The Exmoor Coaster Timetable 2024 offers a scenic bus route connecting Minehead to Lynmouth, with services starting March 31, 2024. Check the PDF for detailed schedules and updates.

1.1 Overview of the Exmoor Coaster Service

The Exmoor Coaster is a popular open-top bus service connecting Minehead and Lynmouth, offering stunning views of Exmoor National Park. Known for its scenic route, it’s a must-experience for visitors. The service is dog-friendly, perfect for family trips. Part of Buses of Somerset, it was recently renamed to Exmoor Explorer, reflecting its commitment to connecting communities and showcasing Exmoor’s beauty.

1.2 Importance of the Timetable for Planning

The Exmoor Coaster timetable is crucial for planning journeys, ensuring passengers catch the right bus and arrive on time. It helps coordinate travel between Minehead, Lynmouth, and other stops, offering clarity on service frequency and seasonal adjustments. consulting the timetable allows visitors to explore Exmoor National Park seamlessly, avoiding missed connections and ensuring a stress-free experience during their trip.

Key Features of the Exmoor Coaster Route

The Exmoor Coaster offers an open-top bus ride through dramatic moorland, connecting Minehead to Lynmouth via Porlock Hill, with dog-friendly access and stunning coastal views.

2.1 Scenic Highlights: Minehead to Lynmouth

The Exmoor Coaster route offers breathtaking views, connecting Minehead, a charming seaside resort, to Lynmouth, a picturesque fishing village. The journey traverses dramatic moorland, steep cliffs, and the infamous Porlock Hill, providing stunning coastal scenery. Passengers can enjoy the open-top bus experience, taking in the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park and its vibrant wildlife, making it a must-do adventure for nature lovers and photographers alike.

2.2 Dog-Friendly Policy and Accessibility

The Exmoor Coaster welcomes dogs, making it a pet-friendly option for families and dog owners. The service ensures accessibility for all passengers, with clear routes and stops. This makes the journey enjoyable for everyone, whether traveling with pets or requiring special assistance, ensuring an inclusive experience across Exmoor’s scenic landscapes.

Timetable Details for 2024

The Exmoor Coaster Timetable 2024 provides a comprehensive schedule, including operational times, service frequencies, and key stops. It is available as a downloadable PDF for easy access.

3.1 Summer Service Start Date: March 31, 2024

The Exmoor Coaster summer service for 2024 begins on March 31, offering a scenic route from Minehead to Lynmouth. This popular open-top bus service operates seasonally, providing stunning views of Exmoor National Park. Passengers can enjoy the dramatic coastline, traverse Porlock Hill, and explore charming seaside towns. The service runs until September 28, 2024, with regular updates available in the downloadable PDF timetable for easy journey planning.

3.2 Seasonal Variations and Service Frequency

The Exmoor Coaster operates seasonally, with services running from March 31 to September 28, 2024. Frequency varies, with increased services during peak summer months. Service numbers 301, 309, and 310 cover specific sections, ensuring connectivity across Exmoor. Sunday and Bank Holiday services follow the low-season timetable, while the Blue Anchor holiday park is not served on Sundays, as detailed in the 2024 PDF timetable.

Connecting Services and Routes

The Exmoor Coaster connects with West Somerset Railway at Minehead and Lynton & Barnstaple Railway near Parracombe, offering seamless travel across Exmoor’s scenic landscapes and beyond, as detailed in the 2024 PDF timetable.

4.1 Links to West Somerset Railway and Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

The Exmoor Coaster connects seamlessly with the West Somerset Railway at Minehead and the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway near Parracombe. These links provide passengers with opportunities to combine bus and train travel, exploring Exmoor’s dramatic coastline and scenic moorland. The service is dog-friendly, adding to its appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, while offering a convenient way to discover the region’s heritage and natural beauty.

4.2 Service Numbers 301, 309, and 310 Coverage Areas

Service 301 covers the Ilfracombe to Combe Martin section, while services 309 and 310 operate between Blackmoor Gate and Lynmouth. These routes ensure comprehensive coverage of Exmoor’s scenic landscapes, connecting key destinations and offering stunning views. The services are designed to provide convenient access to coastal towns and moorland attractions, making exploration of Exmoor National Park straightforward and enjoyable for all passengers.

Major Stops and Destinations

The Exmoor Coaster route includes major stops at Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Lynton, Combe Martin, and Ilfracombe, offering access to Exmoor National Park’s stunning landscapes.

5.1 Minehead, Porlock, and Lynmouth

Minehead, a charming seaside resort, marks the western terminus of the Exmoor Coaster; Porlock, with its historic village and steep hill climb, offers breathtaking views. Lynmouth, a picturesque fishing village, is the eastern endpoint, featuring a quaint harbour and stunning coastal scenery. These stops provide access to Exmoor National Park’s dramatic landscapes, making them essential destinations on the route.

5.2 Lynton, Combe Martin, and Ilfracombe

Lynton, a Victorian town, and Combe Martin, with its charming village, are key stops on the Exmoor Coaster route. The service extends to Ilfracombe during summer, offering access to its vibrant harbour. These stops provide stunning coastal views and connections to local attractions, making them popular destinations for exploring Exmoor’s diverse landscapes and seaside charm.

Summer Timetable Extensions

The 2024 summer timetable extends services to Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, starting May 25, with additional stops at Woody Bay Station, enhancing connectivity to coastal attractions.

6.1 Extended Route to Combe Martin and Ilfracombe

The Exmoor Coaster’s summer timetable includes an extended route to Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, starting May 25, 2024. This scenic extension offers breathtaking views of Watermouth Bay and connects passengers to popular coastal attractions. The route enhances accessibility to Ilfracombe’s harbor and Combe Martin’s charming village, providing a seamless link to Exmoor National Park’s stunning landscapes and local transport hubs for further exploration.

6.2 Stops at Woody Bay Station

Starting May 25, 2024, the Exmoor Coaster extends its route to include stops at Woody Bay Station, offering passengers a chance to explore this picturesque location. This addition enhances connectivity to Lynton and the surrounding coastal scenery, providing an ideal spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The service operates until September 28, 2024, aligning with the summer timetable for the Exmoor Explorer (formerly Exmoor Coaster).

Ticketing and Pass Information

Bus passes are accepted on the Exmoor Coaster route. Passengers can pay using cash or contactless methods. Seasonal travel requires checking the latest fare updates.

7.1 Bus Pass Acceptance and Payment Options

The Exmoor Coaster accepts concessionary bus passes, offering affordable travel for eligible passengers. Payment options include cash, contactless cards, and mobile payments. The summer timetable, starting March 31, 2024, ensures seamless travel across Exmoor. Check the PDF timetable for detailed fare information and seasonal promotions to plan your journey efficiently.

7.2 Special Considerations for Seasonal Travel

Seasonal travelers should note that the Exmoor Coaster operates primarily during summer, with services starting March 31, 2024. Peak season demand may require advance planning for seating. Check the PDF timetable for seasonal variations, including extended routes to Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. Winter services are limited, so plan accordingly for off-peak travel. Stay updated on service changes to ensure a smooth journey.

Service Updates and Notifications

Service updates for the Exmoor Coaster include timetable revisions, error corrections, and diversion notices. Check the PDF for the latest changes and service alerts before traveling.

8.1 Timetable Revisions and Error Corrections

The Exmoor Coaster Timetable 2024 underwent revisions due to initial errors in the November 2023 release. Corrections were made to service frequencies and route details, ensuring accuracy for passengers. Service numbers 301, 309, and 310 were updated to reflect proper coverage areas, including stops at key destinations like Minehead, Lynmouth, and Ilfracombe.

A revised timetable is expected soon, with updates available on the official PDF. Passengers are advised to check for the latest adjustments before planning their journeys to avoid disruptions.

8.2 Diversion Notices and Service Alerts

Passengers should be aware of diversion notices due to parked vehicles on Wessex Road, Yeovil, causing service 54 to divert via Larkhill Road and Stilby Road. Stops at Wessex Road, Eliots Drive, and Coronation Avenue are temporarily unavailable. Additionally, the Exmoor Coaster does not serve Blue Anchor Holiday Park on Sundays, and the 2024 service ends on September 28.

Tips for Traveling on the Exmoor Coaster

• Plan your journey in advance to secure seating, especially during peak seasons.
• Respect wildlife and avoid feeding Exmoor ponies to preserve their natural habitat.

9.1 Planning Your Journey and Seating

Plan your journey using the Exmoor Coaster timetable 2024 PDF for precise schedules and stops. Arrive early to secure seating, especially during peak seasons. Opt for seats offering scenic views of Exmoor National Park. Consider service numbers 301, 309, and 310 for specific route coverage. Check for seasonal variations and plan accordingly to avoid missing key stops like Minehead or Lynmouth.

9.2 Respect for Wildlife and Local Guidelines

Respect Exmoor’s wildlife by not feeding or touching wild ponies, which roam freely but belong to local herds. Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals and other passengers. Follow local guidelines to protect the environment and wildlife. Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid littering. Adhere to Exmoor National Park’s rules to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife for future visitors.

Future Developments and Renaming

The Exmoor Coaster will be renamed the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) after First Bus’s rebranding in December 2024, enhancing its identity while maintaining its scenic route charm.

The Exmoor Explorer (EX1) replaces the Exmoor Coaster following First Bus’s 2024 rebranding. This service introduces an extended route to Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, with stops at Woody Bay Station during summer. The EX1 continues to connect key destinations like Minehead and Lynmouth, offering scenic views and linking to other transport services, ensuring a seamless and enhanced travel experience for passengers exploring Exmoor National Park.

10.2 Impact of First Bus Rebranding in 2024

The 2024 rebranding of First Bus introduced the Exmoor Explorer (EX1), replacing the Exmoor Coaster. This change modernizes the service, aligning it with First Bus’s brand identity. The rebranding aims to enhance passenger experience while maintaining the route’s scenic charm. It reflects a strategic shift toward unified branding across First Bus services, ensuring consistency and recognition for travelers exploring Exmoor National Park and its stunning coastline.

The Exmoor Coaster Timetable 2024 provides essential travel details, ensuring a smooth journey through Exmoor’s stunning landscapes. Explore Minehead to Lynmouth and beyond with confidence and enjoyment.

11.1 Recap of Key Information

The Exmoor Coaster Timetable 2024 outlines essential travel details, including service start dates, route coverage, and seasonal variations. Key stops like Minehead, Lynmouth, and Porlock Hill are highlighted, with connections to railways and extended summer routes. The renaming to Exmoor Explorer (EX1) in late 2024 and dog-friendly policies are noted. Always check the PDF for the latest updates and plan your scenic journey through Exmoor National Park accordingly.

11.2 Encouragement to Explore Exmoor National Park

Embark on a journey through Exmoor National Park’s stunning landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to rolling moorlands. The Exmoor Coaster offers a unique way to experience these natural wonders. Grab the 2024 timetable, plan your adventure, and discover the park’s hidden gems, wildlife, and charming villages. Whether hiking, sightseeing, or relaxing, Exmoor promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors.