GS62 in East Grinstead

East Grinstead Running Day

Sunday April 22nd 2007

Prepared by Ian Smith, 15th May 2007.


Forest Row and back

409: East Grinstead to Forest Row (RML2731)

When we emerged from coffee RML2731 was waiting to go to Forest Row, with John Huxford at the wheel. We climbed aboard. We set off eastwards along the High Street, and out into the countryside on the Eastbourne Road. A Metrobus Omnidekka came the other way, one of several that we would see. They wore Railway Service blinds, but I suspect that they were route-learning for the 409. The RML travelled quickly, as Country RMLs always did. RML2731 was NOT one of the red ones drafted into Godstone garage when the 409 was converted, by the way. We roared down the hill from Ashurst Wood to Forest Row, and met RT1700 toiling up the slope out of the village.

RML2731 at East Grinstead. Metrobus 923. RT1700 leaves Forest Row.

We made our way through Forest Row, and turned down to the old Station Yard, where the RML turned.

RML2731 at Forest Row Station. RML2731 at Forest Row Station.

409: Forest Row to East Grinstead Station (RML2731)

Having turned, we returned into the village and stopped outside the Brambletye Inn, at the old stance from before the 409 was allowed to go to the station (which was outside the LT area).

RML2731 at Brambletye Inn. RML2731 at Brambletye Inn.

We set off north-westwards again, up the long hill past Ashurst Wood and along the wooded ridge to East Grinstead. At the War Memorial we drew up behind SO43, the rear-entrance Maidstone & District Bristol. RML2699 came round the corner, heading south on a 409.

SO43 went off, and after a few minutes we set off again, down to the station.

SO43, RML2699 at East Grinstead. RML2731 at East Grinstead Station.

The station bus stands were being used for buses taking breaks. Metrobus' green RML2317 stood there when we arrived, along with M&D Atlantean DH558, RF489 and M&D Reliance 3448.

RML2317 at East Grinstead Station. DH558 at East Grinstead Station.

473: East Grinstead Station to War Memorial (RF489)

I went with my wife to the station, to check on train times for her return to Croydon, and found a train at the platform. I returned to the bus stand, where I found RF489 about to return to the War Memorial. I climbed aboard for the short trip.

RF489 at East Grinstead Station. RF489 at East Grinstead.

Back at the War Memorial I consulted my timetable to see what was going where. RM1033 came past, blinded for the Bluebell Railway link. BL49 came round the corner the other way, arriving from Oxted.

RM1033 at East Grinstead. BL49 at East Grinstead.

Then up rolled RF269. I could fancy a Greenline trip to Godstone Green..

Part Four: Godstone Green and back

Photos by Ian Smith. Click on any of them for a larger picture.

Back to Ian's Bus-stop Part One Part Two Part Four: Godstone Green