Recently, I used the bus service called The Wensleydale Flyer for the first time. It runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays between Northallerton and Hawes/Gayle and it really is a service as it also stops on request at Bedale, Leyburn, Bainbridge and all the villages on the A684 in-between.

In upper Wensleydale, the Little White Bus can be pre-booked to take intending passengers to and from bus stops on the direct route.

The journey from end-to-end takes just one hour 15 minutes. Bus passes are accepted and the One Way £1 young person’s fare applies. No changes are needed between Hawes and Northallerton and three return journeys in the day ensure a choice of travel times in each direction.

The 856 is used by people visiting friends and family; going out for Sunday lunch - a 40-mile route offers plenty of options, although it is advisable to pre-book for Sundays; getting to and from Northallerton railway station; visiting patients at the Friarage hospital; shopping; for country walks; trips on the Wensleydale Railway – and enjoying the many cafes, tearooms and attractions along the way, including Wensleydale Creamery.

Dales and District provide bus and drivers for the 856, under contract to the charitable Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company whose members,the Friends of DalesBus, also promote the service. The groups would like to keep the 856 running through the winter, as well as during the summer season. All are volunteers; they have committed £1000 of their own organisation’s funds to keep it going until the end of half term in October. However the service would continue throughout the winter if DalesBus could obtain business sponsorship, contributions from parish councils whose residents and visitors use the service and other donations. The amount required is £1,000 per month for the five months from November to March inclusive. For more details, including the timetable of The Wensleydale Flyer, see www.dalesbus.org, ask at tourist information centres or phone 01756-749400.

Ruth Annison, Askrigg