Trivia: High altitude bus routes

[NorthOxonian]

A little while back, I used the B3 service which runs across the moors from Keighley and Oxenhope to Hebden Bridge. It's an absolutely gorgeous route, and at the highest point on the route, my phone reckoned I was 440 metres above sea level. It made me wonder whether that was the highest bus route in Britain.

As it turns out, it definitely isn't. The 508 route in Cumbria, which runs across Kirkstone Pass, gets up to about 454 metres above sea level. But are there any routes which go higher than that? I'm guessing there may be some in Scotland or Wales.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

The X57 service from Sheffield to Manchester crosses over the Pennines at Snake Summit which is some 510 metres above sea level.

 

[Stuwhu]

The 58 bus between Macclesfield and Buxton goes past the recently reopened Cat and Fiddle pub which is around 515m above sea level

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Presumably no service bus routed over the Bealach Na Ba (near Applecross) in North West Scotland?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Presumably no service bus routed over the Bealach Na Ba (near Applecross) in North West Scotland?

There was, and there’s proof https://flic.kr/p/s5QknU (credit to photographer) - it was Lochcarron Garage and a 16 seater. I think it’s stopped now but it was there in 2015!

 

[GusB]

Moray Council services 364 (Grantown-on-Spey to Tomintoul) and 365 (Tomintoul - Dufftown - Keith) could be considered to be fairly high altitude. Tomintoul itself is apparently 345m above sea level, but the former route goes over the A939 which, according to the OS map, has its highest point at 433m between the two points.

 

[181]

I'm not sure whether the UK's highest public road (670m or 2198 feet) has a bus service these days or is planned to have one later in the year, but I went that way by bus in July 2014, at which time there was one bus per day from Braemar to Blairgowrie for a few weeks in summer.

The Cairngorm Ski Centre, which according to Wikipedia is served by Scotland's 4th highest road at 610m or 2001 feet, still has a bus service, albeit not as frequent as it used to be (three buses per day according to the Stagecoach website; my recollection is that it was hourly when I used the lower part of the route in July 2009).

 

[GusB]

I'm not sure whether the UK's highest public road (670m or 2198 feet) has a bus service these days or is planned to have one later in the year, but I went that way by bus in July 2014, at which time there was one bus per day from Braemar to Blairgowrie for a few weeks in summer.

The Cairngorm Ski Centre, which according to Wikipedia is served by Scotland's 4th highest road at 610m or 2001 feet, still has a bus service, albeit not as frequent as it used to be (three buses per day according to the Stagecoach website; my recollection is that it was hourly when I used the lower part of the route in July 2009).

An hourly bus service in that part of the world is a high-frequency service; some of the more rural routes are one day a week!

I didn't realise that there was a bus service that went over Glenshee. Having driven that route by car a couple of years ago, I can imagine that trying to get a bus over there must be a bit of a challenge.

 

[Whisky Papa]

A little while back, I used the B3 service which runs across the moors from Keighley and Oxenhope to Hebden Bridge. It's an absolutely gorgeous route, and at the highest point on the route, my phone reckoned I was 440 metres above sea level. It made me wonder whether that was the highest bus route in Britain.

As it turns out, it definitely isn't. The 508 route in Cumbria, which runs across Kirkstone Pass, gets up to about 454 metres above sea level. But are there any routes which go higher than that? I'm guessing there may be some in Scotland or Wales.

The precursor of the B3 was the 500, operated mostly by the Todmorden garage of Metro/Yorkshire Rider/First Calderline, with one morning trip operated from the Keighley end. The notable thing was this was with double-deck vehicles, and I'm sure I recall seeing it described as the highest UK route thus operated. Sadly the B3 is entirely single-decked, but do any of the other services mentioned in this thread use double-deckers?

 

[Springs Branch]

A little while back, I used the B3 service which runs across the moors from Keighley and Oxenhope to Hebden Bridge.........

Once heard on TV in the 1970s........

Two Yorkshiremen are heading uphill on a lonely moorland road when they come to a police roadblock.
"Sorry lads", says the bobby. "T' road's closed ahead. A bus has been struck by lightning".
"Oh, that's sad", one replies. "How's the conductor?"

 

[Ken H]

The DalesBus 881, operated by Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire, goes over the high road from Langcliffe to Malham Tarn. Max height of 446m (1463') by Capon Hall Farm

The precursor of the B3 was the 500, operated mostly by the Todmorden garage of Metro/Yorkshire Rider/First Calderline, with one morning trip operated from the Keighley end. The notable thing was this was with double-deck vehicles, and I'm sure I recall seeing it described as the highest UK route thus operated. Sadly the B3 is entirely single-decked, but do any of the other services mentioned in this thread use double-deckers?

Used to be Todmorden JOC/Keighley-West Yorks back in the day. Page from 1969 timetable
.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

This could get a bit like a bus related list of the Munros of any service above 304.8m/1000 ft

In Swaledale, there are summer services over Buttertubs Pass which is 526m above sea level and I have traveled it in the past. However, it did have an all-year-round service at one stage. Otherwise, it now terminates at lowly Keld at just 317m ASL. Weardale MS has a service to Killhope which is 450m ASL, though that may be seasonal. However, Wright Bros at Nenthead (438m) has a service three days/week and it's home to Wright's depot so doubtless the highest garage!

Just creeping into the "busMunros", I had a trip last Wednesday to Tow Law courtesy of an Arriva Sapphire e400 and that is 306m ASL and it was stunning. Clear day, could see for miles, and it is a service that is regularly operated by deckers and has been for years; the Inkerman terminus is also in line for being one of the bleakest places to catch a bus.

One of the highest in Wales all year round ones might be the X51 that runs from Denbigh to Wrexham via Bwlchgwyn which is 333m ASL. There are seasonal ones in Snowdonia such as over Pen y Pass (359m)

 

[DorkingMain]

There's a bus that runs up the back of Llandudno to the top of the Great Orme

 

[carlberry]

One of the highest in Wales all year round ones might be the X51 that runs from Denbigh to Wrexham via Bwlchgwyn which is 333m ASL. There are seasonal ones in Snowdonia such as over Pen y Pass (359m)

Not even close! Bwlch Bryn Rhudd (376m) on the A4059 (T6 Brecon to Swansea). Nowadays hourly however back in the 1980s operated by Bristol VRs. Aberdare to Maerdy on the 172 (403m) with Bristol REs back in the day and Storey Arms on the T4 (brecon to Merthyr) (435m) every hour pre Covid but now back to every two hours as it used to be with coach REs back in the day.

 

[NorthOxonian]

This could get a bit like a bus related list of the Munros of any service above 304.8m/1000 ft

In Swaledale, there are summer services over Buttertubs Pass which is 526m above sea level and I have traveled it in the past. However, it did have an all-year-round service at one stage. Otherwise, it now terminates at lowly Keld at just 317m ASL. Weardale MS has a service to Killhope which is 450m ASL, though that may be seasonal. However, Wright Bros at Nenthead (438m) has a service three days/week and it's home to Wright's depot so doubtless the highest garage!

Just creeping into the "busMunros", I had a trip last Wednesday to Tow Law courtesy of an Arriva Sapphire e400 and that is 306m ASL and it was stunning. Clear day, could see for miles, and it is a service that is regularly operated by deckers and has been for years; the Inkerman terminus is also in line for being one of the bleakest places to catch a bus.

One of the highest in Wales all year round ones might be the X51 that runs from Denbigh to Wrexham via Bwlchgwyn which is 333m ASL. There are seasonal ones in Snowdonia such as over Pen y Pass (359m)

Yes - I read about your Tow Law trip and I'll have to give that a go at some point - the Weardale fares are simply too cheap to resist!

To get back on topic, they operate quite a number of these routes. One of their routes terminates at Townfield, just west of Blanchland, at 374m - but the other end of the route is quite interesting too. At 275m (or thereabouts), Consett isn't quite a busMunro - but it must be one of the highest bus stations. I'm aware that term is a bit of a rabbit hole, and is quite subjective, but if you define it to be more than a collection of stops or a lonely terminus, I expect it'll be hard to beat (especially since Buxton doesn't have one).

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Not even close! Bwlch Bryn Rhudd (376m) on the A4059 (T6 Brecon to Swansea). Nowadays hourly however back in the 1980s operated by Bristol VRs. Aberdare to Maerdy on the 172 (403m) with Bristol REs back in the day and Storey Arms on the T4 (brecon to Merthyr) (435m) every hour pre Covid but now back to every two hours as it used to be with coach REs back in the day.

I wouldn't know the one on the T6, but the 172 should've pricked my consciousness. Arguably one of the best routes in the country especially the descent into Aberdare.

Mind you, I wouldn't have thought the T4/T14 would be that high... Storey Arms just doesn't feel that high but obviously is

To get back on topic, they operate quite a number of these routes. One of their routes terminates at Townfield, just west of Blanchland, at 374m - but the other end of the route is quite interesting too. At 275m (or thereabouts), Consett isn't quite a busMunro - but it must be one of the highest bus stations. I'm aware that term is a bit of a rabbit hole, and is quite subjective, but if you define it to be more than a collection of stops or a lonely terminus, I expect it'll be hard to beat (especially since Buxton doesn't have one).

I've never done the 773 with the myriad of operators who have run it over the years, even when Northern and Northumbria have operated it and so an Explorer was valid! Very much to do at some point.

Bleakest bus station is one that we've done before but bleakest terminus.... Tow Law Inkerman is a layby in the middle of nowhere outside the far end of the village. On the Desolation Scale, it's a strong 9.1

 

[Deerfold]

The precursor of the B3 was the 500, operated mostly by the Todmorden garage of Metro/Yorkshire Rider/First Calderline, with one morning trip operated from the Keighley end. The notable thing was this was with double-deck vehicles, and I'm sure I recall seeing it described as the highest UK route thus operated. Sadly the B3 is entirely single-decked, but do any of the other services mentioned in this thread use double-deckers?

Double deckers are used on occasion when there's events in Haworth.

I did used to enjoy the front top seat on First's 500 back in the day.

 

[Megafuss]

The 34X uses Slochd Pass at 405
meters. Fine bus route too. Although, that seems like a foothill compared to some suggestions

 

[carlberry]

Mind you, I wouldn't have thought the T4/T14 would be that high... Storey Arms just doesn't feel that high but obviously is

Both Brecon and Merthyr are quite high and, whilst neither approach is steep, they're both continual climbs. It's why it's a popular place to climb Pen y Fan from; as your transport has done half the work for you by that point!

 

[TheSel]

The precursor of the B3 was the 500, operated mostly by the Todmorden garage of Metro/Yorkshire Rider/First Calderline, with one morning trip operated from the Keighley end. The notable thing was this was with double-deck vehicles, and I'm sure I recall seeing it described as the highest UK route thus operated. Sadly the B3 is entirely single-decked, but do any of the other services mentioned in this thread use double-deckers?

Double deckers are used on occasion when there's events in Haworth.

I did used to enjoy the front top seat on First's 500 back in the day.

Many thanks for the nostalgia!! Gives me an excuse to scan this slide I took in the summer of 1987.



Yorkshire Rider 3309 - VCP839M - a Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline crosses Oxenhope Moor in the summer of 1987, heading from Keighley to Hebden Bridge.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Both Brecon and Merthyr are quite high and, whilst neither approach is steep, they're both continual climbs. It's why it's a popular place to climb Pen y Fan from; as your transport has done half the work for you by that point!

I think that's it.....they are fairly consistent climbs either way so it doesn't feel as pronounced or high though the view towards Brecon is fairly impressive.

 

[Whisky Papa]

The precursor of the B3 was the 500, operated mostly by the Todmorden garage of Metro/Yorkshire Rider/First Calderline, with one morning trip operated from the Keighley end. The notable thing was this was with double-deck vehicles, and I'm sure I recall seeing it described as the highest UK route thus operated. Sadly the B3 is entirely single-decked, but do any of the other services mentioned in this thread use double-deckers?

Double deckers are used on occasion when there's events in Haworth.

I did used to enjoy the front top seat on First's 500 back in the day.

I'm glad common sense is applied and double-deckers are still provided when needed. I've never noticed them on the B3 but I tend to avoid Hebden Bridge on a weekend if possible!

First's service was not 100% double-deck either, if truth be told. The weekday service of three round trips had about an hour gap at Todmorden between the final pair, which was normally filled with a school run from Calder High School in Mytholmroyd to Todmorden, and required a double-decker. At some point (in the late 1990s I think) the school changed its finish time and made this impossible, so the hour gap became a mealbreak with all three trips worked by the same duty (previously the first trip was on a separate duty). This was often worked by the surviving Leopard / Plaxton 8534, resplendent in Todmorden JOC commemorative livery.

 

[SteveM70]

Yorkshire Rider 3309 - VCP839M - a Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline crosses Oxenhope Moor in the summer of 1987, heading from Keighley to Hebden Bridge.

Complete with an impatient BMW driver far too close behind looking for a dangerous overtaking opportunity. Who’d have thunk it?!?

 

[GusB]

Complete with an impatient BMW driver far too close behind looking for a dangerous overtaking opportunity. Who’d have thunk it?!?

I saw the queue of traffic behind the bus and wondered how frustrated those drivers must have been, but I wasn't observant enough to see that it was a BMW directly behind it. Some things never change!

 

[vlad]

There's a once-a-week service (the Wrights 889) between Alston and Hexham. According to the timetable it runs via Nenthead and Carshield, which means it must run over Black Hill, which has a spot height of 609 m according to the OS red map.

 

[SteveM70]

I saw the queue of traffic behind the bus and wondered how frustrated those drivers must have been, but I wasn't observant enough to see that it was a BMW directly behind it. Some things never change!

To be fair there are plenty of sensible overtaking options, but you know BMW drivers, always seem to be in a hurry

 

[181]

An hourly bus service in that part of the world is a high-frequency service; some of the more rural routes are one day a week!

Indeed -- I remember wondering whether there were any other suitable starting points for climbing Munros that had an hourly bus service.

I didn't realise that there was a bus service that went over Glenshee. Having driven that route by car a couple of years ago, I can imagine that trying to get a bus over there must be a bit of a challenge.

I don't remember being conscious of its being a challenge -- unlike the Bealach na Bà (which I've not been to but know of by reputation), it's a fairly wide and comparatively straight road, and as far as I can remember only a comparatively short stretch on the south side is particularly steep. If I remember rightly it was a medium-sized front-engine single-deck bus with not many people on it.

(Thinking about it again, it may have only run every other day).

Of the (comparatively few) mountainous bus routes that I've been on possibly the Honister Pass in the Lake District seemed the most unlikely in terms of the narrow, steep and winding nature of the road, and the Kirkstone Pass presented the bus with the greatest struggle to get up the slope.

I wonder what the highest urban bus route is (defining that as a route that's wholly or mainly in a built-up area). The route to Lodge Moor on the western edge of Sheffield appears to reach 295m at one point, which is nearly 1000 feet. Buxton is higher than that, but maybe not big enough to have any services which don't go outside the town.

 

[D6130]

I wonder what the highest urban bus route is (defining that as a route that's wholly or mainly in a built-up area). The route to Lodge Moor on the western edge of Sheffield appears to reach 295m at one point, which is nearly 1000 feet. Buxton is higher than that, but maybe not big enough to have any services which don't go outside the town.

The Transdev Keighley & District route B3 (formerly 500) from Keighley to Hebden Bridge reaches 422 metres/1,380 feet above sea level on the A6033 at Cock Hill.

Double deckers are used on occasion when there's events in Haworth.

A double decker appeared on an early afternoon trip one day the week before last....presumably deputising for a non-available single decker. It was empty - apart from the driver - on arrival at Hebden Bridge and had three passengers when it went back.

 

[Dai Corner]

I wonder what the highest urban bus route is (defining that as a route that's wholly or mainly in a built-up area). The route to Lodge Moor on the western edge of Sheffield appears to reach 295m at one point, which is nearly 1000 feet. Buxton is higher than that, but maybe not big enough to have any services which don't go outside the town.

Brynmawr (Big Hill in Welsh) claims to be the highest town in Wales. The bus station is about 350m asl and the X15 route to almost sea level at Newport is mostly urban in character.

Asda at Dowlais Top near Merthyr Tydfil is about 380m asl and has a bus every 20mins to the town centre.

 

[Robertj21a]

Indeed -- I remember wondering whether there were any other suitable starting points for climbing Munros that had an hourly bus service.



I don't remember being conscious of its being a challenge -- unlike the Bealach na Bà (which I've not been to but know of by reputation), it's a fairly wide and comparatively straight road, and as far as I can remember only a comparatively short stretch on the south side is particularly steep. If I remember rightly it was a medium-sized front-engine single-deck bus with not many people on it.

(Thinking about it again, it may have only run every other day).

Of the (comparatively few) mountainous bus routes that I've been on possibly the Honister Pass in the Lake District seemed the most unlikely in terms of the narrow, steep and winding nature of the road, and the Kirkstone Pass presented the bus with the greatest struggle to get up the slope.

I wonder what the highest urban bus route is (defining that as a route that's wholly or mainly in a built-up area). The route to Lodge Moor on the western edge of Sheffield appears to reach 295m at one point, which is nearly 1000 feet. Buxton is higher than that, but maybe not big enough to have any services which don't go outside the town.

Buxton has a service that just operates cross-town,