This evening I decided to walk along to the top of Coach Lane to catch the 1 back into Newcastle instead of the Metro. I was aware that the 1 took a little bit longer than the 62/63 from Four Lane Ends to Newcastle, and I think this had put me off travelling by the 1 until now. But I'm very pleased I took it today!

Got to the stop just in time for the 16:05 short run to Buddle Road and the bus came on time which was great. The bus timetable board said it would take 29 minutes to get to Central Station so I'd get there plenty of time for the 16:53 train back to Sunderland. I was the only one on-board and went upstairs. The sun was setting at the time, and we swiftly travelled down Coach Lane, picking only a few up on the way.

I'm not too familiar with the area, but did notice a street sign for Sackville Road which on Google Earth appears to be in Heaton. There were a couple of streets along here that were so narrow it would have been extremely difficult for two buses to overtake but that didn't seem to happen thankfully.

A little bit later into the route we had to change buses - no big deal, was still an E400 but I think it had just come straight cold from the depot because all the windows were steamed up. Not long after, we passed Northumbria University and then into Newcastle City Centre and through to Central Station. I couldn't believe half an hour passed so quickly!

Maybe I'm just easily pleased, but what an enthralling route! While we were twisting and turning fast down narrow residential streets, I could still almost fall asleep, it was brilliant. A great journey all-round, and the driver was great. I just wish I had got a hold of the two fleet numbers to complete this post. It's not often that I have a memorable bus trip, but this for me was one. I'm not from Newcastle, and until now only had experience with a few of the local Newcastle routes - X47, 62/63 and Arriva's X5/55. But for me the 1 just tops it all.

I always try to find different ways of avoiding the Metro as much as possible on my journeys back home; but despite the 1 taking twice as long as the Metro to get back into Newcastle, I much prefer it. It was so much more relaxing (especially having the top deck to myself!), and it just really lifted my spirits after a long day at work. In a way I'm gutted I've only got a half day tomorrow for a hospital appointment, but I'll be sure to take the 1 again from Friday!