Trip to King's Lynn / Wells-next-the-Sea 30-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
30	King's Lynn Interchange	Dersingham, Thaxters	34	Lynx Bus
17	Dersingham, Thaxters	King's Lynn Interchange	34	Lynx Bus
63	King's Lynn Interchange	Wells-next-the-Sea, Buttlands	36	Lynx Bus
519	Wells-next-the-Sea, Buttlands	Weybourne, Church	CH1	Sanders
524	Weybourne, Church	Wells-next-the-Sea, Buttlands	CH1	Sanders
22	Wells-next-the-Sea, Buttlands	Hunstanton, Tesco	36	Lynx Bus

Today was the second day of our break in East Anglia. Matthew had already expressed a wish to go to King's Lynn, so we decided we were going to drive over to King's Lynn later in the day. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we got in the car and set off out of the caravan park around 11:00. We set off onto Oasis Way. We turned right onto the Southbound A149 and we ran Southwards for about 10 miles and we turned right onto the A1076. and we ran past the hospital. We ran forwards onto the A148 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Blackfriars Road and we ran past the railway station. We turned right onto railway Road and we turned left onto Oldsunway. We entered the car parka nd we parked up near to the bus station. We said goodbye to mum and we walked into the bus station. We had a look around to see what we could catch. It was fairly quiet at this point. We saw Lynx Bus 30 on a #34 to Hunstanton and we decided to do this bus.

Lynx Bus 30 in King's Lynn Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked Norfolk Fusion group ticket at £22 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus station set off out of the bus station and we went around the one-way system and we joined the Eastbound A148. We ran out of town along the same road that we came in on, and we ran forwards onto the A1076. We turned left into the hospital and we ran to the main building. After a brief stop and returned onto the A1076 and at the roundabout we turned left onto the Northbound A149. We ran Northwards for around 3 miles and at thr roundabout we ran forwards onto Lynn Road. We ran into Dersingham and we turned left onto Mountbatten Road. We turned right onto Station Road and we turned left to rejoin Lynn Road. We ran Northwards up to the garden centre and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Lynx Bus 30 as it continued towards Hunstanton.

Lynx Bus 30 in Dersingham

We crossed the road and waited for the Southboud bus. We knoew it wasn't far away becasue we could see it on the map. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Lynx Bus 17 on a #34 to King's Lynn.

Lynx Bus 17 in Dersingham

We got on the bus and we flashd the Fusion day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards down Lynn Road and we turned right onto Station Road. We turned left onto Mountbatten Road and we ran through the housing estate. We turned right back onto Lynn Road and we ran out Dersinham. We joined the Southbound A149 and we ran for about 3 1/2 miles and we turned right onto the A1067. We turned right into the hospital and we stopped outside the main building. We ran back down to the main road and re-joined the Westbound A1067. We ran forwards onto the A148 and we headed into the centre of King's Lynn. We turned left onto Blackfriars Road and we ran past the railway station. We turned right onto Railway Road and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we gut through towards the shops and we went into Moccachinos for breatfast. Matthew used the toilet and when we came back down we order the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went back out to the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Eastern Counties 36911 on a Excel to Peterborough.

First Eastern Counties 36911 in King's Lynn Interchange

Also seen was Lynx Bus 62 arriving on a #36 sevice.

Lynx Bus 62 in King's Lynn Interchange

On stand further down the bus station was Lynx Bus 63 on the #36 to Fakenham.

Lynx Bus 63 in King's Lynn Interchange

We decide that we would go to Well-next-the-Sea on the double decker. It was a 2 hour journey! We got on the bus and we should the group Fusion ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. A few minutes later we departed from the bus station onto Railway Road. We continued Northwards onto the A1078 and we ran Northwards out of town. We ran through the North end of town through the industrial area and forwards onto the Eastbound A148. We joined the Northbound A149 and we ran for around 3 mile up to the Southern end of the Dersingham bypass. We crossed the roundabout onto Lynn Road and we ran Northwards through Dersinghham. We continued Northwards through Snettisham and we rejoined the A149. After a short distance we turned left onto Lamsey Lane. We ran into Heacham and we turned left onto Foldate Road. We turned right onto Lodge Road and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Staithe Road and left onto High Street. We crossed Lynn Road and we ran forwards onto Hunstanton Road. We ran Northwards for a while and we turned right onto Butterfield Meadow. We turned left and re-joined the Northbound A149. We turned left onto Oasis Way and right onto Southend Road. We left the main road and we entered the small bus station on Westgate. The bus had about 5 minutes here and whilst we waited we saw Lynx Bus 61 going the other way. After a short wait we ran down to Southern Road and we ran forwards onto Cliff Parade. We ran forwards onto Lighthouse Lane and we turned left onto the A149. We ran Eastwards along the A149 for quite a distance. We passed through Holme, Thornham, Titchwell, Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe. We continued into Burnham Deepdale and we turned right onto Whiteway Road. Part way up the road we passed Lynx Bus 64 which was parked up in a layby presumably to make it easy to pass. We turned left onto Church Walk and we ran into Burnham Market. We ran along North Street and forwards onto Overy Road. We ran forwatfs onto Mill Road and onto New Road. We turned right onto the A149 and we ran through Holkham and into Wells-next-the-Sea. We ran through the town and along The Quay and we turned right onto Standard Road. We turned right onto Station Road and we stopped at the main stops in town by The Buttlands where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lynx Bus 63 before it continued towards Fakenham.

Lynx Bus 63 in Wells-next-the-Sea

Once off the bus we spotted a toilet block nearby. Matthew went the toilet and afterwards we headed towards the sea fron. We had just over 30 minutes to wait for the costal hopper bus that we were going to do further Eastwards. We walked down Newgate Land and forwards onto Jinklings Yard. We walked under an archway and we came out on The Quay. We crossed over the road and we went to the edge of the quay. We also took pictures of the old warehouse with the loading bridge the went over to the quays edge. We also saw Lynx Bus 6 on a #36 to King's Lynn.

Lynx Bus 6 in Wells-next-the-Sea

We crossed back over the road and we went to The Golden Fleece for a drink. We order some Coke's and we went and sat outside with uncle Dave. When we had finished our drinks we went under the archway into Jinklings Yard and forwards onto Newgate Lane. When we got to the end of the lane we saw that the bus was already at the stop. As we got closer we saw it was Sanders Services 519 on a CH1 service to Cromer.

Sanders Services 519 in Wells-next-the-Sea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Fussion Day tickets to the driver. the rear of the bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside Sanders Services 519 before sat down.

Inside Sanders Services 519

A few minutes later we set off along Station Road and we ran forwards onto Mill Road. We turned left onto Two Furlong Hill and left onto Burnt Street. We ran out of town Eastwards along the A149 and we ran past the Wells and Walsingham light railway. We ran through Stiffkey, Moston and Blakeney. We passed Sanders Services 521 on the following CH1 service. We continued Eastwards Clay-next-the-Sea and past the wildlife reserve. We continued through Salthouse, Kelling and when we got to Weybourne we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Sanders Services 519 as it continued towards Cromer.

Sanders Services 519 in Weybourne

Once of the bus we went across the road to the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we had some time so we attempted to walk up to the railway. We set off along Church Street and we turned left onto Station Road. We got part way along Station Road and we decied that it would be too far so we set off back towards the bus stop. Once we got there we only had a few minutes to wait. The burn appeared from around the corner and as it got close we saw it was Sanders Services 524 on a CH1 to Wells-next-the-Sea as expected.

Sanders Services 524 in Weybourne

We got on the bus and we flashed the Norfolk Fussion group ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A149 through Kelling and Salthouse. We ran past the Cley Marshes nature reserve and into Cley-next-the-Sea. We contnued Westwards and we passed Sanders Services 521 on the CH1 to Cromer. We ran through Blakeney, Morston and Stiffkey and we ran through the roadworks. We ran past the light railway and we turned right onto Two Furlong Road and right onto Mill Road. We ran forwards onto Station Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and Matthew got another picture of Sanders Services 524.

Sanders Services 524 in Wells-next-the-Sea

Matthew used the toilet and afterwatfs we decided to walk to the front again to get some chips. We had about 30 minutes again to wait for the #36 back to Hunstanton. We walked down Newgate Land and forwards onto Jinklings Yard. We walked under an archway and we came out on The Quay. When we got to the road we saw Sanders Services 1107 parked up across the other side of the road.

Sanders Services 1107 in Wells-next-the-Sea

We crossed over the road and Matthew sat down on a low wall with uncle Dave whilst I went to get some chips. We sat on the wall and we shared a portion of chips to keep us going till we got back to the chalet. We crossed back over the road and Matthew spotted the ice cream seller in the arcade so he had a vanilla ice cream. We set off back towards the stop and we went under the archway. It was now dark as we walk up Jinklings Yard and forwards onto Newgate Lane. When we got to the end of the lane we stood at the stop by the church. Whilst we waited for out bus we saw Lynx Bus 61 on a #36 to Fakenham. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Lynx Bus 22 on a #36 to Kings Lynn.

Lynx Bus 22 in Wells-next-the-Sea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Fussion Day tickets to the driver for the final time today. We saw that the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Lynx Bus 22 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Lynx Bus 22

We set off

Lynx Bus 22 in Hunstanton

Trip to Blackburn 18-10-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
212	Blackburn temporary BS	Waterloo (Blackburn), by Livesey Branch Road	24	Transdev Lancashire United
202	Waterloo (Blackburn), by Livesey Branch Road	Blackburn temporary BS	24	Transdev Lancashire United
YJ51 XST	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), adj St Marys College	D10	Darwen Coach Services
18	Blackburn (Blackburn), opp St Marys College	Intack, by Hamer Avenue	5A	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Intack, by Accrington Road	Blackburn temporary BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Blackburn. The weather had been forecast for mainly dry weather with an occasion shower. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the North West and Midlands and out of these Matthew chose Blackburn. We didn't do any research for this trip, other than to check the weather, and with hindsight perhaps we should have done. The evening before we had spotted we had a headlight out, so we order one for collection from Euro Car Parts in Etruria. Matthew got up around 10:30 today, and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 today, to give us extra time to get the headlight bulb. We went onto the A5035 and along Stanley Matthews Way. We saw D&G 171 on the Blurton Plumline. We joined the Westbound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. After coming off the A500 at Wolstatnton to pick up the bulbs, we got back on the Northbound A500. We saw ABC Supreme FJ53 FBU. We carried on North up to the M6. Traffic on the Northbound M6 wasn't too bad today and we made up some of the time from the stop we made earlier. As we travelled through Cheshire we caught up with Hollinshead NIB 8318 which we think was going to Preston with away fans from Port Vale. We went past the coach and then Matthew took a picture of it as it overtook us.

Hollinshead NIB 8318 on the M6

Further up the M6, North of the M62 we caught up with another Hollinshead Coach. This time it was short Mercedes coach WA08 GPZ.

Hollinshead WA08 GPZ on the M6

We carried on up the M6 until we got to the M65, then we went East. As we were going to Morrisons to park and eat, we went past Blackburn and came of the M65 at junction 6 to head back into town from the other side. On the way into town we missed the turning for Morrison so we wasted a few minutes trying to turn around to head back towards Morrisons. We parked on the top storey in the long stay spaces, and we headed down into the shop in the lift. After using the toilet, we went to the cafe in Morrisons were Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a cup of Coke. This was followed by a slice of Cake. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked to the end of the supermarket and came out by the bus station. Construction of the new bus station on the site adjacent to the temporary one is now well and truly under way... As time was getting on we decided to catch a bus as quickly as we could. When we got to the bus station there were 3 of the former Norwich park and ride buses abou to work, 2 of which were required buses. Transdev Lancashire United 205 was about to work to Bolton on a #1, Transdev Lancashire United 212 was about to do a #24 to Chorley..

Lancashire United 212 in Blackburn bus station

Transdev Lancashire United 211 was on a #7 to Accrington. We decided to do required Transdev Lancashire United 212 so we got on the bus and booked Blackburn Day tickets at £4.20 each. We got on and Matthew took a picture of the empty back of the bus. We were going to go to Feniscowles, which was the limit of the ticket. It was also conveniently a good place to catch a bus going back the other way with a mere 9 minute wait. We set off out of town crossing the railway at wainwright bridge. We went down the A666 towards Ewood Park, and we turned onto Livesey Branch Road. As we started to climb the hill towards Feniscowles. An alarm sounded on the bus. The driver pulled over at a stop and shut the bus down to try and clear the alarm. He restarted the bus several times and the alarm wouldn't clear. The driver then got on the phone to the depot to request a fitter. The bus had been declared a failure! Everybody decided to get off and wait for the following service. As such Matthew was able to get another picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 212 as it was now completely empty.

Inside Lancashire United 212

As we were going to catch the next bus back, we decided to cross the road and wait for it. Matthew took a another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 212 before we walked down to the bus stop opposite.

Lancashire United 212 in Waterloo

Whilst we waited for the next Blackburn bound #24, we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2702 on a #4 to Leyburn Road.

Lancashire United 2702 in Waterloo

This was followed by dud Transdev Lancashire United 17 on the #5C. A few minutes later we saw another single decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United 202.

Lancashire United 202 in Waterloo

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before sitting down near to the back of the bus. So all three required former Norwich park and ride buses were out in service today... The bus carried on down Livesey Branch Road and we headed into town. The route through town seemed very confusing as we seemed to passed close by to the same spot near to the railway station before seemingly taking around 5 minutes to go around town and travel a mere 50 yds! We waited at a set off temporary lights as there was considerable building work taking place on the site of the old bus interchange. We passed by the site of the new bus station before pulling into the temporary site. We waited for the bus to empty before Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 202.

Inside Lancashire United 202

We watch the driver change the destination to #22 Clitheroe. We assume that the #24 is booked to inter-work with the #22. Across the way Transdev Lancashire United 205 was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 205 in Blackburn bus station

Across the other side of the bus station there were a couple of Solos. One was Holmeswood YJ08 PGE about to work the #15 to Mellor Brook. Behind that was Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST on service D10.

Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST in Blackburn bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus so we talked to the driver on where we could do the bus. He told us that the #5A/C share the route in Lammack so we could go to there. We purchased the tickets and honked the horn on the bus! Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST

The bus set off out of town Westward through tight terraced streets. Eventually we reached a more leafy area and we turned North East and then started to turn back towards town. The driver told us where we should get off on Shear Brow and we watch the bus carry on back towards town. We had a bit of time before the #5A was due so we visited the shop and brought a can of Cherry Coke and some choclate. WE had a little picnic at the side of the road and we had a quick walk around the area. As we weren't sure which direction the bus was approaching from we decided to walk back to the original stop. Due a few minutes before the #5A was the Holmeswood Coaches service #25 to Clitheroe. This was being worked by Holmeswood Coaches YJ08 PGE.

Holmeswood YJ08 PGE in Blackburn

Almost as soon as the Solo had gone we saw a Transdev double decker turn right onto Shear Brow. AS it got closer we saw it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 18.

Lancashire United 18 in Blackburn

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. We went upstairs and it was empty so Matthew took a picture of the inside of this bus before sitting down.

Inside Lancashire United 18

We have not yet managed to do a complete run on the #5A/C as it take an hour to do the full circle. The bus set off up Shear Brow before we turned to go anti-clockwise around the town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 17 and we carried on around town passed Mill Hill railway station. We went along Livesey Branch Road and then we headed though Ewood. We then went though the housing estates to the South of the town and into the hospital. We then went through Shadworth before crossing the A679. We got off the bus in Intack and we took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 18.

Lancashire United 18 in Intack

We had considered doing a bus towards Accrington but it was close to 17:00 now. We looked at the timetable towards Accrington and the next bus wasn't until 17:13. As we looked at the bus times we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 211 going towards Blackburn on the #6A service.

Lancashire United 211 in Intack

As there was a gap in the service we decided to cross the road to see when the next bus towards Blackburn was due. There was a X41 due at 17:07. We decided to call it a day and do this bus back into town. Matthew had a chocolate bar as we waited. We saw a double decker approaching in the distance. As the bus got closer we saw it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Intack

We flashed the ticket for the final time and we went upstairs. We sat down and the bus carried on along the A679. We carried on down the A678 and onto the ring road. We entered the bus station from the Penny Street. We waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2757.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

Before mum came to meet us, we had a quick wander around the bus station taking pictures. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 1306 on a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

We also saw Transdev Lancashire United 1088 on a #7A to Accrington.

Lancashire United 1088 in Blackburn bus station

We started to walk back towards Morrisons along Penny Street and we saw Darwen Coach Service N354 AVV parked up between services.

Darwen Coach Services N354 AVV in Blackburn

We headed back through Morrisons and Matthew used the toilet before we went up to the long stay car park. Matthew tucked into a sausage roll and drank his Irn Bru whilst i changed the light bulb. WE set off out of the car park and we headed onto the A678. We stopped at Tesco to get some diesel before carrying onto the M65. We caught up with Elite Gold AG53 ZYT. WE followed the coach onto the M6 and South before it turned at the M58. Just south of the M56 we caught up with Stagecoach Glasgow 54204 working service M11 to London.

Stagecoach Glasgow 54204 on the M6

We carried on South until we got to the A500. On the A500 we saw Bakers Coaches BIG 5013 parked up on a layby North of the A34. We carried on South and then onto the Westbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus on the spare ground. This was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Long Term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX was on the back of a low loader so that was probably on its way to the scrapyard. Also in the compound were Mercedes minibuses W221 CDN & S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned in the road to head back onto the A50. In the time it took us to turn we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP appear.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and and then we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel T2 DLT which was parked at the lightning house, and we carried on through Blurton. In Blurton we passed First Potteries 42894 on the last #22 of the day towards Longton. We got home at 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by lemon meringue pie. Matthew then chilled on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark

Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 26-07-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
439	Accrington BS	Intack, by Accrington Road	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
1301	Intack, by Accrington Road	Blackburn Temporary BS	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
N129 YRM	Blackburn Temporary BS	Accrington BS	46	M&M Coaches
203	Accrington BS	Intack, by Hamer Avenue	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
17	Intack, by Hamer Avenue	Shadsworth, opp Largs Road	5C	Transdev Lancashire United
18	Shadsworth, adj Largs Road	Intack, by Hamer Avenue	5A	Transdev Lancashire United
1830	Intack, by Accrington Road	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to revisit Accrington. It had been sunny all week and temperatures had been in the mid to high twenties Celsius. For some unknown reason we hadn't thought about where we were going to go today. Matthew got up at just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We gave him a choice of familiar Northern destinations to choose from and he chose Accrington. No research was done and we knew the weather was going to be warm and sunny at least until early evening. We set off just before 12:00 onto the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthew way and then onto the Westbound A50. We joined the Northbound A500 and we went straight up to the M6. The M6 was busy, but we soon got moving. By the time we had passed the A556 the road was clear and we made good time from here up to the M62. We turn East on the M62 and we joined the clockwise M60 which we did to the M66. We turned Northwards on the M66 which we did up though onto the A56. We travelled the last couple of miles into town along the A680 and we parked on a car park off Abbey Street and we walked into town down to Peel Street. As we turned the corner we saw both of Pilkington Buses Wright bodied Darts pause side by side. R845 VEC was on the #5 Dill Hall circular and R846 VEC was on the #231 to Clitheroe.

Pilkington Bus R845 VEC in Accrington bus station

We walked a few yards further down Peel Street only to find that our usual cafe, the bus stop cafe had closed down! We needed to find a new place to eat... We walked around the corner into Infant Street and there was a chip shop with tables at the back. We asked if they had a toilet and they said no. We were considering taking Matthew to the toilet on Peel Street and walking back when we spotted a cafe called Coffee Beanz next door. We asked if they had a toilet and they said yes. They also did breakfast things so we knew it would be a better place for Matthew to eat. Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum ordered the food. matthew had a breakfast with extra toast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we were in the cafe we saw 2 of the 4 buses being used by M&M Coaches in Bridge Street opposite the cafe. Dud M&M Coaches N201 UHH was one of the two buses that work the #46 service. We also saw dud M&M Coaches N125 YHH on the #9 local service. Required Transdev Mainline 1871 was on the #23 to Burnley. Matthew spied some sweet in jars in the cafe so mum brought him 100g of Bubble Gum Bottles. We said Goodbye to mum and we walked across to Bridge Street to look at the parked up buses. We saw required Pilkington Bus Dart R845 VEC which was now parked up between duties on the #5 Dill Circular.

Pilkington Bus R845 VEC in Bridge Street

We also saw M&M Coaches N201 UHH on the #46 to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches N201 UHH in Bridge Street

We then saw M&M Coaches N125 YHH return to work the next local service.

M&M Coaches N125 YHH in Bridge Street

We walked back down onto Peel Street passing dud Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ on a #11 to Fern Gore. On Peel Street was required Rossendale Easyride 221 on a #484 to Bury.

Rossendale Easyride 221 in Accrington bus station

We were considering which buses to catch, and we hadn't seen any double deckers out for Pilkington Bus today. I thought about doing a Transdev bus up towards the hospital so we could cover the Blackburn outer circle services, which are usually worked by step entranced double decker buses. The first time we had seen these buses was back in August 2013, on our first ride on a Transdev bus 1820. I thought incorrectly that either the #6 or #6A went via the hospital, and we could catch a bus up to the hospital and get on the outer circle there. I think there must have been a major timetable change since then and the #6/6A buses don't go that way any more. I wasn't aware of this so my plan was slightly flawed. It was a little after 14:00 and we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 1830 on a #6 Hyndburn Circular. At almost the same time we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1301 on the following #6A. We were just queuing up to catch 1301 when we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 439 on a Blackburn bound X41 service.

Lancashire United 439 in Accrington bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this instead and he said yes. So we crossed over the road and got on 'Lancashire United' 439. We booked £4.20 'Spot On' Blackburn day tickets and went upstairs. The bus was empty at the back so Matthew got a picture inside the top deck before we sat down.

Inside Lancashire United 439

We set off out of town and onto the roundabout under the railway arches before joining Blackburn Road. In the distance we could see Transdev Lancashire United 1830 & 1301 running together on the less direct route through Oswaldtwistle. It occurred to me that we would probably get ahead of these buses as we took the more direct route along Blackburn Road. We saw the two buses turn left onto Market Street and we carried on Along Blackburn Road. We passed M&M Coaches N129 YRM going the other way on the #46 to Accrington. A quick check of the page revealed that this bus was required! We decided to get off just down the hill from the Old Mother. We had seen buses turn here in the distance when we did 1831 out of Accrington for 1828 back, back in December 2013. beside if we did miss 1301, M&M Coaches N129 YRM was only 15 minutes behind us. We got off the and Matthew got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 439.

Lancashire United 439 in Intack

The #6A was due now, but we thought it would be a few minutes late as it was late leaving Accrington. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Barr Limeade. It was long before we saw the 2 buses coming down the hill. Luckily for us, required Transdev Lancashire United 1301 was leading. It isn't very often that we know what the bus is before we get on it. As it got closer Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1301.

Lancashire United 1301 in Intack

We flashed our Spot On one day tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off and we were expecting to turn left at some point and head through Shadsworth to the Hospital. We didn't turn and we carried on towards the centre of Blackburn. We pulled into the bus station and we waited for the bus to empty. Matthew then got a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United.

Inside Lancashire United 1301

As we were coming into the bus station we had seen a Copeland's tours Coach in the distance. We decided we would have time to go check it out before required M&M Coaches N129 YRM returned. As we considered walking up to the coach we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 1878 on a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1878 in Blackburn bus station

We walked onto Penny Street and we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2762 between duties. Behind this was required 'Lancashire United' 1872.

Lancashire United 1872 on Penny Street

Behind that bus was required Copeland's Tours MIB 516 on the 'Blackburn Market' day excursion.

Copeland's Tours MIB 516 on Penny Street

We headed back into the temporary bus station and we saw required Rossendale Easyride Solo 52 on a #244 to Rawtenstall.

Rossendale Easyride 52 in Blackburn bus station

Dud 'Lancashire United' 2762 which had been parked up on Penny Street came into the bus station to work the next X41 service to Manchester.

Lancashire United 2762 in Blackburn bus station

We were surprised to see a Stagecoach liveried step-entranced minibus appear in the bus station. It was required Darwen Coach Service N349 AVV on a #12 Highercroft circular service.

Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV in Blackburn bus station

At this point we saw M&M Coaches N129 YRM come into the bus station and drop off passengers at the top of the bus station. The driver looked over as if to acknowledge people were waiting and then he drove off for a few minutes. Whilst we waited Matthew wanted to walk down to a Dart on a #3A service. It was dud 'Lancashire United' 707.

Lancashire United 707 in Blackburn bus station

We had done this bus back when 'Lancashire United' use to operate the #231 to Clitheroe back in back in September 2013. A few minutes later required M&M Coaches N129 YRM re-appeared and Matthew took a picture of this bus.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and book single tickets to Accrington at £1.85 each. As we were first on the bus Matthew got a picture of the empty former Stagecoach Minibus.

Inside M&M Coaches N129 YRM

It turns out that this was our last required M&M Coaches Mercedes 709D minibus. The only other step-entranced minibus that we have not traveled on is a 2000 built Mercedes Vario 0814 X3 MMC. A few more people decided to catch this bus over the 'Lancashire United' bus and once they had loaded we set off out of town onto the A678. We turned onto the A679 Blackburn Road and we went under the M65 and down the hill towards Accrington. When we got into town we turned left into Peel Street. We got off and Matthew got another picture of M&M Coaches N129 YRM.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Accrington bus station

We decided to have a small break from the buses. Matthew used the toilet in Peel Street and then we walked up to the other end to visit the paper shop. Matthew brought 2 small bottles of pop and a can of Coke, as well a couple of chocolate bars and a Bakewell slice. We sat outside the paper shop at the aluminum tables and Matthew ate the Bakewell slice and a Toffee Crisp which he washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. Just as he was finishing we saw required 'T' reg Volvo B10 Transdev Lancashire United arrive on a #7A service. We walked around the corner and it was still at the set down stop on Blackburn Road.

Lancashire United 203 on Blackburn Road

A few minute later 203 had run around the block to form the next #6A service. We were going to book to Blackburn, but the bus service was only going as far as Intack. Matthew took a picture of the empty bus before we sat down near the back.

Inside Lancashire United 203

I had an idea... The outer circle service crosses over all the main roads around Blackburn. I went and asked the driver if we could get to the hospital on the out circle bus from Intack. He told us that we should make the hourly bus at quarter to the hour and he would stop across the road from the stop. He also mentioned that the opposite working went past the depot on the hour. I sat down and I download the #5A/5C timetable off the Transdev website. The bus set off onto Blackburn Road and we went under the railway and out of town. We turned towards Oswaldtwistle on Market Street and through town. We joined back onto Blackburn Road half way up the bank. We went under the M65 and down through Knuzden. We turned right onto Whitebirk Road... When we had considered doing the out circle earlier in the day and we wondered where the bus crossed the #6/7, we had been a couple of hundred yard from where the bus crossed the road! The bus pulled up outside the depot and we went to get off. The driver pointed out the stop for the #5C and Matthew got another picture of 'Lancashire United' 203.

Lancashire United 203 on Intack

We crossed the road... We had 20 minutes before it was due so we went for a walk down the street to see if we could see the next stop. We saw a couple of stops but we did not know which one the #5C would stop at. Matthew had a bottle of Cherry Coke and then we walked back to the original stop. A small crowd had appeared at the stop. A few minutes later we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 17 approaching.

Lancashire United 17 in Intack

We got on the bus and flashed our Spot On day tickets. Before we went upstairs Matthew took a picture of the lower saloon.

Inside Lancashire United 17

We went upstairs and sat down. I worked out that if we traveled for around 5 minutes we should be able to cross over the road and catch the #5A back. Our previous run on 'Lancashire United' 17 had been on the #5C back in January 2014. The bus set off across Blackburn Road. We climbed the hill along the B6130 and we turned left onto Fecitt Brow. We turned right onto Rothesay Road and as we got towards the end we had traveled approximately 5 minutes so I decided to get off. We got off the bus and we crossed over the road. We didn't have to wait for more the a couple of minutes and we saw a lime green double decker turn the corner. We knew it was going to be a required bus... As it got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United 18.

Lancashire United 18 in Shadsworth

We got on the bus and flashed the 'Spot On' day tickets. Meanwhile Matthew took a picture of the lower saloon.

Inside Lancashire United 18

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture of the upper saloon too.We sat down and the bus set off back through Shadsworth towards Intack. We crossed Blackburn Road and we stopped outside the bus garage. We took a picture of the front of the bus but there was a post in the view. As we were crossing over to walk back onto Blackburn Road anyway, we took another picture of the rear of the bus.

Lancashire United 18 in Intack

We walked onto Blackburn Road and to the first bus stop around the corner. We had about a 10 minute wait for the next #7 back to Accrington. In the meantime, we called mum to tell her we were on the way back into town. Across the road we saw Transdev Lancashire United 404 on a Blackburn bound X41 service.

Lancashire United 404 in Intack

A few minutes later we saw a Wright bodied Volvo approaching. Unfortunately it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 1830.

Lancashire United 1830 in Intack

We got on the bus and we sat down somewhere in the middle of the bus. The bus set of up the hill though Knuzden and we crossed under the M65. As we went down the hill er turned right to go into Oswaldtwistle. We headed through Ossy town and onto Market Street before rejoining Blackburn Road for the run into Accrington. We called mum to tell her when we were going to arrive in town, and we carried on along the road. As we approached the railway arch we noticed that the bus was empty in front of us some Matthew took a picture.

Inside Lancashire United 1830

The bus carried on under the railway and we turned right into Peel Street. We got off the bus and mum was waiting for us. Matthew used the toilet and then we walked around the corner into Abbey Street where mum had moved the car to. Waiting at the car was Pound bakery sausage rolls (Greggs had run out), and a can of Irn Bru. He also helped mum to drink her cold can of Dandelion & burdock. We left town along the A680 and we stopped at the garage just before the A56 for LPG. We joined the A56 and we carried on south onto the M66. We joined onto the anti-clockwise M60 and then continued onto the M62. When we got to the M6 we turn South and went down to the A500. As we went through Wolstanton we passed Copeland's Tours MIB 394 which probably would have been returning on one of either the Southport or Blackpool excursions. We carried on down to the A50 and we went east to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were a few vehicle parked up tonight. First there was coach Scania D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next to the coach we saw Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next to the VW minibus was Mercedes Minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Next in the row was Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

This was followed by the first of two Mercedes Minibus. First Was Z Carz S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then we saw Z Carz M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there were two LDV minibus in the compound. First was long term SORN T408 JUX. This was followed by M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

We tuned around and got back on the A50. As we joined the main carriage way we saw an old army ambulance and we followed it onto the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we passed lightning Travel minibus T2 DLT before heading into Blurton. As we went through Blurton we passed First potteries 41502 on the last #22 to Longton of the day. We got home just before 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:45. It was quite a successful day and Matthew was very well behaved... Mark