Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 01-02-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3052	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
2788	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	X4	Arriva NW&W
3089	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
3049	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	79C	Arriva NW&W
2792	Murdishaw Central	Halton Lea South	61	Arriva NW&W
3102	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
3206	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	82A	Arriva NW&W

Todat we decided to re-visit Widnes. We sked Matthew on the Friday where he would like to go and he chose Widnes, which is a good mid Winter destination as it's not too far away. Research for the trip consuisted of checking the weather, which was for cold and cloudy with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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. As we ran up the A500 we saw silver minibus SD63 FON. We ran into Cheshire and up to the Motoway junction and we joined the Northbound M6. As we travelled Northwards we saw an unidentified Holmeswood coach, Flix bus 023, Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU, The travellers choice coach, Anthony's Travel, Ashcroft's Travel coach, an unidentified minibus. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards towards Liverpool. Travelling up the M62 we saw Selwyns (NX) BV23 ZXE(#171). We headed Southwards down the A557 past the site of the new Wendy's and Starbucks. We turned right and ran past Aldi and towards the Green Oaks Shopping Centre. We went past the bus station and we parked up in the car park. As we walked out of the car park we saw Arriva NW&W 2795 on a X4 to Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 2795 in Widnes

We headed to the back of the market and we went to the cafe. Initially the cafe was full. Mum and uncle Dave waited for a table and I went with Matthew to the toilet. We walked back to the cafe and found mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. When we had finished we headed back throufg the market. We stopped at a sweet stall and we bough some spearmint chews and fried egg sweets. We continued out of the market and we headed to the bus stop to wait for a bus towards Runcorn. As short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it turned the corner we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3052 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3052 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW Daysavers at £7.10 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 forwards onto Cavendish Street. We ran along the Runcorn Station Link Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street and the former NatWest bank. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3052 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3052 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we walked onto Church Street and we headed to The Little Dessert Shop. Matthew had a slice of Black Forest Cheescake washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we headed back out onto Church Street and into the bus station. We saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 4408 on a #52 Beech circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 4408 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to head to Halton Lea and we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 2788 on a X4 to Windmill Hill. Matthew didn't have time to get a picture before we got on the bus. We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down. 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. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2788 before it carried on towards Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 2788 in Halton Lea

After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. We walked down the stairs and 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 Arriva NW&W 3047 on a X30 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 3047 in Halton Lea

We waited for a more suitable bus to catch. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3089 on a #79C to Liverpool Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3089 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off along the Busway. We carried on West over Grangeway and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran forwards onto Moughland Lane and we turned right onto Greenway Road. We ran into ton and we turned left onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We ran past the station and we ran forwards onto Waterloo Bridge. We turned right onto High Street and into Runcorn town centre. We arrived in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked across the The Ferry Boat and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We finished out drink and we went outside. We went back to the bus station and we saw Omega Busways C41 HOW on a #62 to Warrington.

Omega Busways C41 HOW in Runcorn bus station

We waited for a bus towards Murdishaw. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3049 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3049 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off out of town along High Street and we turned right onto Devonshire PLace. We turned left onto station Road and we ran around the back of 'The Archers' over the A557 and past the railway station. We ran onto Greenway Road and we turned left onto Moughland Lane. We Turned left onto the busway crossed over the railway line and ran past the Arriva Runcorn Depot and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we discovered the run up to Murdishaw was entirely along the busway. We traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 3049 before it returned to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3049 in Murdishaw

We headed to the Co-op and Matthew bought a couple of chocolate bars and a bottle of Coke. We went outside and obver the footbridge to take a few bus pictures. We walked back to the bus terminal and we waited for something heading back towards Halton Lea. We saw Arriva NW&W 2793 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2793 in Murdishaw

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 2792 on a #82A to Liverpool One.

Arriva NW&W 2792 in Murdishaw

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. We continued up in Halton Lea South and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2792 as it continued towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2792 in Halton Lea

Behind that was Omega Busways Y22 HOW on a #62 to Runcorn. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3102 on a #61 to Liverpool Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3102 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3102 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3102

We set off down the busway and we stopped briefly at the area where they do driver changes. We carried on West over Grangeway and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran forwards onto Moughland Lane and we turned right onto Greenway Road. We ran into town and we turned left onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We ran past the station and we ran forwards onto Waterloo Bridge. We turned right onto High Street and into Runcorn town centre. We arrived in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we sat in the bus station and waited for something towards Widnes. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a Mint Areo. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3206 on a #82A to Liverpool One.

Arriva NW&W 3206 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva NW Day Saver tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out off the bus station onto the B5155. We turned right onto Devonshire Place and left onto Station Road. We past the railway station and onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We crossed the roundabout and forwards onto the A533. We crossed over the River Mersey on the Jubilee Bridge and we came off the A533 onto Waterloo Road. We ran into the centre of Widnes onto Victoria Road. We ran to the East of the town centre along Widnes Road and we veered right onto Brynn Street. We turned left around the back of Asda petrol station and we turned right onto Gerrard Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3206 before it continued towards Liverpool One bus station.

Arriva NW&W 3206 in Widnes

Uncle Dave headed back to the car with the trip bag and I went with Matthew across to Morrisons. After using the toilet we bought a bottle of Coke. We headed back past the bus station to the car and we got in the car. We drove onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Winfield Way and parked at the end. I went to the chip shop to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with the bottle of Coke. When I had finished eating we turned around and headed back to Green Oaks Way. We ran forwards onto Lugsdale Road and we visited Tesco petrol station and filled up with petrol. We turned right onto Lugsdale Road and we turned right onto the roundabout and onto the Northbound A557. As we travv;led Northwards we saw an unidentified Ellisons coach parked up in a layby. At the roundabout we turned right and joined the Eastbound M62. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. On the M6 we saw black minibus FH68 RLZ, silver minibus YT65 MWW, ABC Supreme PT12 YOU an unidentified double decker with a graffiti livery and an unidentified white coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500. There was an accident on the A500 and we were causght in traffic for a few miniutes. We saw First Potteries 63115 running empty. We continued 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 19:00. Matthew had his medication and 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. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke and Milky Way. We got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Ormskirk / Skelmersdale 25-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3089	Ormskirk BS	Clay Brow, opp Hare and Hounds	375	Ariva NW&W
4104	Clay Brow by Hare and Hounds	Omskirk BS	385	Ariva NW&W
4100	Ormskirk BS	Skelmersdale BS	375	Ariva NW&W
YJ56 AUF	Skelmersdale BS	Omskirk BS	3A	Holmeswood

Today we decided to go to Ormskirk. We decided to go here a few day previously. This was a place where we have passed through but never really spent any time here. Preperation consisted of downloading timetables from Arriva and the Merseytravel websites. Matthew had a bit of a late nigth on Friday, and so he didn't get up until gone 10:00. The weather had been forecast to be mainly cloudy with sunshine and showers. He had some breakfast and used his computer and we were ready to go around dinner time. We set off at 12:15 headed through Blurton. We passed the Lightning house where we saw a yet to be identified minibus being prepared for service. We got onto the A500 and immediately we were stuck in traffic. That had been an accident near Etruria and this added around 15 minutes to our journey. Whilst we were waiting on the A500, Aiming High FJ10 BJY passed us heading towards Shelton. After we passed the accident we made good time up to the M6. As we approached the M6 we could see the traffic was standing on the Northbound side, so we decided to head up to the Next junction via Radway Green. Back on the motorway traffic was still heavy. There was a bit of a rain shower and then the road and rain cleared up as we headed North of the M62. We arrived in Ormskirk at 13:55 and we parked in in Morrison's as this was where Matthew wanted to have dinner. Matthew had a breakfast and lemon meringue pie for afters. This was was down with a cup of Coke. We couldn't stay parked in Morrison's and so we headed off to park in the car park on the inside of the bus station. When we got there we found out it was a short stay car park and so we drove around and found another car park by the council offices. We parked up and walked back into the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Versa 25231 and Holmeswood MX07 LBG.

Holmeswood MX07 LBG in Ormskirk bus station

The first Arriva bus we saw was Arriva NW&W 4100 on a Southport bond service. We decided to turn this down and wait a couple of minutes for the Wigan bound bus. This was Arriva NW&W 3089.

Arriva NW&W 3089 in Ormskirk bus station

We asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. I looked up 3089 and it was required. I also looked up 4100 which I'd thought we had been on only to find out that was required too! We got on and booked 3 Arriva day tickets as well as Matthew ticket as mum was again travelling with us. I thought it would be good idea to go to Skelmersdale (Skem as it is known by locals) and beyond so we could learn the route and see where places we could get off in the future. We passed several buses in the opposite directions. There were a mixture of Pulsars and Volvo B7's on the 375/385. The 395 was mainly Pulsars with the exception of Cadet 2494. Just before we reached Skem bus station we noticed a canoe lying on a path near a roundabout! We passed Skem bus station and it seemed like quite a nice little place. There was a bus enthusiast there with a red jacket talking to the driver on a #311 service. At this point over 30 minutes had passed so we decided to get off at a convenient point. We spied a place in a nice residential area where there were stops on opposite sides of the road and so we got off. As we got off the bus Matthew got another picture of 3089.

Arriva NW&W 3089 at Clay Brow

Matthew spotted a Total garage just down the road, so we went for a spot of shopping. Matthew choosing some Coke and a Milky Way. We headed back to the bus stop where there was already a gentleman waiting for the bus. We were discussing with Matthew as to whether it was going to be a double decker or not and the gentleman said that it was as he could see the reflection! We then heard the bus before we heard it as it was the magnificent Arriva NW&W 4104 with its loud roar!

Arriva NW&W 4104 at Clay Brow

We got on the bus and went upstairs again. It was quite full and we sat near the back on the drivers side. We went back through Skem bus station and then we noticed something we didn't notice on the way out. A bus yard containing all sorts of vehicle from small minibuses to Mercedes minibus with proper bus doors. It was the Ashley Travel garage. When the bus emptied out a little, Matthew took a picture of the inside of the top deck.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4104

We carried on through and eventually got back to Ormskirk around 16:20. Matthew had a quick visit to the loo before waited for our bus. having seen 4100 was required when in came in earlier, we decided to do it when it reappeared.

Arriva NW&W 4100 in Ormskirk bus station

We got on and Matthew took a picture of the rear of the bus where it was empty.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4100

We headed back east and this time we decided to get of in Skem bus station. Matthew decided he wanted to go use the toilet. He then visited a newsagent get a few more drinks and sweets before visiting a Nat West cash point to get some money. We headed back to the bus station. There was required Arriva NW&W 2945 on a #311 service. Matthew spotted required Holmeswood Solo YJ56 AUF. We knew it was required as we have never been on a Holmeswood vehicle before.

Holmeswood YJ56 AUF in Skelmersdale bus station

As we got on Matthew honked the horn. We booked to Ormskirk, and an adult single costed £2.60. Before we sat down Matthew took a picture of this empty bus.

Inside Holmeswood YJ56 AUF

The bus set off and after entering and leaving Asda it stormed through the country lanes of West Lancashire. We called at Parbold and there was a train stopped in the railway station. We then went to Burscough Bridge and there was a train stopped in the railway station there too. A gentleman got on and said he got off the train as there was a blockage on the line. We eventually reached Ormskirk and as we passed the railway station we noticed a train stopped there too! We got off and we took a few more pictures before we left the bus station. One such picture was of Arriva NW&W 2966 on a #395 to Wigan. These service work back to St Helens on the #352 as the 352 and 395 interwork.

Arriva NW&W 2966 in Ormskirk bus station

As we walked back to the car we spotted some artwork on a wall of a man dangling naked from a window as his lover and her husband look out the window! We decided we were going to get something to eat. Uncle Dave said he had noticed a chip shop just outside of town on the Skem road. As we left town we passed Arriva NW&W 4107 heading towards Southport. We eventually found the chippy in the Woodrow area of Skem a good 15 minutes out of Ormskirk. After stopping for sausage and chips we carried on our way home. We were on the M58 within a couple of minutes and then we got back onto the Southbound M6. The heavens opened and it was slow progress on the M6 in the heavy rain with poor visibility. We passed Hartley Travel R419 AOR. We drove through the rain which was quite bad between The M62 and the M56. After a brief break it was back heavier than before as we reached the A556 and it continued until just before the A500 junction. We stopped at Longport for LPG. Whilst we filled up First Potteries 40143 went past heading towards Burslem / Tunstall. We then headed to Longton and Copelands MIB 278 went past us as we got off the A50 at Longton. We passed the bus station and then went to the Z Carz depot where Matthew got a picture of BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

We then headed home seeing First potteries 40376 on a #23 service. We got home around 20:10 just before it went dark. We then settled down for the evening before bedtime...Mark