Trip to Bury / Bolton 25-11-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
603	Fairfield, Willow Street	Bury Interchange	468	Transdev Rosso
6006	Bury Interchangel	Radcliffe BS	98	Go North West
6228	Radcliffe BS	Bolton Interchange	524	Go North West
3280	Bolton BS	Farnworth, Stop E	8	Go North West
3429	Farnworth, Stop F	Bolton Interchange	8	Go North West
3449	Bolton Interchnage	Bury Interchnage	524	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Bury. Not much research was done other than to check the weather, which was for cold and sunny. Matthew woke up at 09:00 and had his nedication. He got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 11:20. 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. We ran to the motorway and we joined the Northbound M6.Almost immediately we caught up with Berrys Coaches WF17 DGO on a day trip.

Berrys Coaches WF17 DGO on the M6

Travelling up the M6 we saw white minibus HN04 TXS, an unidentified Ashcrofts coach, an unidentified blue ALS coach, School minibus DK57 JVD / DK58 FAA and TNS Travel YD73 FOV. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards towards Greater Manchester On the M62 we saw grey minibus HF13 MXW and an unidentified blue double decker. We ran forwards onto the M60 and we came off the ring road onto the Northbound M66. We joined the Westbound A58 and we turned right onto the B6221. We turned right onto Willow Street and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the B6222 and we turned left into Higher Row. We parked uo and we went into the Parkside Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we got the trip bag from the car and we said goodbye to mum. We waited at the nearby bus stop for a bus towards Bury. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Transdev Rosso 603 on a #468 to Bury.

Transdev Rosso 603 in Fairfield

We got on the bus and we brought System One bus only tickets £5 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B6222 and we ran Westwards to the edge of town. We turned left onto Derby Way and we past the site of the old First bus garage which is now a car dealership. We turned right onto the A58 and we past the rear of the Market and we turned right onto Haymarket Street and right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed over to the other side to visit the toilet. We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Go North West 3228 on a #135 to Manchester.

Go North West 3228 in Bury interchange

We walked into the middle stand and Matthew wanted to do the bus towards Radcliffe. Closer inspection revealed it was Go North West 6006 on a #98 to Manchester.

Go North West 6006 in Bury interchange

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service, we took a few more pictures. We saw Transdev Rosso 82 on a B4 to Heywood. Also seen was Go North West 3231 on a #135 to Manchester.

Go North West 3231 in Bury interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Haymarket Street. We turned right onto the A58 and we ran down the hill into the valley. We continued Westwards along the A58 and we turned right onto B6196. We headed up the hill towards Starling before turning left onto Watling Street. We turned right onto A58 past a new petrol station. We continued Westwards for a short while before turning left onto Higher Ainsworth Road. We headed Southwards before turning right onto Turks Road. We turned left onto Coronation Road and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Pilkington Road and right onto Lowe Street going around the Redbank playing fields. We turned right onto Ainsworth Road and at the end we turned left onto Water Street. We continued onto Blackburn Street and we ran through the town centre before turning right onto Dale Street and entering the small bus station at Radcliffe where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 6006 as it continued towards Manchester.

Go North West 6006 in Radcliffe bus station

Once off the bus we headed over to Radcliffe Market and Matthew used the toilet. We decided to go into Lidl to see what we could buy. We brought some battenburgs and a bottle of Coke. We came out of the shop and we saw Go North West 3066 on a #98 to Bury. We sat in a bus stop and Matthew had some Coke. A short time later a bus came onto stand A. We saw it was Go North West 6228 on a #524 to Bolton.

Go North West 6228 in Radcliffe bus station

We got on the bus and we we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Dale Street. We turned right onto the A665 and we headed Northwards. We followed the road out of town and the road turned Westwards. At the edge of town we joined the Westbound A6053. We ran into Little Lever and followed the road to the left. We ran out of town and past the Moses Gate Country Park before turning right onto the A666. We came off the A666 at the next junction and onto Manchester Road. We ran Northwards through Burnden and into the centre of Bolton. We turned left into Great Moor Street and left into Newport Street before entering the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we headed up to the North end of the Interchnage to take a few pictures. We saw Go North West 3431 on a #534 to the Oldhams Estate.

Go North West 3431 in Bolton Interchange

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 32236 on a #535 to Belmont.

Rotala Diamond 32236 in Bolton Interchange

On the top stabd was a bus towards Manchester which Matthew decided he would like to do. We saw it was Go North West 3280 on a #8 to Manchester.

Go North West 3280 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Great Moor Street and we turned right onto the A575. We headed Southwards past the railway station and we ran fowards onto the B6536. We ran through Burnden then along side the A666 before going forwards onto the A6053. We ran through Farnworth and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Go North West 3280 before it continued on towards Manchester.

Go North West 3280 in Farnworth

Once off the bus we crossed over the road. Matthew decided he wanted the toilet so we looked for pub. We spotted The Post Office so we went in a Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat near to the fire and we chatted to a couple of the locals. When we had finished we went outside and we headed back Northwards to the bus stop. On the way back we saw Go North West 3437 on a #22 to Bolton.

Go North West 3437 in Farnworth

We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Bolton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3429 on a #8 to Bolton.

Go North West 3429 in Farnworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Northwards up the A6053 and we went past Moses Gate railway station before running alongside the A666. We continued onto B6536 and We ran Northwards into Bolton. We ran forwards onto the A575 and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned left onto Newport Street and we turned left into Bolton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew visited Greggs and we brought triple choclate cookies. We sat on a bench to eat the cookies and whilst there we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 11637 on a #125 to Preston. We decided to catch a #524 back to Bury so we waited at the appropriate stand. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was Go North West 3449 on a #524 to Bury.

Go North West 3449 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and we we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited to set off we saw Go North West 4135 in the Interchange. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Great Moor Street. We turned right onto Manchester Road and we headed Southwards. We ran through Burnden past the site of the old Bolton Wanders football ground. Just over 1/2 mile South of the town we joined the Southbound A666 and came off at the next junction. We went under the A666 and we turned left onto the A6053. We ran past Moses Gate Country Park and we entered Little Lever from the West end. In town we turned right and followed the A6053 Southwards. We ran for around a mile to the West end of Radcliffe and we joined the Eastbound A665. The road turned South and we turned left onto Blackburn Street. We turned right onto Dale Street and we entered Radcliffe bus station. After a brief stop we left the bus station onto Deansgate. We contined onto Church Street West and we ran forwards onto the A6053 and we headed Eastwards for about a mile. We crossed the river Irwell and we joined the Northbound A56. We ran for about a mile before we veered right on to Knowsley Street. We crossed over the A58 and we ran forwards onto Haymarket Street before turning right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We went took a few pictures before we went to find mum. We saw Go North West 3208 with it's LED lit EE advert on the side.

Go North West 3208 in Bury interchange

We stopped at the toilet for Matthew before going to the agreed meeting place. We crossed over Haymarket Street and walked along Moss Street. Mum seems to have got a bit lost so we had to wait a few minutes for her to turn up. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 83 on a B1 service to Ramsbottom.

Transdev Rosso 83 in Bury

We got in the car and Matthew had the rest of the Coke. We set off along Moss Street and we turned left onto Manchester Road. We turned left onto the A58 and right onto Knowsley Street. We ran forwards onto the Southbound A56. We ran down the hill and over the River Roch before stopping at the chips shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we set off onto the Southbound A56. We ran down towards Prestwich and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. We joined the Westbound M62 and we headed into Cheshire. We joined the Southbound M6 and Matthew indicated he neede the toilet so ewe stopped at Knutsford Services. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we saw black minibus NK71 AHN. We rejoined the M6 and we continued Southwards. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we ran though 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. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and put his battenburg cakes in uncle Dave's draw. 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 20:45. 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 Wrexham / Llangollen 16-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1012	Wrexham BS	Llangollen, Parade Street	5	Arriva NW&W
1010	Llangollen, Parade Street	Ruabon, The Villas	5	Arriva NW&W
3208	Ruabon, Kandy Lodge	Rhostyllen, Black Lion Inn	2	Arriva NW&W
711	Rhostyllen, Black Lion Inn	Wrexham BS	4A	Arriva NW&W
1011	Wrexham BS	Marleston, Lakewood	1	Arriva NW&W
1002	Marleston, Holiday Inn	Wrexham BS	1	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wrexham. We didn't do a great deal of reserach for this trip other than to look at the 1 bws ticket website and to check the weather. Which was for mainly dry with the chanbce of some rain around 16:00. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we got in the car and set off just after 11:30. We set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We continued 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. After picking up uncle Dave we continued down Wheildon Road and onto the Northbound A500. The plan was to stop at the truckstop in Crewe so we continued up the A500 passing Brit Coaches BU18 YMP. We went under the M6 and we travelled to the South of Crewe towards Nantwich. We decided to eat on the way so we turned right onto David Whitby Way. We turned left onto the A532 and we turned left into Cowley Way and to the truckstop. We parked up and saw that the truckstop was closed! At the truckstop was Chiltern Travel T19 HWT in Shearings colours parked up.

Chiltern Travel T19 HWT in Crewe

Mum looked up the location of a cafe near by, and Matthew went to the toilet. We got in the car and we set off along Cowley Way. We turned left onto the A532 and at the roundabut we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railwy station and Eddleston Street and we saw the cafe. We turned around and parked up nearby. Matthew had a full english an a double outcake washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we got back into the car and we set off along the A534. We turned right onto Ernest Street and right onto Madeley Street. We turned right onto Sherwin Street and we re-joined the A534. We ran to the edge of Nantwich and we turned right to join the A51 Nantwich bypass. We ran around the North side of Nantwich and past site of the new link road and Reaseheath College and at the West edge of town we ran forwards onto the A534. We travelled west for around 4 miles and we crossed over the A49. We crossed over the A41 at Croxton and we continued to the eastern edge of Wrexham. We continued onto Holt Street and we ran into the centre of town. We veered right onto Chester Street and we turned left into the library car park. We parked up near to the Guildhall and we said goodbye to mum. We cut through onto Lord Street and we saw a space exhibition with a replic of the Virgin Launcher One rocket. We continued up Lord Street past the former RBS bank which has been auctioned off. We carried on towards the bus station and we saw Demonstrator RV22 DMY on loan to Pats Coaches on a #146 to Whitchurch.

Pats Coaches RV22 DMY in Wrexham bus station

We turned right onto Trinity Street and we saw Lloyds Coaches B28 on layover in between runs on the T3 to Aberystwyth.

Lloyds Coaches B28 in Wrexham bus station

We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We decided to wait for a bus towards Llangollen. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 1012 on a #5 to Llangollen.

Arriva NW&W 1012 in Wrexham bus station

We got on the bus and we brought what we thought was a 1bws day ticket before going upstairs and sitting down in one of the bays of 4 sets around a table. We set off along Trinity Street and we followed the one way system around onto King Street. We joined the A5152 and we ran past Wrexham Central. We headed out of town through Rhostyllen and under the A483. We continued through Pentre Bychan and we saw Llew Jones LJ21 LLJ parked up in a layby. We continued Southwards through Johnstown. We continued into Ruabon and we turned right onto the A539. We ran through Acrefair and Trevor and we entered intl Llangollen from the East side. In the town we turned left onto Castle Street and we crossed over the river Dee. We turned right onto Market Street. We turned right onto East Street and we ran to the end where we got stopped in traffic. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 1012 before it returned to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1012 in Llangollen

Once off the bus we walked along Parade Street. We turned left onto East Street and we headed back to the car park where we had seen a coach parked up. We saw it was Williams Travel BL16 GCO on a day trip to 'Wales'.

Williams Travel BL16 GCO in Llangollen

We went to the toilet block and Matthew used the toilet. We crossed over Market Street and Matthew had an ice cream. We turned left onto Castle Street and we heard a train arriving in the station so we crossed over the bridge to go and have a look. It was class 26 D5310. after taking a few pictures we crossed back over the river. and we turned right onto Parade Street. We turned the corner and we saw Tanat Valley 376 on a 64 to Llanarmon DC.

Tanat Valley 376 in Llangollen

We got on the bus but when we tried to scan the tickets we realised the previous bus driver had sold us Arriva Daysavers and not 1 bws tickets! Single fares t Chirk would have cost us close to £12. We got off the bus and we waited for the following Arriva service. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can or Irn Bru. A short time later the bus appeared. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 1010 on a #5 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1010 in Llangollen

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Daysaver tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. We set off along Parade Street and we turned left onto Castle Street. We crossed over the river and we turned right onto the Eastbound A539. We ran through Trevor and Acrefair. At the big roundabout we veered left onto the Northbound B5605. We ran past Ruabon railway station and as we headed throough Ruabon we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed thr9ugh town to go to a pub. As we set off we saw Arriva NW&W 3207 on a #2C to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 3207 in Ruabon

The batch of buses number 3202 to 3212 are former Arriva Midlands buses that transferred to Arriva Wales when the Osewetry depot shut. We continued Southwards and we crossed over the road to visit the Wynnstay Arms. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. We sat down and had our drinks and afterwards we went outside to see what we could catch. It was just after 16:00 and I was concious of the fact the Wrexham were playung at home and would finish around 16:50. We headed Northwards up the High Street and we crossed over. As we walked Northwards we were passed by Arriva NW&W 3208. It stop in front of us and as we got closer I realised that it was waiting time at the stop. Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 3208 before we got on the bus.

Arriva NW&W 3208 in Ruabon

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Daysaver ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This bus was the former Arriva Midlands 3786 which we had from Cefn Mawr to Chirk back in April. We set off Northwards along the B5605 and we continued through Johnstown. We ran under the A483 and we joined the A5152. We ran into Rhostyllen and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 3208 as it contunued towards Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 3208 in Rhostyllen

We crossed over Henblas Road and we visited the Co-op. Matthew brought a bottle of Dr Pepper and some cakes. We were going to go and sit and wait for a Southbound bus and eat cake. We crossed over Henblas Road and before we could cross over we saw a Solo SR approaching. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 711 on a #4A to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 711 in Rhostyllen

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Daysaver ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran up the A5152 the last two miles or so into the cente of Wrexham and past Wreham General railway station. We turned right into Regent Street and left into King Street. We turned left into Lord Street and we stopped outside the bus station. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed inside the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we came out and we saw Arriva NW&W 4544 on a X51 to Ruthin.

Arriva NW&W 4544 in Wrexham bus station

We were going to catch it but we weren't quick enough. We decided to go in a new direction and catch a #1 towards Chester. We went onto stand 1 and there was already a bus there. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 1011 on a #1 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 1011 in Wrexham bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Daysaver ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Rhosddu Road. We turned right onto Grove Road and left onto the Northbound A5152. We ran under the A483 and we joined the Northbound B5445. We ran through Gresford, Marford and Rossett. We continued through Lavister and Belgrave and we joined the Northbound A483. We crossed over the A55 and we turned right into Heronsway where we got up got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture Arriva NW&W 1011 before it continued to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 1011 in Marleston

Once off the bus Matthew decided that he needed the toilet. We spotted a petrol station with a starbucks on the way in so we walked around the corner to Starbucks. matthew used the toilet and we brought a bottle of lemonade. When we had finihed we went out onto the main road and we saw an unidentified Lakeside coach going Northwards. We walked to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had a cake. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 1002 on a #1 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1002 in Marleston

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Daysaver tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Southwards down the A483 and we crossed over the A55. We veered left onto the B5445 and we headed Southwards through Belgrave and Lavister. We carried on through Rossett, Marford and Gresford. We crossed the Northern ring Road and we continued Aouthwards down the A5152 into town. We turned right to follow the A5152 and we turned left onto Rhosddu Road. We turned right onto King Street and we pulled up outside the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along the King Street side of the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 2147 on a #11 to Minera.

Arriva NW&W 2147 in Wrexham bus station

As it was later in the day the bus station itself was closed. We walked around to the other side to see what was about before going back to the car. We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 36315 on a #5 to Chester

Stagecoach Merseyside 36315 in Wrexham bus station

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 1000, which was on layover in between runs on the #1 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 1000 in Wrexham bus station

We set off on foot along Trinity Street and we turnmed right onto Rhosddu Road. We turned left by the library and we walked past the side of the library to the car, which mum had moved to the other car park. When we got to the car. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and we turned right onto Chester Street. We turned left to follow the road onto Holt Street and we turned right onto Market Street and we parked up in the car park. I went to the Everland Fish Bar and I brough Matthew sausage chips and gravy. When I had finioshed eating We rejoined Market Street and we turned right onto Holt Street and we ran out of town. We crossed the roundabout onto the A534 and at the next roundabout we continued along the A534. We ran though Llan Y Pwll and Barton. We continued through Clutton and we crossed the A41 at Broxton. We ran through Gallantry Bank and we joined the Southbound A49. We veered left onto the A534 and we ran through Burland. We turned left to follow the A534 and at the crossroads we continued onto the Eastbound A51. I was concious that Matthew hadn't been to the toilet for a while so I looked out for a pub. We passed Reeseheath College and we continued along the Nantwich Bypass. I spoted a pub at the roundabout with the A530, but I missed that the entrance to the car park was the left turn, so I turned around and headed back along the A51 and turned around at the next roundabout and came back again. We turned left onto the A530 and left into Alvaston Business Park. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a small glass of Coke. We got back into the and we set off back onto the A51. We joined the Eastbound A500 and we crossed over the railway line around Basford Hall. We ran forwards onto the single carriageway part of the A500 before crossing under the motorway and continuing along the A500. We ran through Talke, Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 in Stoke. We ran forwards onto the A500 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's and Matthew helped uncle Rob finish off some Irn Bru. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. 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 Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and 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 Salford / Manchester 10-06-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
12108	Salford (Stop D)	Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens	38	Stagecoach Manchester
2748	Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens	Sale, (Stop B)	263	Arriva NW&W
3096	Sale, Broadoaks Road	Trafford Centre BS	245	Arriva NW&W
4013	Trafford Centre BS	Eccles Interchange	52	Go North West
3206	Eccles Interchange	Manchester Shudehill	67	Go North West
3132	Manchester Shudehill	Eccles Interchange	10	Arriva NW&W
3208	Eccles Interchange	Salford (Stop J)	67	Go North West

Today we decided to start our journey at Salford for the first time. We have been through Salford many times before, but today was the first time we have parked up here. After Matthew had chosen Salford, research consisted at looking at where to park and where to eat. We also checked the weather which was for hot sunny weather with a chance of thunderstorms later on. Matthew got up and had toast for breakfast. We set off approximatley 11:45. We got in the car and we ran along 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. There was some traffic on the A500 but this did not delay us too much. We ran up to Barthomley and we joined the Northboud M6. AS we travelled Northwards up the M6 we saw Selwyn's (NX) BV23 ZWB(#550) / BD65 JFO(#540) / BV67 JXZ(#121), Aman's BV19 YFM, Weavaway Travel YN72 ZXZ and an unidentified Telfords coach. We ran up to junction 21A and we got on the Eastbound M62. Seen on the M62 was taxi minibus BY04 CAB. As we reached the M60 we went forwards onto the M602. We came off the M602 at junction 3 and we turned left onto the Northbound A5063. We joined the Westbound A6 and we ran for about 1/3 of a mile and we came off the A6 onto Hankinson Way. We turned right at the roundabout onto eywood Way and we turned right into Tesco and we parked up. On the way in we had been passed the cafe that we had planned on eating at and it had been closed! We decided to go to POund Baker and get food so we said goodbye to mum and we walked around the North Western corner of the shopping centre to the toilets. After using the toilet we set off towards Pound Bakery. On the way arouns we saw Rotala Diamond 40817 on a #8 to Manchester.

Rotala Diamond 40817 in Salford

We continued around the North and East sides of the shopping centre and we stopped at the Pound Bakery. Matthew had a couple of sausage rolls and a bottle of Pepsi. As there weren't any cakes he fancied I said we could grab a cake later on. We went outside and we saw a an empty bus stop so we sat down and ate our food, Whilst we ate we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19519 on a #34 to Piccadilly Gardens.

Stagecoach Manchester 19519 in Salford

When we had finished we wakled up to stand D to catch something towards Piccadilly Gardens. After a short wait we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 12108 in Magicbus livery. We got on the bus and we brought System One Bus Only Day tickets at £5 each before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off along Hankinson Way and we turned left onto Rossall Way. We Headed North onto the roundabout before turning right onto the A6. We headed Eastwards Past Salford Crescent railway station and into the city. We ran forwards onto Chapel Street and we turned right onto the A34. We ran through the centre of Manchester and we turned left onto Portland Street. Just after the main bus station we stopped on Portland Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 12108 as it continued along Portland Street.

Stagecoach Manchester 12108 in Manchester

Once off the bus we walked along Portland Street and we crossed over the tramway and into the interchange. We had a look around to to see what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 12042 on a #85 to Chorlton.

Stagecoach Manchester 12042 in Manchester

We walked to the North end of the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 19502 on a #256 to Flixton.

Stagecoach Manchester 19502 in Manchester

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus come into the bus station. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2748 on a #263 to Altrincham.

Arriva NW&W 2748 in Manchester

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the terminal and we turned right onto Portland Street. We turned left onto Princess Street and right onto Whitworth Street. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Booth Street West. We passed the College of Music and we turned right onto Boundry lane. We turned left onto the A5067 and we headed Westwards. We passed Hulme Park and we ran to the end of the road and we joined Chester Road. We joined the A56 and we ran past White City Retail Park. We passed Old Trafford and we continued along the A56 until Streford. We went under the M60 and we carried on into Sale. As we came into Sale an alarm went off in the cab of the bus. The driver pulled over and called the garage to tell them that the bus had started to overheat. In the centre of Sale we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W as it carried on towards Altrincham.

Arriva NW&W 2748 in Sale

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we headed West towards the next bus stop. We had just missed Arriva NW&W 2745 on a #263 to Manchester. We looked at the timetable and we saw that there was a #245 to the Traffod Centre due in a few minutes. After a short while we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3096 on a #245 to The Trafford Centre.

Arriva NW&W 3096 in Sale

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A56 through Sale and we went under the M60. At Stetchford Mall we turned left onto the A5145 and we headed Westwards. We ran forwards onto the B5213 and we ran under the M60. We followed the road around to the right onto the B5214 and we ran into Urmston. We turned left into Moorside Road and into Davyhulme. We passed the Trafford General hospital and close to the Manchester Ship Canal before we turned Northwards onto Woodsend Road. We continued East along Davyhulme Road and we turned left onto Woodhouse Road. We re-joined the Northbound B5214 and back under the M60. We passed the Trafford Golf Centre and then we turned right into the Trafford Centre bus station next to the BP garage. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. After using the toilet we had a sit down and Matthew drank a bottle of Coke Zero. Afterwards we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Rotala Diamond 33027 which was about to work a #126 to Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 33027 in Trafford Centre bus station

Another vehicle seen was Rotala Diamond 40840 on a #20 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40840 in Trafford Centre bus station

Further up the bus station we saw it was Go North West 4013 about to work a #52 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 4013 in Trafford Centre bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the B5214. We turned left onto the B5211 and we crossed over the Manchester Ship canal. We turned right onto the B5230 and we turned left onto Trafford Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the A57. On the edge of Eccles we ran forwards onto Church Street and we continued into the centre of Eccles and into the interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4013 before in continued towards Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 4013 in Eccles Interchange

We had a walk along to see what other buses were around. Rotala Diamond 31434 parked up on layover.

Rotala Diamond 31434 in Eccles Interchange

We crossed the road to go and visit a pub. I though we were going to go to the Joseph Holt pub The Lamb Hotel, but Matthew decided he wanted to go to Wetherspoons. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar to get drinks. We ordered 2 small Coke's, and we sat at a table near to the front. When we had finished we dropped the empty glasses off at the bar and we went outside. As we considered where to go next, we saw Alfa A141 heading Westwards along Church Street.

Alfa A141 in Eccles Interchange

We crossed over the road and we decided we would head into Manchester. We went into the interchange and we saw a bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Go North West 3206 on a #67 to Manchester Shudehill.

Go North West 3206 in Eccles Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only Day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the Unterchange and we travelled Eastwards along Regent Street. At the roundabout we joined the Northbound A576 and we crossed over the M602. We continued the road turned through 90' and we travelled Eastwards past Salford hospital. WE continued for another mile before diving down below the A6 and coming up on Pendleton roundabout. We ran around the roundabout past the police station and KFC and down the side of Salford Shopping Centre on Hankinson Way. After a brief stop opposite to the shopping centre and continued down to the roundabout and we turned left onto Churchill Way. We turned left onto Cross Lane and we turned right onto the A6. We passed Salford Crescent railway station. We continued along Chapel Street and we went under the railway line by Salford Central railway station. We continued into the city centre and we turned left onto Victoria Street. We turned right onto Hunts bank and past the Manchester Arena and the entrance to Manchester Victoria railway station. We followed the road around to the right onto Victoria Station Approach and we went forward onto Todd Street past the National Football Museum. We turned right onto Corporation Street and left onto Withy Grove. We continued onto Shudehill and we entered the Interchange. Once off the bus we saw Flixbus FX34 about to work the N603 service to Paris.

Flixbus FX34 in Manchester Shudehill

Afterwards we had a walk around. Matthew used the toilet and we went around the corner to a coffe shop in the bus station. It was about to close, So Matthew a millionaire's shortbread and a can of Coke to take out. We walked over to the middle stands and Matthew ate the shortbread and afterwards had his can of Coke. As we were finishing the can we saw an Arriva bus drop onto the stand. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3132 on a #10 to the Brookhouse estate.

Arriva NW&W 3132 in Manchester Shudehill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned right onto Shudehill. We continued onto Withy Grove and we turned right onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto Todd Street and we continued onto Victoria Station Approach. We ran past the front of Victoria Railway station along Hunts Bank and we turned left onto Victoria Street. We ran along Chapel Street and we turned right under the railway line onto Blackfriars Road. We continued Northwards out fo the city centre and we crossed over the A6042. We continued Northwards up the A6041 and we continued forwards onto the A5066. We crossed over the river Irwell and we turned left onto Lower Broughton Road. We turned left onto the A576 and we ran Southwards towards Pendleton. We crossed over the A6 and we ran down past the side of Salford Shopping Centre along Hankinson Way. We turned right onto Heywood Way and right onto Fitzwarren Street. We turned left onto Seedley Road and left onto Langworth Rpad. We turned right onto Liverpool Street and we ran forwards onto Tootal Road. We followed the road around the corner onto Tootal Drive and we turned left onto Eccles Old Road. We crossed over the M602 and at Ladywell roundabout we turned right onto Regent Street. We pulled up outside of the Interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3132 as it continued towards the Brookhouse estate.

Arriva NW&W 3132 in Eccles Interchange

We walked along Church Street near to the former RBS bank and into the Interchange. It was now 18:00 and we neede to head back to Salford. There were a couple of different buses approaching. Whilst we waited we saw Rotala Diamond 20921 which had been broken down on stand for a few hours.

Rotala Diamond 20921 in Eccles Interchange

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 40710 in the new Bee Network colours on a #20 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40710 in Eccles Interchange

A short time later the first of the 2 buses that were approaching came on stand. We saw it was Go North West 3208 on a #67 to Manchester Shudehill.

Go North West 3208 in Eccles Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange and we travelled Eastwards along Regent Street. At the roundabout we joined the Northbound A576 and we crossed over the M602. We continued the road turned through 90' and we travelled Eastwards past Salford hospital. We continued for another mile before diving down below the A6 and coming up on Pendleton roundabout. We ran around the roundabout past the police station and KFC and down the side of Salford Shopping Centre on Hankinson Way where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and Matthew got another picture of Go North West 3208 as it continued towards Manchester.

Go North West 3208 in Salford

Once off the bus we walked around the North side of the shopping centre and we headed to Tesco car park as mum had returned here. We dropped the bag off in the car and Me and Matthew went into Tesco and we went to the toilet. Afterwards we went into the shop and we bought a bottle of Coke. We returned to the car and mum had brought some ice and we had cold drinks. We also had a rocket lolly. Afterward I walked across to the shopping centre and I brough Chips from Mother Hubbards. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. Whrn we had finished eating we set off onto Heywood Way. We ran forwards onto Churchill Way and we turned right onto Cross Lane. We turned left onto Liverpool Street and right onto the Southbound A5063. We went onto RegenT Road roundabout and we turned right onto the Westbound M602. We ran out of the city and we crossed the M60 and ran forwards onto the M62. On the M62 we saw JH Coaches JH19 ??? & Fourway YX67 UPZ. We ran to the North or Warrintgon befoer joining the Southbound M6. On the M6 we saw Ellenvale MF71 AFZ, an unidentified white minibus, silver minibus FD57 UGM and an unidentified DHN Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark