High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the return of the Hope Valley Explorer to the Peak District from Saturday 24 July.
Following a successful pilot season in 2019, which the High Peak MP supported, the service was paused during the Covid-19 restrictions of 2020 but will now operate from 24 July to 30 October this year.
The Peak District National Park has again partnered with regional operators Stagecoach to offer the service across weekends and bank holidays throughout the summer, with onward links via bus and train to Sheffield, Manchester, and Chesterfield.
Although the route will no longer stop at Edale, larger capacity buses will be used to allow more visitors to benefit from the service and provide traveller confidence following the impact of Covid-19.
In line with government guidance, Stagecoach and the Peak District National Park encourage people to continue wearing face coverings when using the service. For the first time, space for two bikes will also be available on the service - via racks - on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ticket prices are frozen at 2019 rates, starting at £4 for a single journey and including a £6 return and a £12 family ticket. Some other Stagecoach passes also apply.
The Hope Valley Explorer aims to reduce car journeys within the National Park during its busiest season as well as the school summer and autumn holidays.
In addition to a flexible hop-on, hop-off service, the Explorer continues to feature an audio commentary of the area's rich natural and cultural history, from its extensive cave network and wildlife to the Dambusters of the Derwent Valley.
The route will include key stops at Castleton, Hope, and Fairholmes visitor centre in the Derwent Valley. Iconic locations like Winnats Pass, Mam Tor, and the Great Ridge will all be available to enjoy from the route.
The initial three-year, seasonal pilot scheme (now extended to 2022) – funded by the National Park Authority - will assess the viability of running similar services long-term to help ease pressure from private vehicles in the National Park and support linked sustainable transport by the use of rail services.
Further information is available at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/hopevalleyexplorer or by calling Peak District National Park customer services team on 01629 816200.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I am pleased the Hope Valley Explorer bus service is returning after a successful pilot. We need to reduce the number of cars on the road in the Peak District by improving our local public transport.
“That’s why I campaigned so hard for the £137 million Hope Valley line upgrade and to get rid of the old Pacer trains. If we can get visitors to come by public transport, it will be good for our environment and local people.”
Andrew McCloy, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said:
"We’re delighted to be bringing back the Hope Valley Explorer with our partner operators Stagecoach this summer, especially as so many people may be looking closer to home for days out and a holiday break.
“That’s why we’ve worked to provide increased capacity across the service in 2021, which we’re pleased will run through until the October half term.
“With onward bus links and the chance to join via train from Sheffield and Manchester along the route, the Explorer is a great car-free choice to discover a wonderful corner of the Peak District this year.
“Our continuing aim is to support a reduction in private car journeys in these areas and help promote more sustainable ways of getting to, and enjoying, the UK’s first ever National Park.”
