591, Halifax to Burnley

The hustle and bustle of vibrant Halifax is left behind and the bus then straddles the River Calder on one side and the Rochdale Canal on the other. It's a contrast of free-flowing water and craggy banks with the more serene becalming sight of barges on the canal. There's a languid feel to the journey as Sowerby Bridge approaches, as the bus penetrates the green pastural landscape of the Calder Vale and the picturesque Allan Park.

The bus makes a gradual climb to Mytholmroyd and then onto Hebden Bridge past the Mayroyd Mill House and then pretty independent shops and the Calder Holmes Park. This is a route resplendent in floral displays, outside houses, cottages and in hanging baskets and the delights continue as Todmorden approaches not long after, with the journey becoming ever more remote. The bus then climbs steeper, deviating to the north slightly, beside farmland and then a ever so gradual emergence of residential homes, overlooking Burnley below.

Very quickly the bus makes its descent into Burnley, right past the front door of Turf Moor, home of Burnley Football Club and then, on the left, The Royal Dyche pub, named after its legendary, long-serving former manager. It's a twist to the left, then a turn to the right and into Burnley bus station, a stones-throw from the cluster of big brands and independent shops as well as a great array of restaurants and pubs - a classic finale to a scenic journey of wonderful contrasts.

Begin your day in Halifax, a town steeped in industrial heritage and grand architecture. Start at Piece Hall, a stunning 18th-century cloth hall with sweeping stone colonnades, now home to galleries, artisan shops and cafés. Soak in the buzz of the courtyard before heading over to the Halifax Minster, where centuries of history echo in the stained glass and intricate carvings. If time allows, take a wander around Shibden Hall, the former home of Anne Lister, whose story inspired the hit series Gentleman Jack.

Hop on the bus and glide into Sowerby Bridge, a smaller town with charm stitched into its cobbled streets and canals. Pause by the Rochdale Canal Basin, where narrowboats cluster beside old warehouses, or take a short stroll to admire the graceful arches of Sowerby Bridge Viaduct. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and watch the water traffic drift by.

Continue your journey to Hebden Bridge, a creative hub set in a dramatic valley, where colourful independent shops spill onto the pavements and every corner feels like a scene from a storybook. Browse quirky bookshops and artisan boutiques, or stroll along the wooded riverside path that winds into Hardcastle Crags. For lunch, treat yourself at Mooch Café Bar, known for hearty dishes and relaxed, friendly service, or at The Old Gate, a rustic gastropub offering generous plates of locally sourced fare alongside an impressive craft beer menu. Both places capture Hebden Bridge’s vibrant, welcoming spirit.

After lunch, wander further into the town’s backstreets to uncover hidden gems like the Hebden Bridge Town Hall café terrace, overlooking the river, before boarding your final bus toward Burnley. The ride itself is spectacular, with the road climbing through moorland and rolling Pennine scenery.

Arriving in Burnley, finish the day with a visit to Towneley Hall, a stately home surrounded by acres of parkland, or take a peaceful stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where mills and chimneys tell stories of the town’s industrial past. By evening, you’ll have journeyed through some of the most atmospheric towns in Yorkshire and Lancashire, each with its own character yet connected by history, waterways and unforgettable landscapes.