Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 07-08-2021

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

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

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 in Widnes

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

Arriva NW&W 5018 in Widnes

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

Arriva NW&W 5018 in Runcorn bus station

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

MP Travel MP20 BUS in Runcorn bus station

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

MP Travel EX21 ONE in Runcorn bus station

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

Arriva NW&W 2699 in Runcorn bus station

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

Stagecoach Merseyside 26062 in Halton Lea

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

Network Warrington 94 in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 5003 in Halton Lea

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

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5671 in Runcorn bus station

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

Arriva NW&W 2668 in Runcorn bus station

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

Arriva NW&W 2668 in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 3023 in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Runcorn bus station

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

Inside MP Travel EX21 ONE

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

MP Travel EX21 ONE in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 2583 in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Halton Lea

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

Arriva NW&W 5015 in Widnes

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

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 15-09-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2539	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
3136	Runcorn BS	Norton, Runcorn East	X1	Arriva NW&W
2542	Norton, Eanley Wood, Runcorn East, Busway	Halton Lea South	1	Arriva NW&W
2544	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
W828 PFB	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
5004	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	500	Arriva NW&W
3138	Runcorn BS	Speke, Western Avenue	X1	Arriva NW&W
4829	Speke, Tarbock Road	Speke, Morrisons	82	Arriva NW&W
4814	Speke, Morrisons	Woolton, Allerton Road	81	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly dry weather with some sunshine and the small chance of a shower. We gave Matthew a list of destination in the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Research for the trip consisted of looking at Arriva Mersey Plus Day Saver ticket. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and near to the BET365 stadium we passed D&G 173 on a #14 to Stafford. We joined the Westbound A50 and at Sideway roundabout we turned right to join the Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw an unidentified Swans Travel coach and Belle Vue A15 VUE. We joined the M6 at junction 16 and as we joined the motorway we saw Rolfe Street Garage YP10 XGN. Going up the M6 we saw an unidentified Alba Travel coach, an unidentified Mostonian coach, Kier YS15 CRJ, Park's of Hanmilton LSK 832, an unidentified Swans Travel coach, an unidentified national Holidays coach, Llew Jones (NX) LJ67 LLJ(#375), an unidentified Barnes coach, Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU, an unidentified Esk Valley coach, an unidentified 18 Mayne coach (in a firework style livery). 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 Arriva NW&W 2549 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2549 in Widnes

We crossed over the road and we headed into the market. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went into the Market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we set off outside to the bus station. We saw Halton Transport 82 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 82 in Widnes

We crossed over the road to wait for a bus towards Runcorn. Whilst we waited we saw Halton Transport 24 on a #14C to Hough Green.

Halton Transport 24 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2539 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver tickets at £4.40 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. As we sat down we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15585 on a X5 to Liverpool. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road where we saw an unidentified Ambassador coach parked down a side street. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Anthony's Travel D19 ANT on a contract service to Capita.

Anthony's Travel D19 ANT in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3136 on a X1 to Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards and we crossed under the A557 and Southwards down Greenway Road. We turned left onto Moughland lane and we continued forwards onto Clifton Road. We turned left onto one of the busways and we ran under the A533 before stopping outside the library. WE continued up to Halton Lea Hospital and we ran fast up to Murdishaw. We had planned on getting up by the Co-operative food store but we didn't ring the bell expecting the bus would stop and we went sailing by. We continued a few stops further round and we decided to get off by Runcorn East railway station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3136 as it continued towards Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Norton

Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the bus top opposite. We weren't sure how long we were going to have to wait for a bus but only a couple of minutes later we saw an Arriva NW&W Cadet approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2542 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2542 in Norton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus turned around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. We pulled up in Halton Lea South. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2542 as it continued around the Halton Lea circular route.

Arriva NW&W 2542 in Halton Lea

Once of the bus we headed down to the Shopping City shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and Matthew used the disabled toilet which appear to have been upgraded since our last visit. Once we had finished we headed back through the shopping centre and up to the bus station. When we got there we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 19056 on a X2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 19056 in Halton Lea

A few minutes later we saw another Arriva Cadet Approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2544 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We travelled back through Castlefields via the busway. We headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2544 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2544 in Runcorn bus station

Across the way we spotted required Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB on the #52 Beechwood circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB in Runcorn bus station

We decided to pay extra and do this bus as it was a required one. We got on the bus and we booked single fares to Halton Lea South at £1.10 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. There was a short wait for departure time, and at 15:20 we set off out of the bus station. We went Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We travelled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. We ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB before it carried on around the Beechwood circle.

Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB in Halton Lea

We decided to keep moving and we saw a gas powered bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #500 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 5004 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and along the busway. THe #500 takes the same route as the bold #79C service used to take. 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 5004 as it carried on towards Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 5004 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted a drink and to go to the toilet. We left the bus station and crossed the road and went to The Ferry Boat. Matthew went to the toilets and afterwards we waited at the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a small Coke with ice and after we had finished drink we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. We decided to take a few pictures before we carried on. We saw Halton Transport 10 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 10 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we headed to the A533. We ran fast over the river Mersey on the new bridge and we joined the Westbound A562. We ran at speed for around 2 miles and the we veered left to join the A561. We ran the last mile or so into Speke and we could see a small bus terminal outside of Morrison as we went past. After crossing over Western Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture picture of Arriva NW&W 3138 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Speke

We walked around the corner onto Western Avenue to wait for a bus toward Speke. A few minutes later we saw a hybrid double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 4829 on a #82 to Speke.

Arriva NW&W 4829 in Speke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Western Avenue and past Paul McCartney's first home. We turned left onto Central Avenue and we ran Eastwards through the estate. We ran clockwise around the South Parade and we continued Eastwards onto Central Way. We turned left onto Eastern Avenue and we ran Northwards for around 1/4 of a mile. We turned left onto Millwards Road and we ran Westwards to Morrisons and the end of the run. We got up and we went into Morrisons. Matthew went to the toilet and we came out of the supermarket. We decided to wait for the next #81 towards Woolton. The bus pulled up and we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 4814 on a #81 to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 4814 in Speke

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw HTL Bus YJ11 EKN on a #3A circular service. When the bus was ready we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4814.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4814

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the upper saloon of Arriva NW&W 4814 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4814

We set off out of the bus terminal onto Millwood Road and we headed Eastwards. We turned right onto Eastern Avenue and we ran Southwards before turning right onto Central Way. We ran anti-clockwise around South Parade and we joined Central Avenue. We turned right onto Western Avenue and we ran Northwards up to the main road. We turned left onto the A561 and we ran Westwards towards Liverpool. We turned right onto Speak Hall Road. We ran Northwards towards Woolton and as we crossed over the railway line we saw 2 class 08 shunters and 4 old coaches parked adjacent to them. We turned right onto the A562. We ran Eastwards to Hunts Cross and we turned left onto Speke Road. We ran Northwards for around 3/4 of a mile and we crossed over the B5171. We ran into Woolton and we got up and got off the bus. Behind us was Arriva NW&W 4438 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4438 in Woolton

Once off the bus we crossed over the street and we went down the passageway to Sainsbury's. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we met up with mum. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. Once we had paid for the stuff we got in the car where mum had brought Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Kings Drive and we ran to Halewood Road. We turned left onto Lydiate Lane and forwards onto Church Road. We turned left onto Greensbridge lane and left onto the B5178. We ran into Netherley and we turned left onto the B5171. We turned right onto Besford Road and we stopped at Morrisons for petrol. Once we had filled up we headed back onto the B5171. We turned right onto the B5178 and we turned left onto Whitefield Lane. We turned right onto the A5080 and we joined the Eastbound M62. We continued to the M6 and then we headed Southwards. As we travelled Eastwards we saw grey minibus KN54 NLL. Seen on the M6 were an unidentified Esk Valley coach, an unidentified Alba Travel coach, An unidentified tri-axle Alpine Travel coach. As we ran through Cheshire we were passed by Airshuttle BX62 BFP.

Airshuttle BX62 BFP on the M6

Continuing down the M6 we saw an unidentified MJ Travel minibus & white minibus SH12 FDN. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we headed Spouthwards down the A500. Seen on the A500 was grey minibus YP18 SVX. At Sideway we went went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we ran along the high level road. We stopped at the Z Carz depot to see what was parked up this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned left nto Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz's new grey minibus WX55 OHU.

Z Carz WX55 OHU in Longton

Also see was Z Carz white Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

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

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 16-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2555	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2535	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	3A	Arriva NW&W
2554	Halton Lea, Hospital	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
HIG 5672	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
2524	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2519	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	79C	Arriva NW&W
3138	Murdishaw Central	Runcorn BS	X1	Arriva NW&W
2554	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew decided that we were going to Runcorn. As we had never been to Rucorn by road we asked Matthew if it would be OK to drive to Widnes and catch a bus to Runcorn which he said was OK. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cloudy weather and showers in the North West and North Midlands and better weather to the South. We gave Matthew a list of Midlands destinations, but he didn't seem too happy. He instead point to a picture of a Halton Transport bus he had taken at Huyton which was a Rucorn service, and he wrote Runcorn on his day planner! Research then consisted of down loading the Halton & Widnes Arriva map from the website. Matthew got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran down to the A50. We went West to Sideway and then we took the Northbound. As we ran North up the A500 we saw Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU, white minibus MX05 NFA and an unidentified Belle Vue coach. When we got to the M6 we turned right onto the Northbound side. On the M6 we saw quite a few coaches as the southbound traffic was slow due to an earlier accident. We saw Alfa 67, YN11 AYA on a #550, An unidentified Andrew's Coach, Telford's X5 TCN, blue coach ???? XYJ, Phillips BT57 LCT, black minibus SF16 DWE & Park's of Hamilton LSK 832 on a #570. We had made a decision to go via thw M62 and not the M56, which turned out to be a good decision. We left the M6 onto the Westbound M62 and on the M62 we passed Maghull Coaches coach WK02 UMC. At junction 7 we left the M62 and we went South down the A557. Approaching Widnes we saw Oakward's Travel A12 OWT. We turned right and we went North into the Green Oaks shopping centre car park where we parked up near to the bus stops and the market hall. On the way to the market we saw Halton Transport Solo 55 on a #26 circular service to Cronton.

Halton Transport 55 in Widnes

Also in Green Oaks was Halton Transport 3 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 3 in Widnes

We walked into the market Hall and Matthew went to the toilet, and then we walked down to the other end to the Market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we spotted the disabled toilet which Matthew had to quickly explore, and then we went out of the market hall to the bus stands outside. Whilst we waited for a bus to Runcorn we saw Halton Transport 46 on a #61 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 46 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus coming around the corner. It was required Arriva NW&W 2555 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Widnes

We decided to do this bus so we got on and booked Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Green Oaks Way ans we ran South into the old town via Gerrard Street. Milton Road and Kingsway. Traffic was very busy and queue to cross over the roundabout. In front of us was Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Windmill Hill. After we crossed the roundabout we ran out of town and over the railway line and under the A533. There are quite a few roadworks at the moment due to the building of a new bridge over the Mersey referred to as the Mersey Gateway project. We joined the A533 and we ran over the Mersey on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2522 on a #110 to Warrington. We ran around in a near circle and we got onto the High Street. We passed The Waterloo, the pub which ise the feature in the sitcom 'Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps' and we ran into the Old Town town centre where there was a small collections of bus stands just off the High Street. As we came int the bus station we saw a coach parked up.Matthew decided he wanted to get off here so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another Arriva NW&W 2555 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Runcorn bus station

On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2538 on a #3C to Weston. We walked over to the coach which was Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT.

Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2535 which was on a #3A to Halton Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Runcorn bus station

Immediately behind that was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do required Arriva NW&W 2535 on the #3A service to Halton Hospital. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then erm turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. This was our first time in Runcorn, and as a new town part of it are designed differently as we were about to find out... We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. Tgere are main roads for passing through quickly. Local roads for residential traffic and special busways which run in between the housing estates that only have buses on them and residents walk off the estates to to the busway to stops rather like stops on a tramline. This particular busway ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2535 before it ran up to the turning circle.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back to Runcorn. We saw required Arriva NW&W 5006 on a terminating #21 service from Chester, and we few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching, As it got closer we saw that if was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 to Warrington that we had turned down earlier.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2554.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2554

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along the busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre where there was an elevated road on which the buses run and a platform with 3 bus stands on it. It was considerably bigger than the Northside library stop. The busway went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. the busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town which is an industrial estate and docks. 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 where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. 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. As we came in we spotted a minibus on the opposite side. Once we got up and got off the bus we took a picture of Ashcroft's Travel Renault minibus HIG 5672 which was about to work a #52 service to Beechwood.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Runcorn bus station

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we waited at the appropriate stand. A quick check of the time table revealed that the bus was due off in 5 minutes and it was going via the southside of Halton Lea shopping centre. A few minutes later the bus came on stand and we got on and booked to the shopping centre. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672

We sat down and the bus went out of the bus station Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We traveled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. e ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Halton Lea

Once off the bus we decided to go for a little walk and find the toilet. We went downstairs and we walked around a little until we found a mall map and we worked out where the toilet were. The direct route had been cut off by re-development work on a new shop, so we went around in big circle! Matthew used the facilities which were unusual as all the toilet stall doors were different colours with a large gents type sign with crossed legs! We walked back towards the bus station and we went up the escalators to the bus station level. We got there in time to see required Arriva NW&W 3139 on a X1 service to the Liverpool One bus station.

Arriva NW&W 3139 in Halton Lea

a few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2524 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We traveled back through Castlefields via the busway and then we headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2524 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Runcorn bus station

It wasn't quite 16:00 so we decided to do another trip out East. A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2519 made an appearance on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2519 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver. As it was the first time we had done a #79C beyond Runcorn we getting to experience yet another different way to travel between Runcorn and Halton Lea. We set off out of town as we had done on the #3A earlier and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. This is an older part of town and perhaps the roughest part... There were gangs of kids wearing masks hanging around the bus stop. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway 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 we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2519.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2519

The bus ran off around the other side to go layover where there was also required Arriva NW&W 2525 on a #79 to Hough Green. By the bus stop was a Co-operative Food store. We went in and brough a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid food the stuff we went back to the bus stop and Matthew had a double Milky Way and drank a can of orange Fanta. Whilst he ate we saw Halton Transport 49 go on layover.

Halton Transport 49 in Murdishaw

We also saw Halton Transport 90 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 90 in Murdishaw

We were considering doing Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #2 Halton Lea circular when from the opposite direction we saw required Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Murdishaw

We decided to do this up to Runcorn so we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus turned around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. The bus emptied a little and Matthew to a picture of the empty seat adjacent to us inside Arriva NW&W 3138.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3138

We pulled up in Halton Lea South and the bus didn't load up very much. We ran back into town via Castlefield up the busway. 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 instead going along the busway we traveled Westwards along Astmoor Road. Where the road crossed the busway we joined the busway and we also passed under the Southern end of where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. 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. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Halton Transport 81 on stand opposite to us.

Halton Transport 81 in Runcorn bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 43 on a #61 to Huyton bus station.

Halton Transport 43 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 which we had scored earlier in the day.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day saver 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 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. We saw Halton Transport 92 on a #14C to the old town in Widnes.

Halton Transport 92 in Widnes

We walked over to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and as we couldn't turned right we ran up to the B5178. What we should have done is turn around at the roundabout and go back onto the A557 and onto the M62. What I ended up doing is going East towards Warrington on the B5178 and onto the A562 past Fiddlers Ferry power station. We went into Penketh past the Tesco Express that we caught a bus to from Warrington back in April 2012. We turned sharp left onto Liverpool Road and we ran North up the junction 8 of the M62 via Lingley Green Avenue. Once on the M62 we ran East to the M6 and then we went South. The journey back was uneventful, except as we left the M6 we caught up with Wint's coach FL02 ZXV heading back towards the moorlands. We ran South down the A500 to Sideway and then east onto the A50. As we were going towards Longton I realised the coach was behind us. As we came off the slip road for Longton Matthew got a picture of Wints FL02 ZXV.

Wints FL02 ZXV on the A50

We went over to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. On the spare ground in the first row tonight we saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to check out what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 WPE.

Z Carz LG09 WPE in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over to the other side onto Baths Road. We stop at Tesco petrol station yo take on Diesel and then we returned onto the A50. We traveled West to Heron Cross an we came off onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and then right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 19:00. For a late tea we had sausages, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark