points to appreciate the scenery, stop at a recognised car park and enjoy a walk.

Towing a trailer or caravan at any time requires extra care and in the Peak District this is even more important. Even A and B roads will be narrow and there are many narrow bridges to watch out for.

Car Parks in the Peak District
The Peak District National Park Authority owns 45 car parks and parking areas, 18 of which are pay-and-display car parks. A list of charges can be found here; peak district parking charge The list of car parks currently managed by the Authority is as follows:

UK Car Hire Links: www.travelsupermarket.com www.carrentals.co.uk www.comparecarhire.co.uk

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