Getting around the Staffordshire Moorlands
Getting around the Staffordshire Moorlands is easy! Whether you arrive by road, rail or air - as counties go Staffordshire must be one of the most well connected. The Peak District National Park enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car. Getting to the Peak District couldn't be easier by train or bus, and regular services link many of the area's most popular destinations.
Travel by bus
Travelling by bus in the Staffordshire Moorlands is a fantastic way to see more of the incredible countryside, whether you’re off exploring or heading into town. It's easy, affordable, and a great way to sit back and enjoy the ride without the hassle of driving.
Moorlands Connect offers flexible and affordable bus travel and operates every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The service allows you to book a ride from an app on your phone or by calling 01335 342 951. Book on the day or up to 28 days in advance.
Link to app - Download the Moorlands Connect app on the App Store or Google Play. When you book on the app or by phone, you'll be told your pickup time and kept up to date if anything changes.
Moorlands Connect can pick up and drop off anywhere within the Moorlands, or get you into Leek, Ashbourne, Buxton and Cheadle. You can also connect to scheduled buses to go to Macclesfield, Hanley or Derby.
If you would like your bus to arrive at a specific time, select 'arrive by' when booking your journey. Full details are given when you book and what to do when you come back. There’s space for one person in a wheelchair on each minibus - please advise on booking.
You’ll also find bus links running directly from major towns across the Peak District and beyond bringing you direct to many of the Moorland’s popular tourist attractions. Traveline’s website has an excellent journey planner function featuring bus and train timetables across the Moorlands.
https://www.traveline.info/about-traveline/traveline-services/
The Knot: Take advantage of the specially priced day ticket, The Knot, which provides unlimited travel on participating bus services within the Staffordshire County Council area: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Transport/Buses/Plan-your-journey/The-Knot.aspx
Take the car
The Staffordshire Moorlands is crisscrossed with A and B roads, linking the three towns of Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek. They allow an easy way to explore the county, along picturesque routes. The Moorlands’ more rural parts are characterised by single lane roads, which make getting around slower, but worth it for the stunning scenery you’ll encounter.
Getting about by bike
The Staffordshire Moorlands’ rural charm of tracks and trails and reasonably quiet roads have wooed many tourists who enjoy cycling, including National Cycle Network Routes, 55 and 550 – safe, traffic-free paths and quiet on-road cycling routes that connect towns and cities with the countryside.