Britain's Most Scenic Bus routes

[route101]

Took two scenic routes recently. The Arriva 16A from Newcastle to Wooler and the 466 from Wooler to Berwick which has great views of Chieviots.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Took two scenic routes recently. The Arriva 16A from Newcastle to Wooler and the 466 from Wooler to Berwick which has great views of Chieviots.

I did it from Morpeth to Wooler in April, and enjoyed it. There's some lovely views across the Northumberland National Park, thought it was numbered X16 though.

 

[Jimmi]

I did it from Morpeth to Wooler in April, and enjoyed it. There's some lovely views across the Northumberland National Park, thought it was numbered X16 though.

It is the X16, those journeys being an extension of that service which just runs between Newcastle & Morpeth the vast majority of the time alongside the X14/X15/X18 although the X16 additionally serves Stannington (village northbound, sliproad southbound).

Looking to have a go of the Saturday only 419 that runs in a loop via Belsay, Wallington and Scots Gap to/from Morpeth, it's possible to catch the first X75 from Newcastle to Wallington and change to the 419 to Morpeth there. Also on Saturdays, there's the 415 Morpeth to Alnwick via Swarland and 460 circular via Ellingham to/from Alnwick.

 

[YorkRailFan]

I have quite a soft spot for Stagecoach South West's Service 6, which runs from Okehampton to Bude via Holsworthy. It has some great scenery and is a really handy connection, such a shame to see it reduced in frequency a few years ago. Until the train line opened in Okehampton, it ran through to Exeter via the A30 and Crockernwell, but now it connects with the train at Okehampton Station. It always seems well used whenever I use it.

 

[Hamma52]

Currently on another beautifully scenic route that I don't think has been mentioned, that being the 42 service from Bangor/Menai Bridge to Llangefni, via Dwyran, Niwbwrch, Malltraeth and Aberffraw. Lovely to follow along the coast of Anglesey, offering sweeping views both towards Eryri on the mainland and over Anglesey itself towards Holyhead and Amlwch. Well worth it!

 

[stevieinselby]

Yes. But its 81 from Kirkby Lonsdale to Lancaster. Maybe some are 82's, not sure. Long standing route from Pennine/Ribble days. This from 1966. https://timetableworld.com/ttw-viewer.php?token=b5338875-66e4-4e09-80a5-a7d2f5ff423d

It may be a historic route, but it isn't a long-standing one, inasmuch as there was a long period where it didn't run as a through service. The current through service run by Lonsdale Buses only started in 2018 – before that, the only service between Kirkby Lonsdale and Lancaster was run by Stagecoach (the two ran in parallel until 2022, when Lonsdale Buses took over the full service). And up until 2014, you would need to change at Settle as well, because the Settle to Skipton service was run by Pennine.

Interesting... https://www.dalesbus.org/fares.html#ENCTS has

but it says in the previous paragraph

I'm guessing that the £5 day ticket is promoted because it is cheaper than 2 £3 fares...

Dalesbus have had a £10 day ticket, and a £5 concession rate, since long before the fares cap came in. Back in the day, the £10 fare was good value even for just a simple return if you were making a long journey, let alone if you were using several buses over the course of the day. These days with £3 single fares, a lot of passengers will do better to just buy those, depending on their day's itinerary.

I have done it a few times but not for a while. Most services now split at Gala.

Not on the current timetable.
The normal service pattern is:
1bph Edinburgh to Hawick, of which 1bp2h continues to Carlisle
1bph Galashiels to Hawick, combined with above to give a half-hourly service
Buses to/from Edinburgh have a 7–8 minute wait at Galashiels.

 

[anothertyke]

It may be a historic route, but it isn't a long-standing one, inasmuch as there was a long period where it didn't run as a through service. The current through service run by Lonsdale Buses only started in 2018 – before that, the only service between Kirkby Lonsdale and Lancaster was run by Stagecoach (the two ran in parallel until 2022, when Lonsdale Buses took over the full service). And up until 2014, you would need to change at Settle as well, because the Settle to Skipton service was run by Pennine.

My recollection is that from 2014-18 there was no service at all between Skipton and Kirkby Lonsdale because NYCC chose not to tender it after Pennine withdrew. Kudos to KLCH.

 

[Ken H]

My recollection is that from 2014-18 there was no service at all between Skipton and Kirkby Lonsdale because NYCC chose not to tender it after Pennine withdrew. Kudos to KLCH.

Wasnt there someone who ran a few buses west of Settle in the years you mention. Something red bus I half remember.

 

[GatwickDepress]

Wasnt there someone who ran a few buses west of Settle in the years you mention. Something red bus I half remember.

Little Red Bus? Think they became insolvent after somebody noticed financial irregularities. Must have been around 2012/2013ish?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Little Red Bus? Think they became insolvent after somebody noticed financial irregularities. Must have been around 2012/2013ish?

It was https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-23517862

 

[KrisEK]

All the Arran routes are fantastic, but if I had to pick one it'd be the 324 (Brodick-Blackwaterfoot via North Island) route.

I'm making a trip to take both the 805 (Inverness-Durness) and 803 (Durness-Thurso) routes this summer. The Highlands are again home to many scenic routes, but I think these two will be something quite special.

Just following up now that I've made the trip, The Durness Bus 803 and 805 are both fantastic. The 805 starts a little plain Inverness-Lairg, but north of Lairg you start getting into some really mountainous territory, running alongside long perfectly clear lochs. The 803 is even more stunning though, long stretches of clifftop running across almost entirely empty countryside, it was also misty when I was travelling which just gave it all an otherworldly air. It gradually flattens out towards Thurso, but still running through extremely remote and empty country.

The 803 only runs on Saturdays (with Tongue-Thurso part runs Tuesday and Thursday, though that's missing the most spectacular section), so could be tricky to get. I 805'd up to Durness, spent a couple of nights in the rustic but very comfortable youth hostel, then left on the 803 on Saturday morning.

 

[Ken H]

Little Red Bus? Think they became insolvent after somebody noticed financial irregularities. Must have been around 2012/2013ish?

I Did try and find timetables for them but drew a blank. I was living 100 miles away then

 

[stevieinselby]

My recollection is that from 2014-18 there was no service at all between Skipton and Kirkby Lonsdale because NYCC chose not to tender it after Pennine withdrew. Kudos to KLCH.

There was no direct service, but that was no change from before as Pennine had only run as far as Giggleswick.
There used to be the 580, run by Pennine and then by NYCC using their own minibuses, which ran between Skipton and Giggleswick – and the 581, run by Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire, which ran between Settle and Kirkby Lonsdale (and had at some times been extended beyond Settle to Horton-in-Ribblesdale).
When KLCH took over the 580 from NYCC in late 2014, they immediately started running through services across the 580 and 581, with buses running from Skipton to Kirkby Lonsdale.
Credit to KLCH/Lonsdale Buses, they have worked hard to build up the route over the last 10 years, and their very modern fleet of mostly Volvo B8 Evoras is a world apart from the ancient buses that Pennine used to run and the Solos that they had doing the short runs on the 581.

 

[Ken H]

There was no direct service, but that was no change from before as Pennine had only run as far as Giggleswick.
There used to be the 580, run by Pennine and then by NYCC using their own minibuses, which ran between Skipton and Giggleswick – and the 581, run by Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire, which ran between Settle and Kirkby Lonsdale (and had at some times been extended beyond Settle to Horton-in-Ribblesdale).
When KLCH took over the 580 from NYCC in late 2014, they immediately started running through services across the 580 and 581, with buses running from Skipton to Kirkby Lonsdale.
Credit to KLCH/Lonsdale Buses, they have worked hard to build up the route over the last 10 years, and their very modern fleet of mostly Volvo B8 Evoras is a world apart from the ancient buses that Pennine used to run and the Solos that they had doing the short runs on the 581.

I have started this thread so the Skipton - Lancaster service discussion doesnt hijack this thread. https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...ster-buses-historical-and-present-day.289206/

 

[56xx]

Can't find any mention of the T4 Traws Cymru between Merthyr Tydfil and Newtown. A lovely route through the Brecon Beacons and the mid Wales countryside.

 

[geoffk]

Can I suggest Plymouth Citybus service 70 from Plymouth to Cremyll, which has scenic coastal views on the Cornish side of the Tamar, which it crosses on board the Torpoint Ferry. I've only done the trip across the ferry but will go back for a longer run.

Have done the whole 70 route today (on an electric bus too) and can recommend the coastal views along the military road on the south-west side of the peninsula. After a visit to the Edgcumbe Arms, I returned to Plymouth on the Cremyll foot ferry, from where the 34 bus takes you into the city centre.

 

[Russel]

The EYMS 129 between Hornsea and Withernsea. It's a lovely little route running only 4-5 times per day, it's definitely a thriller winding between fields in a baby Enviro200 MMC at a good speed. I do recommend!

On that note, the East Yorkshire 130 between Hornsea and Bridlington is worth a ride, calling into a few villages slowly being wiped out by the waves, it's interesting to see the road just stop and the bus have to do a 3 point turn!

 

[weepingwillowb]

The 595 service between Hebden Bridge and Pecket Well village, and on to Crimsworth turning point. The ascent and descent of Birchcliffe Road and Wadsworth Lane, in Hebden Bridge, left me gobsmacked, and along the route are views of Mytholmroyd, Heptonstall, and the Stoodley Pike monument near Todmorden.

 

[anothertyke]

The 595 service between Hebden Bridge and Pecket Well village, and on to Crimsworth turning point. The ascent and descent of Birchcliffe Road and Wadsworth Lane, in Hebden Bridge, left me gobsmacked, and along the route are views of Mytholmroyd, Heptonstall, and the Stoodley Pike monument near Todmorden.

Yes and for those who are walkers, a hike from Crimsworth down to Lumb Falls where Ted Hughes was inspired to write his poem and then over to Oxenhope for the KWVR train makes a lovely day out.

 

[D6130]

The 595 service between Hebden Bridge and Pecket Well village, and on to Crimsworth turning point. The ascent and descent of Birchcliffe Road and Wadsworth Lane, in Hebden Bridge, left me gobsmacked, and along the route are views of Mytholmroyd, Heptonstall, and the Stoodley Pike monument near Todmorden.

Fully agree! That's my local bus route and I use it all the time when I'm in the UK. It's very useful for returning from town after shopping and/or a visit to the Fox & Goose. If the weather is fine, I usually walk down into town, but nearly always return up the hill on the 595 (or 594 after 19 00, when it returns directly to Hebden via the A6033 Keighley Road, with spectacular views down into the steep, wooded Hebden Water valley and Hardcastle Crags).

The only problem is that TLC are increasingly using the new Mercedes minibuses on this and other local routes....which is fine for the drivers as they have a more comfortable seat, are more manoeuvrable on tight corners and have better suspension than the Optare Silos. However they have fewer and narrower seats and less luggage and bike space.

 

[87007]

X43 Witchway worth a go and the 184 Oldham to Huddersfield over Stand edge Moor

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Have done the whole 70 route today (on an electric bus too) and can recommend the coastal views along the military road on the south-west side of the peninsula. After a visit to the Edgcumbe Arms, I returned to Plymouth on the Cremyll foot ferry, from where the 34 bus takes you into the city centre.

I took you up on that and you're absolutely right. In fact, some photos and trip report on https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/trips-by-bus-and-coach-your-reports.224583/page-35

I'd also add the 75 from Torpoint to Liskeard via Portwrinkle and Seaton - another one with bags of superb coastal scenery. Oh, and I did use the Cremyll Ferry too!!

 

[tram21]

OP Note: Hi all, I've now consolidated all of your fantastic contributions into a master list with help from AI, and this is in the first post of this thread.

Hope this helps with trip planning!

 

[anothertyke]

What a great list. Seems a bit patchy though. I can accept that some counties are just not very scenic, but is there really only one scenic bus route in the whole of Shropshire, Worcs, Hereford and Gloucester? Or are rural buses a thing of the past over there?

 

[tram21]

What a great list. Seems a bit patchy though. I can accept that some counties are just not very scenic, but is there really only one scenic bus route in the whole of Shropshire, Worcs, Hereford and Gloucester? Or are rural buses a thing of the past over there?

Unless I'm missing any, I don't think any were suggested unfortunately!

If anyone has any to suggest then I'm happy to add it to the list!

 

[peterblue]

What a great list. Seems a bit patchy though. I can accept that some counties are just not very scenic, but is there really only one scenic bus route in the whole of Shropshire, Worcs, Hereford and Gloucester? Or are rural buses a thing of the past over there?

Off the top of my head, these ones are worth doing:


Shropshire:
Ludlow to Minsterley via Bishops Castle has some great hills/villages (Mondays/Fridays only I believe)
Craven Arms - Knighton - Llandrindod or Ludlow - Knighton
Northern Shropshire is very flat.
Bridgnorth in general is a charming town and a highlight to visit with a funicular and the SVR.

Gloucestershire & Forest of Dean:
Chepstow to Monmouth via the River Wye (highlight in that region, but slightly over the border into Wales)
In fact most routes around the Forest of Dean are nice enough if you can piece together an itinerary.
Most routes around the Cotswolds are also good too (though slightly bordering into Oxfordshire/Wiltshire) -- I would say you can get the 801 towards Moreton/Chipping Norton and stop over in Bourton. That's a quaint place to visit.

Worcestershire/Herefordshire:
I sort of dimly remember Malvern to Ledbury going through some rolling hills and villages around the Malvern area.
Been a while since I was around there.
Worcester/Hereford does tend to be quite flat though.

 

[gazmark]

Must admit one I've forgot until now is the 56 between Lincoln, Horncastle and Skegness, the views of Lincolnshire wolds is a really good run, pleasantly surprised with the x17 between Matlock and Chesterfield

 

[daodao]

Off the top of my head, these ones are worth doing:

Shropshire:
Craven Arms - Knighton - Llandrindod or Ludlow - Knighton.

Ludlow to Knighton (738/740) is already in the list under Wales, although most of the route is in England. Craven Arms to Llandrindod (X48) is a relatively new bus route that was started to fill gaps in the infrequent rail service on the parallel Central Wales line.

 

[Llandudno]

Must admit one I've forgot until now is the 56 between Lincoln, Horncastle and Skegness, the views of Lincolnshire wolds is a really good run, pleasantly surprised with the x17 between Matlock and Chesterfield

The views from the front seat from the new electric double deckers on the X17 are fantastic between Matlock and Chesterfield, also interesting on the M1 section between Sheffield and Barnsley!

 

[Brum900]

Sorting out some photos from a couple of years back leads me to nominate West Coast Motors 418 Oban to Ellenabeich.

Past Lochs and babbling brooks, via the "bridge over the Atlantic" down to the little Easdale ferry.

As a bonus the beer garden at the Oyster Bar provides a magnificent view when waiting for the return bus.