North York Moors National Park
 

Discover The Place

Getting around

 

Please note that the information in this section is correct as of November 2005. As times change and facilities alter it is imperative that you double check critical information before you travel.

Phone the national Traveline 0870 6082608. Phone the Transport Section at the National Park Office in Helmsley on 01439 770657 for more details of how to get around on public transport.

Travel by bus

Moorsbus

The Moorsbus Network is operated by the National Park Authority during the summer months. It operates on Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to October, and provides a more frequent service during the summer months.

Low floor buses are normally provided on the main Moorsbus feeder services into the National Park.  These buses do not have entrance steps and usually accommodate a ramp that allows unobstructed access to either a wider seat or a reserved space for a wheelchair or pushchair.  These services are highlighted in the Moorsbus Network timetable with a wheelchair symbol.

Drivers will help and assist passengers wherever possible.  Moorsbus Co-ordinators, normally based at Helmsley and Pickering or Thornton le Dale, will help and provide advice and travel support.

For more information visit the Moorsbus pages on this website.

Other local bus services

Service 128 operates a frequent service between Scarborough, Pickering, Helmsley and Sutton Bank. Low floor buses normally operate on this route.  You can find more information and timetable details from Scarborough and District  or phone 01723 503020.

Daily Yorkshire Coastliner buses (840 and 842) link the cities of Leeds, Tadcaster and York with Pickering, Malton, Thornton le Dale, Goathland and Whitby. Low floor buses normally operate on both these services with easy access for wheelchairs and buggies, including reserved space in the bus. For further information telephone 01653 692556 or visit Yorkshire Coastliner's website.

Arriva North East operate services from Middlesbrough to Whitby (via Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend) (X56) and Whitby to Scarborough (93).  These routes are normally served by low floor buses.  For general Arriva bus enquiries phone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or contact the ‘All in One Bus and Rail Centre’ in Whitby on 01947 602`46.

There are other local bus services in the National Park.  Unfortunately because of narrow roads, many buses are small ‘stepped’ vehicles.  Check in advance with the bus operator.  Hutchinsons (Helmsley to Ampleforth, Harome and other local villages) phone 01347 821853, Stephensons (31X Helmsley, Easingwold, York) phone 01347 838990.

National Express coaches

Unfortunately National Express coaches are not currently wheelchair accessible.  Trials are taking place in other parts of the country.  However, drivers will assist passengers where possible.  You can find out more from National Express or call the Additional Needs Helpline on 0121 423 8479 for further information.

Travel by rail

The majority of trains now accommodate wheelchair access. Most trains are designed to carry wheelchairs (normally up to a maximum width of 67cm and a length of 120cm). All staffed rail stations will help passengers. At stations in deep rural locations, such as on the Esk Valley Line, the train guard will be able to provide a limited service.

Before planning a trip on the train please ring Northern Rail helpline on 0845 6008008.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam trains between Pickering and Grosmont. For information please ring 01751 472508.

Further information on train services:

  • National Rail Website 08457 484950 (Textphone 0845 6050600)
  • Northern Rail (Customer services) 0845 6008008 (Minicom 0845 6045608)
  • National Rail produce a document called ‘Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers’. Phone 0191 269 0303, Textphone 0191 2690304 or visit Disabled Persons Railcard website.

 Travel by taxi

There are a few taxi firms in the area. To find one suitable for your needs contact:

  • Whitby & District Disablement Action Group on 01947 821001
  • Scarborough & District Disablement Action Group on 01723 379379
  • A local Tourist Information Centre.

 General advice

For general travel advice and transport information for people who are disabled or have difficulty getting around contact Tripscope on 08457 5856414 (same number for Minicom) or visit the Tripscope website.