I'll no doubt appear, too. I'll probably board the same bus as all of you in the morning and return on the same.

Re Stagecoach tickets on Arriva services (and vice versa) yes they are accepted - it's just the likes of Teen Cards (Arr), Smart Cards (Stg) and Explorers (Both separately) that aren't accepted.

You're talking £6-8 return Newcastle to Carlisle for adult - half for a child.
(You're all mad for wanting to go on the whole route btw!!!)

Regarding walk from the bus station to the depot - about a 10 minute walk; I did it every day for my Work Experience. Alternatively there has been a shuttle bus every time it has happened, so it will be no different.
Alternatively, buy a Dayrider and get a 60/61/61A/67/68 from Lowther Street (the main street alongside the bus station), Devonshire Street or the Courts (English St) if you want a Greggs!
Take the bus up to Sainsbury's (on the right as you pass over the railway line) and it is a 5-min walk from there.

7 hours is a bit too long (from what I have seen, 10am til 5pm) for me for the open day so I'll probably just go bashing; get a dayrider and that'll be me!

As I say I'll no doubt be there for people to follow if they're lost getting there etc.


Sean

Edit: If it (probably) is going to be on a Saturday, loadings on 85/685 shouldn't be that bad. 1607 and 1707 off Carlisle are always more busy than the early ones - especially if there is a large group of us going!