Trip to Derby / Belper 02-08-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
806	Derby BS	Cromford, Cross Roads	TP	High Peak
527	Cromford, Cross Roads	Belper, bus garage	TP	High Peak
282	Belper,(stop B)	Ashbourne BS	113	High Peak
294	Ashbourne BS	Hartington, Square	442	High Peak
285	Hartington, Square	Ashbourne BS	442	High Peak

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. Matthew chose Derby on the Friday and we did no research for the trip other than to look at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got resy to go out and we set off just before 12:00. We had someone else coming with us today so we set off through Blurton and we turned right onto the A5035. We ran to Trentham and we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran into Hanford and under the A500 and we continued into Trent Vale. We ran into Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We ran past the bus station and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We stopped in the small pull in by the shops and we picked up our friend. We then went to pick up uncle Dave. We turned around on Ryecroft and we ran around the one way system onto the A52. At the top of the hill in Hartshill we turned left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill into the valley and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Stoke and we came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road. After we picked up uncle Dave we continued up Wheildon Road and onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. As we travlled Eastwards we saw an unidentified Hunters Coaches coach and a black double decker Van Hool coach with a gold and maroon Splash. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We decided to go to the Salt Box truck stop but when we got there we found it had closed, had been demolished and they had started to build a new care home on the site! We turned left onto Malthouse Lane and we turned around. We turned right nto the A511 and we stopped at Rascals for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We turned left onto the A516 and we headed North onto the A38. We ran North a few roundabout and we turned right onto the A52. We ran to the edge of Derby and we turned left onto the clockwise ring road. We ran arubd the ring road and we turned right onto Morledge. We ran under the car park and we a u-turn at the round about. We pulled in to the side the of the road and we got out of the car. We said goodbye to mum and our friend and we set off on foot along Morledge to the bus station We stood outside of the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw Trent Barton 311 on a Ilkeston Flyer to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 311 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 4405 on a #38 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 4405 in Derby bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva Midlands 3745 on a #2A to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3745 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station and out of the other end and we saw Kinchbus 149 on a Skylink to Leicester.

Kinchbus 149 in Derby bus station

We walked back into the bus station and we looked for something to catch. We saw Trent Barton 88 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham. We stopped part way down the bus station and we decided to do a High Peak bus. We got to the stand and we saw it was High Peak 806 on a Trans Peak service to Buxton.

High Peak 806 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Peak Network Day Tickets at £6 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. We crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. We puled into the Trent Barton bus station and we saw Trent Barton 836 on Layover. We continued the Cromford and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of High Peak 806 before it returned towards Buxton.

High Peak 806 in Cromford

Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5036. We crossed over the road and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 80151 on a X17 to Wikrksworth.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 80151 in Cromford

We headed back to the main road to catch abus back Southwards. We crossed over the A6 and Matthew spotted a cake shop. We went in and it was about to close, so Matthew had a slice of chcocolate cake to take away. We paid for the cake and we headed to the bus stop. We got to the bus stop and Matthew started to eat his chocolate cake. We saw Caledonian Travel YJ25 CVE heading Southwards down the A6. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching before Matthew had finished eating his cake. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 527 on a Trans Peak service to Derby. We got on the bus and we placed the Peak Network Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A6 and we ran Southwards through Whatstandwell and Ambergate and we headed inti Belper. We turned into the bus garage and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of High Peak 527 before it contnued Southwards towards Derby.

High Peak 527 in Belper bus station

Also in the bus station were High Peak 282 on layover in between runs on the #113 and Trent Barton 836 parked up spare.

Trent Barton 836 in Belper bus station

The bus next bus we wanted to catch was due off the stop around the corner in just over 10 minutes. We had already seen the bus on layover in the bus garage. We went around the corner onto King Street and we saw the was an event going. It was Pride in Belper and part of King Street was closed. We were concerned that the bus might not be able to get to the stop. We walked to the corner of Campbell Street and we saw there was a way through for the bus. We walked back to the stop and Matthew had a Twirl out of the trip bag. Almost immediately the bus appeared. We saw it was High Peak 282 on a #113 to Ashbourne as expected.

High Peak 282 in Belper

We got on the bus and we flashed the Peak Network Day tickets to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside High Peak 282 before sitting down towards the back of the bus.

Inside High Peak 282

A few minutes later we set off along King Street and we turned right onto the Northbound A6. We veered left onto Bridge Foot and we crossed over the river Derwent. We ran forwards onto Belper Lane and we turned left onto Dalley Lane. We crossed over the A517 and we ran forwards onto Farnah Green Road. We continued onto Firestone and we ran forwards onto Sprimg Hollow. We turned right onto Hazelwood Hill and we ran forwards onto Over Lane. We turned left onto the A517 and we headed Westards into Cowers Lane. We continued into Turnditch and we ran for several miles into Hulland Ward. We ran through Hulland and Sturston and we ran into Ashbourne. We turned right into Park Avenue and we turmed left onto the A515. We turned right onto the A515 and right again to follow the A515 into the town centre. We turned left onto King Edward Street and we got to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture before it returned on a #113 to Belper.

High Peak 282 in Ashbourne bus station

We had around 10 minutes to wait for the next bus we were going to catch. In the bus station was Trent Barton 702 which had broken down whilst working a Swift service to Uttoxeter. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 294 on a #442 to Buxton.

High Peak 294 in Ashbourne bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Peak Network Day tickets to the drive before sitting down towards the back of the bus. When it was departure time we set off along King Edwards Street and we turned right onto the Station Road. We turned right onto Church Street and we ran forwards onto the A515. We turned left to follow the A515 out of town and we headed Northwards. We continued through Fenny Bentley and we turned right onto The Avenue. We ran into Tissington and we turn left onto The Green and we continued onto Rakes Lane. We re-joined the Northbound A515 and we turned left onto Liffs Road. We turned right onto Drury Lane and we ran into Biggin village. We turned left onto Main Street and we turned right to re-join Liffs Road. We turned left onto High Cross and we continued onto Hall Bank. We ran into Hartington and when we got to the Square we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a other picture of High Peak 294 as it coninued on the #442 to Buxton.

High Peak 294 in Hartington

Once off the bus we headed across the square to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished our drinks we went outside and we went up to the local shop, but the shop was closed. We headed back to the bus stop and Matthew had another Twirl from the trip bag. We waited for aruond 15 minutes and the bus appeared from West side of the village. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 285 on a #442 to Ashbourne.

High Peak 285 in Hartington

We got on the bus and we placed the Peak Network Day tickets under the scanner for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Square and we ran forwards onto Hall Bank. We continued onto High Cross and we joined Liffs Road. We turned left onto Main Street and we ran into Biggin. After a brief stop turned right onto Drury Lane. We ran out of the village and we re-joined Liffs Road. We ran for a few miles and we turned right onto the A515. We turned left onto Rakes Lane and we ran into Tissington. We continued through The Green and we turned right onto The Avenue. We rejoined the Southbound A515 and we ran through Fenny Bentley. We ran to the edge of Ashbourne and we turned left onto B5035. We turned right onto Cokayne Avenue and left onto Park Road. We turned right onto Sturston Road and right onto Compton Street. We turned left onto Edward Street and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of High Peak 285 before it returned empty to the depot.

High Peak 285 in Ashbourne bus station

Once we had got off the bus we started heading towards where mum was stopping. We walked down Compton Street and we saw Trent Barton 702 on a Swift service to Derby.

Trent Barton 702 in Ashbourne

We got to the the A515 and we spotted mum coming down Derby Road. Mum pulled into the Taylor Court and we got into the car. We set off onto the A515 and we turned left onto Derby Road. We ran out of town and we stopped at a chip shop for a late tea. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When iI had finished eating we re-joined Derby Road and we turned right onto the A52. We ran through Hangingbridge and Mayfield and we turned right onto the B5032. We ran through Ellastone and we turned left onto the B5030. We ran near to Denstone and Rocester and we got to the A50 at Uttoxeter. We turned right and we headed West to the Blythe Bridge Bypass. We continued through Meir and Longton and at Sideway we joined the A500. At Hanford we joined the Northbound A34 and we ran through Trent Vale to Newcastle. We ran up Barracks Road and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We droipped off out friend and we headed towards uncle Dave's. We turned around on Ryecroft and we ran around the one way system onto the A52. At the top of the hill in Hartshill we turned left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill into the valley and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran past the Travel Express garage and we ran through Stoke and we came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road. When we got to uncle Dave's Matthew got out to go to the toilet. He had some of uncle Rob's Fanta and we updates uncle Dave's calendar with today's trip. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we saw black minibus HK74 ZGD parked up. We continued back to the house and we parked up. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Rochdale / Littleborough 30-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37726	Rochdale Interchange	Littleborough, stop A	590	First West Yorkshire
69506	Littleborough, stop B	Rochdale Interchange	457	First Manchester
287	Rochdale Interchange	Healey Dell	464	Transdev Rosso
285	Healey, Whambottom Lane	Rochdale Interchange	464	Transdev Rosso
11521	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	Stagecoach Manchester
84206	Oldham BS	Shaw, Community Centre	57	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. Last weekend there was an extension of the Bee Network area to include Oldham and Rochdale. First ceased operations in Oldham and these service were taken over by Stagecoach. First gained a small depot in Rocdale and now operate local services there previously operated by Transdev Rosso.Research for the trip consisted of checking the weather which was for dry and cool weather. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off just before 12:00. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw an unidentified minibus. We continued up to Barthomley Interchange and we joined the Northbound M6. Traveling up the M6 we saw grey minibus VN21 JFK, Moving People coach, Johnson coach and white minibus YX53 CYZ. We came off the M6 at junction 19 and we joined the Eastbound A556. Mum had looked for a place to have dinner and had found a small cafe in Wythenshawe. We continued onto the M56 and we headed towards the M60. At junction 3 we did a u-tun and headed Westwards back to junction 4. We turned left onto Simonsway and right onto Portway. We pulled in to where the cafe was and we parked up behind the block. We sat down and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Arriva NW&W 3101 on a #18 to Eccles. We got back into the car and we set off onto Portway. We turned left onto Simonsway and we turned right to re-join the M56. We continued East and ran forwards onti the anti-clockwise M60. We ran around the East side of Manchester amd we came off the motorway at Junction 21. We ran along the A6104 and we turned right onto the A663. We ran Northwards through Chadderton to Holden Fold and we joined the A627(M). At the end we turned right onto the A58. We turned right onto the A640 and we ran inti town. we turned right onto Water Street aand we ran past the end of the bus station. We turned left onto the A671 and we turned left onto Smith Street. We turned left onto Milton Street and we turned ariund in the car park at the end. Mum dropped up off and we said goodbye to her before turning left onto Smith Street. We headed to the bus station and as we arrived we saw Go North West 2047 on a #471 to Bolton.

Go North West 2047 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked into the Interchange and Matthew went to the toilet. Once he came out we went to see uncle Dave, and uncle Daves was having some trouble walking. We decided it would be best for him to return to where we were dropped off and mum would come back and pick him up. Matthew went into the shop and had a bottle of Coke and a caramel flapjack. We came out and said goodbye to uncle Dave and we walked around the interchange to see what we fancied catching. We saw a First double decker on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 37726 on a #590 to Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 37726 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus an we booked System One Bus Day tickets at £5 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto the B6266. We turned left onto the A671 and we ran Northwards. At the junction we turne right onto the Eastbound A58. We ran through Wardleworth and through Smallbridge and Greengate. We got to the centre of Littleborough and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed towards the crossing to go back in the other direction. As we approached the crossing we saw Transdev Team Pennine 1725 on a #587 to Rochdale.

Transdev Team Pennine 1725 in Littleborough

As we approached the stop we saw another bus coming I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said no. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 69507 on a #455 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69507 in Littleborough

Whilst wewaited for a bus Matthew had his caramel flapjack. Afterwards he decided that he needed a drink so we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a small Coke each. We finished our drinks and we went outside to catch a bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 69506 on a #457 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69506 in Littleborough

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towars the back of the bus. We set off along the A58 and we passed through Greengate. Just after the fire station we turned left onto Hammer Lane. We turned right onto Belfield Road and we ran forwards onto the B6266. We turned left onto the A671 and we turned right onto Water Street an we entered the bus ststaion from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we could catch next. we saw Stagecoach Manchester 84202 on a #17 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 84202 in Rochdale Interchange

Also seen was First Manchester 47629 on layover in between runs on the #461 Shawfield circular.

First Manchester 47629 in Rochdale Interchange

Matthew decided he wanted to do the Rosso bus. As we got to the stand we saw it was Transdev Rosso 287 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 287 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A671 and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the A58 and we continued to Healey and the border of Lancashire where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus We set off back down the road to the First bus stop in Greater Manchester and we waited for the next bus. We onoy had a few minutes to wait. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Transdev Rosso 285 on a 464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 285 in Healey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A671 and we headed Southwards out of Healey. We continued South into Rochdale and we crossed over the A58. We turned right into Water Street and entered the interchange from the South end. We arrived at the bottom end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the interchange and we took a few pictures. We saw Stagecoach 11801 arrive on a #409 from Aston-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 11801 in Rochdale Interchange

Also seen was former First Manchester 67411 now Stagecoach Manchester 27945 which was on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 27945 in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back into the Interchange and we looked for another bus to catch. We decided to do a bus towards Oldham. AS we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11521 on a #409 to Ashton-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 11521 in Rochdale Interchange

We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223 and we turned left onto Oldham Road and we continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton. We got in touch with mum to find out how everyone was getting on. Mum let us know that she was at Asda in Shaw. We continued straight up Long Sight and we continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the other part of the bus station. We saw Nexus Move YJ61 JHY on a #356 to Ashton-under-Line.

Nexus Move YJ61 JHY in Oldham bus station

We had a walk around to see what was around. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 13190 on a #350 to Ashton-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 13190 in Oldham bus station

We looked up what bus we needed to get to mum at Shaw. There was a #57 to Rushcroft in around 20 minutes. We popped to the shop and Matthew had chocolate bar. WE sat at the stop and after Matthew had eaten the choclate he decided he needed to toilet. The as a pub nearby that we could see and an alleyway next to it. We walked down the alleyway and we got to the main pedestrian street. The pub had closed down. There was a shopping centre nearby so we went in there. Matthew used the toilet and we cut past Home Bargain to the bus station. On the way to our stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37632 on a #149 to Chadderton.

Stagecoach Manchester 37632 in Oldham bus station

Also seen was former First Manchester 67412 now Stagecoach Manchester 27941 on a #82 to Sholver

Stagecoach Manchester 27941 in Oldham bus station

A few minutes later our bus appeared. As it came on stand we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 84206 on a #57 to Rushcroft.

Stagecoach Manchester 84206 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Day ticket for the final time today. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty, so Mtthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Manchester 84206.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 84206

The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto the B6477. We followed the B6477 through the town and we went past the former First Manchester depot which is now in Stagecoach hands. We turned left onto the A62 and left onto the B6194.

Stagecoach Manchester 84206 in Shaw

We continued along Greenfields Lane and we turned left into Asda car park. We found mum and we got in the car. We got onto Greenfields Lane and we turned right onto Eastway. We turned left onto Beal Lane and we crosed the crossroads onto Rochdale Road. We turned left onto Collinge Street and we parked in the car park. I went to the chip shop and bought Matthew sausage chips and gravy. When I got back to the car, Matthew needed to toilet so we walked along Collinge Street and we crossed over Rochdale Road and we visited The Pineapple. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back to the car and Matthew had his sausage chips and gravy. When we were ready we came out of the car park and we turned right onto Kershaw Street East. We turned left onto Westway and left onto Rochdale Road. We turned left onto the A663 and we ran through Royton. We crossed over the A627(M) and we continued Southwards through Chadderton ande Nimble Nook before joining the clockwise M60. We ran around the Eastside of Manchester and as we ran through Stockport we passed an American style school bus going the other way. We continued onto the Westbound M56 and we came off onto the A556. We joined the M6 at junction 19 and we ran down to junction 16. WE headed Southwards down the A500 through Talke Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a birthday cake in a jar and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark