(25 Apr 2015, 6:39 pm)Jimmi wrote The date I am thinking of going is Saturday May 9th.
Probably would be better having someone to go with as my knowledge of Carlisle is very limited having only been once in the poring rain and spent half of my time taking cover in the shopping centre to keep dry.
I have just looked at train fares and it is an astronomical expense. I don't think I'd mind spending two hours on the 685 again as it is a route with some good scenery and I have sat on far worse seats than those leather seats in the Omnicity's for that length of time (Tesmas on the X93).
Also I have just looked at the train times and there is only 5 minutes in Newcastle between the train arriving in Newcastle from Durham and the train to Carlisle leaving and I have zero clue about how to navigate around Newcastle Central Station so there is every chance I'd end up missing it and the next train from Newcastle only arrives 10 minutes ahead of the 685 so I think I would probably prefer to use the 685 instead as I am confident at using the bus but would be nervous about using the train as I very rarely use the train and it would be a lot cheaper for me.
Might drop the AD122 from that day and do it some other time and could probably spend another hour in Carlisle if it would make things better.
Don't think I'm doing anything then, would be happy to join you. I might catch the 0845 from Newcastle with you (if I'm mad enough to do a 4 and a half hour stint on the same vehicle!) but if not I may just meet you in Carlisle.
That's very fair enough about the train. You may end up at Carlisle not being able to walk mind!
EDIT: Just thought of something else! Tickets - North West Explorers can be bought from the bus (since it's Stagecoach in Cumbria working the 0845) and are valid along the 685 route as long as your journey starts or ends in Cumbria. (West of Greenhead is the rule I think). NW Explorer will get you everywhere in Carlisle, or if you're getting the bus back from Newcastle and fancied a NE Explorer (valid to Carlisle) you could get a £3.00 Dayrider for Carlisle however this only covers city travel.
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