Formby to Newcastle using a Concessionary travel pass

[gray1404]

Easy. There's even a couple of later buses from Carlisle to Newcastle.

Chester-Liverpool X8 6.03a.m. – 7.19
Liverpool – Preston X2 7.47 -10.02
Preston-Lancaster 40 10.30 – 11.47
Lancaster-Keswick 555 12.25p.m. -15.14
Keswick-Penrith X4 15.20-16.10
Penrith-Carlisle 104 16.30-5.09
Carlisle-Newcastle 685/85 6.07-8.30

Would there be other options for starting in Formby on the route of the X2? Although, I am using a disabled concession travel pass (valid in Merseyside at all times) but only after 9.30am for journeys into Lancs.

I am wanting to make this journey using a Disabled pass from Formby to Newcastle and back. It will either be on a Friday or a Saturday. I will need to return as well but will do an overnight stay. Do the above times only apply until the end of October?

Also, I see there is an 888 bus leaving leave 16:30. Does this exist still has it knocks some time off the journey you see?

Thanks

https://bustimes.org.uk/services/NE_310_PB1932_888

 

[overthewater]

http://www.wrightscoaches.co.uk/routes.html

on its website it says the service only operate until the last sunday in September so your had it!

 

[gray1404]

So it looks like the above first plan is better then.I thought there was a direct Stagecoach Kewswick to Carlisle service too though.

 

[enrag2000]

So it looks like the above first plan is better then.I thought there was a direct Stagecoach Kewswick to Carlisle service too though.

There is a 554 service at 1735 direct from Keswick to Carlisle arrive 1845 which would catch the 1912 Arriva 685 to Newcastle arrive 2118. This would allow you, if travelling Monday to Friday to leave Formby one hour later and avoid the problem of the 0930 start for journeys into Lancashire.

It would also be a better connection at Keswick as the 1514 555/1520 X4 is not a connection which can be relied upon even out of season.

If you return on a Sunday, there is only one opportunity, leaving Newcastle at 0934 as follows:

0934 85 Newcastle-Hexham arr 1019
1040 685 Hexham-Carlisle arr 1154
1210 554 Carlisle-Keswick arr 1321
1326 555 Keswick-Lancaster arr 1512
1605 40 Lancaster-Preston arr 1714
1720 X2 Preston-Formby arr 1834.

Happy travelling!

 

[gray1404]

Is that the same return (FROM Newcastle to Formby) times Monday - Friday and also Saturday too? And is there only that one journey option, or is there a later open? Similarly are there any back up options if there is a missed connection as some of those on the return leg are rather tight?

Likewise, on the outward journey (FROM Formby to Newcastle) are there back up options if I miss a connection? If going Monday to Friday I would have to start after 9.30am if I went on a Saturday I would set out as early as I could.

I would be worried making the journey in either direction and getting stranded.

Thanks guys!

 

[enrag2000]

The return journey could be made on a weekday at 0745 (Sat) and 0830 (Mon to Sat) through to Carlisle (no change at Hexham) and the 1210 from Carlisle etc., the 0745 on Saturday should make the 1100 554 (only four minutes to change) and you could then go one hour earlier from Keswick. The weekday times are slightly different from Sundays but it can be done. The Stagecoach website will give you the timetables of all the services for this journey.

On the outward journey, the only imperative is to be in Keswick for the 1735 554, all other services have options one hour later or one hour earlier.

 

[gray1404]

Thanks. I'll have a look at the Stagecoach website. I'll need to ensure that any M-F travel is after 0930. For the outward leg I assume there is a 554 before 1735 From Keswick and not just a once daily service.

This is going to be a fun journey. I just trust the service is reliable! ??????

 

[Tetchytyke]

For the outward leg I assume there is a 554 before 1735 From Keswick and not just a once daily service.

There is...at 1330. The 554 is very infrequent these days.

https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s...Connection Service 554 Summer 2016 V1_WEB.pdf

The buses are not brilliantly reliable, IME you'd want a minimum 30 minute connection in Keswick. If the bus is on time you get a chance to stretch your legs and get some pop in Booths, if not you have a backup.

If you want to travel earlier, there's always the £10.80 North West Explorer.