We haven’t had a car for more than three years – a choice, for having something less to worry about and be more independent for walking from A to B.

For long distance we use the bus on a Sunday to a spot for a ramble over the hills. At holiday time we joined coach parties to explore and discover Britain and more so when we reached retiring age; and with the honour of achieving that goal in life it felt very nice to be allocated the anticipated bus pass for the privilege of travelling within the boundary for half fare.

In summer last year we did a “wagon’s-roll” expedition over the hills from Lancashire to Yorkshire and settled in Scarborough. Forty years ago my South Yorkshire friend could never resist telling me that the best thing in Lancashire is the road into Yorkshire! And I’d wonder if she was instigating another War of the Roses – it seemed odd war-talk from the heart of a friend.

For a long time I’ve been aware that Yorkshire is a beautiful county, having spent many holidays here and travelling cross-country. The experience I’ve had today has inspired me to write this letter – I must give credit where it’s due.

Tony and I got the 11am bus from Scarborough to Helmsley and sat on the top deck. What a journey! It was the most marvellous treat on a beautiful spring day, the weather was perfect. That big double-decker bus turned off the main road to service a village of the cutest houses – all higgledy-piggledy you ever did see, then back on the highway and to turn into another wonderland of beauty further along, all the way to Helmsley via Pickering and the staggeringly gorgeous Thornton-le-Dale.

In a shop at Helmsley I was in some kind of a trance, bewitched by the sights I’d seen: so much in a short time, and when I went into raptures about the place the assistant nodded and said that she finds it hard wondering where to go for her holidays with being blessed with home comforts. I am proud of my roots, but I have to confess I second my friend’s haunting remark of long ago, and I am convinced that Yorkshire is the best and most beautiful county in all of England.

I’m sure the driver of the 128 bus is happy at his job on those really splendid roads, because he has here a couple of grateful, satisfied passengers. Who needs a car when you can see for miles from the top deck?

Winifred James

Avenue Victoria

Scarborough