Get on the bus

Visitors to Whitby this summer will be able to take a trip out to the North York Moors National Park by hopping on board a beautifully restored 1958 Bedford coach. Departing twice a day on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday between 26 July and 31 August, the coach will stop at The Moors National Park Centre and the newly-installed Danby Beacon, where visitors can wander across the rolling heather moorland.

The bus will depart from the Co-op in Whitby at 9.30am (returning at 12.55pm) and again at 1.30pm (returning at 4.55pm). There’s no need to book – just turn up and pay the driver. Tickets cost £5 per person for a half day Whitby to Danby return excursion (children under 5 travel free).

Meanwhile, the recently launched Moor Rover offers a new service in Exmoor National Park designed to provide local residents and visitors access to areas previously unreachable by public transport. Reducing the need for car journeys, the service is operated by AtWest with funding from the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund and will run daily from 8am to 8pm until the end of September. Passengers can be picked up from any prearranged location in the West Somerset area of Exmoor National Park and dropped off at any location in the National Park not covered by regular public transport services.

“Those using the service will be able to access linear walks, cycle routes, all ability trails and a whole range of attractions,” explains Brain Westcott of AtWest. “We can even take your luggage between accommodation providers whilst you walk one of the popular long distance walks in the area such as the Coleridge Way or South West Coast Path.”

Dan James, the National Park Authorities Sustainable Economy Officer, added his support: “Exmoor has so much to offer, and being able to explore the area without the car opens up many more opportunities as well as bringing environmental benefits. Bus travel can provide better views, a break for the driver and savings on fuel and parking costs, to name just a few benefits. In addition with this flexible service you can develop your own timetable and route.”

Fares for the Moor Rover are £5 per single trip (£2 for accompanied children under 16) with a small fee for bikes and dogs. To use the service passengers must contact AtWest in advance (ideally giving at least 24 hours notice) by calling 01643 709701 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday. For further information visit www.atwest.org.uk