RE: Arriva North East - Latest
Pensioners don't get trains free (one third off with railcard) and train fare Newcastle - Haydon Bridge is £10 off peak day return and Newcastle - Carlisle £16.90, both more expensive before 9.30am. I don't know the bus fares, but the most would be £9.30 North East Explorer (and the North West version is valid as well) which give unlimited travel at one end of the 685 route as well.