(15 Aug 2020, 10:10 pm)Storx wrote Here's a challenge back for you, same rules apply but it's now 8 buses or less Hartlepool -> Eldon Square -> Hexham and the reverse. This time an added rule is you can't use any bus service which serves Gateshead Interchange, that's regardless to whether you travel through it or not. Oh and buses only, no coaches or trains. Split routes are 1 for this, so the X12 is Middlesbrough to Newcastle not Middlesbrough -> Durham -> Newcastle.

It is doable

Either through Durham and consett when the 689(?) is running a full Saturday timetable or head via Sunderland, get the x24 which goes nowhere near Gateshead interchange, then Newcastle to Hexham to do it in 6 buses there and back.