Swanage to Bournemouth, Dorset
The No 50 Purbeck Breezer travels regularly between Swanage and Bournemouth past the beautiful beaches of Studland Bay. Behind Knoll Beach there’s a heathland nature reserve with a lagoon and a giant natural sand pit. In Poole we visited the Japanese garden at Compton Acres and the historic harbour. From a child’s perspective, the best thing about the No 50 is that it goes on a boat: the chain ferry that plies the harbour mouth between Studland and Sandbanks. The return trip at sunset on the open upper deck made us laugh out loud: it was like being on a rollercoaster.
Jenny Lunnon
Inverness to Ullapool, Highland
The thrill of reaching Ullapool starts when you leave Inverness bus station on the No 61 (D&E Coaches) or 961 (Citylink) and cross the Kessock Bridge over the Moray Firth, beloved by dolphins. An exhilarating journey through coasts, mountains and moorland lies ahead. First stop the tranquil Black Isle, not an island but with a distinct get-away-from-it feeling. On to Garve, following the mighty Ben Wyvis plateau, and up to Loch Glascarnoch, a desolate spot surrounded by mountains and prone to wild weather. The bus winds through gentler, forested terrain along the shore of Loch Broom and finally the pleasures of Ullapool.
Kenny
Porlock to Lynmouth, Somerset/Devon
Take the Exmoor Coaster west from Porlock – hold your breath to see whether the bus makes it up the steepest A-road in the country! Views of Exmoor and its beautiful hills and valleys on the left, ancient oak hillsides on the right tumbling to the sea, with fine views of Wales. Alight at Lynmouth, have a cream tea, take the Victorian funicular to Lynton and have another cream tea for luck. Take either bus back to Porlock, walk back along the South West Coast Path or disembark at any point between the two villages for a variety of shorter walks back.
Joy
Guardian Travel readers' tips
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Newquay to Padstow, Cornwall
The 56 bus from Newquay to Padstow is a feelgood journey along winding country roads, following the beautiful coast and beaches such as Watergate Bay. Climb to the top deck of the bus for dramatic views and big skies; watch the seasons change and the birds in the newly ploughed fields. The bus drivers are patient and friendly as they weave the bus through narrow roads and bends with humour and skill. A tranquil way to spend a Sunday in autumn, with a stop at Padstow for lunch. The cost is £4 for a return journey. What more could you ask for!
Alison Parkinson
Cardiff to Newtown, Powys
The Cardiff to Newtown T4 bus route in Wales is my favourite scenic journey, connecting my university city with my home town. Initially the route is a picturesque adventure through the Welsh valleys, unveiling industrial heritage and dramatic landscapes. It then winds through the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) national park, with its majestic peaks, serene lakes and lush forests. Charming towns such as Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells offer tranquil stops – in late August the annual Llandrindod Wells Victorian festivaltransports the whole town back in time. Destination Newtown acts as the gateway to the rest of Mid Wales, such as the source of the River Severn.
Liam Lacey
Eryri/Snowdonia, Gwynedd
The Sherpa’r Wyddfa in Eryri (Snowdonia) national park was a brilliant way to explore the area and get easy access to the many starting points of the various routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) without having to contend with overflowing carparks or pre-booking parking months in advance. The circular route takes in Caernarfon in the north and Porthmadog in the south, travelling through Llanberis and Beddgelert along the way through the spectacular scenery of the area. All-day unlimited travel from £6 adult, £4 child.
Sarah
Brighton to Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex/Kent
We take the 29 Regency bus from Brighton to visit the grandparents in Tunbridge Wells. First come the antique markets and timber-framed shops of historic Lewes. Grab a top-deck front seat here as the bus turns off into the leafy East Sussex countryside, shooting past stops evocatively named the Blacksmiths Arms, Ringles Cross, Five Ash Down. Spot heathland and farmhouses, old churches and pubs through the trees. At the last you swoop down the Eridge Road, elated as rolling green fields rush by. Quicker than the train, a day return costs £10 for a family of four.
Charlotte
Berwick to Holy Island, Northumberland
The 477 leaves Berwick for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The timetable alone is a wonder, based on when it’s actually possible to cross the tidal causeway. A visit here is always memorable, bright and sunny or windy and wet as you splatter through the sandy road across the sea. Famous for its saints and gospels, the island has a priory, a castle and opportunities to spot wildlife in this national nature reserve. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be rewarded by stunning walks and wide-open skies.
Gillian
Keswick circular, Cumbria
Take bus 77 from Keswick towards Whinlatter, stop for a Michelin-star meal at The Cottage in the Wood or enjoy adrenaline-fuelled challenges biking through the forest. Enjoy breathtaking fells as sparkling Crummock Water then Buttermere appear. Ascend the steep Honister Pass, surrounded by grey slate, to the fantastic mine – dare to try the terrifying via ferrata. Next Borrowdale: travel through “the finest square mile” in Lakeland according to Alfred Wainwright. Pass the wonderful Catbells mountain, try the terrace route for beautiful views of Derwentwater – “queen of the lakes”. Finally, the bus terminates back at Keswick.
Katharine
Winning tip: Sumburgh to Lerwick, Shetland
Try to time your flight arrival in Shetland so you can take the No 6 bus from Sumburgh airport to the Viking bus station in Lerwick for a dramatic introduction to the islands. You start by crossing the runway itself, then you travel along the backbone of Mainland (the main Shetland isle), calling at various settlements en route. Unless the sea mist is in, there are glorious views of the coast on the right and the hills on the left before you descend into the relative hustle and bustle of Lerwick.
Emma
