Trip to Birkenhead / West Kirby 09-06-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4533	Birkenhead BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	437	Arriva NW&W
255	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	Heswall BS	22	Avon
4503	Heswall BS	Prenton, Osmaston Road	472	Arriva NW&W
2958	Prenton, Curzon Road	Woodside BS	413	Arriva NW&W
2601	Woodside BS	Seacombe Ferry	411	Arriva NW&W
2545	Seacombe Ferry	Birkenhead BS	409	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Birkenhead. We gave Matthew a list of place to visit in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Birkenhead. Research consisted of checking the weather, which was for warm suuny weather mainly dry and finding the Walrus cards. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 through Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the shop to drop off toilet rolls and then we continued up Blurton Road into Heron Cross. We join ed the WEstbound A50 and at Sideway we went Northwards up the A500. Traffic was quite light and we made good time up to the M6. As we travlled up the A500 we saw Sids HK58 ECV & Roseville WF11 WHC. We joined the Northbound M6 and we made good time up to junction 20. Seen on the M6 were TM Travel YJ17 CXW & black minibus KR18 HVZ. We joined the Westbound M56 and as we travelled Westwards we saw silver minibus YL14 MGJ, Atlantic Executive BN08 OOG & an unidentified E Jones and sons coach. We joined the Northbound M53 and we ran upn to junction 3. We came into Birkenhead along the A552 and we saw Arriva NW&W 2582 on a #413 to Seacombe Ferry and Stagecoach Merseyside 10887 on a #472 to Heswall. We veered left onto Woodchurch Road. We ran onto the A5029 and we turned right onto Claughton Road. We ran to the end and we parked up near to Wilko's. We headed up to the Market to go and get something to eat, On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W 2545 on #409 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We headed into the market and the first food van we came to had no sausages! We went further into the market and we found annother food place. Matthew had a full breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we headed out of the market and into the bus station. Whilst I got the Walrus cards Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27271 on a #2 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27271 in Birkenhead bus station

Once we had charge the cards up we spotted dud Arriva NW&W 3007 on a #414 to New Brighton. We considered doing this but we weren't quick enough. We also saw Arriva NW&W 4533 on a #437 to West Kirby.

Arriva NW&W 4533 in Birkenhead bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked down the bus station and got on the bus. We placed the Walrus passes on the ticket machine and we went upstairs ans sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Conway Street. We ran North Westwards out of town and past the end of Dale Street near to Birkenhead Park railway station. We continued onto Laird Street past the Arriva depot and we turned left onto Mallby Street. We turned right onto Park Road North and we ran through Claughton. We continued onto Upton Road and we crossed over the M53 near to Upton railway station. We turnd right onto Ford Road and into Upton town centre. We continued out of the other side onto Old Greasby Road and forwards onto the B5139. We turned left onto Breasby Road and we ran through the village before re-joining the B5139. We continued throgh Frankby and Newtown and we ran forwards onto Greenbank Road. We past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and the bus emptied out. Matthew took a picture inside Inside Arriva NW&W 4533 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4533

Once off the bus we walked across to the librbary. Matthew used the toilet and I picked uo a couple of bus timetables. We walked back to the bus stop and as we arrived we saw required Avon Buses 255 on a #22 to Chester.

Avon Buses 255 in West Kirby

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we put the Walrus cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A540 and we turned left onto Orrysdale Road. We ran forwards onto Anglesey Road and we turned sharp right by West Kirby football club. We ran along Greenbank Road and forwards onto the B5139. We passed through Newton and Frankby and we turned right onto Greasby Road. We ran through Greasby Road and forwards onto Arrow Road. We ran forwards onto Arrowe Brook Road before turning right onto the A551. We turnbed right into Arrowe park hospital and we stopped briefly before continuing South through Thingwall. We continued Southwards through Pensby and into Heswall. We turned left onto the A540 and left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Avon 255 as it continued towards Chester.

Avon Buses 255 in Heswall bus station

Once the bus had left we stood at the end of the bus station whilst we considered what to do next. We spotted a double decker to the South of us in the distance. Eventually it came North. As it got closer we saw that it was required Helms 223 running out of service.

Helms 223 in Heswall bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4503 on a #472 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4503 in Heswall bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the Northbiound A540. We turned right onto the B5138 passing Helms 135 running out of service. We ran through Pensby and up to Arrowe Park Road. We joined the Northbound A551 and by the Arrowe Park pub we followed the A551 to the left. We turned into Arrowe Park hospital and we stooped briefly to pick up passengers. Other vehcile seen in that area include Arriva NW&W on a #418 and Stagecoach 10883 on a #472 to Heswall. We left the hospital and we ran Southwards back down the A551 to a roundabout. We went Westwards along the A552. We passed the Asda near to Woodchurch where they appear to be building a small building in the car park. We crossed over the M53 at junction 3 and we ran up the hill into Prenton. It was a little warm on the bus so we decided to get up and get off the bus in Prenton to have a break from buses. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4503 as it continued up towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4503 in Prenton

We walked into Sainsburys and Matthew used the toilet. After he had finished using the facilities we brought a bottle of Coke and a pack of 4 flakes. After paying for the stuff we went outside and walked towards the next bus stop. Matthew had other ideas and he walked into a coffe shop and sat down. He had a plapjack and a glass of Coke with ice. When he finished that we went outside to meet uncle Dave again. Whilst we waited at the bus stop for a Birkenhead bound bus, we saw Arriva NW&W 4516 on a #471 to Heswall.

Arriva NW&W 4516 in Prenton

A few minutes later we saw n Arriva single decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2958 on a #413 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2958 in Prenton

As we got on the bus we were passed by an unidentified Helms double decker bus on the Wirral Ale Trail service. We placed the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A552 into Birkenhead past the Pyramids shopping centre. We stopped at the back of the shopping cente by Clifton Road and we turned left at the roundabout onto Argyle Street. We turned right into Canning Street. We went around the roundabout and we entered the Woodside bus terminal. WE let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2958.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2958

As we were getting off the bus we spotted another bus in the terminal. It was required Arriva NW&W 2601 on a #411 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2601 in Woodside bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we put the Walrus cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus terminal and we went around the roundabout onto the A554. We turned left onto Argyle Street and we ran past Hamilton Square. We turned right onto Conway Street and we entered the main bus station. After loading up til the bus was nearly full, we set off onto Claughton Road. We turned right onto Hemmingsford Street and we continued along Conway Street for another 1/2 mile or so. We turned right into Duke Street and we past Birkenhead Park railway station. WE passed Happy Als depot and inthe yard opposite there were lots of other buses, including LJ03 MOV. We crossed over the bridge and we turned right onto Dock Road. At the roundabout we veered left onto the A554 and we ran up to and entered Seacombe Ferry bus terminal. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2601 before it crried on to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2601 in Seacombe Ferry

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2993 on layover. We went into the ferry terminal and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards, we came out to wait for a bus back to Birkenhead. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 2545 on a #409 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Seacombe Ferry

We got on the bus and we placed the Walrus passes on the ticket machine for the final time today. As the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2545 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2545

We set off out of the bus station and onto the Southbound A554. We turned right onto Dock Road past the new bridge under construction and left onto Duke Street. After we crossed over the bridge we turned left onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto the A554. We picked up passengers and we ran towards the other side of the bridge. We did a u turn on the roundabout and we went back down the A554 to Woodside bus terminal. After a brief stop we headed back into the centre of Birkenhead. We ran up to Argyle Street and past Hamilton Square. We turned right onto Conway Street and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we crossed over to the car park. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2545 as it carried on to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked back to the car and mum had popped out to Wilko's, so matthew decided he wanted to go to the pub. AS we crossed over Conway Street we saw Arriva NW&W 2909 on a #410 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2909 in Birkenhead

We crossed over the road and we went into The Crown. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back across Conway Street to the car. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4534 on a #407 to Moreton.

Arriva NW&W 4534 in Birkenhead

We continued over the road and back to the car. Mum was just getting back to the car as we did. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Cluaghton Road and we turned right onto Hemmingford street. We turned right onto Conway Street and we ran past the bus statio, We turned right onto SArgyle Street and left onto the Borough Road. We joined the Southbound A41 and we ran through Port Sunlight and Bromborough. We joined the M53 at junction 5. Seen on the M53 returning were Longmynd Travel SF56 KDJ & taxi minibus YC66 KWV. We ran down to the M56 and we ran East towards and we saw an unidentified Arvonia coach. We joined the Southbound M6 and we travelled towards junction 16 we saw an unidentified Llew Jones coach, white minibus MX56 AZL, an unidentified Bullock coach, Shearings 515, an unidentified AXA coach & silver minibus CX07 FHW. We joined the Southbound A500 and we saw taxi minibus MD64 FKZ. At Sideway we went Eastwards up the A50 and we came off at Longton. We went to see what was parked up at Z Carz. The spare ground was empty as expected so we turned left into Willow Row. In the compound we saw Z Carz YN11 AHJ parked up near to the top end.

Z Carz YN11 AHJ in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Ford minibus DC12 KNG in the corner of the new yard. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Lichfield / Burton on Trent 30-08-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
81	Lichfield BS	Burton upon Trent, Adj High Street	X12	Midland Classic
2986	Burton upon Trent, Adj Octagon Centre	Barton Under Needwood, Adj St James's Church	7A	Arriva Midlands
2958	Barton Under Needwood, Opp No 17	Lichfield BS	7	Arriva Midlands
3005	Lichfield BS	Coton (Tamworth), opp Footpath Oxbridge Way	X65	Arriva Midlands
3812	Coton (Tamworth), Opp 1 Buckingham Road	Lichfield BS	765	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. We did not chosse where we were going once again until Saturday morning as the weather was very changeable. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we drove through Blurton onto Blurton Road. We dropped something of with a friend before continueing towards Heron Cross. We saw Lightning travel T2 DLT here. We turned left when we got to the A50 and then left again onto the A500. At Hanford we turned Left again as we joined the Southbound A34. At the Darlaston Inn we saw Holmes Coaches YN09 AOJ. We carried on South past the edge of Stone and then we went South East down the A51. In colwich we saw Bova coach N501 MWW going the other way. When we got to Rugeley we turned of to vivst a chip shop off Green Lane. Matthew had Chips sausage and gravy wash down with a can of Coke. We also visited the local shop and he had a few chocolate bars for later. As we left the car park we saw Arriva Midlands 3736 on a #26 service. We rejoined the South east bound A51 and we carried on towards Lichfield. We we got to town we parked up in the car park behind the bus station. We said goodbye to mum and we started taking pictures. The first thing we saw was Arriva Midlands 2277 on a #15 to Boney Hay.

Arriva Midlands 2277 in Lichfield bus station

Also in the bus station was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Lichfield bus station

We went over to the toilets and when Matthew had finished using them we walked back towards the bus station where Arriva Midlands 2125 was on a #35 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2125 in Lichfield bus station

Mattthew had indicated that he wanted to travel towards Burton upon Trent. so we looked at which the next service was. There wasn't a #7 until well after 14:00, so we thought about catch in a X12 service. Going in the opposite direction towards Sutton Coldfield was Midland Classic 83.

Midland Classic 83 in Lichfield bus station

Whilst e waited for the Burton bound X12, we saw Arriva Midlands 3766 arrive from Cannock, about to form the #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3766 in Lichfield bus station

A few minutes later Midland Classic 81 arrived from Sutton Coldfield on the Burton bound X12 service.

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and booked singles to Burton. We were hoping to com back on an Arriva bus. We sat down near the bac of this well used service. The bus set off out of the bus station and turned left onto the A5127. We passed a hospital on the left and then we crossed over the West coast main line near to Lichfield Trent Valley railway station. Continuing North on the A5127 we joined onto the Northbound A38. Here we then had a spirited run up to Branston along the A38 as you would expect of an 'X' service. The booked time of the 13 mile journey was 23 minutes! We came off the A38 at the A512 and then we turned right onto Main Street. At the edge of town we circled around to the left so that we could travel up New Street where the bus terminted. We allowed the bus to empty and then Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside Midland Classic 81

Before we walked into town got another picture of Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Burton upon Trent

Matthew indicated that he wanted to use the toilet, so we set off on a walk to find one. We walked onto Union Street and we saw a bus approaching. It was required Trent Barton 624 on a Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 624 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we could see an X38 Burton Derby service approaching. It was required Trent Barton Optare Tempo 308.

Trent Barton 308 in Burton upon Trent

We walked across a car park and into a pedestrianised area of town. We asked a council work where the public toilet were and he directed us towards the market hall. The toilet were housed in a small victorian building next to the Victorian Market hall. Once we had used the toilet we headed back into town. On the first bus stop we encountered we saw required Arriva Midlands 3715 on a #2 service.

Arriva Midlands 3715 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Arriva Midlands double decker 4217 on a #8 service.

Arriva Midlands 4217 in Burton upon Trent

Further down New Street we saw required Trent Barton 617 on another Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 617 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Midland Classic Enviro 350H bus 203 on the #21 service.

Midland Classic 203 in Burton upon Trent

Outside the Cooper Square shopping centre we saw required Arriva Midlands Versa 2986 on the #7A to Barton upon Needham

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Burton upon Trent

As this was heading part way towards Lichfield we decided to do this bus. We got on and booked Arriva Midlands Daysavers at £6.20. As the back of the bus was empty, before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2986

The bus set off out of town down the A5018 and then we turned right into Clay Lane. We passed a Morrisons store on a retail park before joining the Southbound A38. We had a fast run down to to the B5016 where we came off and went under the A38 towards Barton. When we got into the village we got up and got off. Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2986.

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Barton Under Needwood

I realised I had left my camera on the bus so I jumped back on and spoke to the driver. I retrieved my camera before the bus pulled off into the distance... phew! We looked at the stop and realised that the next #7 to Lichfield didn't go from either the stop that we got off or the stop opposite. Not to worry, we had 30 minutes or so to find the right stop. We walked along the road to the next corner and we spotted a pair of stops on Wales Lane. We found a stop where the next #7 to Lichfield departed, and as we had time walked back to the toilets on Crowberry Lane. Afterwards we visited the Co-op food store on the corner of Crowberry Lane and Main Street where Matthew brought a can of Coke and some Bakewell Slices and a single chocolate bar. Afterward we sat on the corner of Wales Lane and Matthew ate 2 Bakewell Slices and washed then down with a small bottle of orange juice out of the trip bag supplies. A few minutes before the bus was due we left the bench to go and stand at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw another Versa approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 2958.

Arriva Midlands 2958 in Barton Under Needwood

We got on the bus and flashed the Daysaver Tickets. We sat down on the right just before the hump and the bus set off along the A5016 to Yoxall. We turned left onto the A513 and headed Southwards. At kings Bromley we turned left onto the A513 and we headed towards the A38. Running parallel to the A38 we turned back North before heading into Alrewas and Somewhere near we saw Viking Y159 EAY and Edwards Coaches BN63 NYW. We went through Fradley. We went into a modern housing estate and past a lerge industrial estate before rejoining the A38 for a short run down to the edge of Lichfield. We headed into town along the A5127 and into the bus station. When we got to Lichfield we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside the now empty Arriva Midlands 2958.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2958

It was now gone 16:00 and we had only been on three buses, albeit over quite a long distance. We needed to catch something quick if we were going to get another coupe of buses in before we went home. We didn't fancy doing any of the Cannock based Wright Pulsar's on either the #60 or the #825 and the #35 had finished for today. There is quite a frequent service between Lichfield and Tamworth so we decided to head in that direction. It wasn't long before required Arriva Midlands 3005 came into the bus station to work the next X65 service.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and sat own near to the back. For some reason Matthew forgot to take a picture inside this one. The bus set off out of town South down the A51 towards Birmingham. As the road turned East towards Tamworth the bus followed it. We passed a Scania on either a #765 or a #785 and a few minutes later we passed an X65. We thought there wouldn't be another bus coming the other way for a while so we thought we could get off near Coton and perhaps make one back. We crossed over the Tame and the Coventry Canal, but before we got to the roundabout we passed Arriva Midlands Scania 3802 on another #765 or 785. As we go to the roundabout we saw an Arriva Midlands Mercedes Citaro on a #31 to Coton Green. We carried on a few more stops towards Tamworth and we decided to get off. As the bus carried on we got another picture of Arriva Midlands 3005.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Coton

We used the phone and check for the next bus using nextbuses.mobi ... There was a X65 in just over ten minutes. This was followed by a Central Bus X55 to Lichfield and then a #765. Just after the #765 was a #3A to Coton Green. We decided that the X65 was going to be 3005 coming back and we were going to let that got so we could get in another new buses all being well. Matthew had a Millky Way and then we decided to cross over the road to photograph the the buses on the other side of the road before the #765 was due. As predicted Arriva Midlands 3005 came back first on the X65 to Licfield, followed by Central Bus YX63 ZXK on the X55. We crossed back over as the #765 was due next. Going towards Tamworth we saw required Arriva Midlands Volvo B6 2619 on the #3. We saw an Arriva Midlands Merceds approaching in the distance and assuming it would be the #765 we stuck our hands out. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3016 on a #3A service so we waved to the driver to let him know we didn't want this bus.

Arriva Midlands 3016 in Coton

A short distance behind the #3A was an Arriva Midlands Scania on the #765. It was required Arriva Midlands 3812.

Arriva Midlands 3812 in Coton

We flashed our tickets and sat down at the back of the bus. A quick check of the football results revealed that Stoke had a shock win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium! We headed back down the A51 before turning right at the barracks. We passed through the village of Whittington before heading back onto the A51 just east of Lichfield. We followed the road back into the town centre before turning right into Birmingham Road and then into the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3812.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3812

As we got off the bus it had just started to rain. We went to use the toilet bus they had been locked up for the night. We returned to the car so we headed out of town along the A51. Matthew ate a sausage roll and washed it down with a bottle of Irn Bru. After a slight unplanned diversion onto the A461 (OK so I took a wrong turn...), we headed back onto the Northbound A51. We passed North through Rugeley and Colwich and we joined onto the A34 South of Stone. We stopped at the Shell garage on The Fillybrooks to fill back, and then we continued North. Just North of the Darlaston Inn we passed 3 Leons coaches going South, presumably empty after bring fan back from Manchester City. At Trentham we turned right onto the A5035 and we did this up to Longton to see what was at Z Carz. There were a few vehicles parked up on the spare ground tonight. First was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Next was the former Alton Towers transport coach, Z Carz M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to this was another Mercedes minibus, Z Carz S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then there was another Mercedes minibus, former Phil Smiths Travel M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next was a Ford minibus which I can't recall seeing before, BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a couple of minibus here in the compound. THere was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX and from the taxi fleet YE52 UZX Parked on the road was Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel T2 DLT again before heading through Blurton. We got home at approximately 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a couple more Bakewell Slices. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark