(11 Jan 2016, 6:26 pm)R852 PRG wrote Think I'll do an Explorer on Saturday. Struggling for ideas on what to aim for, however. I'm intent on getting a few Lowlanders cleared for photo and haulage, as they've been sentenced to death with the news of the upcoming arrival of some ex-London ALX400s. Could also do with a few Stagecoach in Newcastle ALX300s, as well as some photos of the diversions due to the East Coast Mainline being off between Darlington and Durham, although the last idea could easily wait for another day. If anybody has any suggestions, feel free to put them forward. Only place I won't be doing will be Teesside, as I've visited the place twice in the last month. As I always do with Explorers, it will be reviewed.
Not sure as to where you should go.
If you are wanting to ride the Y reg Lowlander's however, you're best bets are likely to be: 43, 46/48 and 56/57/57A/86.
Perhaps you could do something like:
46 Durham - Crook.
X1 Crook - Bishop Auckland.
56 Bishop Auckland - Ferryhill (or continue to Durham)
7 Ferryhill - Durham.
(Or the same services in reverse direction)
This suggestion doesn't seem like it would fill a massive amount of time, but you could maybe add a few other places to the day out. You could possibly get a few Rail Replacement Bus Services whilst you are in Durham as well.