Britain's Most Scenic Bus routes

[JD2168]

I’ll add the following:

218 from Sheffield to Bakewell via Chatsworth
272 from Sheffield to Castleton
X17 between Chesterfield & Matlock
65 from Sheffield to Buxton

 

[stevieinselby]

57A/57C from Portree around the north-eastern quadrant of Skye (especially on the coast road)

 

[gingerheid]

If coaches are allowed then the 915 Glasgow - Tyndrum - (Bridge of Orchy - Glen Coe - Ballachullish) - Fort William - Invergarry - (Loch Cluanie - Eilan Donan - Kyle of Lochalsh - Portree) service needs a mention (didn't go as far as Uig, but suspect it most also be amazing!).

It's hard to pick favourites in the Lake District, but I think mine might be the 505 Ambleside - Coniston or the 516 Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.

 

[tram21]

Last year the 563 ran from Kendal to Kirkby Stephen via Sedbergh and Cautley. That was a great journey. Sadly it's gone this year.

That's a great shame. It sounded great!

 

[Teapot42]

While I've not done it, on Wednesdays, South Pennine run a service from Holmfirth to Castleton via Mortimer Road - the 87.

This is my favourite road to drive, it's massively satisfying to drive, but with stunning scenery and some pretty tight and twisty sections. I'd highly recommend giving it a go, if nothing else to appreciate the skill of the driver!

 

[tram21]

Thanks to everyone for your responses so far!! We've got quite a list coming along in the first post which I'm updating as more submissions come in!

Keep them coming!

P.S. if I've missed your route off the main list please let me know as I may have missed a couple, and it won't have been intentional!

 

[InOban]

I believe the community minibus from Applecross goes over the Bealach nan Ba twice a week

 

[Zamracene749]

X74 Newcastle to Jedburgh. In particular trhe section over Carter Bar

 

[gazmark]

257 between Sheffield and Bakewell is worth a trip going round Dambusters country and Yorkshire bridge, then through the villages including Eyam on the way into Bakewell.

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

576 Bradford to Halifax; some breathtaking (and nerve wracking!) views around Queensbury, particularly on the descent towards Halifax

 

[M60lad]

Speaking of TLCs 901 Hebden Bridge-Huddersfield service there's also their 900 service which runs via Scammorden and goes over Scammorden Bridge over M62 unfortunately it only runs a couple of times a day as the main route is 901.

 

[52290]

How about the UK's most northerly bus on
the Lerwick to Baltasound route
on the Isle on Unst in Shetland. I did this trip many years ago but it's still running today. The 24 service sets off from Lerwick mid-afternoon and is carried on the ferry from the Shetland mainland to the Isle of Yell where it continues to the north of this island to connect with the 28 service , which is also carried across on the ferry to the Isle of Unst where it continues to Baltasound arriving some 3 hours after departure from Lerwick.
You have to stay the night in Baltasound as there's no possibility of a day trip from Lerwick.
I walked up to the bird sanctuary at Hermaness, but beware, at this time of the year the Bonxies (Great Skuas) are out to get you. From Hermaness you can see the Out Stack, the most northerly bit of the UK. This time of the year it never gets dark here, they call it the "Simmer Dim".
The return bus next day ( or any other day) is at 7.30am.

 

[tram21]

How about the UK's most northerly bus on
the Lerwick to Baltasound route
on the Isle on Unst in Shetland. I did this trip many years ago but it's still running today. The 24 service sets off from Lerwick mid-afternoon and is carried on the ferry from the Shetland mainland to the Isle of Yell where it continues to the north of this island to connect with the 28 service , which is also carried across on the ferry to the Isle of Unst where it continues to Baltasound arriving some 3 hours after departure from Lerwick.
You have to stay the night in Baltasound as there's no possibility of a day trip from Lerwick.
I walked up to the bird sanctuary at Hermaness, but beware, at this time of the year the Bonxies (Great Skuas) are out to get you. From Hermaness you can see the Out Stack, the most northerly bit of the UK. This time of the year it never gets dark here, they call it the "Simmer Dim".
The return bus next day ( or any other day) is at 7.30am.

This does sound amazing, it's definitely on my bucket list!

You have to stay the night in Baltasound as there's no possibility of a day trip from Lerwick.

Where did you stay in Baltasound?

 

[RELL6L]

Last year the 563 ran from Kendal to Kirkby Stephen via Sedbergh and Cautley. That was a great journey. Sadly it's gone this year.

The section between Oxenholme and Kirkby Stephen is fantastic - I did this last September while the 563 still ran. There is a replacement, the S1 run by Western Dales Community Bus, this runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and does connect at Kirkby Stephen with the 563 on to Appleby and Penrith.

Just catching up with this thread and some great recommendations in here, many of which I have done (except Scotland and not all the Yorkshire Dales ones). One I must add is the Wright 888 between Hexham, Alston and Penrith. It only runs certain days a week in the summer and is not cheap (£16 single Hexham to Penrith in 2021) but I hugely recommend it.

There are others too. Clitheroe to Settle on the 11 (NYCC). Todmorden to Walsden via Mankinholes (TLC T6/T8). Bishops Castle to Ludlow (Minsterley 745 Mon & Fri). Holmfirth to Huddersfield via the First 308. Rural routes from Consett to Hexham (689), Wolsingham (764), Blanchland (773), also Weardale 101/a From Crook to Stanhope and on to Cowshill plus the rural Go Ahead routes from Hexham. The 685 all the way across from Carlisle to Newcastle isn't bad either.

 

[52290]

This does sound amazing, it's definitely on my bucket list!


Where did you stay in Baltasound?

There is now a hotel in Baltasound but I stayed at a B & B. The lady of the house was from Blackpool, I'm from Leyland.

 

[geoffk]

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

 

[Hyebone]

The Bee Network 184 is a brilliant one, passing over the Pennines to Huddersfield from Oldham. There's some absolutely stunning views.

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

An honorable mention goes to Stagecoach Yorkshire's 15 service between Chesterfield and Dronfield via Unstone, Hundall, Apperknowle and Marsh Lane. It's a tendered service but it has some lovely views out over Chesterfield and the Gosforth Valley

257 between Sheffield and Bakewell is worth a trip going round Dambusters country and Yorkshire bridge, then through the villages including Eyam on the way into Bakewell.

Definitely, although the former Hulleys Sunday variation that went via Winnats Pass to Glossop and back round was stunning.

X17 between Chesterfield & Matlock

Not to mention Matlock Bath, the only inland promenade in the country; if it weren't for the lack of sea, you'd think you were at the seaside! Might I recommend you visit during the illuminations, it's certainly a sight!

 

[tram21]

Definitely, although the former Hulleys Sunday variation that went via Winnats Pass to Glossop and back round was stunning.

That was absolutely incredible, the bit over Snake Pass was stunning and basically it was 3 hours of the best of the Peaks' scenery. Such a shame most of it has gone now (Sheffield-Bamford via Fairholmes still exists)

 

[Teapot42]

That was absolutely incredible, the bit over Snake Pass was stunning and basically it was 3 hours of the best of the Peaks' scenery. Such a shame most of it has gone now (Sheffield-Bamford via Fairholmes still exists)

Much still exists, you just can't do it on a single bus.

Winnats is covered by the Peak Sightseer, and the High Peak 62 follows the other side of the valley to Chapel, plus also covers the 'back' route up Mam Tor which is scenic in itself. Chapel to Glossop is covered by the 61.

I found the section over Snake, both on the 257 and the X57 before it, rather spoiled as the timetable was so tight the drivers had to be really on it. Rather than enjoying the scenery you were worried which hedge the bus would end up in.

 

[KrisEK]

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

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

 

[Bedford OB]

This does sound amazing, it's definitely on my bucket list!


Where did you stay in Baltasound?

There are many remote and spectacular Scottish services well worth the journey, but require careful planning, and sadly others that are no longer possible.
Examples that spring to mind, as well as the Shetland journey menioned above, include:

1. Thurso out to Durness along the far north road, now Durness bus, but when I did it fior the first time it was with Peter Burr Omnibuses in the famous vehicle with the luggage compartment, which on the day contained a consignment of live chickens.
2. Stornoway to Bernera Island on Lewis - on one never to be forgotten journey on this very remote run, we stopped to watch a female golden eagle on her nest, up above on the crags, with the male flying over.
3. Stornoway to Uig (Lewis), also superb, out to the remote Lewis west coast.
4. Stornoway down to Tarbert in Harris across the bleak Lewis mountains.
5. All of the services on the Isle of Harris, which are sensational.
6. The Jura bus service - you may well have to stop for deer crossing the road, and I remember the bus once doing so for an otter.
7. West Coast Motors from Campbeltown up the east coast of Kintyre to Carradsle.
8. The Arran services, including over the String road across the centre of Arran.
9. The tenuous West Coast Motors srvice around Tighnabruaich, with amazing views from high up across the Kyles of Bute - I'll be back on that again in a couple of weeks, on the Mon, Wed and Fri schoolday only 477, which crosses the Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry to/from Bute - you stay on the bus on the ferry.
10. The Durness Bus trunk link down to Inverness across the remote north west Highlands; I did so many amazing journeys in the old days up here with Sutherland Transport & Trading and on post buses, including the likes of alighting from the train in the middle of nowhere at Altnabraec and awaiting the post office Land Rover to appear down the unmade up roads in the distance.
11. West Coast Motors from Craignure to Fionnphort on Mull, where the ferry leaves for Iona. This is an amazing run, especially on the top of one of the big double deck coaches now employed. A good chance of seeing a Sea Eagle fly over once you are past Lochbuie.

There are so many, you need to spend a lot of time up there, which I have, on dozens of carefully planned visits.

 

[tram21]

Much still exists, you just can't do it on a single bus.

Winnats is covered by the Peak Sightseer, and the High Peak 62 follows the other side of the valley to Chapel, plus also covers the 'back' route up Mam Tor which is scenic in itself. Chapel to Glossop is covered by the 61.

I found the section over Snake, both on the 257 and the X57 before it, rather spoiled as the timetable was so tight the drivers had to be really on it. Rather than enjoying the scenery you were worried which hedge the bus would end up in.

Just a shame the Snake Pass doesn't have a bus anymore...

There are many remote and spectacular Scottish services well worth the journey, but require careful planning, and sadly others that are no longer possible.
Examples that spring to mind, as well as the Shetland journey menioned above, include:

1. Thurso out to Durness along the far north road, now Durness bus, but when I did it fior the first time it was with Peter Burr Omnibuses in the famous vehicle with the luggage compartment, which on the day contained a consignment of live chickens.
2. Stornoway to Bernera Island on Lewis - on one never to be forgotten journey on this very remote run, we stopped to watch a female golden eagle on her nest, up above on the crags, with the male flying over.
3. Stornoway to Uig (Lewis), also superb, out to the remote Lewis west coast.
4. Stornoway down to Tarbert in Harris across the bleak Lewis mountains.
5. All of the services on the Isle of Harris, which are sensational.
6. The Jura bus service - you may well have to stop for deer crossing the road, and I remember the bus once doing so for an otter.
7. West Coast Motors from Campbeltown up the east coast of Kintyre to Carradsle.
8. The Arran services, including over the String road across the centre of Arran.
9. The tenuous West Coast Motors srvice around Tighnabruaich, with amazing views from high up across the Kyles of Bute - I'll be back on that again in a couple of weeks, on the Mon, Wed and Fri schoolday only 477, which crosses the Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry to/from Bute - you stay on the bus on the ferry.
10. The Durness Bus trunk link down to Inverness across the remote north west Highlands; I did so many amazing journeys in the old days up here with Sutherland Transport & Trading and on post buses, including the likes of alighting from the train in the middle of nowhere at Altnabraec and awaiting the post office Land Rover to appear down the unmade up roads in the distance.
11. West Coast Motors from Craignure to Fionnphort on Mull, where the ferry leaves for Iona. This is an amazing run, especially on the top of one of the big double deck coaches now employed. A good chance of seeing a Sea Eagle fly over once you are past Lochbuie.

There are so many, you need to spend a lot of time up there, which I have, on dozens of carefully planned visits.

Thank you so much for these. I really need to spend more time in Scotland and aim to do so next year, hopefully doing a few if not most of these. It's a beautiful place, especially the more remote, off-the-beaten-track places

 

[Statto]

22 Chester - West Kirby is an underrated scenic route particularly the Chester - Heswall section, some journey's go through Willaston, but then Little Neston, Neston, Parkgate, buses go along the front at Parkgate, were you have views across the River Dee.

 

[daodao]

58- Peak District: Macclesfield-Buxton
On Sundays, this route extends to Chatsworth House via Monyash and Bakewell, which is also scenic.

Other High Peak routes that are scenic in parts include:

• 60 from Macclesfield to Hayfield, but it isn't currently running on its usual route as the road between Rainow and Kettleshulme is closed.
• 61 from Buxton to Glossop via Long Hill and New Mills
• 62 from Buxton to Castleton via Chapel and Edale (Chapel to Castleton is scenic).

 

[TheSel]

22 Chester - West Kirby is an underrated scenic route particularly the Chester - Heswall section, some journey's go through Willaston, but then Little Neston, Neston, Parkgate, buses go along the front at Parkgate, were you have views across the River Dee.

Just a footnote to this - since the latest timetable change (November 2024) all journeys now operate via Willaston except the 0625 (Not Saturdays) from Heswall to Chester.

 

[YorkRailFan]

North Cornwall has some stunners. The 95 (Bude-Wadebridge) passes some stunning bays, such as Crackington, and through the tourist villages of Boscastle and Tintagel. Leaving Boscastle for Wadebridge, with the turn over the Harbour always scares a few tourists! The 96 between Camelford and Wadebridge serves Port Isaac, as well as going down right past Polzeath Bay, high recommend!

Stagecoach South West's 173 (Exeter-Moretonhampstead) is a lovely little route on an Optare Solo. Always admired the drivers Managing to get the bus into Drewsteignton! You get some lovely views over Dartmoor and down onto the River Teign.

 

[mangad]

As others have said, lots of routes in the Lake District (the 77/77A/78, 516, 555, 505).

I'd also throw in the Scottish Citylink services from Glasgow to Fort William (912, 914, 915). They go down the Pass of Glencoe which is quite stunning, and many other highland journeys. Although they're long distance coach services, you certainly used to be able to flag them down and use them as a local bus, and I assume you still can.

Most of the route is not up to much, but Bee Network's 385 has quite an ending. Terminates in a layby on a narrow road in what feels like the middle of nowhere (not even a bus stop flag!) but with a great view of Kinder Scout.

 

[Thames99]

I don't think anyone's yet mentioned Bournemouth to Swanage route 50 which includes crossing the Sandbanks ferry after overtaking the queues of cars waiting to cross. There is some good scenery especially between Studland and Poole and about half the buses are open top.

 

[A S Leib]

Haltwhistle has the 681 (Birdoswald to Alston), AD122 (Greenhead to Hexham) and 685 (Carlisle to Newcastle). I can't speak for Birdoswald, Greenhead or Carlisle to Haltwhistle (except by the Tyne Valley line instead) and for the 685 I'd say that the scenery's better west of Hexham.

 

[PaulWC]

I don't think anyone's yet mentioned Bournemouth to Swanage route 50 which includes crossing the Sandbanks ferry after overtaking the queues of cars waiting to cross. There is some good scenery especially between Studland and Poole and about half the buses are open top.

I was down that way the other week and did the 50 to Swanage - well worth a ride. I can also recommend the 40 from Swanage to Poole especially on the run to Corfe Castle, which is quite a sight.