Trip to Oswestry / Chirk 01-04-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
B10	Oswestry BS	Pant, Tregarthen Lane Junction	T12	Lloyds Coaches
292	Pant, Cross Guns Inn	Oswestry BS	T12	Tanat Valley
3791	Oswestry BS	Ruabon, Station Road	2A	Arriva Midlands
2945	Ruabon, Station Road	Cefn Mawr, o/s Tesco	2C	Arriva Midlands
3786	Cefn Mawr, opp Tesco	Chirk, Chappel Lane	2	Arriva Midlands
3762	Chirk, St Mary's Church	Oswestry BS	2C	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Oswestry. Matthew had been wanting to visit here for the last month or so, but this is the first time we were able to organise this. Research consisted of looking at the Arriva Midlands site, looking for places to eat and places to park and checking the weather. The weather was forecast to be mainly dry with some sunshine. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orabge juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. The road was closed so we turned around and we turned left onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we ran to the end before turning left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right 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. As we headed towards Stoke we saw B&N Coaches BN18 BXN. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right to join the Southbound A500 and we ran through Sideway and Hanford down to the A519, passing Country Lion T99 JSF. We headed Southwards for a few hundred yards before turning right onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. Matthew had a sausage sandwich from Jim's Butty Van and washed it down with a can of Cherry Coke from the boot. When we had finished eating we continued down the A53 to Tern Hill. We turned right onto the A41 and we headed Northwards towards Whitchurch. We followed the road around the Western side of town and we turned left onto the A525. After a few mile we turned left onto the A495. As we travelled Westwards we saw Siesta Holidays YJ12 KFV. We passed Ellesmere and we ran into Whittington. We followed the road around the castle and over the level crossing and to the edge of town. We ran forwards onto the B5490 and into town. We ran under the bridge and we turned left onto the road into town. We ran straight on to the one way system amd we turned right into the car park of the old Morrisons supermarket and we parked up. As we parked up we saw Tanat Valley 290 on a T12 to Wrexham. We walked into the bus station and there wasn't anything about. So we walked down to The Cambrian Railway to have a look at their Sprinters. We walked back into the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3756 come in on a service from Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3756 in Oswestry bus station

The bus went off out of service. It appeared that the bus ran back to the depot or somewhere for a driver change, so there wasn't anything around for a while. We walked along Beatrice Street and we turned left onto King Street. We turned right onto the B5069 and we turned left onto Black Gate Street. We visit Sainsburys and Matthew used the toilet. When we came out of the shop we saw Tanat Valley 373 on a #400 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 373 in Oswestry

We walked back along Black Gate Street and we turned right onto the B5069. We walked into the bus station and we just missed an Arriva Wrexham service. As short time later we saw Lloyds Coaches B10 on a T12 service to Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Oswestry bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we booked to Pant before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto Oswestry Road. We turned left onto Black Gate Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along the B4579. We turned left onto English Walls and we turned right onto the Smithfield Street. We turned left onto Church Street and we went straight onto Upper Church Street and we headed up to Morda. We went forwards onto Morda Road and turned right onto the A483. We travelled through Sweeney and though Llynclys. We carried on for another mile or so into Pant where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches B10 as ito Continued towards Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Pant

We had quite a bit of time to kill so we decided to look for and walk to the nearest pub. A quick check of the tri-corder and we could see there was a pub to the South of us down the road. We set off Southwards and we saw Tanat Valley 376 on a #74 to Oswestry. We continued around the corner to the pub and we crossed over the road. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we ordered a couple of glasses of Coke and we sat in the window. After we had finished our drink we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave again. We continued a little further South to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 292 on a T12 to Wrexham.

Tanat Valley 292 in Pant

We got on the bus and we booked single tickets to Oswestry at £2.20 each before we sat down toward the back of the bus. We set off along the A483 through Llynclys and we continued up to Sweeney. We turned left onto the B5069 through Morda and Oswestry. We turned left onto the B4580 and right onto Castle Street. We turned left into Beatrice Street and we ran along Oswald Road and into the bus station. As we got up and got off the bus we saw an Arriva bus to Wrexham depart. We watched the T12 depart towards Wreham and this left a clear view of Tanat Valley 241 which was on layover in the bus station.

Tanat Valley 241 in Oswestry bus station

We saw Tanat Valley 374 depart on a town circular service and a short time later we saw Tanat Valley 374 on a #402 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 374 in Oswestry bus station

We had a bit of a wait for the next service towards Wrexham. After what seemed like quite a long time we saw the bus eneter the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3791 on a #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Oswestry bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto the B5069. weturned left onto Balck Gate Street and we ran past Sainsbury's. We turned right onto the B5479 and left onto English Walls. We followed the road to the right through the Square past the Borderland Farmer Sculpture and we turned right onto Cross Street. We turned left onto the B5480 and we headed Northwards out of town. We veered rght onto the B5479 and we headed through Pentre Pant into Selattyn. We turned right onto Station Road and we ran through Weston Rhyn. We continued to the A5 roundabout and we turned sharp left onto Chirk Road. We crossed the river Ceiriog and we entered Chirk from the South. We passed through the town and we turned right onto Colliery Road. We follwed Colliery Road to the left and we ran through the housing estate before rejoining the Northbound B5070. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran to the A483 where we turned left. We ran fast Northwards over the Dee and we turned left onto the A539. We veered left onto the B5605 and we ran into Rhosymedre. We turned right onto High Street and we ran into Cefn Mawr. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we ran past Tesco. We joined the B5096 and we ran up the hill to the main road. As we approached Ruabon we turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539 in to opposite direction that we had just travelled along. We ran forwards onto Oak Road and we turned right onto the A539 and we headed back Eastwards. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We got up and got off the bus outside of the railway station. The driver of the bus was very friendly and realised Matthew was interested in buses. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3791 as it continued towards Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Ruabon

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we waited for bus back Westward. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 1008 on a #5 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1008 in Ruabon

Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2945 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Ruabon

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along the B5605 and we turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. A regular passenger pointed out that we wre on a 2C and we were going the wrong way. So the driver turned the bus around and we headed Eastwards along Hampden Way. We followed the road around the estate and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Whalley's Way and we ran forwards onto Rock Road. We turned right onto Well Street and we turned left onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2945 as it continued towards Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Cefn Mawr

We went down the steps to Tesco and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a walk around the shop and we brought a meal deal. Afterpaying for the food we went outside and we went to the Wrexham bound stop. We had a look at the buses and we decided that the best thing to do would be to cross over and wait for the Oswestry bound bus. The map was showing Arriva Midlands 3755 on the next Wrexham bound bus and Arriva Midlands 3786 on the next bus towards Oswestry. The following Oswestry bus was initially showing up as Arriva Midlands 2978. Whilst we waited for the Oswestry bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3755 on a the #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3755 in Cefn Mawr

A few minutes later the bus appeared. As expected we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3786 on a #2 to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3786 in Cefn Mawr

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Oxford Street and we turned right onto Well Street and we ran forwards onto High Street. We turned left onto Park Road and we ran up to the main roundabout at the South end of Ruabon. We joined the Southbound A483 and we ran fast down to the A5 and we turned right. We turned left onto the B5070 we ran ran Southwards into Chirk. As we have never been into Chirk from the direction before we got up and got off a little to soon. Once off the bus we walked Southwards into town. We stopped at The Stanton and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave again. We carried on down the Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 3791 coming out of a street. We saw the bus pull up at the bus stop but as we had been on the bus earlier we decided to turn this down. We sat at the stop and Matthew had some cocktail sausages with a tomato sauce dip. He also had a chicken and bacon mayo sandwich. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Chirk

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner for the final time today. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3762 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3762

We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Chirk Road. We ran through Gledrid and turned left onto the B5070. We turned left onto St Martins Road and we ran through Rhosygadfa back to Rhewl. We ran through Gobowen and turned left onto Whittington Road. We turned right onto Twmpath Lane and we crossed over Gobowen Road into Oswestry. We turned left Oswald Road and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3762 before it continued back to the depot.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Oswestry bus station

We walked across to the car park and we met up with mum. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. Afterwards we set off out nof the car park onto Beatrice Street and we joined the Eastbound B5069. We turned righ onto the B5480 and we ran out of town. We crossed the A5 and we ran forwards onto the A495. We crossed over the level crossing and we ran into Whittington. Just after the chip shop we pulled over at the side of the road where we could and I went to fetch food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke Zero. When I had finished eatng we carried on along the A495. We went around the castle and continued around Ellesmere. We continued towards Whitchurch and we turned right onto the A525. At the edge of Ton we joined the A41 and we headed Southwards bypassing the town. As we headed South Matthew indicated that he neede the toilet. As we were near to Tern Hill we carried on for another couopke of miles and we stopped at Tern Hill service. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brought a small bottle of Dr Pepper. We left the services and we joined the Eastbound A53 and we headed towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. As we headed Northwards we saw black minibus YX15 YLW. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Uncle Rob wasn't there tonight. He aslo had some Irn Bru and updated the calendar. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. Due to Grove Road being closed we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Alma Street and left onto Watkins Street. We turned right onto Masterson Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We continuednonto Heron Street and we crossed the lights onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Buxton / Whaley Bridge 11-02-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
288	Buxton Market Place	Whaley Bridge, Shallcross Road	190	High Peak
292	Whaley Bridge, Shallcross Road	Buxton Market Place	190	High Peak
280	Buxton Market Place	Hartington, Square	442	High Peak
290	Hartington, Square	Buxton Market Place	442	High Peak
692	Buxton Market Place	Glossop Henry Street	61	High Peak
525	Glossop Henry Street	Buxton Market Place	61	High Peak

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Magnum RX62 HTN going towards Longton.

Magnum RX62 HTN in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67652 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67652 in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 67650 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67650 in Fenton

Later on we went downstairs and got into car we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we continued onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway Bridge into Longton. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 67639 in the depot. We turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Bentilee to Bucknall. We continued onto the A52 and at the traffic lights we turned right onto the Northbound A5009. we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton into Badderly Green and we joined the A53 at Stockton Brook. We ran through Endon and continued Northwards to Longsdon. We ran up to Ladderedge and we ran down the hill into Leek. We ran up the hill into Leek town centre and we continued onto Ball Haye Street. We turned right onto the A53 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We ran through Blackshaw Moor and we climbed the hill through Winkhill. We ran over the top of the moor through Flash and we ran down into Buxton. We continued into the town centre and we saw High Peak 805 on a #199 to Manchester Airport. We ran along Station Road and we parked up in the main car park in town. We saw High Peak 781 parked up. Once we got out of the car we to the pub for dinner. Matthew had chicken burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we walked to the market square to catch a bus. We saw High Peak 288 on a #190 to Whaley Bridge. We got on the bus and we brought a High Peak day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off from the Square along Terrace Road and we turned right onto Station Road where we saw Slacks YJ15 HKD on a #29 to Newhaven. We ran forwards onto Spring Garden and we went forwards onto Fairfield Road. We ran Northwards out of town along the A6 and we turned right onto Waterswallos Road. We turned left onto Upper End Road and we ran through Upper End. We turned right onto Batham Gate Road and we ran forwards onto Smalldale Road. We ran through Smalldale and forwards onto Batham gate and at the end of the road we turned left. In Peak Forest we turned left onto the A623. We followed the road through Sparrowpit and we joined the Northbound A6. We turned left onto the B5470 and we ran into Chapel-en-le-Frith. We ran up to Morrisons and afterwards we turned left onto Hayfield Road. We crossed under the A6 and we continued into Chapel Milton. We continued along the A624 and we ran forwards onto the B6062. We ran through Chinley and we continued through Buxworth before joining the Southbound A6. We turned right onto Buxton Road and we ran Southwards into Whaley Bridge. We joined the B5470 and we turned right onto Elnor Lane. We ran to the terminus where we got up and got off the bus. We spent a couple of hours hanging around and we caught a bus back to Buxton. It was High Peak 292 on a #190 to Buxton. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran Northwards up Elnor lane and we turned left onto the B5470. We turned right onto the A5004 and we ran Northwards through Whaley Bridge. We joined the Northbound A6 and we turned right onto the B6062. We ran through Buxwoth and Chinley and we ran forwards onto the A624. We went under the A6 and we ran down into Chapel-en-le-Frith. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran to Morrisons. After a brief wait we ran Eastwards out of town along the B5470. We joined the Southbound A6 and we turned left onto the A623. We ran through Sparrowpit and we continued Southwards to Peak Forest. We turned right onto Eldon Lane and we turned right onto Batham Gate. We ran through Smalldale and Peakdale and we turned left onto School Road. We ran through Upper End and forwards onto Upper End Road. We turned right onto Water Swallows road and we ran to the edge of Buxton. We turned left onto the A6 and we ran into town. We ran up Station Road and we turned left onto the A515. We got up and got off in Market Square. We saw High Peak 280 on a #442 to Ashbourne. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off Southwards down the A515 and we turned right onto Harpur Hill. We ran forwards onto Barlow Road and we ran Southwards. We went though Barlow's Bar and we continued along the B5053. We turned left onto Dale View and we ran Southwards through Earl Sterndale. We continued South Eastwards and we turned right onto Tagg Lane. We ran down the hill into Crowdecote and we ran fordwards onto High Street and into Longnor. We turned right and we ran Southwards down Buxton Road to Warslow. After going into the village we headed Eastwards through Hulme into Hartington. where we got up and got off the bus. We waited in the square for the next bus to Buxton. A short time later we saw High Peak 290 on a #442 to Buxton. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards through Hulme and into Warslow. We turned around in the village and we headed North up Buxton Road into Lognor. We turned right onto the High Street and we headed Eastwards and into Crowdecote. We climbed the hill out of the village and we ran Eastwards a few miles before turning left and headed up to Earl Sterndale. We turned right onto the B5053 and we ran Northwards through Barlow's Bar. We ran up towards Harpurs Hill and we joined the Northbound A515. We ran into the centre of Buxton where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus to Glossop. We saw Majestic coach YN66 WTE running through town. A short time later the bus appeared. It was High Peak 692 on a #61 to Glossop. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of from the Market Square onto the High Street and forwards onto Terrace Road. We turned left onto St John's Road. We turned right onto Manchester Road and we climbed the hill out of Buxton. Once we were out in the open we had a fast run up the hill until we reached Fernilee. We continued Northwards into Whaley Bridge and we ran Northwards out of town to join the Northbound A6. We ran Northwards up to Newtown and we turned right onto the A6015. We turned left onto Union Road and we ran up to the railway station. After a brief stop we ran down Union Road and we re-joined the Eastbound A6015. We continued through Birch Vale to Hayfield and we turned left onto Glossop Road. We ran Northwards through Little Hayfield and through Charlestown and Whitefield. We continued into the centre of Glossop and we turned left onto the A57. We ran around the Square and we stopped at the stops on Henry Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw High Peak 786 on a #394 to Stepping Hill. Matthew need the toilet so we walked through the market to the toilet block at the rear of the Market in the car park. We walked through the market and we crossed the Square onto Henry Street. We waited for a bus back to Buxton. A short time later we saw High Peak 525 on a #61 to Buxton. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticlet to the driver for the last time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Henry Street onto Norfolk Square and we crossed the A57 onto the A624. We ran Southwards out of town through Whitefield and Charlestown. We continued through Little Hayfield and into Hayfield where we turned right onto the A6015. We ran through Birch Vale into New Mills. We turned right onto Union Road and we ran up to the railway station. We returned down Union Road and we turned right onto the A6015. We ran to the end of the road and we turned left onto the A6. We ran Southwards and we turned right onto Buxton Road. We ran through Whaley Bridge and Southwards into Taxal. We continued into Fernilee and we continued fast along the windy road to the edge of Buxton. We ran to the end of Manchester Road and we turned left onto St John's Road. We turned right onto Terrace Road and we ran down to Market Square where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Spring Garden and back to the car park. We got in the car and we set off onto Station Road. We ran forwards onto the A53 and we headed Westwards out of town. After passing the junction of the A54 we climbed up the hill and out of Derbyshire into Staffordshire. We ran through Flash and Winkhill and we ran down the hill into Blackshaw Moor. We continued into Leek and we ran past Lidl and the new KFC site and we turned left onto Ball Haye Street. We ran onto the A53 and we ran Southwards out of town. We climbed up the hill towards Ladderedge and we ran down the other side into Longsdon. We continued Southwards through Endon and we veered left onto the A5009. We ran through Milton and Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall. At Limekiln light we ran forwards onto the A52. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square and we ran towards Stoke. We ran alongside the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill in to Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs For tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a Bakewell Tart. Matthew returned to his room to chill out. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast and we to bed around 00:30... Mark.