Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 01-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5002	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
3041	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
3044	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
3045	Runcorn BS	Belle Vale, Interchange stop A	79C	Arriva NW&W
4467	Belle Vale, Interchange stop B	Halewood Shopping Centre	79	Arriva NW&W
719	Halewood, Leathers lane Stop C	Belle Vale, Interchange stop B	3	Arriva NW&W
4458	Belle Vale, Interchange stop B	Belle Vale, Garden Lodge Grove	79	Arriva NW&W
3045	Belle Vale, Garden Lodge Grove	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. No research for the trip was done other than to check the weather, which was for mainly dry with a chance of some rain later on. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we set off around 11:45. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We stopped at Blurton Stores to return a parcel. Aftwards 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 Noerhbound A500. We were going to go to Asda to get petrol, but the queue to get in the reatil park was massive. We came off the A500 at Wolstanton and crossed the roundabout and got back on the A500. We came off at Porthill and we turned right onto the A527. We stopped at the Texaco Petrol station and we put some pertol in the car. We turned left onto the A527 and we turned right to join the Northbound A500. 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 we saw black minibus GU64 OOA, ABC Coaches YD19 ABC, an unidentified B&H Coaches coach, white minibus WA53 DPO, Selwyn's (NX) BV19 XSF(#540), A Cabs DK65 MSY & silver minibus SG13 KPN. We left the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Westwards M62 Seen on the M62 was an unidentified Cannon BBT coach. We came off the M62 and we headed Southwards down the A557. 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 we saw Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Widnes

There past of the car park were into a new Starbucks and Burger King. 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 can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. 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 3054 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 3054 in Widnes

Also seen was Network Warrington 236 on a #32 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 236 in Widnes

Matthew wanted to wait for a bus over the Bridge. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 5002 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5002 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 5002 as it continued towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5002 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we had a look to see what else we might catch. We saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 on a #52 to Beechwood.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Runcorn bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do a bus forwards to Halton Lea. A short time later a bus appeared. It was Arriva NW&W 3044 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3044 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver 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 Stagecoach Merseyside 36813 on a #2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36813 in Halton Lea

Another vehicles seen was Arriva NW&W 5018 on a X30 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 5018 in Halton Lea

We could not do the X30 as it was going off the ticket we had, so we decided to go in the other direction. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 3041 on a #62 to Halebank.

Arriva NW&W 3041 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and whilst I flashed the Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver tickets to the driver, Matthew took a picture of the inside of Arriva NW&W 3041.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3041

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 up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3041 as it carried on towards Halebank.

Arriva NW&W 3041 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we headed over to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of coke each. When we had finished our drinks we walked back over to the bus station. We decided to head back over the water towards Widnes. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3045 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3045 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Daysaver Merseyside Zone tickets under the scanner before sitting 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. 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. 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 we got up and got of off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3045 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3045 in Belle Vale

Once off the bus we walked around the corner towards the shopping centre. At the interchange we saw Arriva NW&W 4561 on a #204 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4561 in Belle Vale

We decided to go back onnto the main road and catch something towards Halewood. We crossed over the road and we saw Arriva NW&W 4476 on a #79 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4476 in Belle Vale

As we walked towards the stop we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4467 on a #79 to Halewood.

Arriva NW&W 4467 in Belle Vale

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the B5178, past the site of the new Home Bargains. We followed the road around the 90' left hand turn into Netherley and we turned right onto Wood Lane. We continued onto Gerrards Lane and at junction we turned left onto Lydiates Lane. We turned riught onto Okell Drive and we ran around the housing estate. At the roundabout we turned right onto Church Road and into the old village. We turned right onto Baileys Lane and we crossed over the railway line. We turned right onto Leathers lane and by the shopping centre we turned left onto Hillingdon Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Hillingdon Avenue onto Leathers Lane. We wlked into the retail park and we walked own to the bottom end where the buses layover in between services. We saw Arriva NW&W 4449 on a #78 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4449 in Halewood

Also on layover was Arriva NW&W 719 on a #3 Huyton Quarry.

Arriva NW&W 719 in Halewood

We walked up to the bus stops and we decided to catch the next bus back in the direction of Belle Vale. The next bus happened to be Arriva NW&W 719 so we decided to do that. We got on the bus and we placed the Daysaver Merseyside Zone tickets under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out onto Leathers Lane and we crossed over the A562 onto New Huttle Lane. We continued forwards onto Torrington Drive and we turned left onto Westbound A562. We turned right onto Mackett's Lane and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Camberley Drive and we turned right onto Arncliffe Road and we ran around the estate. We re-joined Mackett's Lane and we ran forwards onto Halewood Road. We turned right onto the B5171 and we turned left onto Besford Road. We ran past Morrisons and forwards onto Hedgefield Road. We stopped at the interchange by the shops and after a brief stop we re-joined Hedgefield Road. We turned right onto the B5178 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 719 as it continued towards Huyton Quarry.

Arriva NW&W 719 in Belle Vale

We waited for a bus back towards Widnes. The #79C was running late and we saw that there was a #79 running in front of it. We decided that we could do this for a couple of stops and get off and catch the following #79C. We saw Arriva NW&W 4458 on a #79. flashed the Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the B5178. We went did it for 2 stops and we got off it. We waited for the bus towards Widnes. A short time later the bus appeared and it was Arriva NW&W 3045 on a #79C to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 3045 in Belle Vale

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyzone Daysaver tickets to the driver 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. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3045 as it continued towards Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 3045 in Widnes

We walked across to Morrisons and Matthew used the toilet. When he had finished we went in the supermarket and brought a meal deal. We walked back to the car amd Matthew had a bottle of Coke from the meal deal. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a --turn at the roundabout to headed Southwards. We continued onto Lugsdale Road and we stopped at the end to visit Tony's Chip Shop. We just got there in time as he was about to close. Matthew had sausage and chips. We drove around the corner onto Afforde Street and we parked up to eat the food. When we had finished we turned around and we turned right onto Lugsdale Road. We turned into Tesco and we stopped at the petrol station. We filled up with petrol and afterwards we re-joined Lugsdale Road. We turned right to re-join the A557 and we headed Northwards up to the motorway. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. As we travelled towards the M6 we passed an unidentified Stagecoach double decker on an Amazon Shuttle. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. 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. 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. 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 Southport 23-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 986	Longton Hall Road	Southport	Charter	Copelands Tours
3084	Southport, opp Duke Street	Crossens, on Rufford Road‎	49A	Arriva NW&W
7673	Crossens, on Rufford Road‎	Highpark, High Park Place (W-bound)	49A	Arriva NW&W
3085	Churchtown, High Park Place (E-bound)	Crossens, on Rufford Road‎	49A	Arriva NW&W
3309	Crossens, on Rufford Road‎	Southport, Market Street (Stop BE)	49A	Arriva NW&W
3083	Southport, opp Duke Street	Scarisbrick, opp Bullens Lane	385	Arriva NW&W
3082	Scarisbrick, adj Bullens Lane	Southport, adj Duke Street	375	Arriva NW&W
3041	Southport, opp Duke Street	Crossens, on Preston New Road‎	47	Arriva NW&W
3079	Crossens, on Preston New Road	Southport, Chapel Street (Stop EA)	42	Arriva NW&W
MIB 986	Southport	Longton Hall Road	Charter	Copelands Tours

Today it was decided to go to Southport. I'm still nowhere near 100% at the moment and mum thought it would be a good idea to go on a coach trip so I don't have to worry about driving. Choices of trip for today on Copelands website were for Blackpool, Bury and Southport and Matthew chose Southport. Research for today trip was minimal as we have been here a few time before however I did wish I'd taken the Arriva Southport map with me to help with choosing which buses to catch to where. The weather forecast for today in Southport had been for rain all day. The only thing that varied during the week as we checked it for today was how heavy it was going to be abd whether there was going to be any sun. We drove down to Longton Hall Road a little after 08:15 getting there around 08;20 just before the coach was due. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 40146 on a Newcastle service. A few minutes after the booked time we saw a Copelands Tours coach approach. As it got closer we could see it was MIB 986 which we thought was required. A quick check of the page revealed it to be true and so we picked up another new coach. OUr coach was also picking up Bury passenger as there were only a half a coach full going to each destination. We whizzed around the city quite quickly with very few pick-ups. We also saw required MIB 293 going around town and when we passed it we could see it was doing pick-ups for a holiday trip to Weymouth. from this we assumed MIB 293 to be one of the newer vehicles and it therefore mainly does the holiday work. When we reached Newcastle some of the passengers transferred onto MIB 270 on the Bury trip. We then set off towards Southport non stop. The coach took the route that we always take once it had dropped onto the A500 at Wolstanton. The route was via the M6,M58 and then the A570 through Ormskirk. It was much quiter and easier to navigate Ormskirk around 10:30 in the morning! On the way in we passed a couple of the Wigan turns and these were both Pulsars. We turned left onto Lord Street and then we circled around to the prom, setting down outside the pier around 11:00.

Copelands Tours MIB 986 in Southport

First things first we had to get something to eat. We had spotted that the Cleveland cafe was open today. Its a place we had been before, but the last few times we had been it had seemed to be closed. It was a fair walk down to here from the pier. As we walked down we saw required Arriva NW&W 7653 on a #43 service. When we got there we ordered 3 slices of home made meat and potatoes pie and a breakfast for Matthew. Whilst we ate we saw required Arriva NW&W 7673 heading towards Woodvale on a #49A as well as another Pulsar on the Wigan turns. We also saw an unrefurbished Arriva double decker heading North but we did not see what it was on and where it was going to. The food was really nice but the only downside was that there is no toilet in this cafe. So we made a quick trip into Morrison's to use the facilities, and we promised Matthew that we would go back later for a cake and a drink. Back on Lord Street we thought we would head northwards on a #49A. If it wasn't Arriva 7673 next then perhaps it would be on the following service. We waited for the #49A and turned up with a required Pulsar Arriva NW&W 3084.

Arriva NW&W 3084 in Lord Street

As we headed Northwards along Lord Street we passed required Arriva NW&W 3309 on a southbound #49A. It is quite a big working for a step entranced double decker to be out on a Saturday so we had to go after this. We also passed Arriva 2343 on a #43 service which we would try and go after if we could. We decided to go the Crossens on 3084. We had never been that far north on a #49A before, but it meant that Matthew would be able to photograph the bus empty when we reached the end of the run. When we got to Crossens Matthew did just that.

Inside 3084

We got off and decided to wait for the next service with the hope it was required 7673. Mum who doesn't usually go on the buses kept herself occupied by reading. We let 3084 go on the 12:25 and waited at the stop. We also noticed that this was a great stop to see other services such as the X2, 47, 42 and 44. With a 12 minute Saturday frequency we knew we wouldn't have to wait to long. Sure enough after a few minutes we saw a Marshall Dart round the corner in the near distance. We were lucky in that it was 7673 and Matthew got a picture.

Arriva NW&W 7673 in Crossens

We got on a Matthew photographed the inside too.

Inside 7673

The plan was now to go back towards Southport and get off, trying to guess how far to go to pick up 3309. We decied to go back to High Park / Churchtown area to try and intercept the double decker. On the way we passed a Marshall and a Pulsar along the route. We got off and crossed the road to wait for the 12:58 towards crossens. It turned up and was required Pulsar Arriva NW&W 3085.

Arriva NW&W 3085 in Churchtown

Back at Crossens we let 3085 go on the 13:13 service. The Next one turned up and this was required Arriva NW&W SPD 2292. We let this go as we didn't want to miss 3309. As we waited we saw 2722 coming off the #42 about to work to Formby on a #44.

Arriva NW&W 2722 in Crossens

The next one appeared around the corner and it was what we wanted and well worth the wait. Very much required Arriva NW&W 3309...

Arriva NW&W 3309 in Crossens

So off we went on the bus we thought would probably be the highlight of the day. These double deckers are only usually used on schools work, but with a couple of the buses that usually work to Wigan in the refurbishment programme, this has taken Pulsars off local routes and these need to replaced with something. The journey back was OK. It was nice to see thing from a different / elevated angle, but the journey was made less enjoyable by a bunch of rowdy teenagers. Back at Southport Matthew got another picture of this fine beast.

Arriva NW&W 3309 in Lord Street

We decided to have a bit of a break from buses at this point. We sat outside the Pound bakery and we had some cream doughnuts and drinks. Doughnuts that are 2 for £1 suddenly become £1.35 each when you put a plate under them... Go figure! As we ate we saw required Arriva 4105 arrive and depart on the #375 to Wigan. We knew that we wouldn't see this bus again today as the round trip takes nearly 4 hours. However, Matthew decided he wanted to do the next #385 out at 14:46. We waited for around 20 minutes and it turned up unrequired Pulsar 3083.

Arriva NW&W 3083 in Lord Street

It's amazing how many times we get unrequired Pulsars considering how few of them we had been on before today. Mum had decided to sit this round trip out in order to do a bit of shopping and to get the sausage rolls in for later. As we left town we passed another Pulsar on inbound #385 service. We decided to get off in Scarisbrick to catch the next one back. When we got off it took us quite a while to cross the busy A570. Once across the road we only had to wait around 2 minutes for the #375 to appear. It was another Pulsar! As it got closer we could see it was required Arriva NW&W 3082. We did the bus back into town. We stopped opposite the Arriva office for two or three minutes where we had a driver change before completing the journey onto Lord street where Matthew got his picture.

Arriva NW&W 3082 in Lord Street

We met up again with mum and this time we decided to go to Morrisons with Matthew like we had promised him earlier. After a visit to the toilets we went into the Cafe and Matthew had a lemon meringue pie and coke before we left for one final out and back trip. We had just over an hour to go out and back and to get back to the coach. We decided to do a #47 to Crossens on the most direct route, and then we would have a choice of buses back. We turned down 3084 again on a #49A and then the slightly late running #47 turned up with required branded Arriva NW&W 3041. We did this to the roundabout at Crossens.

Arriva NW&W 3041 in Crossens

Matthew had gotten his picture and then we crossed over to the toilets. We had a choice of 3088 on the #49A and the next #42, which turned up and was required Arriva NW&W 3079. We got on this and as we set of we passed one of the commanders that was going to do the next #44.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3079

The #42 is one of those service that dont stop on Lord street because they cant stop going the other way when they turn right and right again. We ended up getting off in front of the Arriva offices. We saw another double decker on the incoming Wigan - Southport service as we walked back towards the coach. We stopped to get some pop for the journey back and we also stopped for an ice cream. We nearly died of shock when we were told the price for three ice creams was £9! We wont be going back to that ice cream place that is for sure...Back on the promenade we didn't have to wait for long for the coach to appear. I needed he toilet so as we weren't due to depart for 10 minutes I raced off to the arcade to use the toilet there. Matthew was waiting for me as he wouldn't get on the coach without me. Despite the last minute hitch I still wasn't the last person back on the coach. We set off on time and we saw another double decker on the edge of town on the incoming Wigan service. We also passed 4105 which we had seen around 14:00 on the run back down to Ormskirk. There seemed to be only 3 out of a possible 8 buses that were double deck on the Wigans and we weren't lucky enough to get near any of them. At least it gives us something to do another time at Southport. The journey back was quick and it started to rain as we headed Southwards. Despite it being forecast for rain all day in Southport we only had an odd drop or two. We were back in Newcastle just after 19:00, and with only a few drop offs on the return we were back on Longton Hall Road well before 20:00. As it was late and as we hadn't had any chips today we decided to drive to Smithpool road for a small fish with a few chips for tea. Matthew had a cheeseburger instead. We got home a little after after 20:00 and settled down to eat our food...Mark