(28 Nov 2015, 10:56 pm)beefcake wrote Thought I'd try writing a review of todays journey, in which I travelled from Hartlepool to Gateshead for my nieces trampoling competition, across to Newcastle for a couple of hours, before returning back home in time for the football.Sounds like a nice, if hurried, day out. We've only done the Durham-Hartlepool route once. It's a really nice route, but with some bits that were a bit tight for the Pulsar that had been put on the service. (Three phone reception is also dire!) I can see how it would feel much better on a Solo.
Bus 1: 0707 57A Hartlepool Winterbottom Avenue 'Richies Club' - Durham Bus Station ANE 2813
Got on the bus at my nearest Arriva stop, which was a 10 minute walk across the trading estate. Not really an eventful journey, but I have to admit I do enjoy travelling on the minibuses, as I feel they handle this route particularly well.
Bus 2: 0811 21 Durham Bus Station - Gateshead Durham Road/Shipcote Lane GNE 6065
Another fairly straightforward journey, made easier by the NSA's available on this service, although that didn't stop me almost getting off a stop too early. Thankfully, the driver helped me by advising me the correct stop to get off at.
Bus 3: 1044 Q1 Gateshead Leisure Centre - Newcastle Market Street GNE 8334
Decided on this bus over getting another 21 to sample another bus, and with my nieces now with me following the conclusion of the competition, it gave them a chance to see parts of the Quayside they'd never seen prior to today. Journey ran pretty much to time, with the driver only having to sit a couple of minutes in Gateshead. Upon getting off this bus, we went for something to eat, before going to see Fenwicks window and visit the Christmas market.
Bus 4: 1332 21 Newcastle Eldon Square - Gateshead Interchange GNE 6056
Having planned on getting the 1330 X9 direct to Peterlee, something occurred which meant that the service would be starting from Gateshead. Fortunately, the GNE CS Adviser was on hand to direct all passengers waiting for the X9 onto the 21 to connect with it in Gateshead.
Bus 5: 1340 X9 Gateshead Interchange - Peterlee Bus Station GNE 6048
Now on the bus I needed to get to Peterlee, having left a little over 5 minutes late due to having to connect off the 21. Another straightforward journey due to the nature of the route being mainly on the A19.
Bus 6: 1429 X35 Peterlee Bus Station - Hartlepool Mill House GNE 4937
Done this journey a fair few times, so had a pretty good idea of where I was on the route, despite sitting backwards for the entire journey. Plenty of clockwatching on this run due to having half an hour from boarding the bus to the football kicking off. Got off at Mill House at 1456, and managed to get to my seat in the ground as the game got underway.
Thanks for taking the time to read this
TBH, getting off a stop early for Shipcote on the 21 doesn't give you too much of a walk, but it's nice to be in the right place if you're somewhere you don't know so well.
The X9 is great, if you can get a seat!