RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews
Yesterday I took advantage of the good weather and combined some rambling with a bit of spotting.
GNE - 3889 – X70 – 08.35. A good lively thrash from Gateshead to Consett. The sun was out and the countryside looked lovely. Arrived at Consett bus station 5 minutes early. Sat above the driver.
Consett Bus Station – Stanhope. A good 13 mile walk through gorgeous countryside and over the moors. Amazing views across the moors. My favourite section is from Waskerley Moor and down into Stanhope. The route follows the course of an old mineral railway. Got into Stanhope for about 14.00.
Looked around Stanhope, visited the operating centres of Weardale Community Transport and Weardale Motor Services. Also visited the Weardale Railway. Spent a while sitting in the sunshine at the market place. Weardale Community Transport have a smart new 2015 reg Mercedes Sprinter.
Caught the 15.00 101 services to Crook operated by Weardale Motor Services Solo GO03WMS. This was a busy journey with plenty of tourists. Passed Frosterley depot which had a couple of former GNE Volvo Olympians parked up. These buses are normally used on school services in the Wear Valley. Noticed most of buildings at Frosterley garage have now been demolished.
ANE – 7419 – 46 – Crook Langley Moor. I was one of two passengers on this service. Got the seat above the driver. Only my second ride on the former Volvo B7 London Buses. Found it rather comfortable. Good views from the top deck between Crook and Willington.
Alighted at Langley Moor. Visited the St John Ambulance station and spotted their Mobile Command Unit which has been converted from a Renault Master Ambulance. Then a short walk to the Brown’s yard. The Brown family used to have a psv o-licence, however their vehicles now run on Dutch plates. Only a single coach present on this visit which appeared to be out of use. Walked over to Lees Coaches. Seven vehicles present in their two yards. Got some OK photos here. Finally over to Durham Tees Valley Probation Service which has a small minibus fleet. One Peugeot Boxer present on this visit.
ANE – 7456 – 46 – 16.47. Caught this near to Lidl at Langley Moor. Quite a busy bus for the short journey to Durham bus station. The bus station was normal organised chaos and we arrived at the wrong stand.
GNE – 6034 – X21 – 17.08. Was hoping for a Wright Streetdeck so I could stretch my legs at a table seat. No such luck President 6034 turned up instead looking a bit shabby internally. Have to say the bus performed well for its age. Passed the Durham Army cadet Force HQ at Chester-Le-Street looks like they have some new Ford Transit minibuses for Cadet Transport duties. Will have to check these out at some point.
GNE – 6069 – 21 – 17.45. Low Fell to Gateshead Metro. Fancied a changed on reaching Low Fell. Was hoping for a Scania on the 1. Instead jumped on to this Volvo B5 which was rather full with people heading into town for a night out.
A good day, with a great healthy walk and some interesting vehicles spotted. My feet are bloody killing now though! Going to Seaburn on Monday.
Thanks for reading.
Charles