Next Outing:-

BUS PASS ADVENTURE GROUP

OUTING TO HEXHAM/CORBRIDGE

DATE:   MONDAY 20^th APRIL

TIME:   9.32am

The next outing of the u3a Bus Pass Adventure Group will be eastward from Carlisle to anywhere between Brampton and Corbridge.  There are several possible destinations including Brampton, Haltwhistle, Hexham and Corbridge.

We will catch the 9.32am 104 bus from Penrith bus station to Carlisle where we will change buses and catch the 685 Newcastle bus. Proposed timetable:

Outward Return

Penrith dep 09.32 Corbridge dep 14.29 15.24

Carlisle arr 10.25 Hexham dep 14.44 15.38

Carlisle dep 11.00 Haltwhistle dep 15.23 16.25

Brampton arr 11.24 Brampton dep 15.46 16.48

Haltwhistle arr 11.48 Carlisle arr 16.13 17.15

Hexham arr 12.27 Carlisle dep 16.36 17.36

Corbridge arr 12.41 Penrith arr 17.30 18.30

If getting on at Penrith bus station please be there at least 10 minutes before the bus departure time.  Alternatively, if it is more convenient you are welcome to catch the bus at Plumpton (at 9.42).  If you intend to do this please LET US KNOW.

At Carlisle bus station the 104 comes in at stand 4 and the 685 goes out from stand 5 and we have plenty of time.  Also, at least two committee members will be on the trip should any assistance be required.

Group members are free to get off where they want and do what they want there.  However, one or more of the following might be of interest:

OPTION 1:  Corbridge with its wealth of independent shops and cafes.  See https://www.visitcorbridge.co.uk/ for further information.

OPTION 2:  The market town of Hexham with its ancient abbey.  It also boasts a Waitrose supermarket. See https://visithexham.com/ for further information.

OPTION 3:  Haltwhistle the geographical centre of England and Scotland.  See https://www.visithaltwhistle.com/ for further information.

OPTION 4:  Catch the 10.40 685 bus to Brampton, visit the Burne-Jones stained glass windows in St Martins Church, have a coffee/early lunch then catch the next bus onward.

OPTION 5: Go for a walk.  One option would be to alight at Haltwhistle and walk up Haltwhistle burn to the Roman Wall. This is a 4.5 mile walk.  A second would be alighting at Allen Banks and doing a 4 mile walk there.  If you are interested in a walk please LET US KNOW.

PLEASE EMAIL  DrKeithWalton@aol.com  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMING ON THIS OUTING.

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Future program of outings:-

Thursday 9^th April.  AMBLESIDE 

9.45 X5 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Keswick on to the 555 bus for Ambleside. Options in Ambleside include alighting at Rydal for Rydal Hall and walking to Ambleside, visiting the Beatrix Potter Exhibition at the Armitt Museum, visiting Hayes Garden Centre or just looking around Ambleside or walking out to Stock Ghyll Force.

Monday 20^th April.  HEXHAM/CORBRIDGE

9.32 104 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Carlisle on to the 685 bus for Corbridge. It is possible to get off anywhere en-route eg Brampton, Haltwhistle or Hexham.   In fact, one could get off in Brampton to see the Burne-Jones stained glass windows in St Martins church then catch the next bus on to Hexham or Corbridge to see the sights or visit the shops there.  

Saturday 9^th May.   GRETNA 

9.32 104 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Carlisle on to the 79 bus for the Gretna Shopping Village.  In addition to shopping one can also visit sites such as The Old Blacksmiths Shop or walk a mile or two of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Monday 18^th May.   BUTTERMERE

9.15* X4 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Keswick on to the 77A bus for Buttermere via Honister.  In Buttermere one can walk part or all the way round the lake or have a leisurely lunch.  Alternatively, one can stay on the bus and alight at Lanthwaite Green to go see the Rannerdale bluebells.

( *note start time is before Bus Passes are operational.  This is so we can connect with the 77A bus for a round trip. This will entail paying the £3 fare.)   

Tuesday 2^nd June.  HADRIAN’S WALL

9.32 104 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Carlisle on to the HW1 bus for Hadrian’s Wall. Options here include Lanercost Priory, Birdoswald, Greenhead or Walltown and the Roman Army Museum.  The bus from Carlisle is a smaller vehicle so it is essential that we know the size of our party beforehand.

Wednesday 24^th June.  MIREHOUSE

10.15 X4 bus from Penrith Bus Station for Mirehouse

or

9.45 X5 bus from Penrith Bus Station changing at Keswick on to the 554 bus for Mirehouse.

Although the house is not open until 1.30 the grounds, riverside walk and Tearoom are open from 10.00. A walk up Dodd is also an option.

Further details of each of these will be posted nearer the time.

If you are interested in any of the above please email:

 drkeithwalton@aol.com.