Andrew Bartlett

A pictorial history of buses in the south west of England and a traveler’s guide to things to see and do along the breathtaking South West Coast Path.

When one thinks of public transport in the south west over the years, two names tend to dominate; Western National and Devon General. But as this book with a difference shows, there was much more to it. While it features buses past and present from a variety of operators large and small, it does so by following the route of one of the most well-known walks in England.

The South West Coast Path stretches for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall along the north coast to Land’s End, and back along the south coast to Poole harbor in Dorset. It boasts some spectacular scenery and regularly appears in lists of the world’s best walks.

So this is not just a book about public transport, it is also a travelers’ guide to things to see and do along the length of the Coast Path. Readers can imagine themselves at the front of their own imaginary tour bus, stopping at key points along the way. The photographs of buses date from the 1920s through to the 2010s, and feature over twenty-five different operators. There are brief notes on the way in which the Coast Path connects these places and the availability of modern-day bus services between them, and should any further encouragement be needed to plan a visit to the area, scenic views of some of the most beautiful locations are also included.

It is hoped that this unique volume will appeal not just to bus enthusiasts but to anyone interested in visiting this glorious part of the United Kingdom.

“Most books are written for a single audience, but this one addresses at least three. The bus enthusiast will find concise histories of over twenty-five operators along the coast from the 1920s to the present day and many unique photographs. The walker is offered details of bus services along the Coast Path enabling a series of linear walks with transport to and from base camp, as well as 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey Landranger maps of each section. The tourist or holiday maker is offered ‘Things to see’ with details and scenic views of some of the most beautiful and fascinating locations in the country. Buses Along the South West Coast Path is thoroughly recommended. It should be in the rucksack or picnic hamper of anyone heading to this lovely corner of England.” —John Ashley, Journal of the Road Transport History Association

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