Your guide to travelling around the country by bus

SCENICBRITAIN

by bus

Visiting the National Parksand AONBs by BusSome of our best scenery is to be found in Britain’s NationalParks and AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) andthe good news is that most are served by an excellentnetwork of bus services. Whilst some of these services areseasonal, others run all year round. You’ll find a separatesection on a number of these areas on pages 24 to 28.So, tick the relevant boxes on the FREEPOST form at theback of this booklet and start planning your car-free tripstraightaway.

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www.scenicbritainbybus.comEvery care has been taken in ensuring the accuracy of the details given in this publication. However the publishers andparticipating organisations cannot be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from errors or omissions.

Ref Area Page No1 ARGYLL & BUTE ............................................32

2 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET .................133 BORDERS.......................................................30

4 BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK............25

5 BRIGHTON & HOVE ..........................................76 CHESHIRE / STAFFORDSHIRE.......................35

7 CHILTERNS AONB ..........................................28

8 CLWYDIAN RANGE AONB ..............................28

9 CONWY ...........................................................1810 CORNWALL .......................................................811 CORNWALL AONB..........................................28

12 COTSWOLDS AONB .......................................25

13 COVENTRY .....................................................35

14 DALES BUS....................................................20

15 DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK........................24

16 DORSET ..........................................................1017 DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ..............................30

18 EAST DEVON AONB .......................................26

19 EDINBURGH ....................................................31

20 FIFE................................................................34

21 GWYNEDD & SNOWDONIA .............................1722 HAMPSHIRE......................................................823 HERTFORDSHIRE ..............................................9

Ref Area Page No24 ISLE OF ANGLESEY ........................................1625 KENT .................................................................626 LANCASHIRE .................................................22

27 LINCOLNSHIRE ..............................................23

28 MALVERN HILLS AONB .................................26

29 NIDDERDALE AONB.......................................24

30 NORTH EAST SCOTLAND...............................29

31 NORTH PENNINES AONB...............................27

32 NORTH SOMERSET.........................................1333 NORTH WALES ROVER TICKET ......................1934 NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK........26

35 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE...................................20

36 PEMBROKESHIRE...........................................1437 SHROPSHIRE HILLS AONB............................28

38 SOMERSET .....................................................1239 SOUTH DOWNS (NEW) NATIONAL PARK ......25

40 STIRLING .......................................................33

41 SWANSEA BAY, MUMBLES & GOWER ...........1542 WAYFARER TICKET (GMPTE) .........................21

43 WILTSHIRE.......................................................1144 WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD ..............................645 WYE VALLEY AONB .......................................27

46 YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK ...........25

Now in its 21st year of publication, Scenic Britain by Bus is an invaluable source of information andinspiration for getting off the beaten track by bus. It is published annually and distributed throughoutthe UK. It provides information in an easy to understand format about many of the bus services

within Britain, from Cornwall to Aberdeen; from Kent to Anglesey. This booklet is packed full of photographsand information about what there is to see and do in each area. There are also details of how to get furtherinformation, whilst the FREEPOST form at the back of the booklet makes getting that information an easyprocess.

Loch Einich, Cairngorms National Park(See North East Scotland - page 29) Photo: Chris J Petty

Please mentionScenic Britain by Buswhen contacting any of theorganisations that appear inthis booklet.

Editor takes a trip…Your editor gets out and about over the course of the year,see next page for an example of what's possible thenperhaps start planning your own trip!

For reasonsof clarity, locationnumbers areshown in thecentres of theirrespectiveareas

Scenic Britain by Bus is compiled and published by Transport Marketing and Simon Holt Marketing Serviceswith the support of participating councils and other organisations as depicted in this booklet.

© TM and SHMS. May 2009

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SCENICBRITAIN

by bus

travelineTraveline provides impartialpublic transport timetableinformation. You can phoneTraveline from anywhere inBritain on 0871 200 22 33 atNational call-rate charges.The service is generallyavailable between 8am and8pm every day (except 25, 26December and 1 January).www.traveline.info

Further informationTo make it easier to receive this information,there is a tear out form at the back of thisbooklet. Just circle the numbers of the areasyou wish to visit and we will forward yourenquiries to the organisations concerned.

Service 300 (See Somerset - page 12) Photo: Somerset County Council

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Front cover: Llanberis Pass,see Gwynedd on page 17 (Photo: TM)

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It could be a day out to somewhere nearby; a longer dayexcursion or a whole week away; like the one describedbelow. Whichever it is, you'll certainly enjoy the freedomof travelling by bus and with the help of the organisationsfeatured within and the Response Form at the back of thebooklet, you'll be able to obtain all the information youneed to help you plan your trip.North Wales has everything. Apart from its magnificentmountain landscapes, estuaries, rivers, lakes, woodland,beaches and bird reserves, there are also the man-madedelights of narrow gauge railways, walled towns, castles,old mines and industrial archeology, to name just a few.On this trip, though, I'm concentrating on seeing four

A WEEK IN NORTH WALESMy starting point is Wrexham - one of the most Welsh ofWelsh towns, even though it's only a stone's throw fromEngland. It has a good coach service from London,Birmingham (connections from all parts), the North Westand North East of England. It is also well served by train.Wrexham is definitely worth exploring with it's industrialhistory; nearby Erdigg House and the Ceiriog Valley.

EDITOR TAKES A TRIP...castles which are World Heritage Sites and someinteresting industrial archeology along with somerelatively easy walking in between.The bus network makes exploring North Wales an easyprocess. Indeed the network has held up well over theyears and some areas such as Snowdonia are actuallybetter served than ever. The route described would be ofinterest to low level walkers who do not wish to climb thehighest peaks or those who just wish to sightsee. The busnetwork also lends itself well to ramblers and climbers;especially in the areas around Snowdon or Cadair Idris, forinstance, where it offers a chance to climb the mountainsby one route and return by another.

On this trip, however, we'll head off on the X94 Barmouthbus passing the unique Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. In fact, thereare enough buses a day on this route to break your journeyat one or more of the intermediate towns of Llangollen,Corwen, Bala and Dolgellau and still arrive in Barmouth withtime to enjoy its mountain and seaside setting. Take anevening stroll, perhaps, across Barmouth Bridge to gaze onone of the finest estuaries in Britain.Next day, I'm heading north along the narrow coastal plainsandwiched between dune and mountain to Harlech with itsimposing castle - a World Heritage Site and then on toPorthmadog. I'll soon have a choice: Do I travel by bus toCaernarfon or use the 'new' narrow gauge Welsh HighlandRailway, due to be completed this year? Whichever way Igo, I'll be enjoying the grand scenery alongside thesouthern slopes of Snowdon.

Erdigg House Photo: TM

Arriving at Caernarfon, there's another magnificent castle,completely dominating the town. Caernarfon's a good placeto spend the night.Today, I'm heading for Anglesey via Bangor, an interestingUniversity town and excellent transport hub. I'm revisitingAmlwch on the north coast; something about the harbourfrom a trip some 40-odd years before had stuck in mymind...and sure enough it's an amazing place sunken as itis between rocks. Not too far away is Parys Mountain, anabandoned quarry which you can freely walk around andmarvel at the mineral deposits of every conceivable colour.

The Welsh Highland Railway near Rhyd Ddu Photo: TM

Parys Mountain Photo: TM

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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?For the above trip, I would buy the following tickets.Prices are given as a guide and can change at shortnotice. (Please check with Traveline j 0871 200 22 33for the latest information.)Day 1Wrexham-Barmouth with unlimited breaks

of journey. Arriva Day Saver £5.50Day 2 Barmouth-Porthmadog-Caernarfon.

Red Rover £4.95Day 3 Caernarfon-Anglesey-Bangor. Red Rover £4.95Day 4 Bangor-Bethesda-Betws-y-Coed. Red Rover £4.95Day 5 Betws-y-Coed-Conwy-Colwyn Bay-Rhyl.

Arriva Day Saver £5.50Day 6 Rhyl-Moel Famau-Loggerheads-Mold-Wrexham.

Clwydian Ranger Ticket £4.00Total for 6 days: £29.85Allow about £25-£30 per night per person for Bed &Breakfast

I've timed my arrival in Rhyl so that I can take a trip on aClwydian Ranger bus (runs Sundays and Bank HolidayMondays) along the beautiful Vale of Clwyd and up over theClwydian Range to Loggerheads Country Park. I'll be backto this Park later in the day but I stay on the bus for now toalight at Moel Famau Viewpoint. That's good - on the backof the timetable is a selection of walks. One of them willguide me up over Moel Famau and down through superbwoodland back to Loggerheads Country Park where there'stime for refreshments before catching the bus on toWrexham via Mold.Pat Neal, Scenic Britain by Bus

I could visit one of the many sandy beaches on thissurprisingly large island but today I seek out BeaumarisCastle to continue with my castle theme.Back to the mainland, I'll stay tonight in Bangor ready for anearly start as I've even more to pack in to the next day.Bright and early, I'm travelling just afew miles to Bethesda, an old slatemining town right on the edge ofSnowdonia National Park. Here isone of several Slate Valleys Pathsdotted about Gwynedd; described ina booklet obtainable from TouristInformation Centres. Rejoining thebus route, I continue up NantFrancon through absolutelymagnificent scenery (sit on the right of the bus in thisdirection) and on through mountain passes to the woodeddelights of Betws-y-Coed. If you like fast flowing rivers,waterfalls and precipitous tree covered slopes this is aplace for you. There are plenty of places to stay too butbook ahead at busy times.As with all the places we've visited, you'll want to linger butwe are heading north again now, this time to Conwy and thefourth of our World Heritage Castles. Don't miss the chancealso to walk round the town walls. Time precludes a visit toLlandudno and the Great Orme on this trip so I go directlyto the seaside town of Colwyn Bay; changing there for Rhyl.

Betws-y-Coed Photo: TM

Loggerheads Country Park Photo: TM

Moel Famau Country Park Photo: TM

Whitstable

From breathtaking countryside and historic towns tomodern shopping centres and bustling nightlife, Kent

has something for everyone. Whether you want to explorecastles and stately homes, visit traditional seaside resortsor just take in Kent’s stunning rurallandscape, travelling by bus is a great wayto get out and about for the day.

25 KENTThe Garden of England •

BUS TIMETABLE INFORMATION,JOURNEY PLANNING & FARES INFORMATIONTraveline j0871 200 22 33 (calls from landlinescost 10p per minute)www.traveline.infoStagecoach in East Kent j08456 00 22 99www.stagecoachbus.comArriva j0844 8004411www.arriva.co.ukKent County CouncilTransport Integration j01622 605095www.kent.gov.uk/publictransport

TOURISM ENQUIRIESKent Tourism Alliance j01271 336020www.kenttourism.co.uk

No other royal residence has played such an important partin the nation’s history and the influences of the monarchycan be seen throughout the area. Today Windsor is a stylishmix of ancient and modern offering, specialist andcontemporary retailing, excellent eating places and alltypes of accommodation. The area boasts more than 20visitor attractions including Windsor Castle, Eton Collegeand Legoland. A French Brothers boat trip, a visit to theSavill Garden, a City Sightseeing Bus Tour or a horse drawncarriage ride are essential ways to discover more of thearea’s hidden treasures. With over 1,000 years of history,heritage, arts and culture and unique royal connections thetowns of Windsor & Eton are a year round visitor destinationthat will leave you with the memories of a lifetime.

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead boastssome of the most famous visitor attractions in the United

Kingdom giving it the distinction of being one of Britain’s“must do” destinations.Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the worldand the oldest royal residence to have remained incontinuous use by the monarchs of Britain. The Castle’simposing towers and battlements loom large from everyapproach to the town, creating one of the world’s mostspectacular skylines.

44 WINDSOR and MAIDENHEAD •

TOURIST INFORMATIONVisitor Information Centre, Old Booking Hall,Windsor Royal Shopping, Thames Street, Windsor,Berkshire SL4 1PJj 01753 743900Email: windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.ukWeb:www.windsor.gov.ukWindsor Castle and Windsor Wheel Photo: Michael Kiely

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The seaside city of Brighton & Hove is a unique, vibrantsouth-coast destination with 7 miles of seafront, a

marina, a Regency palace, superb shopping, the uniqueVolks electric railway and a fine pier. It’s well-known for itselegant architecture, with grand seafront Regencycrescents, squares and promenades. The shopping issecond to none particularly in the old 17th centuryfishermen’s quarter with its brick paved passages aroundthe Lanes. The city nestles on the edge of the beautifulSussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which iseasily accessible by a choice of buses from Brighton.For example, you can ‘Breeze up to the Downs’at Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon or Stanmer Park anyweekend in summer - or Sundays and public holidays inwinter. The views from Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beaconare breathtaking. In high summer, you can breeze up toDevil's Dyke 7 days a week, on an open-topper! But manyother downland destinations lie on the frequent daily busroutes which radiate from the city centre. If you likewalking, you’ll find our ‘Take the Bus for a Walk’ leaflets aninspiration. Otherwise why not take the bus for asightseeing trip along the coast to Eastbourne or inland toLewes or Tunbridge Wells.You can buy a SuperSaver ticket on the bus, costing around£5 for one day’s unlimited travel on Brighton & Hove BusCompany’s services. Save even more by buying your Dailyor Weekly Saver in advance at any post office in and aroundthe city or from www.buses.co.uk. The Explorer ticketcovers a wider area and is issued and accepted by all buscompanies listed here (prices vary).

5 BRIGHTON & HOVERegency Splendour •

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONj 0906 711 2255 (calls cost 50p per minute:standard rate)website: www.visitbrighton.com

DETAILS OF TIMES AND FARESBrighton & Hove City Council j 01273 292480email: local.transport@brighton-hove.gov.ukPrincipal Operators:Brighton & Hove j 01273 886200website: www.buses.co.ukCompass Travel j01903 690025Countryliner j 0844 4771623Metrobus j 01293 449191Stagecoach j 0845 121 0170Traveline j 0871 200 22 33 (calls from landlinescost 10p per minute)website: www.traveline.info

Brighton’s historic seafront viewed from the Palace Pier Photo: TM

Regency Hove Photo: TM

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museums, stately homes, castles and beautiful gardens toexplore. The New Forest National Park, famous for itsponies and wide open heathland, will once again benefitfrom the running of the New Forest Tour. The bus routetakes in towns, villages, campsites and visitor attractionsthroughout the New Forest, enabling visitors to enjoy theforest to the full. The service will operate hourly, 7 days aweek from 20 June until 13 Sept 2009. To find out morevisit www.thenewforesttour.info The recentlyannounced South Downs National Park includes much ofEast Hampshire. This area of outstanding beauty includes arange of useful services to many other areas of interest.These are just some of the many places to visit and exploreusing Hampshire’s comprehensive network of bus routes.Travel information can be obtainedfrom libraries, information centres,bus and rail stations in Hampshire.

Hampshire is a beautiful place to visit with so much tooffer including glorious countryside, a superb coastline

and vibrant towns. There are many places to visit and thingsto do which will suit all ages and interests. Children will lovethe animals at Marwell Zoo and rides at Paultons Park, aswell as the many farms and adventure parks Hampshirehas to offer. If it’s culture you are after, then we have

22 HAMPSHIREDiscover its unspoilt charms •

TRAVEL GUIDES AND MAPSFor Travel Guides and Maps j 0845 603 5633website: www.hants.gov.uk/passengertransportemail: ptgenquiries@hants.gov.ukNew Forest ponies Photo: ImageExtra

Few parts of Europe have a more dramatic coastline thanCornwall, most of which can be walked along. The

popular Cornish section of the South West Coast Path,which is well served by buses from such points as Bude,Tintagel, Port Isaac, Padstow and Newquay, or from MountEdgcumbe, Looe and Falmouth to Land's End itself. Buteven if you are just sightseeing, or wanting to enjoyCornwall's marvellous beaches, this is the best way ofdiscovering the real Cornwall, free from traffic and parkingproblems. For scenic splendour, few routes can comparewith the open-top service which runs daily in the summerfrom Penzance to St Ives, then on to Land’s End via Zennorand St Just with its magnificent views of the cliffs and thecountryside. The return from Land’s End to Penzancecompletes a fine circular trip.

10 CORNWALLThe magic of Cornwall

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Near Land’s End Photo: Andy Hamer

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONCornwall Tourist Board: www.visitcornwall.comPenzance: Station Road, TR18 2NFj 01736 362207 www.visit-westcornwall.comFalmouth: 11 Market Strand, Prince of Wales Pier,TR11 3PN j 01326 312300 www.acornishriver.co.ukBodmin: Shire House, Mount Folly Square, PL31 2DQj 01208 76616 www.bodminlive.com

TIMETABLE INFORMATIONTo be sent a timetable contact:Passenger Transport Unit, Cornwall Council, Fal Building,County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY. www.cornwall.gov.ukemail: ptu@cornwall.gov.ukFor bus information:Traveline j 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline.info

Nearly 30% of Cornwall is a designated Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty (AONB). See page 28 for more details.

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Less than fifteen miles from the centre of London at itsclosest point, it is surprising to many just how rural

Hertfordshire is. Rolling chalk hills, sometimes opendownland, other times beech-clad, run right across thecounty. The Icknield Way, at 4,000 years old is Britain’soldest road and now a long-distance footpath, follows theline of these hills, offering many opportunities for a day’swalking. Along these hills you will find delightful locationssuch as the National Trust’s 4,000-acre Ashridge Estatewith its miles of woodland footpaths. Beneath the downsare interesting towns and villages such as Berkhamsted,Tring, Aldbury and Hemel Hempstead. On Summer Sundaysand Public Holidays these are linked by the ChilternsRambler 327 bus service.Further east in more gentle countryside, lies the city of StAlbans. The magnificent brick-built cathedral has thelongest nave in Europe whilst nearby are the Romanremains of Verulamium. A little to the south at ChiswellGreen are the Gardens of the Rose with over 30,000flowers. A few miles away, Hatfield and Knebworth bothhave outstanding country houses. In the east of the countyare historic Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, with a castle andgardens as its focal point, and Ware with its 18th Centurygazebos and fascinating grotto. In the south-east, the LeaValley is an important recreational area with opportunitiesfor boating and walking. Services 310 and 311 run parallelwith the Lea Valley Walk and will get you home againwithout retracing your steps.The daily Green Line 724 service provides cross-countylinks between Ware, Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield,St Albans and Watford with Harlow and Heathrow Airport.

23 HERTFORDSHIRE •

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONBishop’s Stortford: 2 The Causeway, CM22 2EJj 01279 655831Hertford: 10 Market Place, SG14 1DGj 01992 584322Hitchin: Library, Paynes Park, SG5 1EWj 01438 737333St Albans: Town Hall, Market Place, AL3 5DJj 01727 864511Stevenage: Central Library, Southgate, SG1 1HDj 01438 737333

Visiting Hertfordshire?

A day’s unlimited travelon the Intalink bus

network for groups of upto 4 people for just £12www.intalink.org.uk/explorer

SUGGESTED TRIPSHertfordshire’s Passenger Transport Network Mapdemonstrates a range of journey possibilities andinteresting days out. To obtain your free copy, fill outyour details and return the coupon at the back of thisbooklet.

A widespread network of services runs throughout thecounty, on the majority of which you can buy the IntalinkExplorer ticket which offers a day’s unlimited bus travel fora group of up to 4 people for only £12 (£3.50 and £7Explorer tickets are available for one person).Visit: www.intalink.org.uke-mail: feedback.ptu@hertscc.gov.ukor call j01992 556765 for more information.For passenger transport information in Hertfordshire andthroughout the UK, contact traveline on j0871 200 22 33between 0700 and 2200 daily (calls from BT landlines cost 10pper minute, mobile and other providers’ charges may vary).

Chilterns Rambler 327 service Photo: Andy Hamer

Some of the best views of the Dorset coast can be seenbetween Weymouth and Lyme Regis from the upper

deck of First service X53 which operates all year roundincluding Sundays. The service runs from Exeter to Pooleand travels through Bridport, Weymouth and Wareham onits route through Dorset. Other buses serve intermediatepoints along the coast from inland destinations. Why notexplore the beaches, search for fossils or just walk alongthe cliffs admiring the rock formations on this uniquestretch of coast?Although the coast is an important feature of the county,there are numerous attractions inland. Dorset has smallpicturesque villages hidden down narrow lanes as well aslarger market towns. Dorchester, Wimborne, Blandford andShaftesbury are all well worth visiting, each having its owndistinctive style and attractions. Take a bus to a smallervillage, explore for an hour or two, perhaps have a publunch and then catch the bus back on its return journey.Views from the buses take in the landscapes immortalisedby Thomas Hardy in his novels, fromthe heathlands of East Dorset andPurbeck to the sweeping hills inWest Dorset. Several long distancewalking routes cross the county andthere is a network of well markedfootpaths and bridleways givingopportunities for walkers to catch abus to their starting point and thenwalk back to their original location.Dorset County Council hasdeveloped a series of services thatrun in some of the rural areas in thecounty. They operate as door todorset services and some journeysneed to be booked in advance.For more information telephone0845 602 4547.

16 DORSETSpacious Downs and Spectacular Heritage Coast •

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONInitial enquiries to Dorset Tourism,Dorset County Council, address as above.j 01305 221001Fax: 01305 225190email: tourism@dorsetcc.gov.ukwebsite: www.dorsetforyou.com/tourism

SUGGESTED TRIPSWeymouth - Bridport - Lyme Regis - Dorchester -Weymouth (Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).

Wimborne - Blandford - Shaftesbury and return(Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).

Bridport - Yeovil - Dorchester - Bridport(Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).

door to dorset Photo: Dorset County Council

Timetable information, a county bus and rail map and twodetailed Heritage Coast maps are available from the council(details below) and Tourist Information Centres.Information is also available on the internet atwww.dorsetforyou.com/bustimes

TRAVEL INFORMATIONDorset Passenger Transport, Dorset County Council,County Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ.j 01305 225165or email: dorsetpassengertransport@dorsetcc.gov.uk(for printed timetables and maps)Traveline j 0871 200 22 33or www.travelinesw.com (for journey planning).

Weymouth Seafront Photo: Dorset County Council

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Except from the air, there can be no better way toappreciate the beauty of the rural landscape of

Wiltshire, than from the seat of a bus. There are afew large urban areas in Wiltshire and buses linkingthem to smaller towns and villages run through avariety of rolling countryside offering panoramicviews. The historic village of Lacock (the setting formany period films) is easily reached by bus onweekdays, as is Castle Combe - claimed by some tobe the prettiest village in England.For walkers and cyclists, the Kennet & Avon Canal iscrossed by numerous bus services as it winds itsway through the County and on some of the moreisolated stretches you can even ring for theConnect2Wiltshire demand responsive transportservice to come and pick you up when you get tired.Alternatively why not spend a leisurely dayexploring the bustling shopping centres of Swindonor Salisbury; discover the ancient past at Avebury orStonehenge; visit the elegant tea rooms of

43 WILTSHIRE •

TRAVEL INFORMATIONTraveline j 0871 200 22 33(07.00 - 22.00, 364 days of the year)www.traveline.infoemail: buses@wiltshire.gov.ukConnect2Wiltshire j 08456 525255 (booking number)operating around Devizes, Pewsey Vale, Calne, Aveburyand Mere.National Rail Enquiries j 08457 48 49 50.Information correct at time of going to press

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONHere are just a few TICs servicing Wiltshire:Chippenham: Yelde Hall, Market PlaceSN15 3HL j01249 665970email: tourism@chippenham.gov.ukKennet Tourism: Cromwell House, Market Place,Devizes SN10 1JG j 01380 734669email: all.tic’s@kennet.gov.ukSalisbury: Fish Row SP1 1EJj 01722 334956email: visitorinfo@salisbury.gov.ukSwindon: 37 Regent Street SN1 1JLj 01793 530328email: infocentre@swindon.gov.ukTrowbridge: St Stephen’s Place (adjoiningthe Park) BA14 8AH j 01225 710535email: tic@trowbridge.gov.uk

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

Cherhill White Horse Photo: Andy Luckhurst for Wiltshire Council

Marlborough or Bradford on Avon, or enjoy the superbcountryside views from Lacock Hill, Westbury White Horseor the Marlborough Downs.We suggest that you PLAN YOUR DAY...with the Wiltshire Public Transport Map and Guide,which shows all of the bus routes running throughout theCounty and lists their days of operation, frequency andwhich timetable leaflet to use to find further details.Copies of the map and timetable leaflets for all Wiltshire busservices are available from local libraries and TouristInformation Centres.KEEPING THE COST DOWNThe maximum cost of a day out by bus in Wiltshire is theprice of a Wiltshire Day Rover Ticket which is valid on allmain services throughout the County from the first bus inthe morning until the last bus at night. It is also valid fortravel into the Counties of Bath, Cirencester, Dorset,Hampshire and Oxford on certain buses.Current prices are: £6.50 adult. £4.50 child (under 16)and senior citizens. £13.00 for a family ticket (up to 2adults and 2 children). First Bus, Stagecoach and Wilts &Dorset bus operators also offer their own day out ticketswhich are valid on their services in Wiltshire and beyond.Availability and prices may change after this publication hasbeen printed.

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Known as the ‘County of Contrast’, Somerset has awonderful variety of countryside, heritage and coastline,

waiting for you to explore. The dramatic limestone MendipHills, which include the famous caves at Wookey andCheddar, and not forgetting Cheddar Gorge, contrast withthe open landscapes of the Somerset Levels and Moors.Local buses meet walking and cycling trails meanderingthrough beautiful country villages.Discover the timeless charm of Exmoor National Park, withits open moorland, where you may just spot the famousExmoor ponies and red deer and hidden cliffs and coves.Bring to life the mystical magic of King Arthur atGlastonbury Abbey, climb the famous Glastonbury Tor, and

HISTORIC

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONSomerset: Sedgemoor Services (M5 Southbound)j 01934 750833Taunton: The Library, Paul Street, Tauntonj 01823 336344Minehead: Warren Road, Mineheadj 01634 702624Wells: Town Hall, Wells j 01749 672552Glastonbury: The Tribunal, Glastonburyj 01458 832954Cheddar: The Gorge, Cheddarj 01934 744071Or visit the Somerset internet site for a wealth ofregularly updated information atwww.visitsomerset.co.uk

SomersetCounty of Contrasts38

SUGGESTED TRIPSGlastonbury (Abbey, Tor, Rural Life Museum) -Street (Clarks Shopping Village) - Glastonbury(Daily; allow 1 day).Taunton (shopping, Castle Museum) - Minehead(beach town, seafront) - Dunster (Medieval Vil-lage, Mill and Castle) (Daily; allow 1 day).Quantock Motor Services 400 Service, Mineheadover Exmoor, (Sat/Sun, Public Holidays from SpringBank Holiday to end of Sept 2009).Wells (Cathedral, Bishops Palace, Vicars Close) -Wookey Hole - Wells (Daily; allow 1 day).

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BUS TIMES AND FARE INFORMATIONSomerset County Council produces 4 district areabooklets detailing the timetables of all Public BusServices. They also produce a Somerset Rail Guide,which details all train services operating through thecounty, along with information about West SomersetRailway.Contact: Transporting Somerset, Somerset CountyCouncil, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DYj 0845 345 9155Email: transport@somerset.gov.uk

town, or Wells, Minehead, Yeovil, Frome or Bridgwater.Somerset boasts an extensive network of local buses,which operate 7 days a week, all year round (excludingChristmas and Boxing Day). So whether you are a localresident or a visitor, take time to explore Somerset by bus.Relax, enjoy the views and let someone else do the driving.

be rewarded withmagnificent scenicv i e w s o f t h eSomerset Levelsand Moors. Explorethe Gothic WellsCa thed ra l , andd i s cove r t hehistoric charms ofthis beautiful city -the smallest inEngland. There arefew better ways tovisit these historiclandmarks than bypublic transport, sowhy not combine atrip on the bus withsome shopping inTaunton, the county

Service 300 near Countisbury Photo: Somerset County Council

Glastonbury Tor Photo: Somerset CC

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Elegant, timeless, mystical and historic - the City ofBath is surrounded by steep wooded hillsides and

dissected by the Great Western Railway, River Avon andthe Kennet and Avon Canal. Visit the Roman Baths andPump Room, the Abbey, or the majestic Georgian RoyalCrescent.The attractions are not limited to the city. A short busride on the 94 or 768 will take you through the beautifulunspoilt valleys and villages to perfect walking territory.

North SomersetHappy holiday memories for all32

Great Bath & AbbeyPhoto: Bath Tourism Bureau

BUS TIMES AND FARE INFORMATIONThe Council and First Bus produce various maps,timetable booklets and leaflets covering the servicesavailable throughout the area.www.n-somerset.gov.uk www.firstgroup.com

BUS TIMES AND FARE INFORMATIONThe council produces a network map covering urban andrural services and produces timetable leaflets forsupported bus services. First produce a timetable bookletthat is sold through their outlets.Websites: www.bathnes.gov.ukwww.firstgroup.comTraveline j0871 200 22 33www.traveline.info

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONBath Tourist Information Centre:j 0906 711 2000 www.visitbath.co.ukAccommodation information and booking line:j0844 847 5256

SUGGESTED TRIPSBath - Radstock - Bath (allow 1/2 day)Bath - Westonbirt Arboretum - Bath (allow 1/2 day)Bath - Freshford - Westwood - Bath (allow 1 day)Bath - Wells - Bath (allow 1 day)

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONWeston-super-Mare Tourist Information Centre:j 01934 888800website: www.visitsomerset.co.ukemail: westontouristinfo@n-somerset.gov.uk

2 Bath & North East SomersetNatural Beauty and Georgian splendour

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SUGGESTED TRIPSWeston - Bristol - Weston (allow 1 day)Weston - Clevedon - Portishead - Weston(allow 1 day)Weston - Cheddar - Wells - Weston (allow 1 day)Weston - Bristol - Wells - Weston (allow 1 day)

A l t e r n a t i v e l y ,explore North EastSomerset's coalmining heritageby catching oneof the frequentbuses that runfrom Bath andvisiting RadstockMining Museum( o p e n e v e r yafternoon exceptMonday) .

Clevedon PierPhoto: North Somerset Council

The seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare, with itstraditional family atmosphere, has been welcoming

visitors for more than 200 years. It boasts two miles ofgolden sand, the Grand Pier (due to re-open in 2010), localmuseum, SeaQuarium and Helicopter Museum, as well asmany beautiful parks and a year round programme ofevents.Away fromWeston, and easily accessible by bus seven daysa week, lie the coastal resorts of Clevedon and Portishead.Clevedon has one of the finest restored Victorian piers in thecountry, while superb views of the Severn Estuary, includingthe Severn Bridge, can be seen from the Lake Grounds atPortishead. Located nearby are the Portishead Open Air Pool(seasonal) and the Port Marine development. Further afieldthere are good bus connections to and from the cities ofBristol, Bath and Wells.

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SOMERSET

36 PEMBROKESHIREand Britain's only truly coastal National Park •

TRAVEL INFORMATION & FARESFor all public transport enquires contact Traveline Cymruj0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.ukTimetables are available from Pembrokeshire CountyCouncil j01437 764551 or click on towww.pembrokeshire.gov.uk and follow the transport links.For dedicated coastal bus information and travel mapsvisit www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk or email:greenways@pembrokeshire.gov.ukIf you’re planning more than one journey a day why notpurchase a West Wales Rover ticket. These tickets arevalid for all day travel (one day only) at a cost of £6.60 foradults and £4.40 for children. A child accompanying anadult holding a Rover ticket can travel for £3.30.All Wales Bus Pass holders travel free on Pembrokeshire’sbuses simply show your pass to the driver.

SUGGESTED TRIPSWalking - hop on the Celtic Coaster from St Davids toSt Justinian’s and walk back along the coast to CaerfaiBay (3-4 hours walking).Sightseeing - catch the Puffin shuttle to Martin’s Havenand take boat trip to Skomer Island.Beach - The Coastal Cruiser will take you to BroadhavenSouth, Freshwater East, or Stackpole Quay for BarafundleBay.

VISITOR/TOURIST INFORMATION*St Davids National Park Visitor CentreThe Grove, St Davids SA62 6NW j01437 720392Newport National Park Visitor Centre 2 BankCottages, Long St, Newport SA42 0TN j01239 820912*Haverfordwest TIC 19 Old Bridge, Haverfordwest,SA61 2EZ j01437 763110*Fishguard Harbour TIC Ocean Lab, Goodwick,SA64 0DE j01348 872037*Fishguard TIC Town Hall, Market Square, Fishguard,SA65 9HA j01437 776636*Tenby TIC Unit 2, Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 2HLj01834 842402/04Milford Haven TIC 94 Charles Street, Milford Haven,SA73 2HL j01646 690866Pembrokeshire TIC Commons Road, Pembroke,SA71 4EA j01646 622388Saundersfoot TIC The Barbecue, The Harbour,Saundersfoot SA69 9HE j01834 813672* Open all year, remainder open between Easter andOctober.

Visit www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk transport pages for up todate timetable information. Alternatively, visit one ofPembrokeshire Tourist Information Centres or contactPembrokeshire Greenways for your coastal bus timetablebooklet. They have also produced a transport map to assistwith any travel planning. Copies are available at localTourist Information Centres, or place a request by emailinggreenways@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Pembrokeshire is a beautiful and unique county offeringsome of the finest coastline and landscape in Europe,

there’s no wonder it has long been a magnet for visitors.Home to Britain’s first truly coastal national park, it hassomething for everyone. Getting to the more popularcountryside areas by bus is a breeze. It has a very goodnetwork of buses, with services running to every majortown six days a week.Why not make the most ofPembrokeshire’s dedicated coastal‘Puffin’ bus services to help youaccess walks, beaches, boat trips,local villages and attractions. Thesebus services run on recycled vegetableoil and provide access to the entire lengthof the 186 mile (299km) Pembrokeshire Coast Path NationalTrail, from St Dogmaels to Amroth.

New coastal buses run on recycled vegetable oil

Ramsey Island viewed from the Coast Path at St Davids

Photos: Pembrokeshire County Council

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41 SWANSEA BAY, MUMBLES and GOWERExplore Gower, the UK’s first AONB

VISITOR INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONSwansea Tourist Information CentrePlymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QGj01792 468321u tourism@swansea.gov.ukvisitswanseabay.comPlease quote reference SBB09.

Swansea Bay is one of the UK’s premier coastaldestinations. Explore the vibrant Waterfront City of

Swansea, home to the National Waterfront Museum andthe LC leisure complex, the Victorian seaside resort ofMumbles, and the spectacular Gower Peninsula, the UK’sfirst Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Gower lies to the west of the city and is served by the‘Gower Explorer’ network of regular, daily bus services toRhossili (where you can enjoy the popular view of Worm’sHead), Port Eynon, Oxwich, Horton and Llangennith. Auseful link is also provided between North Gower(Llangennith / Llanmadoc) and South Gower (Horton/PortEynon) with connections at Scurlage and Cilibion to andfrom Swansea. On Sundays, enjoy a ‘round trip’ of Gower,giving you the opportunity to discover and enjoy its awardwinning beaches, picturesque villages and unspoiltcountryside.

Rhossili and Worm’s Head Photo: © City & County of Swansea

SUGGESTED TRIPS14/114 Daily Swansea – Pennard116/119 Daily Swansea – Llanrhidian

Network connections to Llangennith,Llanmadoc and South Gower

118 Daily Swansea – RhossiliNetwork connections to Oxwich, Horton,Port Eynon and North Gower

119 Sundays Swansea – Llangennith – RhossiliOn Sundays most journeys operating from Swansea asService 118 return as Service 119 and vice versa.

TRAVEL INFORMATIONGower Explorer timetables, maps, and ‘Walking by Bus’leaflets can be obtained from The Transport Team, Envi-ronment Department, City and County of Swansea.

j 01792 636466u transportation.engineering@swansea.gov.ukswansea.gov.uk/transport

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Port Eynon Photo: © John Davies

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24 ISLE OF ANGLESEYThe Island of Choice

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONHolyhead: Holyhead Port Terminal 1, Holyhead,LL65 1DQ j 01407 762622Fax 01407 761462Llanfairpwllgwyngyll: Station Site, Llanfairpwll,LL61 5UJ j 01248 713177

DETAILS OF TIMESFor timetable enquiries call 0871 200 22 33(between 0700 and 2100 daily) or visitwww.anglesey.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=1876Isle of Anglesey County Council publish acomprehensive bus timetable which includes anetwork map, which is available free from TouristInformation Centres or direct from:Highways and Transportation Service,Isle of Anglesey County Council,Council Offices, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TWj 01248 752456.For more information about the Coastal Path visitwww.angleseycoastalpath.com

Anglesey is an island that has everything. Safe cleanbeaches, spectacular scenery, excellent sports

facilities, including several stunning golf courses, afascinating history, and an atmosphere all of its own.With 125 miles of stunning coastline, most of which isclassed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it isno surprise that Anglesey has many excellent beacheswhich are a big draw for visitors throughout the year.The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path covers the 125 milesof the island’s coastline. The entire path can be walked,with many convenient bus stops located along thevarious sections of the path.Towns and villages on Anglesey hide many secrets,places such as Beaumaris with its imposing castle builtby Edward I. There are many other attractions such asPili Palas Butterfly Farm in Menai Bridge, Oriel Môn,Llangefni, and the village with the longest name‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwillllantysilio-gogogoch’.As the largest town on Anglesey, Holyhead is steeped inhistory and has a cultural heritage to envy. As well asthe many historic buildings in and around Holyhead, thetown now boasts the newly constructed Celtic GatewayBridge, linking the port of Holyhead to the town centre.Anglesey has an extensive network of bus services, themajority of which are operated by easy access low floorbuses. The island can be reached by National Expressservices to Bangor, Eurolines services to Holyhead, andby rail to Bangor, Holyhead and other local stations onthe island. There is also a direct air service from Cardiffto Anglesey Airport near Holyhead.

SUGGESTED TRIPSHolyhead – Llanfairpwll – Beaumaris – Holyhead(Daily; allow a full day)Bangor – Llanfairpwll – Llangefni(Daily; allow 1/2 a day)

Anglesey Coastal Path Photo: IACC

Beaumaris Castle Photo: TM

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Relax on the bus, and absorb the superb scenery, fromthe spectacular rugged peaks of the Snowdonia

Mountains to the beauty of the coastline of the LlynPeninsula, and the delightful coastal resorts of Tywyn,Aberdyfi, Barmouth, Harlech, Porthmadog, Criccieth andPwllheli.The area’s rich historical past provides many interestingvenues, such as Harlech, Criccieth or Caernarfon castles.You could also delve into the county’s industrial heritage bytaking a trip on the narrow gauge railways, or visit slatemuseums associated with the slate industry at Llanberisand Blaenau Ffestiniog.If visiting the National Park, leave your car behind. Sherpabuses enable you to relax and enjoy the scenery ofSnowdonia and the charm of its villages, before you takethe challenge of its mountains.Bus/rail tickets are available to maketravelling easierRed Rover Tickets are available for most bus services inGwynedd and Anglesey, and services into Llandudno,Aberystwyth and Wrexham. Priced at £4.95, child £2.45,they provide unlimited travel for one day and can bepresented at the Ffestiniog andWelsh Highland Railways fora £1 discount on all fares.Snowdon Sherpa Day Tickets, priced at £4, child £2, arealso available for unlimited travel in the area bounded byBethesda, Llanberis, Llanrwst, Porthmadog and Caernarfon.

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DETAILS OF TIMES AND TICKETING DEALSAll this can be achieved by means of Gwynedd’sextensive public transport network. Gwynedd Councilproduce a comprehensive information booklet of bus &train times, location maps and ticketing deals. A copycan be obtained by writing to: Public Transport Section,Environment Directorate, Gwynedd Council, CouncilOffices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH.j 01286 679535.For bus and train times phone Traveline on0871 200 22 33.You can also contact the Council, or download bus andtrain timetables from the council website at:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/bwsgwynedd

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONBala: Pensarn Road, Bala LL23 7SRj/Fax 01678 521021Bangor: Town Hall, Ffordd Deiniol, BangorLL57 7RE j/Fax 01248 352786Barmouth: Station Road, Barmouth LL42 1LUj/Fax 01341 280787Caernarfon: Oriel Pendeitch, Castle Street,Caernarfon LL55 1ES j/Fax 01286 672232Dolgellau: Eldon Square, DolgellauLL40 1PU j/Fax 01341 422888Llanberis: 41B High Street, LlanberisLL55 4EU j/Fax 01286 870765Porthmadog: High Street, PorthmadogLL49 9LD j/Fax 01766 512981Pwllheli: Min y Don, Sgwar yr Orsaf, PwllheliLL53 5HG j/Fax 01758 613000Tywyn*: High Street, Tywyn LL36 9ADj/Fax 01654 710070* Seasonal opening only (March – October)

SUGGESTED TRIPSContact one of the Tourist Information Centres forinformation on combining one of the followingroutes with a coastal or country walk...17/18 Pwllheli – Aberdaron/ Abersoch.8 Pwllheli – Nefyn – Tudweiliog.38 Barmouth – Harlech – Maentwrog28 Dolgellau - Tywyn - Aberdyfi - Machynlleth -Aberystwyth.

GWYNEDD & SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARKScenic Mountains and Coast

Beddgelert Photo: TM

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The County of Conwy in North Wales is a uniquedestination for any traveller, with its breathtaking

scenery, history and heritage.Whether you wish to visit the resorts of Llandudno, ColwynBay or Abergele on the coast, the medieval town of Conwywith its Castle, or walk in the hills and mountains ofSnowdonia, the County caters for everything you need.

9 CONWYBreathtaking Scenery and Heritage •

DETAILS OF TIMESTimetables can also be obtained free of charge bywriting to:The Public Transport Section,Conwy County Borough Council,The Heath, Penmaenmawr Road,Llanfairfechan, LL33 0PF(enclosing a 9" x 6" s.a.e. for reply).

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONBetws-y-Coed: Royal Oak Stables, Betws-y-Coed,LL24 0AH j 01690 710426Colwyn Bay: 40 Station Road, Colwyn Bay,LL29 8BU j 01492 530478Llandudno: 1 Chapel Street, Llandudno,LL30 2ST j 01492 876413Conwy: Castle Buildings, Conwy, LL32 8LDj 01492 592248

SUGGESTED TRIPS5/9/19 Llandudno – Conwy(Daily – allow 1/2 day)12 Llandudno – Colwyn Bay - Rhyl(Daily – allow 1 day)25 Llandudno - Eglwysbach (Bodnant Garden)(Daily – allow 1/2 day)S2 Betws y Coed - Capel Curig – Pen y Pass(Daily – allow 1/2 day)

The bus network offers an excellent regular service alongthe coast and down the Conwy Valley, with low floor busesoperating on many routes.Why not use the bus to connect with the Conwy ValleyRailway at Betws y Coed, Llanrwst, Llandudno Junction orLlandudno for a panoramic view of the area.Conwy produce bus timetables, twice annually, which areavailable on the buses and in many outlets throughout thecounty - including most libraries and tourist informationcentres.

Seventeenth century Llanrwst Bridge over the River Conwy Photo: TM

Ty Mawr (National Trust) Wybrnant Photo: TM

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33 NORTH WALES ROVERIntegrated Bus & Rail Tickets for North Wales

Taking a break atCastell Dinas BranPhoto (above):Denbighshire CC

Pen-y-Pas,Gwynedd

Photo (right): TM

The excellent value ticket fortravel by bus and train across

North Wales, which can bepurchased for 2, 3, or all zones.The region is split into 8 zoneswhich are mainly based on localauthority boundaries.

The 2 and 3 zone tickets can be bought fromstaffed railway stations, train conductors, andbus drivers (some bus companies can only issue2 zone tickets at present). The all zone ticketcan only be bought at stations or on trains.

SOME HINTS TO HELP YOU USE BUSES IN BRITAINSOME HINTS TO HELP YOU USE BUSES IN BRITAINIn general, you do not need to book your bus trip in advance, justturn up at the stop (in certain country areas where there are nostops, buses will stop in any safe place if you hold out your handwhilst facing the bus!).

Remember, there are lots of bargain fares. The best of theseallow you to travel throughout a whole county or region or on anoperator’s complete network. However, some of these ticketsneed to be purchased before you catch your first bus, often frombus stations, tourist information centres and post offices. Otherscan be bought on the first bus you board – please check eachsection to see what applies in that area.

Check times carefuly; local bus enquiry offices will usually helpyou to plan your trip.

Children under 5 usually travel free if not occupying a seat;children under 16 generally travel at reduced rates. There areoften bargain fares for families – please ask for details.

Almost all buses in Britain are one-person operated and youeither show your ticket or pay the driver when you get on. It willhelp you and other passengers if you have a good selection ofcoinage ready with which to pay your fare.

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14 DALES BUSEscape to the Yorkshire Dales with Dales Bus •

TRAVEL INFORMATIONTraveline j 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.ukor write to Dales & Bowland CIC, The Town Hall,Cheapside, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9EJ.

Dales Bus is an integrated network of Sunday and BankHoliday bus services to the Yorkshire Dales National

Park and Nidderdale AONB. Buses operate from WestYorkshire into Upper Wharfedale, Malhamdale andNidderdale and also meet train services at Ribblehead forIngleton, Hawes and Swaledale. Dalesbus Ramblers guidedwalks take place every weekend from the bus network,whilst bargain rover tickets cut the cost of travel. On routesbeginning with an “8” (800, 820 etc.) a new £5 studentticket is now available, and two children travel free withevery fare paying adult. For full details of service times,fares and walks log onto www.dalesbus.org

Dalesbus ramblers at Kettlewell, boarding the 874Photo: YDPTUG

Hardraw Force Photo: YDPTUG

DETAILS OF TIMES AND FARESFor details of times and fares within Northamptonshire,please telephone Traveline, for a free public transportmap guide contact:Bus & Rail Development Team, Transport and Highways,Northamptonshire County Council, Riverside House,Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NXwww.northamptonshire.gov.uk

35 NORTHAMPTONSHIREThe Rose of the Shires •

Oundle Photo: Northamptonshire CC

Right at the historic heart of rural England liesNorthamptonshire. Whether you are interested in

ambling around stately homes, beautiful churches,breathtaking scenery, shopping trips, cruising thewaterways of the Grand Union Canal or the excitement ofSilverstone, Northamptonshire has it all.An extensive network of hourly public transport busservices exists to enable you to get the best from theCounty's attractions. Travelling around by public transportwill afford any visitor the ability to relax and absorb the fullbeauty of Northamptonshire.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRESwww.explorenorthamptonshire.co.ukBrackley: j 01280 700111email: tic@southnorthants.gov.ukCorby: j 01536 407507 www.corby.gov.ukKettering: j01536 410266email: tic@kettering.gov.ukNorthampton: j 01604 838800www.northampton.gov.ukOundle: j 01832 274333email: oundletic@east-northamptonshire.gov.ukSilverstone Visitor & TIC: j 08704 588330Silverstone Circuit www.silverstone.co.uk

To find out more and see a detailed map showing whereWayfarer can be used, click www.gmpte.com/wayfarer

42 WAYFARER The day ticket that lets you travelfar and wide by Bus, Train & Tram… •

Explore Greater Manchester and parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshireand the Peak District.

RAMSBOTTOM

DARWEN RAWTENSTALL

LITTLEBOROUGH

ROCHDALEBURYBOLTON

WIGAN

WARRINGTON

ALTRINCHAM

MANCHESTER

WILMSLOW

GLOSSOP

HOLMFIRTH

CASTLETON

MACCLESFIELD BUXTON

BAKEWELL

MATLOCK

CRICH

ASHBOURNE

LEEK

Wayfarer is a day ticket that lets you explore GreaterManchester and parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire,

Lancashire, Staffordshire and the Peak District so it givesyou an enormous choice of places to visit.Whether you are planning a visit or live nearby, there’s nobetter way to discover all that the area has to offer. Fromthe rugged splendour of the Peak District and West Penninemoorland, to tranquil Cheshire countryside, the area offersgreat contrast and variety. There are fascinating towns andquiet villages to visit - each with local character and plentyof interesting things to do and see. When you travel by bus,train and tram you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoythe views along the way - and if you’ve got kids they’ll lovethe rides.Wayfarer is a scratch-card that you buy in advance andself-date on the day you choose to travel. You can use it onalmost all the buses, trains and Metrolink trams in theWayfarer area.Wayfarer tickets are valid by bus at any timeof day and by train and tram after 9.30am weekdays andanytime Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

WHERE TO BUY WAYFARER TICKETSStaffed rail stations in the Wayfarer area.GMPTE Travelshops, at bus stations in GreaterManchester.Tourist Information Centres in the Peak District.By post from: Wayfarer Ticket Sales, GMPTE,Wythenshawe Bus Station, Rowlandsway,Wythenshawe, M22 5RG. Please make chequespayable to ‘GMPTE’ and allow 14 days for delivery.WAYFARER PRICESAdult £9.20.Concession (age 5 to 15 inclusive or 60 and older)£4.60. No concessionary permit needed but proof ofage may be required.Group (up to 4 persons, where no more than 2 areover 15 years of age) £18.40.Prices may change. Please check before purchase.

SUGGESTED WAYFARER DAYS OUTBuxton - historic spa town with a crescent, parks andmuseums.Macclesfield - visit the silk museums and parks.Edale - the starting point for many Peak District walks.Bury - steam trains and a famous market.

MORE IDEAS FOR PLACES TO VISITGMPTE Places to Go guides are a great way to findout about ideas for days out. To order your guidesvisit www.gmpte.com/connectingpeopleor call at a GMPTE Travelshop, at bus stations inGreater Manchester.

Getting public transportinformationVisit www.gmpte.comCall at a GMPTE Travelshop, at busstations in Greater ManchesterPhone Traveline 0871 200 22 33

Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough Photo: GMPTE

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Lancashire has a great variety of attractions - historichouses and castles, the coastal resorts, spectacular

countryside and charming villages. Two Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty are located within the County,the high moorland of the Forest of Bowland and the idylliclimestone and woodland scenery around Arnside andSilverdale are both accessible by bus.Discovering Lancashire by bus is made easy due to theextensive network provided by bus operators andLancashire County Council; contact Traveline on 0871 20022 33 for full details.The Ribble Valley Day Ranger Bus TicketThe Ribble Valley Day Ranger bus ticket gives unlimitedtravel in the delightful Ribble Valley for just £5.00 for anadult, £2.50 for a child (5 to 15 inclusive) or £10.00 for agroup ticket (up to 2 adults + 3 children travelling together).Concessions are available.Prices correct at time of press.

26 LANCASHIREThe Red Rose County

DETAILS OF BARGAIN TICKETSInformation about all bus services in Lancashire can beobtained by writing to:Policy & Public Transport Section, PO Box 100,Lancashire County Council, County Hall, Preston PR1 0LDor ring Traveline on j 0871 200 22 33.

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONFor information on where you can visit by bus, pickup a leaflet from any County Information Centre.Details of where to stay in Lancashire are availablefrom the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Boardj 01257 226600,email info@visitlancashire.comwebsite: www.visitlancashire.com

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Downham Village Photo: Lancashire CC

SilverdalePhoto: Lancashire CC

BowlandPhoto: Lancashire CC

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Lincolnshire is a county full of contrasts, full of historyand heritage brought to life by friendly local characters

and rural English charm. Many people imagine that theLincolnshire countryside is flat and featureless; they arethen rather surprised when they discover the lovely rollingWolds, or the south west corner of Lincolnshire which isthat typically English mix of country houses, ancient woodsand pretty villages.Like many towns in Lincolnshire, Boston and Louth arenoted for their traditional markets selling fresh producebrought in from the surrounding area. Alford also has a craftmarket in the summer and Horncastle has the added bonusof a wealth of antique shops. Stamford is known as ‘thebest stone town in England’ and Lincoln glories in its lovelyCathedral and Roman heritage.

27 LINCOLNSHIREBritain’s Hidden Gem

AREA BUS GUIDESLincolnshire County Council produces a series ofpublic transport information leaflets and a set of11 area bus frequency guides.Free copies of these leaflets are available fromLibraries, Tourist Information Centres, Post Officesand Bus Operators or by contacting theAccessibility & Policy Unit, Lincolnshire CountyCouncil, City Hall, Lincoln LN1 1DNj 01522 782070.All publications are also available in pdf formatfrom: www.Lincolnshire.gov.uk/busrailtravel

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONBoston: j 01205 356656Gainsborough: j 01427 676666Grantham: j 01476 406166Horncastle: j 01507 601111Lincoln: j 01522 873213Louth: j 01507 601111Mablethorpe: j 01507 474939Skegness: j 01754 899887Sleaford: j 01529 414294Spalding: j 01775 725468Stamford: j 01780 755611Summer only - Easter to October inclusive:Woodhall Spa: j 01526 353775

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SUGGESTED TRIPSSkegness – Mablethorpe - Louth(Daily; allow a day)Caistor - Louth(Wednesday & Friday; allow ½ a day)Lincoln – Grantham(Monday – Saturday; allow a day)

InterConnect 1: Lincoln to GranthamInterConnect 3: Lincoln to GrimsbyInterConnect 5: Lincoln to BostonInterConnect 6: Lincoln to SkegnessInterConnect 7: Skegness to BostonInterConnect 9: Skegness to Louth and

MablethorpeInterConnect 51: Louth to GrimsbyInterConnect 100: Lincoln to Gainsborough

and ScunthorpeInterConnect 505: Spalding to Kings Lynn

In addition to suggested tripswhy not take a trip out onour other InterConnect busservices and enjoy thedelights of Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire hasan extensivenetwork of busroutes servingtraffic-free roadswhich maketravelling aroundthis county sucha pleasure.

Skegness Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

LouthPhoto: Lincolnshire

County Council

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BRITAIN’S NATIONAL PARKS & AREAS

29 NIDDERDALEAONB

Alandscape of contrasts, providing the perfect opportunityfor visitors who want to get away from it all. The vast,

open heather moorlands are perfect for adventurouswalkers - as well as naturalists who will spot a host of rarespecies. Or explore secluded river valleys and ancientwoodlands, where it feels that time has stood still for manycenturies. For more information and details of publictransport please visit www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk

Photo: Janina HolubeckiGouthwaite Reservoir Nidderdale AONB

The 1949 National Parks and Access to the CountrysideAct ushered in a new era of countryside recreation and

management. It laid the foundations for much of what wetoday take for granted when enjoying the best of Britain’slandscapes and the opportunities therein for leisurepursuits. The first National Park to be designated, in 1951,was The Peak District; since then a further 11 have beenadded, with another - The South Downs - confirmed in2009. Scotland has a further two, including Britain’s largest,The Cairngorms. Ulster, too, has its own Parks. Despite thename, National Parks aren’t “owned” by the nation but byprivate landowners, water companies, the National Trustand many others. Areas designated as National Parks aresubject to strict planning and management controls in orderto protect the beauty of the landscapes and to promoteoutdoor recreation.The same Act also created Areas of Outstanding NaturalBeauty (AONBs), of which there are 40 in England andWales; Scotland has its own designation and it too has 40National Scenic Areas. These areas are of equally beautifulcountryside to that of National Parks but don’t generallyhave the hype associated with the National Parks in termsof recreational promotion. They include much loved areassuch as The Cotswolds, The North Pennines and the WyeValley.

15 DARTMOORNATIONAL PARK

Bus at PostbridgePhoto: Dartmoor National Park Authority

Buy your Sunday Rover ticket and you can exploreDartmoor National Park by bus for just £6, and enjoy

breathtaking views of open moorland and granite tors fromthe Transmoor Link bus. Or hop on the new, circular HaytorHoppa bus on Saturdays for great walks, or a visit to thebeautiful village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. For moreinformation, contact the High Moorland Visitor Centre on01822 890414 or visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

Some of the areasincluded in thispublication…

46 YORKSHIRE DALESNATIONAL PARK

The Yorkshire Dalesare known for the

beauty of their lime-stone uplands.Swaledale, Wharfedale,Ribblesdale and theirtributaries combinewith wild moorlandand numerous naturalfeatures to provideunsurpassed views.Rail services operate tostations on the edge ofthe Dales, where youcan join local buses totravel to the heart of the area. Skipton, Settle, Grassington,Hawes, Leyburn and Richmond provide excellent basesfrom which to explore the Dales.www.traveldales.org.uk or j 01969 666210.

Burnsall, Wharfedale

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12 COTSWOLDSAONB

The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of 40 in England andWales and is visited by people from across the world.

Seen by many as the archetypal English landscape, theCotswolds is a gentle agricultural area, criss-crossed by anetwork of thousands of miles of drystone walls with rollinghills and valleys. The dramatic escarpment to the west formsan abrupt boundary to the area with the Cotswold WayNational Trail running along this edge for 102 miles fromnorth to south. Beautiful towns and villages built from thetraditional Cotswold limestone sit nestled in the landscapeand contribute to the distinct character of the area. A usefulset of public transport booklets is available. ‘Explore theCotswolds by Public Transport’ enables you to travel acrossthe AONB. Request a copy on 01451 862000 or visit thewebsite www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

The Cotswolds AONB Photo: Natural England/Nick Turner

39 SOUTH DOWNSthe new National Park

Discover the South Downs with our series of ‘BusWalks’. These downloadable leaflets feature 18

walks all starting and finishing at bus stops across theSouth Downs from Worthing to Beachy Head. Each walkfeatures a different range of footpaths and bridleways,together with highlighted areas of Open Access land.From Brighton, you can also jump on a ‘Breeze’ bus andbe whisked into the countryside. Find out more byvisiting www.southdownsonline.org and clicking‘Visit South Downs’.

A ‘Breeze’ open top bus at Devil’s Dyke

Beacons Bus will get you out and about in no time.Running on summer Sundays and Bank Holidays, this is

a network designed for visitors. Jump on anywhere in SouthWales and get out to places like Dan yr Ogof Caves, BreconMountain Railway, the Waterfalls area and Offa’s Dyke.Cycle carriage, walks booklet, guided tours and more.Welsh bus pass holders go free! Details: 01873 853254 orwww.travelbreconbeacons.info

4 BRECON BEACONSNATIONAL PARK

OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

26

28 MALVERN HILLSAONB

Jump on the Hills Hopper bus and explore the diversebeauty of the area, from the flat commons at

Castlemorton to the high slopes of the Malvern Hillsthemselves. The route includes Great Malvern and Ledburystations and visits key attractions such as Eastnor Castleand deer park and the The Malvern Showground. The routealso provides a great starting point for walkers and cyclists.It runs at weekends and on Bank Holidays from Easter tothe end of August. It will also carry bicycles andwheelchairs. For more information phone 01684 560616 orvisit www.malvernhillsaonb.org.uk

18 EAST DEVONAONB

East Devon AONB is home to the start of the Jurassic Coast,England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Travel through

time from the Triassic red cliffs of Exmouth to Cretaceouswhite chalk in the fishing village of Beer. Take the bus toeither end of the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve and trekback home. Visit www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk or call01404 46663 for our ‘Ride and Stride’ bus friendly information.

Jurassic Coast BusPhoto: Devon County Council

Join us on board for thebest views and let thebus driver worry aboutnarrow Devon lanes andwho is going to do thereversing!

34 NORTH YORK MOORSNATIONAL PARK

Moorsbus Network: The NorthYork Moors National Park

operates a network of busservices to and through the NorthYork Moors area. Servicesoperate every Sunday and BankHoliday from April to October,with a more frequent serviceduring the summer months. Allday tickets can be bought on thebus - no need to book.Phone 01845 597000 or log ontowww.moors.uk.net/moorsbusor email moorsbus@moors.uk.net

Ralph’s CrossPhoto: Mike Kipling

The Malverns from Midsummer Hill Photo: Neil Coates

BRITAIN’S NATIONAL PARKS & AREAS

All of these precious landscapes suffer from increasinglevels of traffic, which can detract from the very beauty

that led to their designation. Recognising this, a growingnumber of National Park Authorities and AONBmanagement teams support networks and routes ofrecreational bus services, offering visitors (and locals) thechance to access the countryside in an environmentallyfriendly fashion; many also publish leaflets and bookletsdetailing walks from bus routes. In this 60th anniversaryyear of the foundation of our National Parks and AONBs,why not try a trip on a Dalesbus, a Jurassic Coast Bus, aMalvern Hills Hopper or a local service bus and celebrateBritain’s greatest countryside in a sustainable fashion?

The River Wye at Penallt near Redbrook(Wye Valley AONB) Photo: Neil Coates

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31 NORTH PENNINESAONB

Welcome to the North Pennines - a stunning and variedlandscape of open moors, delightful dales, tumbling

rivers, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, distinctiveplants and so much more. As well as being an AONB, theNorth Pennines is also a UNESCO European and GlobalGeopark. For more information and a copy of theNorth Pennines Public Transport Guide, tel. 01388 528801 orvisit www.northpennines.org.uk

North Pennines AONB Photo: Natural England/Charlie Hedley

45 WYE VALLEYAONB

Eye stretching views, ancient ruins, towering cliffs andgentle river meadows hold a key to the lure of the Wye

Valley AONB. An exceptional area for walking, cycling orjust sightseeing, sites are accessible from the publictransport network. A free AONB publication ‘Walk thisWye’ lists twelve walks reached by bus. Call01600 710846, go to www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk oremail information@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

Bigsweir Bridge

Llyn Cregennen and the Cadair Idris range in Snowdonia National Park (See Gwynedd on page 17) Photo: Neil Coates

OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

28

7 CHILTERNSAONB

The rolling hills of the Chilterns AONB stretch from the RiverThames in south Oxfordshire through Buckinghamshire

and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire and are awonderful place to explore. There are lots of walking routesfrom the local market towns to stunning viewpoints, tranquilvalleys and magnificent beechwoods. For more informationvisit www.chilternsaonb.org or call Traveline on 0871 2002233 for details of bus services including the seasonalChilterns Rambler.

Hughenden ChurchPhoto: Chilterns AONB

37 SHROPSHIRE HILLSAONB

Scenic bus rides in the Shropshire Hills. Enjoy the 552/553Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle 7-day bus service through

the beautiful Hope Valley, or take the regular 435 Shrewsburyto Ludlow through the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Atweekends, from Easter to end September, these servicesconnect with the Shropshire Hills Shuttle buses allowing easyaccess into the hills for walking, sightseeing and so muchmore. See www.shropshirehills.info for all visitorinformation or contact Church Stretton Visitor Information on01694 723133.

Long Mynd and Stretton Hills Photo: Shropshire Hills AONB

11 CORNWALLAONB

Well over a quarter of Cornwall is designated as an Areaof Outstanding Natural Beauty. It consists of 12

separate geographical areas which include 10 stretches ofstunning Cornish coastline as well as the Camel Estuaryand Bodmin Moor. They are diverse and distinct in theircharacter but have all been chosen for their specialqualities. They represent Cornwall’s finest landscapes, theplaces people would most like to live and the main reasonwhy so many people come to visit. For further informationlog on to www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk

BRITAIN’S NATIONAL PARKS & AREASOF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

8 CLWYDIAN RANGEAONB

Situated in north east Wales, the Clwydian Range is a lineof heather clad hills of breathtaking beauty. Known also

for their ancient hillforts, they provide spectacular viewsfrom their rounded summits. Clwydian Ranger is the nameof a network of Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday services,running July to September inclusive, which link surroundingtowns with Loggerheads Country Park and other parts ofthe Clwydian Range. A further service links Prestatyn/Rhylwith Llyn Brenig, Bala and Barmouth. The timetable leafletincludes descriptions of walks in Moel Famau Country Park.www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk

Old Cornish tin mine by the coast Photo: Cornwall AONB

Heading to Bala and Barmouth Photo: TM

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30 NORTH-EAST SCOTLANDAberdeenshire and Moray

River SpeyPhoto: Aberdeenshire Council

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TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES -OPEN ALL YEARVisitScotland Aberdeen & Grampian main offices are:Aberdeen Visitor Information Centre:Contact Centre: j 01224 288828Shop: 23 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BPBallater Visitor Information Centre:Old Royal Station, Station Square, Ballater, AberdeenshireAB35 5QB j01339 755306Braemar Visitor Information Centre:The Mews, Mar Road, Braemar, AberdeenshireAB35 5YL j01339 741600Elgin Visitor Information Centre:Elgin Library, Elgin, IV30 1HS j01343 562608/562614Inverurie Visitor Information Centre:18 High Street, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 3XQj01467 625800VisitScotland National Accommodation Booking Linej 0845 22 55 121 www.visitscotland.com

DETAILS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICESAberdeen City Council Public Transport Unitj01224 523073 www.aberdeencity.gov.ukAberdeenshire Council Public Transport Unitj01224 664586 www.aberdeenshire.gov.ukThe Moray Council Public Transport Unitj01343 562569 www.moray.gov.ukTraveline Scotlandj0871 200 22 33 www.travelinescotland.com

The north east shoulder of Scotland is home toAberdeenshire and Moray, an area that stretches from

the Grampian Mountains in the west to the North Seacoastline, which features stunning golden beaches androcky cliffs. In between this is a dramatic landscape ofmountains, rolling hills, farmlands, heathered moors andsalmon-rich rivers.This area of Scotland is home to more castles per acre thananywhere else in the UK. There are over 85 castles to beseen, including the famous Balmoral Castle, holiday hometo the Royal Family, and the haunting Slains Castle, whichis believed to be the inspiration behind the castle in BramStoker’s ‘Count Dracula’. There is lots to discover for thosewho come to follow in the footsteps of royalty along theVictorian Heritage Trail.Aberdeenshire boasts the only sign-posted Castle Trail inthe UK. Moray is home to the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail,which takes visitors to eight of the most well knowndistilleries and a working cooperage. The North East CoastalTrail takes you around almost 200 miles of Britain’s mostbreathtaking maritime landscape - sandy beaches, craggycliffs, and picturesque harbours, which have provided saferefuge for generations of the area’s fishermen.Also found in the area is the Cairngorms National Park.Granted National Park status in 2003, it is the largest andyoungest national park in Britain. The park is home to16,000 people, and 25% of Britain’s threatened birds,animals and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers,lochs and glens. Four of Scotland’s five highest mountainsare located within the park. The Heather Hopper bus serviceis available to take visitors across the park. The serviceruns between Strathspey and Deeside from May toSeptember; the bus timetable can be accessed at theCairngorms National Park website.The north east shoulder of Scotland is not just aboutlandscapes and castles; it is also home to two of Scotland’sfive ski resorts, and has over 50 golf courses, featuring amixture of links, parkland, heathland and moorland for anystyle of golfer.

The Speyside Way, running from Buckie, along the coast tothe river mouth on the Moray Firth, is the home to the UK’slargest resident population of bottle-nosed dolphins; andcontinues to either Tomintoul or Aviemore, is one of onlyfour way-marked, long distance footpaths in Scotland.There are over 20 art galleries and museums spread outthrough the region, including Duff House, Archaeolink,Scotland’s only pre-history park at Oyne, the ScottishTartans Museum in Keith, Aden Country Park and FarmingHeritage Centre at Mintlaw, and the museum of ScottishLighthouses at Fraserburgh.

Strathisla DistilleryPhoto: Aberdeenshire Council

Stonehaven Harbour Photo: Aberdeenshire Council

17 DUMFRIES & GALLOWAYThe natural place to travel

Come to one of the loveliest corners of the British Islesnext time you feel like a break. A land that is unhurried

and uncrowded. A countryside of gentle hills and hiddenvillages. A place where the sea is never far away andhistory is everywhere. It’s Dumfries & Galloway.Dumfries, the final resting place of Robert Burns, Scotland’sgreatest poet, is an excellent place to start your explorationof the region, but the tourist may then travel by bus and visittowns and villages from Gretna Green to Stranraer and inbetween. For walkers, there is the Southern Upland Waylong distance footpath.

Buses reach the extremities of the region, from highEskdalemuir to Drummore on the Mull of Galloway,Scotland’s southern-most point. Extensive bus services tocoast and countryside radiate from Dumfries, Kirkcudbright,Lockerbie, Newton Stewart and Stranraer, whilst longerdistance services operate into the region from Ayr, Carlisle,Edinburgh and Glasgow. Wheelchairs and bicycles can nowbe accepted on certain bus services, including service 500,Dumfries to Stranraer - please phone for details on 08452709000

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BUS SERVICE INFORMATIONTimetable information is available fromwww.swestrans.org.ukSwestrans, Militia House, English Street,Dumfries DG1 2HRor Tourist Information Centres.

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONTourist Information Centre, Whitesands, Dumfriesj 01387 253862 Service 500 Dumfries to Stranraer

Photo: Dumfries & Galloway Council

3 BORDERSExplore the Scottish Borders

Exploring the Borders by bus can give you a unique andrelaxing viewpoint on this beautiful region. Stretching

from the rugged east coast through gently rollingcountryside to hills in the west, regular bus services link allthe major towns and villages.This is an area for exploring. There are historic abbeys andstately homes. Pick up a bargain in the many mill shops.Watch craftsmen at work, walk the hills, fish or ride.

Burnmouth Harbour Photo: TM

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BUS SERVICE INFORMATIONA Bus Map and Guide, together with timetableinformation is available fromScottish Borders Council,Council Headquarters, Passenger Transport,Newtown St. Boswells, Melrose TD6 0SA.Times are also available from visitor informationcentres throughout the area.

TOURIST INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATIONJedburgh: Murray's Green, Roxburghshire TD8 6BEj 01835 863170www.visitscottishborders.com

SUGGESTED TRIPSEdinburgh - Kelso - Melrose - Peebles -Edinburgh (Weekdays; allow 1 day)Jedburgh - Hawick - Selkirk - Jedburgh(Weekdays; allow 1 day)

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19 EDINBURGHScotland's Capital

Renowned Edinburgh author, Alexander McCall Smith,says of Edinburgh, “This is a city of shifting light, of

changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaksthe heart again and again.”Edinburgh is the UK's second most visited city after Londonand has something for everyone. You really do get it all inone visit - culture, history and a lively and cosmopolitandining and entertainment scene.Edinburgh Castle, perched atop steep, craggy, volcanic rock,is the first lasting sight for many visitors. And there’s morehistory, grandeur and beauty everywhere you look: HolyroodPalace and St. Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile in the OldTown, the Scott Monument in the Princes Street Gardens,and the stunning Georgian architecture of the New Town.Or perhaps you’d like something more modern? Try out theexciting Our Dynamic Earth exhibit, Edinburgh Zoo or theRoyal Yacht Britannia. Feeling a bit more cultured?Edinburgh is replete with museums and galleries, from therenowned Royal Museum of Scotland to the National Galleryof Scotland, the National Gallery of Modern Art or the morespecialised collections at the Museum of Childhood andWriters’ Museum - or even the Scotch Whisky HeritageCentre.Alternatively, experience the outdoors with a picnic inPrinces Street Gardens or St Andrew Square, or clamber upArthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for inspiring views. The relaxingRoyal Botanic Garden is close to the city centre too.

Edinburgh also has a long history of renowned writers, andwas named the world’s first-ever UNESCO City of Literaturein 2007. You can take a literary pub tour or just soak in theatmosphere of streets that inspired Robbie Burns, RobertLouis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. The city’s famousmodern-day authors include Alexander McCall Smith, JKRowling and Ian Rankin. You can even go on a tour of Rebus’favourite haunts!If you like shopping, you’ll lovethe mix of quaint and quirkyshops, high street favouritesand luxury outlets like HarveyNichols, Jenners and EmporioArmani. Make sure yousaunter around the greatshops in the New Town,Grassmarket and Old Town. Aswell, every Saturday, CastleTerrace offers up a bustlingfarmer’s market, while CastleStreet hosts a fine foods market on the last Thursday of eachmonth. You’ll also find fantastic bars and restaurants,including three restaurants with Michelin stars.Come in the summer or winter months and you’ll enjoyworld-famous festivals. Edinburgh boasts the world’s firstFringe Festival, part of the Edinburgh International Festival, ahuge event that attracts masses of people in August andearly September. Watch live acts ranging from stand-upcomedians to modern dance and classic theatre. And,Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Winter Festival are dazzlingtimes when you can skate below the Castle, enjoy thebeautiful Christmas lights, and experience the New Year inspectacular fashion.

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Princes Street Gardens, overlooked by Edinburgh Castle

BUS TIMES AND FARESFor information on all public transport in Edinburgh andthe Lothians, contact Traveline Scotland on0871 200 22 23, or at www.travelinescotland.comEdinburgh is served by an excellent bus network, withseveral bus routes operating every 10 minutes, and realtime information bustrackers at many stops.Lothian Buses is the principal city bus operator: they canbe contacted on 0131 555 6363, and a comprehensivemap of their network, with timetables, can be found atwww.lothianbuses.co.ukFirst also provides bus services into the city from thesurrounding area, and can be contacted on08708 72 72 71: or at www.firstgroup.com, bychoosing Scotland from the dropdown menu.

Inspiring shopping

For further information, contactEdinburgh and Lothians Tourist Boardon 0845 2255 121 or visit www.edinburgh.org

31

1 ARGYLL and BUTE

Argyll and Bute lies at the southern extremity of theHighlands and Islands of Scotland and exhibits a wide

variety of scenery. From the mountainous uplands in thenorth, the rolling farmland and pastures of Kintyre and Butein the south, the islands and lochs of its western Atlanticseaboard, to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and theClyde Estuary.

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DETAILS OF TIMES AND BARGAIN TICKETSA Day Tripper ticket gives freedom to explore theeastern part of Argyll and Bute, covering Helensburgh,Garelochhead, Loch Lomond and Lochgoilhead. It is validon most bus and rail services. It costs £9.40 (one adultand up to two children) or £16.75 (two adults and up to4 children). This ticket is administered by StrathclydePartnership for Transport from whom explanatory leafletsmay be obtained. Write to The Marketing Department,Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Consort House,12 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1HN.

TOURIST INFORMATIONThe following Tourist Information Centres are open all year:Bowmore (Isle of Islay): j 01496 810254Campbeltown: j 01586 552056Craignure (Isle of Mull): j 01680 812377Dunoon: j 01369 703785Inveraray: j 01499 302063Oban: j 01631 563122Rothesay: j 01700 502151

SUGGESTED TRIPS (by ferry and bus)Iona – full day trip from ObanMull (Seasonal) - Narrow Gauge Steam railway, TorosayCastle and Gardens, Duart Castle - day trip from ObanSUGGESTED TRIPS (by bus)Dunoon - Inveraray - visit Inveraray Castle, Bell Towerand JailBenmore Garden, Dunoon - inclusive fares availablefrom Glasgow area during summer seasonIslay and Jura (Seasonal) - Distillery visits

TIMETABLE ENQUIRIESAll times available from Travelinej 0871 200 22 33.Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station for bus stationinformation other than times j 0141 333 3708.Argyll and Bute Council Public Transport Helpline0900 to 1700 Mondays to Fridays j 01546 604360 oremail public.transport@argyll-bute.gov.ukCouncil website with links to timetables:www.argyll-bute.gov.ukOPERATORS (MAIN BUS SERVICES)Anderson Coaches j 01546 870330Bowmans Coaches j 01860 812313Islay Bus Services j 01496 840273Scottish Citylink Coaches j 08705 505050West Coast Motors (all offices) j 01586 552319OPERATORS (FERRY SERVICES)Argyll and Bute Council j 01546 604360Caledonian Macbrayne j 01475 650100

Rothesay are reached by ferries with connecting bus andrail services. A network of local bus services radiates fromboth towns. Regular scheduled coach services link Glasgowwith Argyll’s other principal towns: Campbeltown, Inveraray,Lochgilphead and in the case of Oban also by rail. Onwardconnections are available by ferry to the islands of Coll,Colonsay, Gigha, Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull and Tiree.

There are busse r v i ces t onearly all townsand v i l l a geswithin the area.Helensburgh iseasily accessibleby rail or busfrom Glasgow.Dunoon and

Calgary Beach and bus terminus, west coast of Mull Photo: Douglas Blades

New seasonal fast ferry for Juraat Tayvallich Photo: Douglas Blades

32

Stirling is the heritage capital of Scotland. To describeStirling as a great place to live, work or visit hardly

scratches the surface. As the heritage capital of Scotland,the city contains a blend of the traditional and the new andhas undergone changes of both political and geographicnature over the years.

Stirling’s most identifiable and permanent historical symbolis the Castle perched on its rocky crag surveying asurrounding district that boasts some of Scotland’s mostbeautiful countryside and is completely accessible by bus.Stirling Castle is by far the grandest of all of Scotland’scastles and one of the most popular visitor attractions in thecountry. Located 250 feet above the plateau on an extinctvolcano, Stirling became the strategic military key to thekingdom during the 13th and 14th century Wars ofIndependence and was the favourite royal residence ofmany of the Stuart Monarchs.Stirling contains numerous other tourist attractions…Wallace Monument - Scotland’s commemoration of itsgreat hero popularised in the Hollywood film epicBraveheart; The National Wallace Monument is open allyear round and is packed with fascinating exhibits anddisplays.Completed in 1869 after eight years construction, the 220feet high Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey

40 STIRLINGThe Heritage Capital of Scotland

DETAILS OF TIMES AND FARESFirst j 08708 72 72 71Postbus j 08457 740 740PTI Traveline j 0871 200 22 33Scottish Citylink j 08705 50 50 50Stirling Bus Station j 01786 446474Stirling Council Park & Ride j 0845 277 7000or contact Stirling Council’s Public TransportCo-ordination by emailing tcc@stirling.gov.ukfor bus timetable information

TOURIST INFORMATIONAberfoyle j 01877 382352Callander j 01877 330342Killin j 01567 820254Tyndrum j 01838 400246Stirling (Dumbarton Road) j 01786 475019Stirling (Moto Services) j 01786 814111Stirling (Wallace Monument) j 01786 448531

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Stirling Castle Photo: Stirling Council

Map of Stirling Council area

Another legendary Scottishvictory, the Battle ofBannockburn in 1314 iscelebrated at the BannockburnHeritage Centre, two milessouth of Stirling. Here thereis an audio-visual presentationof the battle, complementedby a ‘Kingdom of the Scots’exhibition and a striking statueof King Robert the Bruce.

Craig two miles north ofthe city of Stirling itself. Itwas from this prominenthil ltop in 1297 thatWilliam Wallace watchedthe English armyapproach across StirlingBridge before leading theScots into the battle of thesame name; and victory.A fitting, and striking,location for the nationalmonument to a nationalhero.

Wallace MonumentPhoto: Stirling Council

Robert the BrucePhoto: Stirling Council

The Stirling Council area stretches from the historic RoyalBurgh of Stirling, with its wealth of historic buildings to theshores of Loch Lomond, the highlands of Breadalbane andthe Trossachs with its scenic lochs, mountains and forests.In all, Stirling area covers a little over 2,000 squarekilometres.

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The ancient Kingdom of Fife, lying between the estuariesof the Forth and the Tay, is easily accessible by bus from

Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Dundee or Glasgow andoffers its own comprehensive network of bus services.There are many reminders of the times when Fife was thehome of Scotland's Kings and Queens. In Dunfermline, oncethe country's capital, there is the Royal Palace and also theAbbey, where Robert the Bruce is buried. At Falkland, thePalace was once the hunting lodge of the Stuart Kings.Around the coast are attractive villages, all accessible bybus. Culross, near Kincardine, has remained virtuallyunchanged since the 17th century. Deep Sea World, locatedin North Queensferry is Britain's first world class Aquarium.Situated in the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge, it promisesa spectacular day out for visitors. In Dysart, the houses havebeen carefully restored by the National Trust for Scotland,while in the fishing villages of the East Neuk, the houses,with their pantiled roofs and crow-stepped gables, crowdaround the harbours creating a unique atmosphere. TheScottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther is a specialattraction for visitors.With its castle, cathedral and ancient university, St Andrewsis one of the most interesting historic towns in Europe andis directly accessible by bus from Dundee, Glasgow andEdinburgh. It is also, of course, the home of golf. Otherattractions in the town include the British Golf Museum andthe Aquarium. Inland, the Fife Folk Museum at Ceres andthe Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar, are well worth a visit.

Away from the towns and villages, the splendour of thecountryside is only a short bus trip away. The Lomond Hillsprovide many miles of open countryside for walking oralternatively, walk a few miles of the scenic Fife CoastalPath between the Forth and Tay Bridges. The country parkat Lochore Meadows near Lochgelly and Craigtoun Parknear St Andrews have many different activities on offer butare also ideal simply for a relaxing day out. This is just asample of the places to see and things to do in Fife withmuch more to discover when you visit the Kingdom. Visitthe 'Bus Information' page on www.fifedirect.org.uk orsee the 'Useful Websites' section above.

20 FIFEThe Kingdom of Fife •

USEFUL WEBSITESwww.travelinescotland.comwww.fifedirect.org.uk/businformationwww.airdirect747.comwww.go-flexi.orgwww.ferrytoll.orgwww.visitfife.comwww.fifecoastalpath.com

TOURIST INFORMATIONAnstruther (summer only) j 01333 311073Crail (summer only) j 01333 450869Dunfermline (all year) j 01383 720999Kirkcaldy (all year) j 01592 267775St Andrews (all year) j 01334 472021

Forth BridgePhoto: Fife Council

Go-Flexi BusPhoto: Fife Council

Airport Bus - Airdirect747Photo: Fife Council

34

EXETER

TORQUAY

Starcross

Dawlish

Teignmouth

NewtonAbbot

Babbacombe

PaigntonPaignton

ZooPLYMOUTH

Totnes

DartmouthSalcombe

Brixham

Kingswear

Not to Scale

To Dartmoor

To Dartmoor

Published by:Transport Marketing, PO Box 4380, Coventry CV1 9BZEmail: tmtours@aol.com Editor: Pat Neal

Please note that Transport Marketing is not a Tour Operator; readers undertake anytrips at their own risk and are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance.Though every care has been taken in providing this information, you are stronglyadvised to check times and fares before travelling.

Being a retirement area,Torbay (Torquay, Paigntonand Brixham) is very wellserved by bus and makes anideal holiday destination. TLHLeisure Resort in Torquay provides an excellent valuebase from which to exploreTorbay, the Devon Coast andsouthern Dartmoor. Return inthe evenings to enjoy theincluded entertainment.

On Mondays to Saturdays,there’s a through train toTorquay from BirminghamNew Street at 0942; arrivingTorquay at 1307. Otherwiseyou need to change at

Newton Abbot, though that’seasy enough. Best adult trainfare available from Coventryat the moment is £52 (£34.30with Senior Railcard) by booking APEX tickets inadvance. The further inadvance you book, the morelikely you are to get this ticket,otherwise it’s likely to be£73.70 (£48.65 with Railcard)for a Saver Return which isavailable right up to the day of travel.There is a direct coach fromCoventry to Torquay daily at0900; arriving 1645 with achance to stretch your legs at

Bristol. Return is at 1150 fromTorquay arriving Coventry at1940. Otherwise travel is viaBirmingham. Best fare for theOver 60s (no Card required)is £22.25 return or £38.50 iftravelling out or back on aFriday, Summer Saturday(and certain other Peak days).Tickets available at PoolMeadow or online atwww.nationalexpress.com

TLH Leisure Resort isabout 5 minutes walk from theRailway Station or about 15minutes walk from theBus/Coach Station. Localbuses for travelling aroundare about 5 minutes away.

There is plenty to see inTorquay itself, of course, but ifyou decide to roam with yourBus Pass, there’s a very frequent daily service linkingNewton Abbot, Torquay,Paignton and Brixham. Busesalso run regularly to Totnes,Babbacombe, Dartmouth,

Teignmouth, Salcombe, Exeterand Plymouth whilst onSummer Sundays and BankHolidays you can exploreDartmoor on the DartmoorSunday Bus network and visit places such Haytor,Widdecombe in the Moor andmany more.

Further information:Buses services in and aroundTorbay www.torbay.gov.uk/index/transportandstreets/publictransport.htm or ring01803 207687 (0900-1700 Mondays to Fridays). A largeprint version is also available.Dartmoor Sunday Roverwww.devon.gov.uk/devonbus or ring 01392 382800(0830-1700 Mondays toFridays) (Seasonal servicesusually start in May).

For a superb guide to Torbay itself, log on towww.englishriviera.co.ukor ring 01803 211211.

Take a break on The English Riviera

Page 4 The Coventry Traveller Issue 2

The Coventry TravellerThe Coventry Traveller

The National Travel Pass for those over 60 now enables youto travel by bus beyond the West Midlands boundary. Whilst in theory, you could use your Pass to reach almostany part of England, it makes more sense to travel to moredistant parts by train or coach and then use your pass toget around whilst in that area.

Main bus routes from Torquay

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Situated close to the heart of England, Coventryis an ideal base for a holiday with its old and

new cathedrals, transport heritage and recentlyrefurbished Herbert Museum and Art Gallery.Coventry is also the centre of an excellentnetwork of bus routes to places in Warwickshire,Leicestershire, the West Midlands and beyond.Kenilworth Castle with its recently opened andmuch acclaimed knot garden, the Space Centreat Leicester, Twycross Zoo, Stratford upon Avonare just a few of the many places easily reachedby bus.Transport Marketing publish a regular newsletterwith ideas on where to go from Coventry whichincludes nearby places such as those above andmany further afield as well.Email tmtours@aol.com to receive thenewsletter as a ‘pdf’ free of charge or send abook of 12 x 2nd class stamps to The CoventryTraveller, Transport Marketing, PO Box 4380,Coventry, CV1 9BZ to receive the next six issuesof the printed version.

13 COVENTRYThe Coventry Traveller •

To the north lies Biddulph, home to the magnificentBiddulph Grange Gardens; Mow Cop visible for miles and anoutstanding viewpoint; and the pleasant Georgian town ofCongleton; Macclesfield, a town built on the silk trade has agreat deal of historical interest, good shops, cafes and pubs.From here, another bakerbus service runs via charmingBollington to Stockport (ideal for shopping) or take anotherservice to Knutsford, gateway to Tatton Park with miles ofopen deer park, hall and formal gardens.

Radiating out from Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield andfor much of the time hugging the Pennine foothills, is a

network of services operated by bakerbus that allow you toexplore some delightful parts of north Staffordshire andeast Cheshire. To the south, places served include Stafford,Stone and the lovely Trentham Gardens incorporating theexciting Monkey Forest.

6 CHESHIRE & STAFFORDSHIREIn the Pennine Foothills with bakerbus •

TOURIST INFORMATIONwww.visitstoke.co.uk www.enjoystaffordshire.comwww.staffsmoorlands.gov.ukwww.visitcheshire.com www.visit-stockport.com

TRAVEL INFORMATION & FARESbakerbus www.bakerbus.com j01782 522101The bakerbus ALL DAY TICKET (available from the driverof any bakerbus service) gives unlimited travel on theirservices in Staffordshire and Cheshire on the day ofissue. Adults £3.50, Children £2.00, Family £7.00(maximum of two adults and up to three children, alltravelling together).

Biddulph Grange Gardens (National Trust) Photo: TM

The Coventry Traveller Issue 2 Page 3

Using the 777 and X5 to get toCambridge and Oxford

In the meantime, here aredetails of some very economical ways of getting toCambridge and Oxford usingthe bus for onwards travelfrom Milton Keynes.

For those over 60 (noDiscount Card required), it’sjust £5.95 for a Day Return(£9.40 on Fridays, SummerSaturdays and certain otherpeak days). For a longer stayof up to a month, the faresare £8.60 or £13.30 respectively.

Buy your return ticket toMilton Keynes Coachway inadvance from NationalExpress at Pool Meadow oron-line at www.nationalexpress.com

CambridgeThe two direct coaches fromCoventry to Cambridge at1335 and 1550 may be fine ifyou are planning to stayovernight.

However, they don’t provide the opportunity to goto Cambridge for a day. Using

National Express service 777does provide that facility andat substantially less costbecause you can use yourPass on the connecting service X5 for free travel.

Here are some sampletimes (daily):

Route 777 from Coventry to Stansted Airport opens upall sorts of travel opportunities at very reasonable cost.We’ll delve into further possibilities in a future issue.

These two University Cities hardly need any introduction. Apart from thebeautiful university buildings,there are lovely riversidewalks, boat trips, museums,botanical gardens and of

course extensive shoppingareas.

Contact either of thetourist information centresbelow for further information:Cambridge: 0871 226 8006Oxford: 01865 252200

OxfordThe direct coaches to Oxfordat 1235 and 1515 arrive afterthose in the reverse directionso are not suitable for a day trip.

Interestingly, NationalExpress do quote some journeys using the 777 route

but if you book through toOxford rather than MiltonKeynes, you would becharged for the whole journeyeven though you can travelfree on service X5.

Here are some sampletimes (daily):

Getting there…Coventry 777 depart 0830 1015 1145Milton Keynes Coachway arrive 0930 1115 1245Milton Keynes Coachway X5 depart 1000 1130 1300Cambridge arrive 1155 1325 1455

Getting back…Cambridge X5 depart 1510 1640 1810Milton Keynes Coachway arrive 1655 1825 1955Milton Keynes Coachway 777 depart 1705 1835 2005Coventry arrive 1820 1935 2100

Café, waiting room and further information - see below

Getting there…Coventry 777 depart 0830 1015 1145Milton Keynes Coachway arrive 0930 1115 1245Milton Keynes Coachway X5 depart 0955 1125 1255Oxford arrive 1125 1255 1425

Getting back…Oxford X5 depart 1505 1635 1805Milton Keynes Coachway arrive 1630 1800 1930Milton Keynes Coachway 777 depart 1705 1835 2005Coventry arrive 1805 1935 2100

There’s a café and waiting room at Milton Keynes Coachway. The X5 generally runsevery 30 minutes. See the Traveline Web Site for full details or ring 01604 676060 for further information or to ask for a timetable.

What to see in Cambridge and Oxford

Oxford Cathedral Tower, Christchurch College

Colourful Cambridge

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New Coaches for Stagecoach East’sCambridge — Oxford X5 service.

The City andbeyond...

Readers’Letters

There are many reasonswhy it makes sense to usethe bus or train to go walk-ing. Here are just a few:• You are not limited to

circular routes (unless youuse two cars)

• You don’t clutter up thecountryside with parkedvehicles

• You can enjoy the journeyand views rather than concentrating on driving

• It’s usually cheaper andcertainly more environmentally friendly.

Two of the many organisations which utilisepublic transport for walks are:Coventry C.H.A. who travelmainly by bus to nearby countryside areas inWarwickshire and the WestMidlands www.coventrycha.co.uk or call 02476 418198

and The RamblersAssociation who organise aprogramme of Rail Ramblesutilising the train fromShrewsbury for walks, mainlyin Wales and Shropshire, Call01691 654066. On the former,those over 60 would be ableto use their free pass, whilstfor Wales you would book

your Day Return fromWolverhampton. Example dayreturn fares: Wolverhampton-Welshpool £11.00 or £7.25with Railcard; Wolverhampton-Machynlleth £15.00 or £9.90with Railcard.

With both organisations,the public transport walks takeplace on most Saturdays.

Using the bus forWalking

The City andbeyond...

A friend of mine complainedthat the bus service from nearwhere she lives takes 45 minutes to reach UniversityHospital and it was quicker forher son to take her in the carwhich took them about 20minutes or so. That’s true, butwhat she had forgotten wasthe total time (and cost) it wastaking for the son to make thetwo return journeys; one totake her and one to fetch herback...120 minutes travellingtime in all for the two of them.That’s against 90 minutes forher by herself on the bus!

Even though the son didn’t

like to refuse, my friend nowuses the bus. There are goodbus services from most partsof the city, especially now thatthe 85/585 runs every 15 minutes directly from the citycentre and railway station.

The above argument alsoapplies when travelling to airports such as Luton, EastMidlands, Manchester,Stansted, Gatwick andHeathrow; all of which arewell served by public transport. Though it’s notalways possible, think greenwhen you can and savemoney at the same time.

As well as the park with itsmagnificent trees, lakes, birdsincluding Warwickshire’slargest heronry (May andJune), flower meadow (summer) and more, there areexcellent facilities including toilets, shop and cafeteriawhich are open seven days aweek. The shop sells a set offour leaflets describing various walks around the park.

Travelling toUniversityHospital andAirports

Rail Ramblers at Caersws

Coombe Park

Page 2 The Coventry Traveller Issue 2

In encouraging people to usetheir passes more, I’m notsuggesting that there aren’tlots of places to go inCoventry and its adjacentcountryside! We will try andinclude a destination withinthe city or just over theboundary in each edition forthose who don’t want to traveltoo far. I’m sure that’s all of usat various times anyway.

Coombe Park is our destination this time round.The ‘Main Gate’ is easilyreached on Travel de Courcyservice 585; the frequency ofwhich is much improvedrecently. Departures are generally at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour onMondays to Saturdays whilstthere are departures onSundays at 0908, 1108 and1308. Buses leave from Stop Tat Pool Meadow and the journey takes 24 minutes.Pick up a timetable for thereturn journey at the BusStation before you leave.

Mr F from CV6 asks: Can I use my Over 60sPass on the LondonUnderground?

The answer, sadly, is no.Residents of Coventry (andthe West Midlands) can usetheir Passes on the rail andtram system throughout theWest Midlands, as well asbuses throughout England.Likewise, those over 60 living in London can travelon trains, Underground andtrams within Greater Londonand buses throughoutEngland.

I’ll try and include a diagram of the network ofbuses radiating from LondonEuston and Victoria CoachStations in a future issue.You can actually get to mostplaces in London fairly readily by bus.

Readers’Letters

I would need several pages tocover the gradual decline ofservices in an easterly direction but it started, Iguess, with the Beeching cutsincluding the service fromRugby to Peterborough. Morerecently, the splitting of thetrain service betweenCoventry and Leicester intotwo at Nuneaton hasn’t helped– remember when you couldgo through to Nottingham and

sometimes even Lincoln andGrimsby without changing.This latter action, I understand,was to save the train having tocut across the West CoastMain Line at Nuneaton but the outcome makes for a poorservice between two of thecountry’s ‘biggest’ cities. Tomake matters worse, becausethe connecting services arerun by two separate companies, some of the

‘cheap’ train fares which youcan get from Birmingham to,say, Cambridge, are not available from Coventry.However, there are waysround that which we will coverin future issues.

Several years ago, theCambridge Coach Companyput on a two-hourly servicefrom Cambridge toBirmingham and return (utilising the then new A14, Ithink) which went a long wayto filling the gap. NationalExpress responded with acompeting service making theformer’s service non viable nodoubt. Shortly afterwards, the

Cambridge Coach Companywithdrew its service and so didNational Express. Encouragingcompetition doesn’t alwaysachieve the desired results.

Anyway, these columns aredesigned to cut through thismaze of information and onpage 3 you will find ways ofgetting to Cambridge (andOxford) for modest cost, andwith quite reasonable journeytimes too. We’ll cover otherroutes in a later edition.

Travelling East – not always easy!

The National Space Centrein Leicester

In this section, we’ll featuremany of the places you cannow go with your NationalTravel Pass beyond the limits of the West MidlandsCounty.

Let’s start off with a visit toLeicester. It’s an easy journeyof around 11/4 hours on Travelde Courcy’ service X6. Thereare departures from PoolMeadow, Stand L at 0850,1020 and 1150 on Mondays toSaturdays with return services at 1450, 1620 and1750 from St Margaret’s BusStation Stand 18.Unfortunately, there’s noSunday service by this route.For full details, timetable

available at Pool Meadow.There are so many things to

do in Leicester, it’s hard toknow where to start. Therecently extended shoppingcentre is a delight as is thewhole of the centre of the city.Be sure not to miss the OpenMarket which has a hugerange of fruit and vegetables athard to beat prices. Then thereare the museums, Roman history, parks and gardens. You can obtain all the information you need about thecity from the Tourist InformationCentre at the Town Hall. Forinformation on bus servicesthroughout the city andbeyond, there’s a well stocked

Travel InformationCentre right by theX6 alighting point inthe Bus Station.

And, of course,you can use yourpass to reach placesof interest inLeicester’s suburbs too. Hereare two of my favourites to getyou started, though you’ll needmore than one trip to do themjustice. From the Bus Station,walk to nearby Abbey Park,beautiful for a visit at any timeof year. Afterwards, follow thecanal northwards to theNational Space Centre (tel.0116 261 0261) and adjacentMuseum of Science &

Technology (tel. 0116 2995111). There are plenty ofbuses back to the centre fromthe nearby main road. Anothertrip would be to take service 29or 30 out to the BotanicalGardens (tel. 0116 271 2933),which as well as its rare plantsand trees, is full of interestingsculptures. Entrance is free.

Day Trips by Bus

The Coventry Traveller Issue 2 Page 1

The Coventry TravellerInformation and ideas on travelling by public transport for minimal cost

Issue No. 2

The Coventry Traveller

I did say that in these columns I would bring out thebenefits of travelling by public transport ... and so Ishall. However, there is one direction in which it ismore difficult than it should be to travel from what,after all, is a city of over 300,000. And that is east!

EE

Public Transport InformationOther useful web sites etc.

UK: www.transportdirect.info

Scotland: www.trafficscotland.org

London:020 7222 1234www.tfl.gov.uk

Rail:www.nationalrail.co.uk08457 48 49 50

Traveline provides impartial publictransport timetable information.

You can phone Traveline on0871 200 22 33 from anywhere inBritain at National call-rate charges.The service is generally availablebetween 8am and 8pm every day(except 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan).

Traveline web site for all of UK:www.traveline.info

Wales:www.traveline-cymru.info

Simon Holt Marketing Services (www.simonholtmarketing.com)

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tn

ow

N ow in its seventh year of publication, Scenic Britain by Trainis an invaluable source of information and inspiration forgetting off the beaten track by train.

The booklet is packed full of photographs and information on Britain’s ruralrailway lines. Each entry includes a map and description of the line togetherwith what to see in the towns and countryside along the way. There are detailsof how to get further information whilst the FREEPOST format the back of the booklet will make getting that information an easy process. Booklets are available, free ofcharge, at Tourist Information Centres, libraries and railwaystations in most parts of the country or by sending astamped addressed C5 (6" x 9") envelope to:Freepost RRUR-LSSG-KRSUScenic BritainPO BOX 98HuddersfieldHD7 9AB

SCENIC BRITAINSCENIC BRITAIN

2009/10 Edition

Your guide to travelling around the country by train

Your guide to travelling around the country by train

SCENICBRITAINSCENICBRITAIN

by trainby train

by trainby train

2009/10 Edition

Your guide to travelling around the country by train

Your guide to travelling around the country by train

SCENICBRITAINSCENICBRITAIN

by trainby train

1 ARGYLL & BUTE2 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET3 BORDERS4 BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK5 BRIGHTON & HOVE6 CHESHIRE / STAFFORDSHIRE7 CHILTERNS AONB8 CLWYDIAN RANGE AONB9 CONWY10 CORNWALL11 CORNWALL AONB12 COTSWOLDS AONB13 COVENTRY14 DALES BUS15 DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK16 DORSET17 DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY18 EAST DEVON AONB19 EDINBURGH20 FIFE21 GWYNEDD & SNOWDONIA22 HAMPSHIRE23 HERTFORDSHIRE

24 ISLE OF ANGLESEY25 KENT26 LANCASHIRE27 LINCOLNSHIRE28 MALVERN HILLS AONB29 NIDDERDALE AONB30 NORTH EAST SCOTLAND31 NORTH PENNINES AONB32 NORTH SOMERSET33 NORTH WALES ROVER TICKET34 NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK35 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE36 PEMBROKESHIRE37 SHROPSHIRE HILLS AONB38 SOMERSET39 SOUTH DOWNS (NEW) NATIONAL PARK40 STIRLING41 SWANSEA BAY, MUMBLES & GOWER42 WAYFARER TICKET (GMPTE)43 WILTSHIRE44 WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD45 WYE VALLEY AONB46 YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK

SCENIC BRITAINby bus

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