GS42 at Leatherhead

Leatherhead Running Day

Sunday 5th September 2010

Prepared by Ian Smith, 20th September 2010.



408: Leatherhead to Reigate (SNB340)

I had a choice of return feeder services: RML2323 to West Croydon, MB90 to Staines, or SNB340 to Redhill. None would get me home, but any would put me at a station from where I could reach London - or I could just catch a train. Other buses heading for south-east London were going round the M25, which did not appeal. I wandered round, clutching a cup of tea, pondering which option to take up. I was leaning heavily towards the 462, because it was many years since I had done the Leatherhead to Staines trip. But then SNB340 pulled up at the stop and I just climbed aboard.

MB90, Leatherhead SNB340, Leatherhead

First we made the short trip to Epsom, where we stopped at the Clock behind RML900. Then we turned south, and headed up onto Epsom Downs. We passed by the racecourse grandstand, and alongside the course to Tattenham Corner. We made the tight uphill turn to pass Tattenham Corner Station, then turned through the estates to wriggle towards Tadworth Station.

SNB340, Epsom Inside SNB340

From Tadworth Station we made our way east onto the main A217 dual carriageway for the long climb up onto the North Downs. We crossed the M25 on the top of Reigate Hill, then made the steep twisting descent to reach Reigate Station and then the town.

430: Reigate to Redhill (SNB340)

To my surprise, we then turned down through the town to Bell Street, and continued round the circuitous 430 route to reach Redhill.

Redhill SNB340 at Redhill

We reached Redhill Bus Station and I headed for the station. I paused to take a photo of a current Dart on the 430, then hurried into the station - just in time to watch a London-bound train departing.

SNB340 at Redhill Metrobus Dart 362 on 430

Many thanks to the Country Bus Rallies team for organising the event, especially Peter Aves and John Huxford. Thanks to those who provided buses, or drove or conducted, to those who organised the timetable and programmes, to those who manned the information stand, and those who operated the mess truck. It was a good day!

Buses:
RT3148
RF28, RF281, RF315, RF354, RF486*, RF489*, RF633
GS42, GS62
RML900*, RML2323, XF3, DMS1868*, MB90, BL49*
SNB340, SNB449, P3

system map: thanks to Nigel Henty


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


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