Travel AROUND NORTHUMBERLAND
By Bus
Northumberland is fortunate in maintaining an extensive network of local bus routes, and the county benefits from a comprehensive coverage both for residents and visitors. Much of the network runs without subsidy from the local authority. Buses can provide a valuable means of travel both for those without their own transport and as an alternative to the car.
Information on times and routes
For the latest information by phone contact traveline: 0871 200 22 33, or visit their website. Calls are charged at 10p/minute from landlines; charges from mobile phones may vary. This service is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm and is provided jointly by the local authorities and bus operators in the region.
Concessionary travel on local buses
People over the age of 60, and those of any age with a disability, and resident in England, can obtain a bus pass to enjoy free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Since 1st April 2009 the new Northumberland County Council has taken over the scheme previously provided by the six district and borough councils in Northumberland. The scheme is free and easy to use, once you have your pass. You can nip into town more often, or explore new places. Just check the bus times and let someone else do the driving. Travel for free and go further by bus! The national scheme offers free local bus travel for those eligible from 9.30 am until 11 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Within Northumberland, the new council has extended the entitlement for older people to provide travel all day from 9 am. Holders of disabled concessionary passes can travel at any time of the day.
The concession entitles pass holders to free travel on any off-peak local bus in England. The definition of a local bus may include some tour buses and the element of any long-distance coach service that is registered as a local bus service – if you are in doubt you should check with the bus operator. You cannot use the pass on the Metro system in Tyne and Wear or on local train services. Residents of Northumberland who hold a valid concessionary bus pass can also purchase a Nexus Gold Card which allows free off-peak travel on the Metro system. The Gold Card costs £25 for a year's travel and can be bought from Nexus Travelshops.
For journeys across the border into Scotland, the bus operators may charge a fare for the part of the route outside England, but the neighbouring Scottish authority may offer a concession for the whole journey. Passes issued in Scotland are not generally
available for use on buses in England, but the Scottish authority may offer travel on sections of route in Northumberland on cross-border routes. If you have a pass issued in Scotland, contact your local authority for details.
By Train
The nearest train station to the Cottage is a Morpeth approx 10 miles south on the A1, although there is another at Alnmouth. Two railways in the UK‟s national network run through Northumberland. The East Coast
Main Line passes through the county between Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh. The Hadrian‟s Wall Line passes across the county between Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle.
East Coast Main Line
The East Coast provides trains south to Durham, Darlington, York and London King‟s Cross. They also run north to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. Trains call within Northumberland at Berwick, Alnmouth and Morpeth. They call more frequently at Newcastle. Cross Country runs south to Durham, York, Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham. It runs beyond to places in south west England. It also runs north to Edinburgh and beyond. Trains call within Northumberland at Berwick, Alnmouth and Morpeth. They call more frequently at Newcastle.
Northern Rail provides a local service between Morpeth, Cramlington, Newcastle and MetroCentre. Trains run approximately hourly on Mondays to Saturdays. A commuter train runs to Newcastle and back from Chathill, Alnmouth, Acklington, Widdrington and Pegswood.
Hadrian’s Wall Line (or Tyne Valley line)
The Hadrian‟s Wall or Tyne Valley line is one of England‟s scenic railways. It provides a fast convenient way to travel for local residents as well as for visitors. In conjunction with the Hadrian‟s Wall Bus you can use the line to gain access to all the historic sites of the Hadrian‟s Wall area. Most trains on the Tyne Valley line are operated by Northern Rail.
Between Carlisle and Newcastle trains run hourly for most of the day, every day including Sundays. Most call within Northumberland at Haltwhistle, Hexham and Prudhoe. Several trains make additional calls at Bardon Mill, Haydon Bridge and other stations east of Hexham. A small number of trains run beyond Carlisle to Dumfries, and Stranraer or Glasgow. Other trains run hourly between Hexham and Newcastle calling at all stations in Northumberland. Many run through to or from Sunderland and Middlesbrough.