Taking the bus for a walk

It has to be better than scanning the lay-bys for an empty parking spot, especially if you manage to get the front seat on the top deck.

Many popular areas have bus services that cater specifically for walkers – such as the Dalesbus or the Snowdon Sherpa – while in many other places, the network of local buses does the job just as well.

If you’re carrying a mobile with you, it’s also useful to keep a note of the Traveline phone number – 0871 200 2233. They can provide you with updated travel information should your plans change. Their lines are open from 8am to 8pm most days. And if your mobile is one of them fancy ones with the internet on, Nextbus should be able to tell you how long you have to wait.

Handy bus websites

• Plus Bus - cut the cost of your bus ticket to and from a station
• Traveline Cymru - public transport in Wales

 Top tips for going for a walk by bus

• Take plenty of change to pay for the fare – no bus driver is going to be happy when you ask for change from a fifty-pound note.
• Let the driver know which stop you want as you get on – some rural bus stops are a good distance apart, so if you miss it, it’s a long walk back!
• Check the timetable carefully before you head off for your walk – some buses vary with the seasons.
• When you see the bus coming, give it a wave so the driver knows to pick you up.
• And, the golden rule with rural buses – 20 minutes early is better than 2 minutes late! Rural buses can sometimes be a few minutes early, and if you miss it, there could be a long wait for the next one…