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 Warrington / Penketh 04-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
233	Warrington Interchange	Penketh, Red Lion	32	Network Warrington
H2	Penketh, Red Lion	Widnes, Green Oaks	32	Network Warrington
3045	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
2698	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
5006	Halton Lea South	Frodsham, o/s Lloyds Bank	X30	Arriva NW&W
5000	Frodsham, Bears Paw	Halton Lea, Hospital	X30	Arriva NW&W
2644	Halton Lea, Hospital	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Warrington. 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

After a few minutes we saw First Potteries 69154 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69154 in Fenton

So we decided to go to Warrington. After get ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Glebedale Road. We turned left onto City Road. We ran over the railway line and then we turned went Forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North up to the M6 at junction 20 and we headed Northwards up the A50. We ran Northwards through Grappenhall and Latchford and we ran into Warrington. After crossing over the Mersey we turned left into Bridgefoot. We turned right into Winmarleigh Street and at the end we turned right into Sankey Street. We turned left into Leigh Street and we missed the entrance of the car park so we went around again. We turned left onto the A57, left onto Crosfield Street and back onto Sankey Street. Once we got back to the Golden Square shopping centre car park we parked up and afterwards walked through the shopping centre past the bowling alley. We carried on through the shopping centre into Old Market Place. We through into the pedestrianised centre of the town and We carried on to the cafe where we had planned to eat, the Hideaway Cafe. Matthew used the toilet whilst mum ordered his food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we set off onto Buttermarket and we turned left onto Scotland Road. We continued onto Winwick Street and we decided to do a lap of the bus station and take a few pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 2161 on layover. At the West end of the bus station we saw Network Warrington H9 on a #20 to Orford. We walked into the bus station and we had a look around to see what we could catch. Almost immediately we saw Network Warrington 233 on a #32 to Widnes. We got on the bus and we booked Halton Hopper Day tickets at £5.95 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we went under the bus station before turning left onto Leigh Street. We turned right onto Sankey Street and we ran forwards onto Liverpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we turned left onto Old Liverpool Road. We ran for around 1/2 mile through Sankey Bridges and we turned left onto the A562. We ran for around 1/2 mile into Penketh and we turned right into Greystone Road. As we travelled North we passed Network Warrington on a #14 to Warrington. We turned left onto Meeting Lane and at the end we turned left into Stocks Lane. We turned right onto Farnworth Road and at the roundabout we continued Westwards along the A562. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew we waited for a #32 to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Network Warrington H2 on a #32 to Widnes. We got on the bus and we booked to Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A562. We ran up the hill into Doe Green and then forwards into Cuerdley Cross. At the roundabout we turned right onto Warrington Road and we turned right onto Halton View Road. We ran through Albert Road and we ran into Widnes. We turned left onto Marzahn Way and we turned left onto Bradley Way and we turned right onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over to the other side of the bus station to catch a bus back towards Runcorn. Almost immediately a bus came around the corner and it was Arriva NW&W 3045 on a #61 to Palacefields. 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 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 TX21 ONE on a X1 to Halton Hospital. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2698 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 Frodsham bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5006 on the X30 to Chester. 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. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned left onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Beechwood Ave and we joined Beechwood. We turned right onto the A533 and we turned right onto the A56. We ran through Sutton Weaver and Frodsham. We got up and got off the bus by the Lloyds Bank. Once off the bus we started to walk towards Morrisons. We crossed over the A56 and we walked along the path into Morrisons. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we picked up a bottle of Coke and a kitkat and we paid for them at the kiosk. We went outside to uncle Dave and we crossed over A56 past the old HSBC which moved to the new restaurant. We turned right onto the B5152. We crossed over the road and we went into The Golden Lion. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. We walked along the B5152 and we turned right onto the A56 to wait a bus to Halton Lea. We continued to the bus stop and we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15579 on a #2 to Ellesmere Port. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 5000 on a X30 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 out of town along the A56 and we ran up to Sutton Weaver. We turned left onto the A533 and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2161 on the X30 to Chester. We continued through Beechwood and we turned left onto Beechwood Ave and we continued forwards onto Clifton Road. We turned right onto one of the busways and we ran under the A533 before stopping outside 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 crossed over the road to stop B and we waited for the next bus back. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2644 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Hopper Day tickets to the driver for the final fine today. The bus set off along the busway Westwards and 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. After a brief stop 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 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. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. 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 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses out of the window. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Southport 12-04-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
7656	Kew P&R	Southport, Lord Street stop HC	PR2	Arriva NW&W
2243	Southport, Chapel Street (Stop EA)	Hillside, o/s Alma Court	43	Arriva NW&W
3090	Hillside, opp Nixons Lane	Birkdale, York Road (NW-bound)	49	Arriva NW&W
19035	Birkdale, York Road (SE-bound)	Little Altcar, opp Royal Hotel	X2	Stagecoach M & SL
3045	Little Altcar, o/s Royal Hotel	Ainsdale, opp Woodvale Road	47	Arriva NW&W
3044	Ainsdale, opp Woodvale Road	Southport, Monument (Stop CB)	44	Arriva NW&W
2252	Southport, opp The Wellington	Highpark, adj Roe Lane	43	Arriva NW&W
3086	Highpark, High Park Place (E-bound)	Crossens, on Rufford Road	49	Arriva NW&W
15473	Crossens, on Preston New Road	Southport, Monument (Stop CF)	2X	Stagecoach M & SL

Today we decided to re-visit Southport. We checked the weather the night before and it seemed that the better weather would be either to the South or the West. We gave Matthew a short list of place to go and from the list he chose to go to Southport. Other than to check the weather research consisted of looking at a relatively new fleet list of Arriva NW&W buses allocated to Southport. The main changes were the reduction of Marshall Bodied Darts which had been replaced with newer Plaxton bodied Darts from elsewhere. There had also been some newer double decker delivered ex Arriva London. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:30 and we drove onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We carried on North on the A500 and then onto the Northbound M6. We carried on North up to the M58 and then we turned West. Off the M58 we did the northbound A570 up to Ormskirk where we stopped for dinner at Morrisons. We visited the toilet and then for dinner Matthew had an English breakfast washed down with a cup of Coca Cola. After we had finished eating we headed back to the car and carried on towards Southport along the A570. Just before we hit town we turned into the Kew park and ride site and parked up to wait for the bus into town. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw a Marshall Dart approaching. When it got closer we saw it was dud Arriva NW&W 7656.

Arriva NW&W 7656 at Kew park and ride

We flashed our park and ride ticket and sat down near the back. The bus set off through the back streets of Southport following required Arriva NW&W 2241 into town on a #43 service. We approached the railway station from Derby Road. We turned onto London Street and the bus set down near to Lord Street. As we got up to get off Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 7656

7656 was the first ever Southport Marshall Dart Matthew rode on back in December 2010. The plan was now to go and get a Saveaway ticket and to start riding on buses. As we were going to get the ticket from the railway station Matthew mis-behaved massively and we had to wait for a short while before we continued. We got the tickets and walked around into Lord Street where we saw required Arriva NW&W 2246 on a #46 service. We carried on walking to Eastbank Street to catch a bus. There was a choice of 2 buses required Arriva NW&W 2624 on the #42 and dud 2243 on the #43 to Carr Lane. We chose to do Arriva NW&W 2243 but we did not know it was dud at the time.

Arriva NW&W 2243 in Southport

We got on and flashed our tickets and sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus pulled off and and went out of town towards Carr Lane. The #43 takes a route through the back streets via Duke Street and Guilford Road and we eventually turned right onto Carr Lane where the bus terminates. We got up to get off the bus and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2243.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2243

From where we were the were a choice of service to catch. On Carr Lane on the opposite side of the Road we could catch either the #43 or #46 into Southport. From Guilford Road we could do either #49 towards Southport or either the #49 to Woodvale or Formby. From the main road we could catch either the X2 or #47 towards Southport or the same service toward Formby. We went onto the Liverpool Avenue to see if there was a Southbound bus due. There wasn't anything for at least 15 minutes so we decided to walk back to the original stop to see if there was a Southport bound #49 service. As we got back to the stop we could see a bus approaching in the distance.As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3090.

Arriva NW&W 3090 in Carr Lane

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. A quick check of the list revealed that this bus was dud. We had previously been on this bus back in April 2012. Three buses traveled on and all of them dud so far... How unlucky was that! We decided to get off at Birkdale and catch a Southbound X2 as we hadn't passed it. We got held up at the level crossing and whilst we were waiting Matthew got a picture of the empty back seat behind us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3090

Eventually the train passedand we carried on North. We got off and we could see the X2 double decker in the distance so we crossed over the road and quickly made our way to the stop opposite. As it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 19035.

Stagecoach Lancashire 19035 in Birkdale

At last a new bus for the day! We got on and sat down upstairs, the bus was quite well filled so there didn't seem like an opportunity to take a good picture inside this bus. The bus headed South down the A565 through Ainsdale and onto the Formby by-pass. There was a quick run along the by-pass through open countryside before we turned right to head into Formby. We headed into what looked like the edge of a small town and I was expecting there to be more to it. Rather than being built up it looked spacious with all the businesses and restaurants looking quite high end. We seemed to be heading out of town again so when I saw a large petrol station I decided to get off here so we had somewhere to visit. We got off the bus and we watched it go off into the distance. Directly behind 19035 was required Arriva NW&W 3033 on a Liverpool bound #47 service. We visited the Texaco petrol station and Matthew used the toilet before we brought some Coca Cola and chocolate. When we had done we left the petrol station and crossed the road to see when the next Northbound bus was due. The next bus was going to be a #47 and it was due in a couple of minutes. We could see it approaching and it was Arriva NW&W 3045.

Arriva NW&W 3045 in Formby

We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. A quick check of list revealed it was a required bus. We decided to do this bus up to Woodvale and get off to see what was working up behind us on either a #44 or X2. In the meantime Matthew photographed the empty back seat

Inside Arriva NW&W 3045

The bus carried onto the Formby bypass and up into Woodvale where we got off the bus. We considered having a picnic at this bus stop as it had a shelter and seat, but Uncle Dave had spotted a #44 service coming out of one of the side street as we came North. Sure enough less than a minute later we saw a bus approaching. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the bus as it was a Pulsar and he said yes. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3044.

Arriva NW&W 3044 in Woodvale

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. A quick check of the list revealed that this bus was dud too. Coincidentally this was the first Southport Pulsar we rode on back in December 2010. We decided to do this into Southport so that we could go and check buses out in a different direction. The bus carried on North up to Ainsdale before turning onto Station Road. The bus carried on North Eastwards across the roundabout onto Segars Lane. The bus carried on for a few mile in more or less a straight line, out of the built up areas of Southport and past Dobbies garden centre here we were overtaken by Arriva NW&W 2728 on a #300 before passing Arriva NW&W 2247 going the other way on a #300. We appeared by the hospital and then joined onto the A570 to head into town. We ran parallel to the A570 for a short while before heading back onto Eastbank Street. Matthew then took a picture of the empty back seat of the bus

Inside Arriva NW&W 3044

There was a quick river change and then the bus carried on. We turned into Lord Street then got off the bus. matthew indicated that he wanted to head back towards Eastbank Street so we set off in that direction. As we walked along Lord Street we saw required Arriva NW&W 2256 on a #49 to Woodvale. On the end of Eastbank Street was parked National Holidays coach NH09 DRH, and Matthew got a picture of it.

National Holidays NH09 DRH in Southport

We carried on down Eastbank Street and Matthew wanted to visit Poundland. We had a quick walk around Poundland where we brought some more chocolate and pop, and Matthew said hello to a member of staff. We then headed across the road to possibly catch a #43 or #46 to Carr Lane. We had just missed one bus and the seemed to be a gap in the service. On the other side of the road we saw Arriva NW&W Marshall Dart 7654 on a #42 to Crossens.

Arriva NW&W 7654 in Southport

We were considering having a picnic when we saw a Paxton Dart coming up the road. We decided to cross over and see if it was a required on. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2252 on a #43 to High Park.

Arriva NW&W 2252 in Southport

We got on the bus and as we sat down mum called to say she was going to go back to Kew and move the car into town. That helped to decided how we were going to finish off the day. The plan was now going to be do this bus up to High Park for #49 to Crossens. We would then have a quick visit to the toilet and then back down to Southport on the next interesting bus. The bus went onto Lord Street and we passed required Arriva NW&W 2248 on a #44 service. We also passed required Arriva NW&W 2722 about to set off on a #300 service to Liverpool. The bus set off out of town though the back streets and crossing over the railway at Meols Cop. we then carried onto to the end of High Park Road where the bus terminated. We got up and Matthew got a picture of the empty bus as we got off.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2252

We also took another picture of the outside of the bus too before we crossed over roe Lane to catch the next #49 to Crossens.

Arriva NW&W 2252 in High Park

We considered another bus stop picnic bu the bus was due in 2 minutes. it wasn't long before we saw the bus approaching in the distance. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 3086.

Arriva NW&W 3086 in High Park

We got on the bus and sat down. The bus waited for short while, it must have been a little early before continuing into Churchtown. The bus turned into Botanic Road and we passed the site of an old factory and crossed over where the old Southport to Preston railway would have run. The road became Rufford Road and then bus continued on to the end where the service terminates. As we got up to get off Matthew took a picture inside the now empty Arriva NW&W 3086.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3086

We walked down to the toilet which have now become pay toilets. Matthew used the toilet whilst I checked out the bus times at the adjacent bus stop. There was a 2X due any minute now. Matthew came out of the toilet and almost immediately we saw the 2X double decker approaching. It got closer and we saw it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15473.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15473 in Crossens

We got on the bus and we sat down upstairs. We saw an unidentified Cumfybus Solo on a #40 to Southport and we also saw dud 2239 on a #44 service which was terminating. The bus carried on South down the main road into town from the North. The bus was quite well filled so Matthew took a picture of some seat just in front of him on the opposite side of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15473

We gave mum a call to tell her that we were on our way so that she could move the car to somewhere nearby to the bus stop. The bus carried on South and we arrived in Lord Street and we got of the bus near to the monument. Mum had just arrived in a nearby street and we walked over to the car to get in. Mum decided to drive home so I sat in the front passenger seat. Waiting for us were sausage rolls and Matthew had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We turned into Eastbank Street and we went out of town along the A570. We drove around Ormskirk and though onto the M58. After traveling a short distance East we joined the Southbound M6. We traveled South through the roadworks at Thelwall Viaduct it was Carvers YN06 NYT started to rain. After nearly missing the turning we passed Z carz M372 NWN. joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we passed ABC Supreme minibus YU02 GZG going the other way. We came off the A50 at Longton where we stopped to check out what was present at Z Carz. it appeared to be a minibus day today with the following buses sighted. Towards the back of the site was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next to that was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

At the very back of the site was LDV minibus DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz DS51 ZJU in Longton

At the front was Volkswaggon minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Last but not least was another VW minibus, S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and the only bus there was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 which we did back to Heron Cross before heading though Blurton On Beaconsfield Avenue we saw 40003 on a #23 and unusually Newcastle based double decker 37157 on the last #22 to Longton of the day. We got home at 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:15...Mark