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Post by bottomless on Feb 5, 2020 10:23:09 GMT
rmz19, recommend the 216 but not when Hampton Court flower show is on, but for the route into Staines you may prefer the 458, ( ex LT route 218 ), which goes through Esher, Walton on Thames, Shepperton and Laleham. 81 is a nice route but not the most scenic, although it does go past one of the oldest pubs in England. The 465 is another nice route but was more scenic when it went through to Horsham back in L & C Leatherhead days, but avoid the route in school holidays as is very busy with traffic through Chessington.
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Post by ronnie on Feb 5, 2020 11:29:59 GMT
Mz19 re 215 215 is quite a nice route, not really in the middle of nowhere, I've done it a few times. Once at the campsite there's a little walk you can do back along the Sewardstone Road to pick up the 379, or a longer walk back to Chingford via Daws Hill and Bury Road and Sewardstonebury. For a real ride to the middle of nowhere I'd suggest the 375. I'd love to do that again but it's a real pain, every 90 minutes only and it really leaves you in a dull country lane with nowt to do. However there's a nice pub nearby, The Rabbits, to kill time until the next bus back. The 375 is a pain to do but the scenery is good. It’s a very quirky route to be honest and the Passingford bridge end is pretty much the definition of the middle of nowhere! I did it earlier this year and I don’t think there is anything nearby! Another route which is very picturesque is 246 (especially the summer extension to Chartwell). Also the 320 at the southern end Agree on the 135 - my local route now so use it very often |
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Post by rmz19 on Feb 5, 2020 12:51:29 GMT
Mz19 re 215 215 is quite a nice route, not really in the middle of nowhere, I've done it a few times. Once at the campsite there's a little walk you can do back along the Sewardstone Road to pick up the 379, or a longer walk back to Chingford via Daws Hill and Bury Road and Sewardstonebury. For a real ride to the middle of nowhere I'd suggest the 375. I'd love to do that again but it's a real pain, every 90 minutes only and it really leaves you in a dull country lane with nowt to do. However there's a nice pub nearby, The Rabbits, to kill time until the next bus back. Thanks for the insight. Now I have more faith in knowing there's something to do at the northern end of the 215  The 375 is one I forgot to include as well, the Passingford Bridge terminus is definitely more of a 'middle of nowhere' location! Can't really think of why anyone would alight there as it's just a roundabout. I reckon there's a case for extending the 375 to Epping so the route has more purpose at its northern end, and would make it an even more picturesque route  The 107, 307, 251 and 313 are must do's too (Double Decks on the latter two would enable for even better views along their routings), all routes I've done and would definitely do again for the amazing sceneries. |
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Post by vjaska on Feb 5, 2020 14:11:55 GMT
Mz19 re 215 215 is quite a nice route, not really in the middle of nowhere, I've done it a few times. Once at the campsite there's a little walk you can do back along the Sewardstone Road to pick up the 379, or a longer walk back to Chingford via Daws Hill and Bury Road and Sewardstonebury. For a real ride to the middle of nowhere I'd suggest the 375. I'd love to do that again but it's a real pain, every 90 minutes only and it really leaves you in a dull country lane with nowt to do. However there's a nice pub nearby, The Rabbits, to kill time until the next bus back. Thanks for the insight. Now I have more faith in knowing there's something to do at the northern end of the 215 The 375 is one I forgot to include as well, the Passingford Bridge terminus is definitely more of a 'middle of nowhere' location! Can't really think of why anyone would alight there as it's just a roundabout. I reckon there's a case for extending the 375 to Epping so the route has more purpose at its northern end, and would make it an even more picturesque route The 107, 307, 251 and 313 are must do's too (Double Decks on the latter two would enable for even better views along their routings), all routes I've done and would definitely do again for the amazing sceneries. Equally, you can sit at Lea Valley Campsite and wait for a 215 back, generally doesn't stand longer than 10 minutes from experience. The 375 terminates there as it's the first place to turn around after serving the small settlements along the road, also doesn't take much stand time here. In fact, the one I did up pretty much went straight back out - enough time to cross the road to catch it whilst it negotiated the roundabout. An extension to Epping would be nice but it won't happen due to TfL's non appetite for cross border routes both new & existing - of course, happy enough to run Underground, Overground & TfL Rail across the border though! |
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Post by greenboy on Feb 5, 2020 16:40:28 GMT
I had a nice ride from Orpington to Epsom last year.
R8 to Biggin Hill, lovely ride through the country lanes via Downe and well worth doing.
464 to New Addington, another nice rural section.
Tram to Addington Village
466 to Caterham on the Hill, nice rural bits at both ends of the route although the bit in between is mundane, COTH has very much a village feel to it.
404 to Coulsdon, back the same way as the 466 to Old Coulsdon then some twists and turns through residential areas.
166 to Epsom, only one bus an hour beyond Banstead, a nice ride with some lovely views.
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Post by VWH1414 on Feb 5, 2020 19:39:33 GMT
If you see a username or pfp that has anything to do with AC and the 302 then its probably me  . I get the privilege of using one of the forgotten/less talked about routes on the forum . Thought I would retire the old name though - VP500 has long been scrapped so decided to go with one of the buses from what is probably my most used batch of buses in London at the moment - the 62 reg VWHs at AC - Of which there is a trend in ones I seem to commonly get on - VWH1360/1364/1412-1414/1419 all being good contenders for this. In the end I chose VWH1414 as at the end of last year I managed to get on this 2-3 times each week - And the original reason I chose VP500 was for a similar reason - it always turned up for me. This year I haven't got on the bus much (Probably 1-2 times so far) and it looks to have possibly gone for refurb - having not been used in nearly a week. I will probably end up getting on it a lot when it comes back though - Pretty nice bus, the AC 62 regs are probably my favourite Volvo B5LH G2 batch - the only thing they needed was a refurb - which they are now getting  . Perhaps not the most interesting post - but a bit of a backstory behind the name change . Nah I think it’s really interesting love reading nuggets of personal information like that, I also like being associated with one of the less run-of-the-mill, less talked about routes. I love banging on about why the 131 and C10 are my two favourite routes as there are very personable reasons behind it. Same with EastLondoner with the 62, busoccultation with the 462/179, vjaska with the 355, george with the 33/337 and Mr. S with the infamous 123. The 302 is always a route I’ll be able pertain to you now  Fair enough - I'll give you some further backstory to my links to the 302, as well as some of the rest of my local network . I've been using the 302 pretty much my whole life at this point - I've used it from its DLD days, through the VP days until the current VWH days - I've seen a majority of the types used on the route at this point (Considering the route was made in 1992, so hasn't seen too many types across its lifespan). Its always been my link to Mill Hill Broadway and Burnt Oak (Along with the 303 until 2018 - But I'll go further into depth later in the post). I'd say in the past year or 2 my usage of the route has significantly increased - with my trips on it expanding to cover Kingsbury now. Currently this year I have used the 302 a total of 45 times this year so far (Data from spreedsheet experiment I'm carrying out this year to track my bus usage), which is double the next most used (Being the 204, with 21). The 303 used to be up there - but since the changes, removing it from Deansbrook Road, it has become virtually useless to me, unless I visit Grahame Park on the occasion. Other routes that I have good history with include the 114/221/240/292 - 114/292 for links to Borehamwood/Harrow and the 221/240 for links to Mill Hill East for family reasons. Other routes I also have had a lot of ties to recently are the 32/142/186/204/324 - for various reasons, and will all probably be there to stay in my most used (With 302 remaining first) for a long time to come. This is also where my like for Metroline came from - Edgware/Mill Hill/Burnt Oak has always been a fairly strong Metroline zone, and their fleet was probably the first I actually looked at in depth and remember fleet numbers etc when I started to get into buses more - To this day I still remember all the different quirks most of the AC VPs had back in the day. AC/BT/EW/GR will always be my childhood garages - EW on the 107/113/186/204/240 with their VPLs and TEs, AC on the 302 with their DLDs and then later on VPs/VPLs, BT on the 114/292 with their VLEs/VLPs/SPs/SLEs and GR on the 142/288/303 with their DWLs/PDLs/DDLs/Volvo B6BLEs/DLAs/DWs etc. (Even earlier back I remember the DLDs from EW than NW on the 251/288/303/305). I also got to extensively use GRs fleet on the 642 between c2013-2018, which included w/52/54 reg DLAs, 54/05/55/59/10 reg DWs, 08 reg T199, the SWs and 54/05/55 reg VLAs. (Some of these I included were just loans e.g. when DW75 was temporarily drafted in, and when VLA130/133/136/143 were loaned from DX for a period and the loans of VLA100/102 from AR. I will always miss the varied fleet at GR (The operation less so much). These days I have even more range on depots I use: Arriva - AD/WN (221/340) Metroline - AC/EW/HD/ON/UX/W (32/83/107/113/114/186/204/210/240/292/302) RATP - BT/SO (142/183/251/288/303) Go Ahead - NP (232 - Although with this its less of a local route - more of one I occasionally use if theres time to go on a quick bus bash around Brent Cross/Golders Green) I'd say I definitely have more variety now garage wise - Although, even though I only use one route from AC, it will still probably remain my most used garage, just because of the intensive use of the route. Quite happy its my most used route though - nice route, with decent vehicles and good service . |
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Post by rmz19 on Feb 5, 2020 20:38:30 GMT
Thanks for the insight. Now I have more faith in knowing there's something to do at the northern end of the 215 The 375 is one I forgot to include as well, the Passingford Bridge terminus is definitely more of a 'middle of nowhere' location! Can't really think of why anyone would alight there as it's just a roundabout. I reckon there's a case for extending the 375 to Epping so the route has more purpose at its northern end, and would make it an even more picturesque route The 107, 307, 251 and 313 are must do's too (Double Decks on the latter two would enable for even better views along their routings), all routes I've done and would definitely do again for the amazing sceneries. Equally, you can sit at Lea Valley Campsite and wait for a 215 back, generally doesn't stand longer than 10 minutes from experience. The 375 terminates there as it's the first place to turn around after serving the small settlements along the road, also doesn't take much stand time here. In fact, the one I did up pretty much went straight back out - enough time to cross the road to catch it whilst it negotiated the roundabout. An extension to Epping would be nice but it won't happen due to TfL's non appetite for cross border routes both new & existing - of course, happy enough to run Underground, Overground & TfL Rail across the border though! Yes I suppose so. It would be interesting if there's a walkway over Lea Reservoir to provide pedestrians a connection to Brimsdown, making Lee Valley Campsite more accessible. It would also be a scenic walk with views of the reservoir and the London skyline. I digress It makes sense that the 375 uses the roundabout to turn around, as it's the only means of reversing back I suppose it's logical to have the terminus there and stops along the way rather than the 375 terminating elsewhere and having to traverse that way out of service anyway. An extension to Epping would be so beneficial to the route as it would attract custom and justify a frequency increase. It's a shame that crossing the border is an obstacle for TFL. Then again there are no issues with the Underground and Overground crossing the border as you say, so I wonder how TFL would justify that...  |
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Post by londonboy71 on Feb 5, 2020 21:07:24 GMT
I know it's not in London but seriously find a free weekday and get an £8.50 Intalink Explorer - with that you can do anything Carousel (A40/740/730/336 are amazing), anything Arriva in the Shires, the Metroline country routes and more (check the Intalink website), and trust me with all that you'll have loads to do it'll be difficult to squeeze it into a day. London is alright for fast routes if you know where to look, but outside London is my refuge because all the drivers just floor it all the time. I know £8.50 seems a lot but I promise it's worth it If you're thinking Carousel, either do it as soon as you can if you want the Tridents; alternatively hang about until the ex-Red Arrow Citaros are in service and the Scania/E400s from Oxford will be about by then too. Keep an eye on my Flickr (/photos/lewisbus) if you're interested as I'll try and post pics of the Citaros as soon as they're about. With my Freedon Pass I've done A 40 Heathrow to Uxbridge 740 Yxbridge to Hemel Hempstead 301 to Watford 724 to Heathrow. I think some of the routes have changed since then. |
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Post by londonboy71 on Feb 5, 2020 21:11:19 GMT
I know it's not in London but seriously find a free weekday and get an £8.50 Intalink Explorer - with that you can do anything Carousel (A40/740/730/336 are amazing), anything Arriva in the Shires, the Metroline country routes and more (check the Intalink website), and trust me with all that you'll have loads to do it'll be difficult to squeeze it into a day. London is alright for fast routes if you know where to look, but outside London is my refuge because all the drivers just floor it all the time. I know £8.50 seems a lot but I promise it's worth it If you're thinking Carousel, either do it as soon as you can if you want the Tridents; alternatively hang about until the ex-Red Arrow Citaros are in service and the Scania/E400s from Oxford will be about by then too. Keep an eye on my Flickr (/photos/lewisbus) if you're interested as I'll try and post pics of the Citaros as soon as they're about. With my Freedon Pass I've done A 40 Heathrow to Uxbridge 740 Yxbridge to Hemel Hempstead 301 to Watford 724 to Heathrow. I think some of the routes have changed since then. Not bothered about what type of bus it is.a bus is a bus is a bus 1st bus that comes im on it |
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Post by BK15AZR on Feb 6, 2020 11:11:22 GMT
210 gets my vote as well - the Hampstead Heath section is simply amazing as it's less often you can get such close to the countryside on a TfL route!
135 is also my favourite local route, a good mix of CBD, redevelopments, quiet residential area and some green, while relatively quick route compared with many other central London route.
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Post by ronnie on Feb 6, 2020 19:46:47 GMT
Thanks for the insight. Now I have more faith in knowing there's something to do at the northern end of the 215 The 375 is one I forgot to include as well, the Passingford Bridge terminus is definitely more of a 'middle of nowhere' location! Can't really think of why anyone would alight there as it's just a roundabout. I reckon there's a case for extending the 375 to Epping so the route has more purpose at its northern end, and would make it an even more picturesque route The 107, 307, 251 and 313 are must do's too (Double Decks on the latter two would enable for even better views along their routings), all routes I've done and would definitely do again for the amazing sceneries. Equally, you can sit at Lea Valley Campsite and wait for a 215 back, generally doesn't stand longer than 10 minutes from experience. The 375 terminates there as it's the first place to turn around after serving the small settlements along the road, also doesn't take much stand time here. In fact, the one I did up pretty much went straight back out - enough time to cross the road to catch it whilst it negotiated the roundabout. An extension to Epping would be nice but it won't happen due to TfL's non appetite for cross border routes both new & existing - of course, happy enough to run Underground, Overground & TfL Rail across the border though! I think 375 also passes through one of the highest points in London, doesn’t it (havering atte bower)? Out of curiosity, which bus route gets to the maximum elevation in London? 246 should also be a close contender Conversely lowest should be 108 (Blackwall tunnel!!) |
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Post by aaron1 on Feb 6, 2020 20:30:29 GMT
And Now for the Non London ones
The 306 from Watford to Borehamwood very nice views for a short route you need to go on the route
and the next best route is the 12 from Brighton to Eastbourne route that is 2 hours long that sets a very nice on the buses and the bit of it is Beachy Head
so what do you think
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Post by thesquirrels on Feb 6, 2020 21:44:33 GMT
And Now for the Non London ones The 306 from Watford to Borehamwood very nice views for a short route you need to go on the route and the next best route is the 12 from Brighton to Eastbourne route that is 2 hours long that sets a very nice on the buses and the bit of it is Beachy Head so what do you think 13X on Sundays stops at Beachy Head itself. Does get very busy. I do like the 12 group routes and their cliff-hugging undulation. Do prefer the 12x as it spends a little less time pootling about in Newhaven. A Brighton plusbus ticket will get you to Seaford on the 12s. A favourite of mine is the 191 between Medway and the Isle of Grain. Views across the Hoo peninsula and North Kent, and right across the Thames Estuary to Southend. Long runs along empty country lanes on a double decker bus which you have mostly to yourself for the last 6-7 miles, and the drivers can give it some. If a bus has become very late (happens often, reliability is a problem) you might get a surprise trip through the Medway Tunnel to make up time. The 700 from Bluewater is a long flat-out blast down the A2 and links the TfL network to Arriva's 'deep kent' routes, a few of which have merits. The day ticket is fairly reasonable. |
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Post by rmz19 on Feb 7, 2020 1:53:40 GMT
Equally, you can sit at Lea Valley Campsite and wait for a 215 back, generally doesn't stand longer than 10 minutes from experience. The 375 terminates there as it's the first place to turn around after serving the small settlements along the road, also doesn't take much stand time here. In fact, the one I did up pretty much went straight back out - enough time to cross the road to catch it whilst it negotiated the roundabout. An extension to Epping would be nice but it won't happen due to TfL's non appetite for cross border routes both new & existing - of course, happy enough to run Underground, Overground & TfL Rail across the border though! I think 375 also passes through one of the highest points in London, doesn’t it (havering atte bower)? Out of curiosity, which bus route gets to the maximum elevation in London? 246 should also be a close contender Conversely lowest should be 108 (Blackwall tunnel!!) Regarding elevation, the elevation of Havering-Atte-Bower is around 350 ft, so that part of the 375 route is quite high, but there are several routes that traverse areas of higher elevation. You're right about the 246, the route climbs to a staggering 825 ft around Westerham Heights, possibly the route with the highest elevation in London. The 403 reaches as high as 600 ft at Warlingham. At Caterham-on-the-Hill the 404 and 466 are at around 620 ft. The 166 and S1 traverse through Banstead at a height of 535 ft. The 142 and 258 reach a height of 515 ft through Bushey Heath. The R5/R10 climb to 765 ft as they pass through Knockholt. The 464 reaches 750 ft at Tatsfield. The 246/320/464/R2/R8 are at 635 ft through Biggin Hill. There are possibly more routes that are contenders in this respect. |
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Post by vjaska on Feb 7, 2020 2:10:52 GMT
I think 375 also passes through one of the highest points in London, doesn’t it (havering atte bower)? Out of curiosity, which bus route gets to the maximum elevation in London? 246 should also be a close contender Conversely lowest should be 108 (Blackwall tunnel!!) Regarding elevation, the elevation of Havering-Atte-Bower is around 350 ft, so that part of the 375 route is quite high, but there are several routes that traverse areas of higher elevation. You're right about the 246, the route climbs to a staggering 825 ft around Westerham Heights, possibly the route with the highest elevation in London. The 403 reaches as high as 600 ft at Warlingham. At Caterham-on-the-Hill the 404 and 466 are at around 620 ft. The 166 and S1 traverse through Banstead at a height of 535 ft. The 142 and 258 reach a height of 515 ft through Bushey Heath. The R5/R10 climb to 765 ft as they pass through Knockholt. The 464 reaches 750 ft at Tatsfield. The 246/320/464/R2/R8 are at 635 ft through Biggin Hill. There are possibly more routes that are contenders in this respect. Westerham Heights is known as the highest point in Greater London for definite - as much as it is Wikipedia so take care with how true it is but they at least have a list of the highest points in London - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest_points_in_London |
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The 375 is one I forgot to include as well, the Passingford Bridge terminus is definitely more of a 'middle of nowhere' location! Can't really think of why anyone would alight there as it's just a roundabout. I reckon there's a case for extending the 375 to Epping so the route has more purpose at its northern end, and would make it an even more picturesque route 
The 107, 307, 251 and 313 are must do's too (Double Decks on the latter two would enable for even better views along their routings), all routes I've done and would definitely do again for the amazing sceneries.
. I get the privilege of using one of the forgotten/less talked about routes on the forum 
.
