Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 06-01-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3140	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
H6 KFC	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	62	Omega Busways
3046	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2674	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw	110	Arriva NW&W
3137	Murdishaw	Halton Lea, Hospital	2	Arriva NW&W
2938	Halton Lea, Hospital	Widnes, Green Oaks	61	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. It's the middle of winter and we needed to go somewhere it's easy to park and easy to get something to eat. No research was done other than to check the weather, which was for cold weather, starting off foggy with sunny intervals later on. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set up my new phone with enough software to get by and we set off just before 12:00. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. At this point it was quite foggy. 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. The fog had almost cleared and we could see sunshine. We ran into Cheshire and up to the Motoway junction. The fog returned for a short while and we joined the Northbound M6. The fog cleared again and we noticed the Southbound side of the road was clear. There was a large queue to get off at junction 17. As we travelled Northwards we saw grey minibus YJ12 EJU, Selwyns (NX) BV23 ZVA (#121) / BV23 ZWC (#171) & Megabus 54603. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards towards Liverpool. Seen on the M62 was an unidentified ALS coach. We came off the M62 at junction and we headed Southwards down the A557. 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 3040 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3040 in Widnes

Afterwards we went into the Market and we headed to the cafe at the back end. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we stopped at the sweet store to get some mint chews. We headed out of the market to the bus station. As we got to the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 3213 on a #17 to Chain Lane.

Arriva NW&W 3213 in Widnes

We waited for a bus towards Runcorn. A short time latter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3032 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3032 in Widnes

It was at this point that I realised that I had left my wallet at home. I called mum and we went to meet her. I borrowed some money off her and we headed back to the bus station. When we got back we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5673 on a #26A Cronton Circular.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5673 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw another Runcorn bound bus. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets at £4.90 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. These bus tickets are valid on Arriva buses all over Merseyside and in Halton, Warrington and Wigan. 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 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 3140 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we saw Anthony's Travel DB07 ANT go through the bus station.

Anthony's Travel DB07 ANT in Runcorn bus station

Matthew wanted to go into town so we went around the corner onto Church Street. Matthew was looking for sometuhng and it didn't take him long to find it! We spotted Little Dessert Shop across the road and we went in. Matthew had a slice of red velvet cheesecake with a small tub of ice cream. We sat in the shop and Matthew ate his dessert. When we had finished we walked along Church Stree and back to the bus station. At the other end of the bus station was a grey Plaxton Centro. As we got closer we saw it was Omega Busways H6 KFC on a #62 to Warrington.

Omega Busways H6 KFC in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we booked singles to Halton Lea before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of th bus station and we turned right. We ran up Leiria Way and we joined the A533 we turned left onto a slip road and onto the B5155. We turned right onto Halton Road and right onto Picton Avenue. We turned left onto Latham Avenue and right onto Boston Avenue. We turned left onto Festival Way and we ran forwards onto Grangeway. Near to the railway line we joined the busway and we ran past Halton Lodge. We continued around the busway and we ran though 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. 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 Stagecoach Merseyside 27925 on a #2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27925 in Halton Lea

A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3046 on a #79C to Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3046 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the LCR+ day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West 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 saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #52 Beechwood circular. 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 crossed the road and we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2674 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2674 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus 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 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 2674 before it returned to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2674 in Murdishaw

Once off the bus we went to the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and a can of Coke. He also a Galaxy Caramel bar. We paid for the shopping and we went outide. Matthew had the can of Coke and we went up on the footbridge to look at the bus on layover. We came back down off the footbridge and we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3137 on a #2 busway circular service.

Arriva NW&W 3137 in Murdishaw

We got on the bus and we placed the LCR+ day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the busway and over the railway line. We ran past Runcorn East railway station and we headed Northwards. We head West along the busway we ran through the Castlefields area. we continued around past the Brow and down to the North side of Halton Lea. After a brief stop we ran to the East of Shopping City and we got on the busway back towards Murdishaw. We stopped by the hospital and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 3137 as it headed back towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3137 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back towards Widnes. There was a bus on layover by the turning circle and it looked like it was going to be something we could catch. The bus set off from the layover area and as it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2938 on a #61 to Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 2938 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Merseyside Plus day ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2938 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2938

We set off down the busway and we stopped briefly at Halton Lea South to pick up passengers. 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 after a brief stop we continued along the High Street. We ran forwards onto the A533 and we crossed over the Riover Mersey on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. We came off the A533 and onto Waterloo Road. We run forwards onto Victoria Road and forwards onto the B5419. We turned right into Vicorage Road and left onto Widnes Road. We run forwards onto Brynn Street and we go around the Asda car park and petrol station and onto Gerrard Street. We continued onto Green Oaks Way and we turn left into the bus station where we get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew gets another picure of Arriva NW&W 2938 before it continues to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2938 in Widnes

Uncle Dave went back towards the car with the bag and Matthew and I went to Morrisons. Matthew used the toilet and we looked for a drink to buy from th fridge but there was nothing Matthew liked so we left. We went back to the car and met up with mum and uncle Dave. We returned to the car and we set off out of Morrisons onto Green Oaks Way. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we headed Southwards onto Lugsdale Road. We stopped at the chip shop and we got Matthew had a small sausages chips and gravy. We turned around in Major Cross Street and we parked up on Lugsdale Street. Matthew ate his sausage, chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Irn Bru. When I had finished eating we set off onto Ashley Way and we joined the Northbound A557. We headed Northwards up to the motorway. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. On the M6 we saw taxi minibus SF15 EEM / SJ12 UUK and an unidentified Ashcroft coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Widnes / Warrington 04-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5010	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
3048	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	82A	Arriva NW&W
3140	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
5016	Runcorn BS	Warrington BS	62	Arriva NW&W
3060	Warrington BS	Huyton BS	7	Arriva NW&W
4727	Huyton BS	Cronton, Pex Hill	7	Arriva NW&W
2695	Lunts Heath, The Globe	Widnes, Green Oaks	17	Arriva NW&W

Today we revisited Widnes. We had asked Matthew over a week ago where he would like to go and he chose Widnes. I did no research for the trip other thatn to check the weather, which was for a mild and mainly dull day with a small chance of rain. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:45 we got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. Traffic was moving well today pass an un identified Flixbus coach. We joined the Northbound M6 at juntion 16 and we headed through Cheshire. As we got on the motorway we saw a coach ahead of us. We caught it up and passed it and then let the coach go past us. It was Turners Coachways YG22 LVA travelling up to Preston for the Bristol City away match.

Turners Coachways YG22 LVA on the M6

Continuing up the M6 we saw an unidentified Happy Als coach, Alfa 120, Ashcroft's B12 VOL, an unidentified ABC Coach Hire coach, Hollinshead coaches J10 BUS, Stagecoach Megabus 54605, Hills Coaches BV18 YCH, Watts Coaches WJ65 EKW. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Westwards along the M62. Travelling along the M62 we saw an unidentified grey Bws Peris minicoach. We came off the M62 onto the Southbound A557 and we ran into Widnes. We turned right to get Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market we saw Harris club for the disabled DK57 NNW parked up near to Morrisons.

Harris club for the disabled DK57 NNW 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 Dr Pepper. 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. We saw a bus approaching. ON the other side we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5675 on a #26 circular service. As out bus got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 5010 on a #61 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5010 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets at £4.60 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. These bus tickets are valid on Arriva buses all over Merseyside and in Halton, Warrington and Wigan. 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 5010 before it carried on towards Palacefields.

Arriva NW&W 5010 in Runcorn bus station

We had a look around and we decided what we could do. We saw Arriva NW&W 2700 on a #82A to Liverpool. We turned this down. After that we saw Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #79C to Murdishaw. we waited for the bus behind. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3048 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3048 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town 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. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though 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. 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 Arriva NW&W 3041 on a #3C Weston circular.

Arriva NW&W 3041 in Halton Lea

Right behind the town circular was Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #79C to Liverpool Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver before sat down towards the back of the bus We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Moughland Lane and we joined Greenway Road. We ran fast onto the A533 and we turned right over the canal onto Leiria Way and into Runcorn town centre. After stopping the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3140 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we headed down to The Ferry Boat for a drink. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and we had a small Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave again. We weren't sure which direct we were going to go at this point. Whilst we were waiting we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #52 Beech circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 5016 on a #62 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 5016 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town 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. 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 further East to Warrington. We ran past the hospital and we travelled East for about a mile and the busway. We passed the turning circle and we continued around the busway past Runcorn East railway station. We ran onto Windwill Hill and we Headed North towards Manor Park. We turned right onto Pitts Heath Lane and we ran into Sandymoor. We turned right onto Wharford Lane and left onto Newmoore Lane. We ran forwards onto Calmington Lane and at the roundabout we went onto Runcorn Road. We went under the A558 and we ran near to the Crewe to Warrington line. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into Moore. We ran out of the other side of the village and we joined the Northbound A56. We ran into Walton and we turned right to follow the A56 Eastwards. We ran to Stocton Heath and we joined the Northbound A49. We ran into Warrington and we crossed over the Mersey onto Bridge Street. We turned right onto Academy Way and we turned left and followed Academy Way Northards. We ran fowards onto Scotland Road and we followed it to the end before turning right onto Winwick Street. We entered the bus station from the Easternt end and we pulled onto a stand where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the outside of the bus station. We saw Network Warrington 217 parked up in the layover area.

Network Warrington 217 in Warrington Interchange

We continued around to the West end of the bus station and we saw Network Warrington 93 on a #13 to Great Sankey.

Network Warrington 93 in Warrington Interchange

Another vehicle see was Arriva NW&W 2676 on a #329 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2676 in Warrington Interchange

We headed back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went next door to the shop. We brought a Galaxy Caramel and a can of Irn Bru. We went and stood outside of the bus station to wait for the next #7 to Liverpool. Matthew ate the Galaxy Caramel and we watched the buses coming and going. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 3060 arrive on a #7 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3060 in Warrington Interchange

We went into the bus station and we sat down as we waited for the bus to be readied for service. On the adjacent stand was Network Warrington 82 on a #32 to Widnes.

Network Warrington 82 in Warrington Interchange

When the bus was ready we got on Arriva NW&W 3060 and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards out to the bus station under the shopping centre and we came out on Legh Street. We turned right onto Sankey Street and we ran forwards onto the A5061. We crossed over the Wset Coast main line just North of Warrington Bank Quay railway station and we crossed over the roundabout onto Thewlis Street. We ran through Sankey Brdiges and we crossed over the Sankey Brook and St Helens Canal. We turned left onto the A562 and we ran through Penketh. At a large roundabout be ran forwards onto the A5080 and we continued Westwards into for a few miles until we crossed over the A557. We ran into Lunt's Heath and we ran over a couple of roundabout and continued Westwards through Cronton. We continued Westwards for a further mile or so and we crsooed over the roundabout of the M62 and M57. We continued along the A5080 and we turned right onto Meadow Drive. We turned left onto Manor Farm Road and right onto St Johns Road. We turned left onto Huyton Hey Road and we ran under the railway line. We turned left into the bus station and we ran around onto the stand. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Arriva NW&W 2167 on a #3 to Huyton Industrail Estate.

Arriva NW&W 2167 in Huyton bus station

We realised that we had not passed a #7 going back towards Warrington recently and there was one due. This meant we could head back to Cronton and Catch a bus Southwards from there to Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2582 on a #9E to Liverpool. A few minutes later our bus appeared. Asd it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4727 on a #7 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 4727 in Huyton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Huyton Hey Road. We turned right onto St John's Road and we turned left onto Manor Road Farm. We turned right onto Meadow Drive and left onto the Eastbound A5080. We crossed the M62 / M57 roundabout and we saw Arriva NW&W 3077 coming the other way. We ran for around a mile through the countryside and we ran into Cronton. It was dark and this was the first time we had been along this route. I had worked out that if we got off at the right place we could catch a bus Southwards into Widnes. At the other end of Cronton we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4727 as it continued towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 4727 in Cronton

Once off the bus I checked the bus map. It appeared we needed to carry on Eastwards for about 1/2 mle to the junction with the B5419. We stood at the stop on the jucntion, but when we checked the stop it didn't have the #17 ln the information. We walked around the corner onto the B5419 and we waited for the bus towards Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2962 on a #17 to St Helens. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 2695 on a #17 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 2695 in Lunts Heath

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5419 and we ran past Widnes railway station. We turned left onto Lockett Road and we turned right onto Peel House Lane. We ran forwards onto the B5178 and we crossed over the roundabout and ran into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2695 as it ran off to turn around.

Arriva NW&W 2695 in Widnes

On the opposite was Network Warrington 76 on a #32 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 76 in Widnes

We walked back to the car and Matthew had a large can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-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 sat in the car nearby and we ate 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. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. As we travelled South we saw an unidentified Happy Als coach. and an unidentified Travellers Choice coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. On the A500 we saw South Staffs Coach Hire KBZ 772(RR). 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 and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 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