On Trains & Buses

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How Derbyshire's Bus Network Altered After Hulleys' Closure

Posted on May 4, 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes.

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In causing a notable shake-up to the public transport landscape of Derbyshire and the Peak District, the closure of Hulleys of Baslow in March 2025 marked the end of an era while also setting off a flurry of activity as alternative operators stepped in to take over key routes. With a legacy stretching back over a century, Hulleys had been a fixture in the region. However, ensuring the continuity of service for local residents and visitors required swift action by both Derbyshire County Council and bus companies alike.

The tendered routes previously supported by Derbyshire County Council were among the first to see new operators step in. Routes 110 and 111 are now under the management of Ashbourne Community Transport, a transition that promises continuity for residents relying on these services. The picturesque areas of Bakewell and its surroundings, served by routes 172, 173, 178, and 257, which are now operated by Andrew’s of Tideswell. Meanwhile, Stagecoach Yorkshire has taken on Route 63, which connects Chesterfield to Matlock, following a contractual agreement with the council.

In contrast, the commercial routes previously operated independently by Hulleys present a more complex picture. For instance, route 170, which links Chesterfield to Bakewell via key stops such as Baslow and the renowned Chatsworth House, faced some uncertainty when High Peak Buses Stagecoach Yorkshire both expressed an interest in taking it over. The actions of the latter caused the former to withdraw to introduce a similar service, albeit bypassing Holymoorside, prompted High Peak to withdraw. The result is that Stagecoach now exclusively operates this service, albeit bypassing Holymoorside.

Routes 271 and 272, traversing the scenic stretch from Sheffield to Castleton via Hathersage and Hope Valley, now sees High Peak Buses operating journeys to compliment those of First Bus, maintaining the previous service level for routes particularly useful to walkers in this well-visited part of the Peak District. Prior to their closure, Hulleys did likewise for the same routes.

Similarly, the Chesterfield to Alfreton route, known as Route 55, encountered a brief hiatus before Notts and Derby took the helm in early April 2025, reinstating the service with minor timetable modifications but retaining its essential structure. This particular route enjoys partial funding support from Derbyshire County Council, underscoring its importance to the area’s public transport network.