London to Chesterfield by Bus

 

I’m a budget traveller. You know that, right? But I wasn’t one today. Far from it. I planned to use public transport to get into Victoria Coach Station to catch the bus I’d booked to Chesterfield.

When I arrived last night, my host said he could book me a private car to make it easy for me. I must have looked a sight after my nightmare at Heathrow Airport. He obtained a firm quote and pickup time and all I had to do was say ‘Yes’.

Money well spent I say. The bus from London to Chesterfield was £5.50 and the private car was almost ten times that! 

The trip into the Victoria Coach Terminal took an hour and 10 minutes mostly on the freeway but then  winding through back streets to avoid the traffic. There is no drop off spot so we had to drive around a huge block with no left hand turn streets all the time getting further and further from the terminal. I as starting to get panicky but my driver was determined to get me as close as humanly possible to the terminal. I had to walk around the front of the building  toentre the passenger area and by then i was sweating like a pig. Carrying my coat was keeping me hot. I'm looking forward to colder weather so I can wear it! 

I walked into the terminal, showed my ticket and was told Gate 3 so I sat down on the only available seat right next to the gate. The sign said Sheffield so I checked that it would also go to Chesterfield. When everyone started to line up, I stood up and was first in line because that was where I was sitting. I started chatting to the young man who was also going to Chesterfield and asked would it be ok if I went before him as it would take me a while to load my luggage. He was happy to let me go first. He helped me manoeuvre out to the bus and climb up in. My suitcase and Jack Wolfskin backpack went in to the baggage section and I carried my Cath Kidston backpack and coat onto the bus.

It took us an hour to get out of London and onto the M1. It was like being on a Monopoly board -  Park Lane, Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus and Regent Park. (well, it's Regent Street in Monopoly)

. 

Boadicea Statue

The Dorchester Hotel

Beautiful green median strip

Modern building

Out onto the Motorway and flying along, when we were diverted off the M1 through country road and little villages. There had been an accident and the motorway had been closed. Can you imagine a motorway filled with cars and vans and trucks and buses being diverted on a country road? It was stop/start for an hour until we managed to get back on the motorway.

Wind turbines

Village street

Lutterworth

Beautifully green countryside

Traffic getting back on the M1

The bus was scheduled to arrive at Chesterfield at 3.40pm but we eventually made it at 4.45pm. I had no idea how close we were so decided to take advantage of the toilet on the bus. What fun! Five minutes later, I spot the crooked spire  and I knew we were almost there. Wendy and Tony were there to meet me as I unloaded my gear.

The bag lady arrives!

Happy to be off that bus!

National Express ...the cheap way to go!

Wendy drove us her her beautiful home and garden in a village close by. Wendy showed me to "my room" before we sat down for a lovely cuppa tea. I was knackered but I managed to stay awake for a delicious homemade lasagne and salad.I hadn't eaten since that full English breakfast!

 

Mine hosts Wendy and Tony

Lasagne and salad