Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 08-07-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3040	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
3136	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	3C	Arriva NW&W
2669	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
3023	Runcorn BS	Belle Vale, Sandbrook Road	79C	Arriva NW&W
4815	Belle Vale, Sandbrook Road	Netherley, Glebe Hey	79	Arriva NW&W
4442	Netherley, Glebe Hey	Childwall, Score Lane	79	Arriva NW&W
3023	Childwall, Score Lane	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit Widnes. We hadn't chosen anywhere to go by Saturday morning, so we let Matthew pick somewhere off the map and Matthew chose Widnes. Research for the trip consisted of looking at tickets on the Arriva webside and looking at the weather, which was for sunny weather with thunderstorms. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum video called one the the people she supports and Matthew sang them Happy Birthday and blew out candles on a cake, before eating the cake. Just before 12:00 we set off to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car 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. 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. On the A500 we saw Sky Minibuses GX64 BJK. The road was quiet and we headed up to the M6. We joined the M6 and as we travelled Northwards we saw an unidentified Daish's Holidays coach, an unidentified Amans coach, an unidentified blue coach with Tottenham Hotspur on the side (88 NXD?) and an unidentifide Abbot's of Leeming coach. At junction 21A we got on the Westbound M62. Seen on the M62 was an unidentified pink van Hool double decker coach (party bus?). We came off the M62 onto the Southbound A557 and we ran into Widnes. We turned right to get Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market. In the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 3159 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3159 in Widnes

We went into the Market and Matthew went to the toilet. We went to the back end of the market and we stopped at the cafe. Mathew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. We said goodbye to mum and we stopped at a sweet stall to pick up some sweets. Matthew had a bag of Spearmint Chews. We headed out of the market to catch a bus. I asked Matthew which direction he wanted to go in, and he chose to go towards Runcorn. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2903 on a #17 to Chain Lane.

Arriva NW&W 2903 in Widnes

As few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. On the opposite side of the road we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 8904 on a #26A Cronton circular service. The bus we were catching came around the corner and we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3040 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3040 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver tickets at £4.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3040 as it continued towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3040 in Runcorn bus station

We waited at the bus station to see what we could catch next. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. AS it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3136 on a #3C circular service.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then we turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. We ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5002 on a X30 to Chester. Behind the was Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #52 Beech circular.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 in Halton Lea

As it turner the corner we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2669 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2669 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Moughland Lane and we joined Greenway Road. We ran fast onto the A533 and we turned right over the canal onto Leiria Way and into Runcorn town centre. We arrived in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2669.

Arriva NW&W 2669 in Runcorn bus station

We crossed over the road and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar to order a drink. We had a glass of Coke and we sat down to drink it. When we had finished we took our empty glasses back to the bar and we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We went into the bus station to wait for another bus. Whilst waiting we saw Arriva NW&W 5008 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5008 in Runcorn bus station

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it turner the corner we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3023 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3023 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out onto the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. The bus filled up and got quite crowded. After a short wait we set off Northwards to the roundabout and we joined the Westbound B5178. We travelled around 2 miles and we crossed over the railway line near to Hough Green railway station. We were now out in open countryside and we ran fast along the B5178 into the village of Tarbock Green. It had now started to rain very heavily and as such people were shutting the windows. We continued West for around another mile into Netherley and we continued along the B5178 North Westwards for around another mile to Belle Vale. When we got into familiar surroundings and we saw the shopping centre. With the rain and the shut windows it was becoming quite unpleasant on the bus. We carroed on for a few more stops and then we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus we immediaely got into the bus shelter. I asked Matthew if he wanted to go on further or head back in the direction of Widnes and he chose the later. We crossed over the road and we sat in the stop for a few minutes. Matthew was eyeing up the Lidl so we decided to go into the supermarket. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we brought a bottle of Cola and some Bakewell slices. We went outside to the bus stop and Matthew had one of the Bakewell Slices. Whilst we waited for a bus we spotted Arriva NW&W 4475 on a #79 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4475 in Belle Vale

Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We waited for a few more minutes and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4815 on a #79 to Netherley.

Arriva NW&W 4815 in Belle Vale

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs asnd we sat down. We set off along the B5178 and we ran past the Bell Vale shopping centre. We continued South Eastwards and we followed the B5178 to the left and through the housing estate. We turned right onto Wood Lane and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we made a decision to go back West and head off a #79C back to Widnes. Before we crossed the road we saw Arriva NW&W 4474 on a #79 to Halewood.

Arriva NW&W 4474 in Netherley

We crossed the road and we waited for a Westbound bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had another Bakewell slice. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4442 on a #79 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4442 in Netherley

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took inside Arriva NW&W 4442.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4442

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside of Arriva NW&W 4442 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4442

We set off along Wood Lane and we turned left onto the B5178. We ran through Belle Vale past the shopping centre and we continued past Lidl and under the railway line. We ran up the hill towards Childwall and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4442 as it continued towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4442 in Childwall

We crossed over the road and we waited for the bus back to Widnes. We had already seen on the map that it was going to be the bus we had earlier. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 3023 on a #79C to Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 3023 in Childwall

We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Duo Day tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the front of the bus. The bus was very full and had to sit apart. We set off along the B5178 and we ran out of town. We went out into open countryside and we ran through Tarbock and over the A5300. We ran into Hough Green and we turned left onto Hough Green Road. We turned right onto Arley Drive and we ran though the estate. We turned left onto Hough Green Road and we we ran back down to the A5178. We passed Hough Green railway station and we ran through Ditton and into the West end of Widnes. We reached the roundabout and we turned right onto the road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spotted Arriva NW&W 3049 on a #82A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3049 in Widnes

We crossed over the road. It had been the plan to take Matthew to the toilet, but the gents toilet was out of order and the disabled toilets were blocked off. I asked a member of staff and the directed me to a baby changing room that had no toilet in it. We went back to the car and the plan had been to take Matthew to a pub but it was raining really heavily. In the end we drove around to Morrisons and we parked up close to the shop and mum took him to the toilet. Afterwards we brought a cake. We returned to the car and we set off out of Morrisons onto Green Oaks Way. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we headed Southwards onto Lugsdale Road. We stopped at the chip shop and we got Matthew had 2 small sausages chips and gravy. We turned around in Major Cross Street and we headed North up Lugsdale Street. We parked up at Widnes Shopping Park and Matthew ate his 2 small sausages, chips and gravy with a buttered bap that mum had bought earlier. When we had finished eating we we off onto Ashley Way and we joined the Northbound A557. We headed Northwards up to the motorway. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. Traveling back along the M62 we saw Arriva NW&W 2961. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. On the M6 we saw an unidentified Just Go Holidays coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road. 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 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 Widnes / Runcorn 08-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5012	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
3041	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
3043	Halton Lea South	Murdishaw Central	1	Arriva NW&W
2960	Murdishaw Central	Halton Lea South	1	Arriva NW&W
5009	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
3023	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	110	Arriva NW&W
3046	Halton Lea, Hospital	Halton Lea South	110	Arriva NW&W
5003	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
3136	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Widnes. As long as no one gets ill we'll do a today. 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 First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw First Potteries 65038 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65038 in Fenton

Matthew got his face mask and bag and got ready to go. We came around 11:30 and Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We checked the bag and Matthew realised that he had no batteries so we returned to the residential unit to pick them up. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we saw Travel Express BG61 KTK. We turned right onto Temple Street and we stopped at the residential unit. We collected his batteries and and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hiull into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned right onto Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw Scragg’s VT 9389. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw Paul’s of Stoke Y13 POS, Brittannia Travel S100 KKE, Afford rent-a-car HV70 RTZ, Anthony's Travel P30 ANT and Llew Jones BG65 TGU(#207). We left the M6 at junction 21A and we went Westwards along the M62 to junction 7. We went Southwards down the A557 and we turned right to run up to Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market. On the way we saw required Network Warrington 80 on a #32 to Warrington. We walked into the market and we went to the back corner of the market. Matthew went to the adjacent toilet whilst mum ordered the food and uncle Dave saved he table. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and walked through the market back to the bus stops. Whilst we waited for the next bus to Runcorn we saw Network Warrington 88 on a #32 to Warrington. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Arriva NW&W 5012 on a #61 to Palacefields. We got on the bus and we booked Halton Hopper Day tickets at £.530 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We decided to catch the next Arriva bus towards Halton Lea. Whilst we waited we saw MP Travel MP20 BUS on a X1 to Halton Hospital. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 3041 on a #110 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper 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 onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. There was an old lady who was struggling to get to the shopping centre due to there being an elevated walkway and her being quite afraid of heights. I helped her to the lift and I also guided he out of the lift into the shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 3043 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set offf out of the bus station along the busway and we went clockwise around the large circuit. We passed Pheonix park and we continued past Castlefields and Windmill Hill. We past close to Runcorn East railway station and then we emerged into the Murdishaw turning circle. We got up and got off the bus and we turned down a bus so that we could visit the Co-operative Food store. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We went outside and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2960 arrive on a #1 Halton Lea circular service. We got on the bus and flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the turning circle and onto the Southbound busway we ran through the Palacefields area and past Halton Hospital. We continued down to the Halton Lea shopping centre and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 3045 on a #82A to Liverpool. We waited for the next bus back to Runcorn. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 5009 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area and we saw Arriva NW&W 2574 on a #110 to Murdishaw. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. Across the other side was Arriva NW&W 3041 on a #110 to Warrington. A few minutes later we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5671 on the #52 Beechwood Circular service. We turned left onto Church Street and we went to The Little Dessert Shop. For afters Matthew had a red velvet cheesecake with custard. when we had finished we walked along Church Street and we continued through to the bus station. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 3023 on a #110 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper 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 onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus. We crossed the road and we decided to walk up to the turning circle to get pictures as there were buses parked up there. We walked up the path and we saw Arriva NW&W 661 on a #3A to Murdishaw. Once we had looked at the buses at the turning circle we walked back to the Westbound side of the road. We deciced to do the next C79 towards Widnes and we saw Arriva NW&W 3046 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the rear of the bus. We set off along the busway towards the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off. a few minutes later we saw MP Travel N270 KKH on a X1 to Liverpool. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 5003 on a #79C to Liverpool. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before sat down towards the back of the bus We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Moughland Lane and we joined Greenway Road. We ran fast onto the A533 and we turned right over the canal onto Leiria Way and into Runcorn town centre. After stopping the bus station. We got off the bus and it was at this point Matthew decided to go to the pub across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we re-joined uncle Dave who waited outside and we went back up to the bus station. We decided back to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2574 on the #110 to Murdishaw. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 3136 on the #79C to Liverpool. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into Waterloo Road. the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We climbed the hill along Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Mum had moved the car to a space by the bus station but she hadn't got back from the shops, so we waited in the bus station taking a few pictures. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #61 to Runcorn. A few minutes later mum turned up and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We turned left onto the B5419. Victoria Road. We climbed the hill along Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda and we parked up. We went into the supermarket and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the McDonalds and we had tea. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After eating his food Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished we set off onto Widnes Road and we turned right onto Brynn Street. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards. We turned left at the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 miles or so up to the M62 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travlled down the M6 and as we travelled towards home we saw Osborne of Irlam K55 RDO, Parks of Hamilton LSK 807, an unidentifled Hartley's minicoach, an unidentified Flixbus coach (#023) and white minibus DK04 MWE. At junction 16 we went South down the A500. As we travelled South we saw Roseville DY65 MDN, Lucky Seven DU66 CJF and an unidentified Roy McCarthy coach. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we headed Southwards before veering left onto Whieldon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew got back in the car and we continued up Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew also drank a bottle of Buddies Cherryade. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 07-08-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5018	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
2699	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
5003	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
2668	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	3C	Arriva NW&W
3023	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
EX21 ONE	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	X1	MP Travel
2583	Halton Lea, Hospital	Halton Lea South	1	Arriva NW&W
3138	Halton Lea South	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Widnes, we saw Afford rent-a-car MX70 CJF. Around 12:05 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw blue minibus MX07 NDU and West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ19 HFL. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw red minibus RX70 AVP, white minibus VA12 CFO / H3 HET, Selwyn's 333(#333), an unidentifled RK Travel minibus, silver minibus SA15 CFJ. Parks of Hamilton KSK 950 and Routemaster4Hire RM765. We ran past junction 17 and the site of the new petrol station and McDonalds. We passed Knutsford services and we saw white minibus reg like Y811 GFS on a low load. We continued Northwards up the M6 and we saw Parks of Hamilton KSK 950 and Routemaster4Hire RM765. We left the M6 at junction 21A and we went Westwards along the M62 to junction 7. We went Southwards down the A557 and we turned right to run up to Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market. On the way we saw required Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #27 to West Bank.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 in Widnes

We headed into the market and Matthew used the toilet. We had dinner at the nearby Widnes market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We stopped on the way at a sweet stall and Matthew had a few eggs and a couple of jelly snakes. We asked which buses Matthew wanted to do and he chose Arriva. We decided to head over the river first so we stood on the North side of the bus station. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 5018 on a #61 to Palacefields.

Arriva NW&W 5018 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Flexi Day tickets at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5018 before it carried on towards Palacefields.

Arriva NW&W 5018 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to catch the next Arriva bus towards Halton Lea. Whilst we waited we saw MP Travel MP20 BUS on a X1 to Halton Hospital.

MP Travel MP20 BUS in Runcorn bus station

On the other side of the bus station we saw MP Travel EX21 ONE on a X1 to Murdishaw.

MP Travel EX21 ONE in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2699 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2699 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. There was an old lady who was struggling to get to the shopping centre due to there being an elevated walkway and her being quite afraid of heights. I helped her to the lift and I also guided he out of the lift into the shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 26062 on a #2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 26062 in Halton Lea

A short time later we saw Network Warrington 94 on a #62 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 94 in Halton Lea

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 5003 on a #82 Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 5003 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we crossed over to the other side to catch something back West. A few minutes later we saw Ashcroft's Travel Solo HIG 5671 on the #52 Beechwood Circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5671 in Runcorn bus station

The Solo went on layover for a short while. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2642 on a #79C to Liverpool. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2668 on a #3C to Halton Lea hospital.

Arriva NW&W 2668 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed Flexi Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then we turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. We ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and Matthew then took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2668 before it ran up to the turning circle.

Arriva NW&W 2668 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back to Runcorn. We saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27777 on a the #2 to to Chester. and we few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching, As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 3023 on the #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 3023 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along the busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 3138 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Runcorn bus station

Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we re-joined uncle Dave who waited outside and we went back up to the bus station. We decided to go to Murdishaw and back to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required MP Travel EX21 ONE on a X1 to Halton Hospital. We got on and flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards and we crossed under the A557 and Southwards down Greenway Road. We turned left onto Moughland lane and we continued forwards onto Clifton Road. We turned left onto one of the busways and we ran under the A533 before stopping outside the library. We continued up to Halton Lea Hospital. The bus emptied out in front of us and we encourage Matthew to take a picture inside MP Travel EX21 ONE.

Inside MP Travel EX21 ONE

When we got to the hospital we got up and got off the bus. Directly behind us was Arriva NW&W 5008 which had come a different route and had now caught back up with us. We crossed the road and we decided to walk up to the turning circle to get pictures as there were buses parked up there. We walked up the path and we saw MP Travel EX21 ONE on a X1 to Murdishaw.

MP Travel EX21 ONE in Halton Lea

Once we had looked at the buses at the turning circle we walked back to the Westbound side of the road. We deciced to do the next C79 towards Widnes and we saw Arriva NW&W 2583 on a #1 Halton Lea circular. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the rear of the bus. We set off along the busway towards the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2583.

Arriva NW&W 2583 in Halton Lea

a few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 3136 on a #110 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Moughland Lane and we joined Greenway Road. We ran fast onto the A533 and we turned right over the canal onto Leiria Way and into Runcorn town centre. After stopping the bus station we set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into Waterloo Road. the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We climbed the hill along Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Mum had moved the car to a space by the bus station but she hadn't got back from the shops, so we waited in the bus station taking a few pictures. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #61 to Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 5015 in Widnes

A few minutes later mum turned up and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a u-turn and we turned right onto Lugsdale Road and we spotted a chip shop. After getting some food we drove for another mile or so to a parking space and we ate our food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When we had finished eating we continued Westwards along Lugsdale Road and we turned right onto Vine Street after dropping off a few gifts we went down Lugsdale Road and at the roundabout and headed back to the A557. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. As we travelled towards the M6 we saw Clover Cars Travel YG66 UOF, grey minicoach WA07 ??? and an unidentifled A2B Travel minicoach. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and as we travelled towards home we saw Alpha Minibuses N27 SPT, taxi minibus DK64 RDU, HS2 Travel B12 XEC, Parks of Hamilton LSK 509, an unidentifled Hartley's minicoach, an unidentified Flixbus coach (#023), an unidentified white Mercedes yellow/pink stripe minibus, white minibus BL17 SLU and Stanton's of Stoke 484 ABK. At junction 16 we went South down the A500. As we travelled South we saw Roseville BG07 XCN, Lucky Seven YJ14 MSX and an unidentified Roy McCarthy coach. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we headed Southwards before veering left onto Whieldon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew got back in the car and we continued up Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew also drank a bottle of Buddies Cherryade. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.