A trip to the coast by bus from Leeds. How tough could it be? For me, it turns out VERY.
On Wednesday, November 30, I attempted to make my trip from Leeds bus station to Whitby on the 840 - known for its picturesque bus routes from the city out to the Yorkshire coast.
I had planned to take the bus at 10am to ensure I could at least take sometime to unwind and see Whitby. Despite almost 20 years living in Yorkshire I have yet to visit the beautiful seaside town.
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But there was something I hadn’t thought of when I was planning my journey and that was potential accidents or delays on the roads that would either see my trip delayed or cancelled.
There was a crash on York Road that saw the carriageway shut for a couple of hours and by the time I got on the bus, it was already 12.15pm.
The bus runs hourly so I was faced with a dilemma, either to wait another hour or get the bus that was about to get on the road.
As I paid £19 for my day ticket, I told the driver I wanted to head to Whitby, as her 840 was stopping at Thornton-le-Dale, I could swap at Malton and then continue my journey from there.
Given I was already two hours behind schedule, I thought what else could possibly go wrong?
The journey took me and a handful of passengers through quiant villages I would probably never pass if I had driven. Along the route, we even passed Tadcaster’s Samuel Smith Old Brewery which I have to admit, knew nothing about so it was a bit of a history lesson in itself.
Throughout the many stops, I was able to keep myself entertained by looking at huge homes in the countryside with perfectly manicured lawns in the country that I could only wish one day I will be able to afford.
Away from the residential areas, the carriageway in itself was nice too but if I had made the journey in summer, it would have been a lot better as there would have been more to see.
From what I saw, I was impressed by the views as they weren’t all that spectacular.
Around two hours later, we were finally at Malton where the bus to Whitby was due to arrive ten minutes later. However, it never arrived.
I waited outside the small bus station in the market town for around 40 minutes watching other buses such as the 843 to Scarborough arrive but I kept waiting in hope that the right bus would turn up.
It was around 3pm, I told the member of staff at the station what I was doing and they spoke of how beautiful the North Yorkshire Moors were on the journey to Whitby and said that a bus should be arriving in around 15 minutes.
At this point, I was beginning to get restless. I went to the Asda across the street for a drink and to get gloves, it was then I came back to my senses and realised it was getting dark and cold - there was no way I would be enjoying the promised views at this rate.
I had two choices, either keep on going and get back home to Leeds around 8pm or simply give up. That's exactly what I did.
I decided to hop onto the next bus to Leeds - around three had already passed me when I was waiting to go to Whitby. It was just on time when I needed to get on it.
As I waited for the bus to depart, the bus to Whitby turned up. All I could do at that point was just laugh. The journey back home was busier and packed with people leaving work, school, and college.
I got to experience the scenic route in part but not completely. My journey wasn't smooth but it was comfortable. The cold weather has put me off attempting this journey again in winter but I will give it another go once its a bit warmer.
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