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West Midlands Buses in Discussion => National Express West Midlands => Topic started by: 2900 on July 24, 2014, 11:08:24 AM

Title: Scenic routes
Post by: 2900 on July 24, 2014, 11:08:24 AM
I would like some suggestions on routes that go through country side , villages. Do nx operate any such routes or have they vanished long ago. When I use to visit hewitts international salvage Auction I used the long stretch of road that goes past himley hall I did metrobuses out in the greens , I used to feel envious of those drivers being out here complete opposite to the crap I do.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Trident 4609 on July 24, 2014, 11:48:25 AM
Quote from: 2900 on July 24, 2014, 11:08:24 AM
I would like some suggestions on routes that go through country side , villages. Do nx operate any such routes or have they vanished long ago. When I use to visit hewitts international salvage Auction I used the long stretch of road that goes past himley hall I did metrobuses out in the greens , I used to feel envious of those drivers being out here complete opposite to the crap I do.

The 255/6 pass through Country Lanes in Wombourne/Himley/Swindon/Hinksford etc. Both operated By Tridents Mon-Sat and B7RLE's on Sundays.

WA6 passes through Semi Rural area's in Walsall around Aldridge and also on its brief visit into South Staffordshire through Little Aston.

The 9** Walsall-B'ham services have nice scenic views through Barr Beacon
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: JB93 on July 24, 2014, 12:36:03 PM
The 70 (BC) goes through some countryside when it's going around Coleshill and Water Orton
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: lynx1103 on July 24, 2014, 03:25:43 PM
Walsall 6 has a nice route through little Aston

Plus peak time X56 a nice drive down Chester road from streetly onwards to Boney Hay
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Chris2301 on July 24, 2014, 04:26:24 PM
27 wolves to dudley gives some nice views of dudley and gornal on the road towards stickley estate from segeley
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Stu on July 24, 2014, 06:05:23 PM
The 900 can be quite scenic between Sheldon and Coventry.

Will also agree about the 70, lovely journey between Chelmsley Wood and Castle Bromwich, passing through Coleshill and Water Orton.

Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Stevo on July 24, 2014, 06:22:46 PM
The Coventry 11 gets out into Warwickshire on its way to Kenilworth and Leamington.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: j789 on July 24, 2014, 09:47:52 PM
The old 4 Brum to Solihull used to be a nice route for the countryside villages near Solihull, esp in a Metrobus. I guess they must still be served but not by NXWM anymore. Also, the 991 to Lichfield was nice.

Nicest current West Mids route is definitely the 11 Cov to Leamington.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: MW on July 24, 2014, 11:04:14 PM
Quote from: j789 on July 24, 2014, 09:47:52 PM
The old 4 Brum to Solihull used to be a nice route for the countryside villages near Solihull, esp in a Metrobus.

It was renumbered to the 5 a few years back. Apart from very minor changes, (probably around Shirley) it is the same.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: monkeyjoe on July 25, 2014, 05:51:11 AM
Quote from: Michael on July 24, 2014, 11:04:14 PM
Quote from: j789 on July 24, 2014, 09:47:52 PM
The old 4 Brum to Solihull used to be a nice route for the countryside villages near Solihull, esp in a Metrobus.

It was renumbered to the 5 a few years back. Apart from very minor changes, (probably around Shirley) it is the same.


Depends what you call  minor missing out the whole of Cheswick Green (the scenic bit).
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Stu on July 26, 2014, 08:45:36 PM
Between Shirley and Solihull, the 5 is still a nice scenic route to catch through Monkspath and Widney Manor anyway.

I will reiterate what I said about the 900 earlier; having taken a trip to Meriden today, I think the 900 is probably one of my favourite routes to ride on, as you get to see planes at the airport, and the rural areas around Meriden.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: domino.99 on July 26, 2014, 10:13:34 PM
the 51 and 997 has some nice views through out the route :)
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Trident 4609 on July 26, 2014, 10:44:13 PM
Quote from: NXDom on July 26, 2014, 10:13:34 PM
the 51 and 997 has some nice views through out the route :)

The 51? Are you serious? It passes through all the rough suburbs!
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Ashley on July 27, 2014, 12:10:41 AM
Most scenic NX routes

WA - 6, 77 (most of it), X56, 934, 935, 935A, 936, 997 (all nicer after Pheasey), X51 (after Bloxwich)

WN - 255, 256

AG - 5 (Shirley to Solihull), 966 (Damsonwood to just after the Airport)

BC - 70 (after Castle Bromwich but before Chelsmley Wood), 900 (after Sheldon)

CV - 11/12

If you want scenic outside of NX then it's probably every other company that enters our turf
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: domino.99 on July 27, 2014, 10:11:01 AM
Quote from: Nathan on July 26, 2014, 10:44:13 PM
Quote from: NXDom on July 26, 2014, 10:13:34 PM
the 51 and 997 has some nice views through out the route :)

The 51? Are you serious? It passes through all the rough suburbs!
Joking about the 51 but not the 997
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Trident 4609 on July 27, 2014, 10:14:52 AM
Quote from: NXDom on July 27, 2014, 10:11:01 AM
Quote from: Nathan on July 26, 2014, 10:44:13 PM
Quote from: NXDom on July 26, 2014, 10:13:34 PM
the 51 and 997 has some nice views through out the route :)

The 51? Are you serious? It passes through all the rough suburbs!
Joking about the 51 but not the 997

The 997 is a nice route through Barr Beacon and just before Pheasey
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: CL on July 28, 2014, 04:34:32 PM
As Ashley had mentioned. The 900, en route to Coventry. Beautiful at the Airport, then back on a motorway for about 2-5 minutes, before coming into Meriden & Allesley Village through a lovley country road, near a field, actually...
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: JB93 on August 04, 2014, 12:54:34 PM
I miss when Diamond's (I assume it's still operated by Diamond) 192 went all the way to Birmingham from Kidderminster. That was a lovely ride! Is it only Halesowen to Kidderminster now?
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Solo1 on August 04, 2014, 01:02:06 PM
Whittle runs the  192 now
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2014, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: JB93 on August 04, 2014, 12:54:34 PM
I miss when Diamond's (I assume it's still operated by Diamond) 192 went all the way to Birmingham from Kidderminster. That was a lovely ride! Is it only Halesowen to Kidderminster now?

Operated by Whittles :)
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Ashley on August 04, 2014, 06:59:27 PM
The 192 is Halesowen - kiddy - stourport. I think this is a purely nxwm topic otherwise there would be a mega list
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on August 04, 2014, 07:35:39 PM
Quote from: Ashley on August 04, 2014, 06:59:27 PM
The 192 is Halesowen - kiddy - stourport. I think this is a purely nxwm topic otherwise there would be a mega list

X92 when it used to be Birmingham to Hereford, mega scenic run!
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: JoNi on August 04, 2014, 08:22:18 PM
Didn't realise how far you could see from the 140 between Dudley and Blackheath until recently sampling it on Trident.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: j789 on August 04, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
I know it isn't in the West Mids but if you have a spare Saturday, one of the nicest journeys to do is on the 44B route to Ledbury from Worcester (hourly). It goes right up over the Malverns and you get stunning views on it.  I love driving this route, really beats driving around warndon all day. If you purchase a £6 Wyvern day ticket and come in on the 144 from Brum (which itself has nice parts on it), you could also sample the 420 Worcester to Hereford which again has some nice countryside. You get quite a few pensioners who ride on the buses for a trip out. Also, I know we accept Arriva and Stagecoach Midlands staff passes and we can use their buses so it is possible that you could also use your NXWM staff pass and get a free ride on the above routes as we may accept them (I am not 100% though on that).
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: D10 on August 04, 2014, 08:52:29 PM
Quote from: JoNi on August 04, 2014, 08:22:18 PM
Didn't realise how far you could see from the 140 between Dudley and Blackheath until recently sampling it on Trident.

Your're right, I used to often travel on the 140 as my route of choice between Dudley and Birmingham in the days of Metrobuses and Fleetlines. The 120 used to give some good views in the Oakham area too when that was DD operated.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: the trainbasher on August 04, 2014, 08:58:47 PM
The new 147 of First is to be very scenic (bits of the 144 and 007)
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Ashley on August 04, 2014, 09:09:55 PM
Quote from: j789 on August 04, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
I know it isn't in the West Mids but if you have a spare Saturday, one of the nicest journeys to do is on the 44B route to Ledbury from Worcester (hourly). It goes right up over the Malverns and you get stunning views on it.  I love driving this route, really beats driving around warndon all day. If you purchase a £6 Wyvern day ticket and come in on the 144 from Brum (which itself has nice parts on it), you could also sample the 420 Worcester to Hereford which again has some nice countryside. You get quite a few pensioners who ride on the buses for a trip out. Also, I know we accept Arriva and Stagecoach Midlands staff passes and we can use their buses so it is possible that you could also use your NXWM staff pass and get a free ride on the above routes as we may accept them (I am not 100% though on that).

Which other first wyvern routes do you recommend j789?
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: j789 on August 04, 2014, 09:29:32 PM
Quote from: Ashley on August 04, 2014, 09:09:55 PM
Quote from: j789 on August 04, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
I know it isn't in the West Mids but if you have a spare Saturday, one of the nicest journeys to do is on the 44B route to Ledbury from Worcester (hourly). It goes right up over the Malverns and you get stunning views on it.  I love driving this route, really beats driving around warndon all day. If you purchase a £6 Wyvern day ticket and come in on the 144 from Brum (which itself has nice parts on it), you could also sample the 420 Worcester to Hereford which again has some nice countryside. You get quite a few pensioners who ride on the buses for a trip out. Also, I know we accept Arriva and Stagecoach Midlands staff passes and we can use their buses so it is possible that you could also use your NXWM staff pass and get a free ride on the above routes as we may accept them (I am not 100% though on that).

Which other first wyvern routes do you recommend j789?

Any of the country routes are good such as the 551 to Evesham, 362/3/4 to Upton and Malvern (363 to soon extend to Tewkesbury another nice place). For a nice round trip through the countryside using a Connecta county ticket you could do the 551 (First) Worcester to Evesham, 247 (Diamond) Evesham to Redditch and 350 (WCC) Redditch to Worcester.

As was mentioned the new 147 route to Halesowen will be nice over the clent hills.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Sh4318 on August 04, 2014, 09:38:06 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 27, 2014, 12:10:41 AM
Most scenic NX routes

WA - 6, 77 (most of it), X56, 934, 935, 935A, 936, 997 (all nicer after Pheasey), X51 (after Bloxwich)

WN - 255, 256

AG - 5 (Shirley to Solihull), 966 (Damsonwood to just after the Airport)

BC - 70 (after Castle Bromwich but before Chelsmley Wood), 900 (after Sheldon)

CV - 11/12

If you want scenic outside of NX then it's probably every other company that enters our turf

I agree with that, some parts of the 77 are beautiful, even better on a 41** trident
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2014, 10:12:46 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 04, 2014, 09:38:06 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 27, 2014, 12:10:41 AM
Most scenic NX routes

WA - 6, 77 (most of it), X56, 934, 935, 935A, 936, 997 (all nicer after Pheasey), X51 (after Bloxwich)

WN - 255, 256

AG - 5 (Shirley to Solihull), 966 (Damsonwood to just after the Airport)

BC - 70 (after Castle Bromwich but before Chelsmley Wood), 900 (after Sheldon)

CV - 11/12

If you want scenic outside of NX then it's probably every other company that enters our turf

I agree with that, some parts of the 77 are beautiful, even better on a 41** trident

Especially 4136 which was a beast when i rode it on there not long back
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Sh4318 on August 04, 2014, 10:17:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 04, 2014, 10:12:46 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 04, 2014, 09:38:06 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 27, 2014, 12:10:41 AM
Most scenic NX routes

WA - 6, 77 (most of it), X56, 934, 935, 935A, 936, 997 (all nicer after Pheasey), X51 (after Bloxwich)

WN - 255, 256

AG - 5 (Shirley to Solihull), 966 (Damsonwood to just after the Airport)

BC - 70 (after Castle Bromwich but before Chelsmley Wood), 900 (after Sheldon)

CV - 11/12

If you want scenic outside of NX then it's probably every other company that enters our turf

I agree with that, some parts of the 77 are beautiful, even better on a 41** trident

Especially 4136 which was a beast when i rode it on there not long back

Keep seeing it on the X51 at really inconvienient times. Also the 6 around Little Aston, although this has already been mentioned
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: tc on August 04, 2014, 10:54:48 PM
This is really stretching it but... NX Dundee Route 81 has to be the most scenic NX Bus route - search for Kirkbuddo Crossroads on Google Streetview - it operates 1 return journey Monday, Wednesday and Friday on one routing and Tuesday and Thursday on the other.
Title: Re: Scenic routes
Post by: Ashley on August 07, 2014, 06:22:45 AM
Thanks for the route gen j789 :)