Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve
The Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve consists of five superb limestone valleys at the centre of the Peak District National Park: Lathkill, Cressbrook, Monk’s, Long and Hay. These five dales represent some of the best examples of wildlife and geology in the country. Managed by Natural England, they cover 385 hectares, 87% of which is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Download Natural England’s leaflet of the reserve here.
Bus information last updated 16.04.2025
Cressbrook Dale Nature Reserve
A 30 minute drive east from Buxton. There are car parks at Monsal Head, Tideswell Dale and Upperdale (Monsal Dale).
Cressbrook, Buxton, SK17 8SX
OL24 Grid Reference: 4173/3739
To travel by bus, take the the 65 to Tideswell and then the 173 to Bakewell (stop: Phone Box).
Monk’s Dale Nature Reserve
Wildflowers and natural woodlands set within classic limestone scenery reaching north of the Wye Valley and Miller’s Dale. The nearest public car park is at Miller’s Dale station.
Miller’s Dale, Buxton
OL24 Grid Reference: 4134/3743
To travel by bus, take the 65 to Tideswell (stop: Anglers Rest)
Hay Dale Nature Reserve
A 15-20 minute drive northeast of Buxton. The nearest public car park is at Miller’s Dale station.
Wheston, Buxton
OL24 Grid Refence: 4120/3768
To travel by bus from Buxton, take the 190 to Whaley Bridge (stop: Smalldale Road)
Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve
One of the finest limestone dales in the Peak District with some of the most pure and transparent river water, when not flowing below ground. A 20 minute drive southeast from Buxton towards Over Haddon, Bakewell, DE45. There are car parks at Over Haddon, at Moor Lane near Youlgreave and on the B5055 just east of Monyash.
OL24 Grid Reference: 4186/3661
To travel by bus from Buxton, take the 441 to Ashbourne (stop: The Rake) or the Transpeak 3 to Matlock (stop: Picory Corner). On Sundays, you can take the 58 to Bakewell (stop: Bull’s Head, Monyash).
Long Dale Nature Reserve
A 30 minute drive southeast of Buxton along the A515 to Newhaven and then east towards Elton. There are nearby car parks at Friden, Gotham and Elton.
Elton, Matlock
OL24 Grid Reference: 4194/3598
To travel by bus, take the 441 to Ashbourne (stop: Junction, Newhaven).
From November 2025, this website is owned and managed by Buxton Civic Association Ltd - Charity No. 258163.
Buxton Civic Association celebrates the natural and human heritage of Buxton including its outstanding buildings and wildlife. We conserve and enhance this heritage and advocate its importance in making Buxton a special place to live or to visit.
