‘The best thing about the No 50 is that it goes on a boat’: readers’ favourite UK bus journeys
06.11.2023 - 15:11
/ theguardian.com
The No 50 Purbeck Breezer travels regularly between Swanage and Bournemouth past the beautiful beaches of Studland Bay. Behind Knoll Beach there’s a heathland nature reserve with a lagoon and a giant natural sand pit. In Poole we visited the Japanese garden at Compton Acres and the historic harbour. From a child’s perspective, the best thing about the No 50 is that it goes on a boat: the chain ferry that plies the harbour mouth between Studland and Sandbanks. The return trip at sunset on the open upper deck made us laugh out loud: it was like being on a rollercoaster.
Jenny Lunnon
The thrill of reaching Ullapool starts when you leave Inverness bus station on the No 61 (D&E Coaches) or 961 (Citylink) and cross the Kessock Bridge over the Moray Firth, beloved by dolphins. An exhilarating journey through coasts, mountains and moorland lies ahead. First stop the tranquil Black Isle, not an island but with a distinct get-away-from-it feeling. On to Garve, following the mighty Ben Wyvis plateau, and up to Loch Glascarnoch, a desolate spot surrounded by mountains and prone to wild weather. The bus winds through gentler, forested terrain along the shore of Loch Broom and finally the pleasures of Ullapool.
Kenny
Take the Exmoor Coaster west from Porlock – hold your breath to see whether the bus makes it up the steepest A-road in the country! Views of Exmoor and its beautiful hills and valleys on the left, ancient oak hillsides on the right tumbling to the sea, with fine views of Wales. Alight at Lynmouth, have a cream tea, take the Victorian funicular to Lynton and have another cream tea for luck. Take either bus back to Porlock, walk back along the South West Coast Path or disembark at any point between the two villages for a variety of shorter walks back.
Joy
Guardian Travel readers' tips
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The 56 bus from Newquay to Padstow is a feelgood journey along winding country roads, following the beautiful coast and beaches such as Watergate Bay. Climb to the top deck of the bus for dramatic views and big skies; watch the seasons change and the birds in the newly ploughed fields. The bus drivers are patient and friendly as they weave the bus through narrow roads and bends with humour and skill. A tranquil way to spend a Sunday in autumn, with a stop at Padstow for lunch. The cost is £4 for a return journey. What more could you ask for!
Alison Parkinson
The Cardiff to Newtown T4 bus route in Wales is my favourite scenic journey, connecting my university city with my home town. Initially the route is a picturesque