Trip to Derby / Ripley 28-09-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
328	Derby BS	Belper,(stop A)	6.4	Trent Barton
843	Belper, (stop A)	Ripley, (Stop 2)	6.3	Trent Barton
173	Ripley, Market Place	Langley Mill, Trent Barton Garage	Rainbow One	Trent Barton
497	Langley Mill, St Andrews Church	Heanor, (stop 4)	33	Trent Barton
322	Heanor, (Stop 1)	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	H1	Trent Barton
326	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	Derby, Corporation Street	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We did very little research for this trip other than to look at the Trent Barton tickets and to check the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up just before 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got out of bed at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we set off around 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we were passed Stanton's of Stoke 614 WEH. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We deciedd to try something new today. We stopped at a cafe called Rascals for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Northbound A516. We continued onto the A38 and we came off to headed into Derby. We followed the A516 to the edghe of town and we turned right onto the A601. We ran around the town centre and we turned left onto Morledge. After doing a loop bacl onto the A601 to try and get to a car park we headed back onto Morledge and mum dropped us off after saying goodbye to mum we walked along Morledge to the bus station. We saw Trent Barton 737 on a Swift service to Uttoxeter.

Trent Barton 737 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Trent Barton 492 on the V3 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 492 in Derby bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva Midlands 2339 running out of service.

Arriva Midlands 2339 in Derby bus station

We walked to the ither end of the bus station to see what was around. matthew indiceated that he wanted to go towards Belper. There was a bus due in around 7 minutes so we waited at the approriate stand. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 328 on a #6.4 to Belper Estates.

Trent Barton 328 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Zig-Zag duo ticket at £13.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. As we stopped at a bus stop we crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. The was a 'Save our NHS' protest outyside the Babington hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A609 and then we turned left onto Campbell Street. We turned right into King Street and we got iup and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 328 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 328 in Belper

Once off the bus we had a walk down King Street. We had about 15 minutes for the next bus forwards to Ripley. We decided to to have a cake in Costa. Before we went inside we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 on a #142 to Alfreton.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 in Belper

We went into Costa Coffee and Matthew had a slice of millionaire's shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished Matthew went to the toilet and we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. There were numerous Morri Dancers outside in the street that were doing dances and they even stopped the traffic. Just before our bus there was another bus at the bus stop. We saw Notts & Derby 826 on a #71 to Derby.

Notts & Derby 826 in Belper

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 843 on a #6.3 to Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Belper

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up King Street and we turned right onto Strutt Street. We turned left onto the A609 and we ran Northwards. We turned left ont Chesterfield Road and we ran North for around 1/2 mile before we turned right into Ladywood Avenue. We turned left onto Dovedale Crescent and left onto Whitemoor Lane. We turned left onto Over Lane and we ran Northwards into Heage. We re-joined the B6013 by the Black Boy and we ran through the village onto the B6374. We ran Eastwards for a few miles and we crossed over the A38 and ran towards Ripley. We turned right onto Norman Road. We continued onto Kenilwirth Road and forwards onto Maple Avenue. We turned left onto Elms Avenue and we turned left onto the B6179. We stopped on the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 843 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Ripley

Once off the bus we saw Derbyshire Community Transport 901 on a #148 to Alfreton.

Derbyshire Community Transport 901 in Ripley

We walked into the Market place and we saw Trent Barton 170 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We turned down Trent Barton 818 on a #90 to Sutton as it was going further away. We also turned down Trent Barton 750 on a Comet to Chesterfield. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 173 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Ripley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the B6441 and we headed out of town. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Southbound A610. We travelled for about 1/2 mile and we ran forwards onto the A6007. We headed through Cross Hill and Loscoe. We ran forwards onto the A608 and into the centre of Heanor. After a brief stop we continued along the A608 into Langley Mill. We stopped for a driver change opposite to the depot and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 173 before it continued towards Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Langley Mill

We crossed over the road and we had a quick look into the depot. We could only see on distant Wright Eclipse branded for the Twos. Matthew wanted the toilet so we decided to walk along the road until we found a pub. after about 1/3 mile we came across a pub on the opposite side of the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a small glass of Coke. We finished our drink and we crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back towards Heanor. We saw the was a #33 due in a few minutes. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 497 on a #33 to Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Langley Mill

We got on the bus and we placed the Zigzag Duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A608 and we headed Northwards past the bus garage. We foolwed the A608 to the right and into Heanor. We turned left onto Wilmot Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the market square and Matthew got another picture of Trent Barton 497 before it continued towards Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Heanor

We walked into the square to llok for a shop. We went into a very unusual shop which was a chip shop combined with a conveniece store. Matthew bought a can of coke and a Milky Way, as well as a Bounty for me and uncle Dave to Share. After paying for the supplies, we walked across the square and we sat on a bench near to the bus stops. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru out of the bag and the Milky Way whilst uncle Dave and I shared a Bounty. Whilst we were still eating the bus pulled onto the stand. We saw it was Trent Barton 322 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Heanor

We finished off our food and we waited for the bus driver to change over. We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could get a 6th bus in for the day so as we approached the Northern edge of civilisation we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 322 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Oakwood

We had a few minutes to wait for the bus so we visited the pub across the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of orange Fanta. When we had finished our drinks we left the pub and crossed back over the road to wait for the bus. We had a few minutes to wait and we soon saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 326 on a H1 to Derby.

Trent Barton 326 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we ran through Breadsall Hilltop and over the A61. We ran past the Meteor Retail Park and we turned right onto Mansfield Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we followed mansfield Road to the left. We ran Southwards parallel to the railway line before joining the A601 and crossing over the Derwent. We turned right into Morledge and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few more bus pictures. At the same stop we saw Trent Barton 254 on a #9.3 to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 254 in Derby

Matthew needed the toilet so we walked along Morledge and we cut past the courtroon to the Derwent and we entered the bus station from the far end. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a walk along the bus station to take a few more pictures before we met up with mum. We saw Arriva Midlands Scania Omnicity 3559 parked up on layover.

Arriva Midlands 3559 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM on a National Express #440 service to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM in Derby bus station

We came out of the bus station onto Morledge and we waled to the other end to wait for mum to pick us up. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3740 on a X38 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Derby

We set off along Morledge and we turned left onto the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around town. We turned left onto the A516 and we ran out of town. We ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped in the car park near to the chippy and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we re-joined the B5020 and we headed onto the Westbound A516. We ran to the North of Burnaston and Etwall and we joined the Eastbound A50. On the A50 we saw an unidentified Roberts coach and an unidentified Silverdale coach. We continued past Blythe Bridge bypass and through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. 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 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 19:00. 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 Derby / Nottingham 04-08-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
84	Derby BS	Nottingham Victoria BS	Red Arrow	Trent Barton
770	Nottingham Victoria BS	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 5)	2	Trent Barton
809	Ilkeston	Stapleford, Memorial Garden	my15	Trent Barton
326	Stapleford, Memorial Garden	Lenton, QMC Main Entrance (Stop QM02)	i4	Trent Barton
705	Lenton. QMC Main Entrance (Stop QM02)	Nottingham, Wollaton Street (Stop Y5)	i4	Trent Barton
778	Nottingham, Cathedral (Stop Y3)	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 5)	2	Trent Barton
718	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 1)	Derby BS	Ilkeston Flyer	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. As mum had been working quite a bit lately we wanted a shortish trip. Research consisted of looking on the Trent Barton site for fares and the area map. We also checked the weather which was for warm dry weather with hazy sunshine. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off onto the A5035 and we headed through Dresden up to Longton. We got on the the Eastbound A50 and passed D&G 112 on a #1A to Wood Lane. we ran throughMeir tunnel up towards Blythe Bridge. We followed the A50 to the right and we passed M&D Travel K50 MND & white minibus BX08 YDB We ran near to Uttoxeter before going up the hill near to Doveridge. We continued Eastwards through Foston and we joined the Northbound A38. We ran to the edge of Derby and we ran into town along the A516 following Viking Travel W875 UGY. We turned right onto the A601 and left onto Babington Lane. We followed the road around onto Osmaston Road and we parked up. We went to the salvation army cafe and Matthew used the tioilet. The shop didn't sell any food that Matthew would eat so we brought a slice of cake for later and left. A couple of doors down was Nicky's cafe and Matthew had a brunch washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had eaten we siad goodbye to mum and we walked around the corner onto London Road. We turned left on the A601 and we went left again onto Morledge. As we approached the bus station we saw Notts & Derby 456 on a #73 to Weston-on-Trent.

Notts & Derby 456 in Derby bus station

Also we saw Arriva Midlands 4216 on a #1 to Alvaston.

Arriva Midlands 4216 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Trent Barton 84 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we we went in to bus station and we got on the bus. We booked a group zig-zag ticket at £14 and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station we saw National Holidays NH17 GFH, We continued onto the Northbound A601 We came off at the next junction and we joined the Eastbound A52. We ran fast along the A52 passing and we crossed over the M1 and passed Toton depot. We continued Eastwards to the edge of Nottingham past the QMC. We crossed the ring road and ran forwards onto the A6200. We continued onto Wollaton Street and we crossed over the tramline before turned left onto South Sherwood Street. We turn right onto Shakespeare Street and left onto Mansfield Road. We turned right onto the B684 and we entered Nottingham Victoria Bus Station. We got up and Mattew took a picture inside Trent Barton 84. before we got off the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 84

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We then had a look around the bus station and took a few few bus pictures. There was a paved area adjacent to the reat of the bus station from which you could photograph the buses. We saw Trent Barton 770 on a Two service to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 770 in Derby bus station

Once we had finished taking pictures we walked back into the bus station to find something else to catch. We decided to do Trent Barton 770 on the Two service as far as Ilkeston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Mansfield Road. We turned right onto Shkespeare Street and we turned left onto North Church Street. We turned right onto Burton Street and left onto South Sherwood Street. We turned right onto the A6008 and we crossed over the roundabout onto Derby Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A609 and we headed Westwards out of town. We headed through Wollaton and out of town towards Trowell. We crossed over the M1 and we followed the road to the right as we headed Northwards. We continued up the A609 to the South end of ilkeston and we crossed the roundabout onto South Street. We followed the road to the left onto Market Place and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we considered doing Trent Barton 802 on a my15 service to Old Sawley.

Trent Barton 802 in Ilkeston

Matthew decided against this and we had a quick walk around the market place. We past an office in which soemone was clearly trying to get hold of 'Ken' based on the large number of letters post through the letterbox addressed to him. Matthew visited the toilet and then we headed back to the Market Place bus stops. We saw Trent Barton 809 on a my15 to Old Sawley and we decided to do it.

Trent Barton 809 in Ilkeston

The bus was about to have a driver change so we went to take a few more pictures whilst we waited. We saw Trent Barton 775 on a Two service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 775 in Ilkeston

We also saw Yourbus 3028 on a Y3 fast service to Derby.

Yourbus 3028 in Ilkeston

We waited for the driver to swap over and we got on and flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 809 before we sat down.

Inside Trent Barton 809

The bus set off along Market Place and we followed the road around to the right onto South Street. We got onto the Southbound A609 and we ran towards Trowell. By the Festival Inn we ran forwards onto the A6007. I was original intending to go as far as Long Eaton. But we realised the bus ran through Stapleford and we would have more choices of bus to catch. We turned right onto the B6003 and we ran Southwards into Stapleford. We turned right onto the B5010 and it appeared to be the town centr so we got up and got off the bus. As it was a warm day went to an off license to do some shopping matthew brought a couple of different cans and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed to the stop opposite and we saw that there was a Nottingham bound i4 service from that stop every 10 minutes. Matthew had a drink of Fanta and and a Milky Way whilst waited for the next bus. A few minutes later we saw an i4 bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 326 on a i4 to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 326 in Stapleford

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus set off along the B5010 and we ran forwards for around 2/3 of mile before we joined the Eastbound A52. As we ran Eastwards we saw an unidentified Lingard's coach. We ran to the edge of Nottingham and we crossed the ring-road and we got up and got off the bus. Whilst we were there we saw quite a few Nottingham City Transport buses. We saw Nottingham City Transport 449 on a #36 to Nottingham.

Nottingham City Transport 449 in Lenton

The plan was to cross over and catch a Red Arrow back to Derby. Matthew seemed reluctant to do this. A few minutes later we saw Nottingham City Transport 950 on a #34 to Nottingham.

Nottingham City Transport 950 in Lenton

A few minutes later a Nottinghm bound Trent Barton bus appeared and Matthew decided he wanted to do this. It was required Trent Barton 705 on an Indigo service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 705 in Lenton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. We ran along the A6200 for around a mile and we continued onto Wollaton Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Derby Road. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet so we found a micro brewery pub and went in there. Matthew went to the toilet and we brought a glass of Coke, which matthew drank outside on the pavement seating area. When we had finished we crossed over the road to the westbound bus stops. We decided to do a Two back to Ilkeston and an Ilkeston Flyer forwards from there to Derby. Whilst we waited for a Two we saw Nottingham City Transport 619 on a #77 to Shelley.

Nottingham City Transport 619 in Nottingham

A few minutes we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 778 on a Two to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 778 in Nottingham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus set off along Derby Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A609 and we headed Westwards out of town. We headed through Wollaton and out of town towards Trowell. We crossed over the M1 and we followed the road to the right as we headed Northwards. We continued up the A609 to the South end of ilkeston and we crossed the roundabout onto South Street. We followed the road to the left onto Market Place and we got up and got off the bus. The plan was to get straight on the Ilkeston Flyer to Derby so we crossed over and we saw required Trent Barton 722 on the Ilkeston Flyer service.

Trent Barton 722 in Ilkeston

Matthew decided he didn't to rush back to Derby so he let that bus go. We decoded to visit the shop across the road and we brought a couple of cans and some jelly sweets. We walked back across the road to the Matthew drank a can of Cherry Coke and ate the jelly sweets. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw Trent Barton 739 on a my15 to Old Sawley.

Trent Barton 739 in Ilkeston

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Trent Barton 718 on an Ilkeston Flyer to Derby.

Trent Barton 718 in Ilkeston

Matthew hesitated and we nearly didn't get on the bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards back of the bus. We set off along Whamcliffe Road and we turned right onto South Street. We turned left onto the A609 and we crossed over the roundabout onto Stanton Road. We ran down to Little Hallam and we followed the A6096 around to the West and through Kirk Hallam. We ran down into Spondon and we went under the A52 along Willowcrort Road. We joined the Westbound A6005 and we ran the short distance to the A52. We ran fast into Derby and we saw Skills of Nottingham National Express liveried coach BX16 CHD on a #440 to London. We turned left onto the clockwise ring road and we entered the bus station. Once in the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 718.

Inside Trent Barton 718

Once off the bus we met up with mum and we and we saw Kinchbus 913 on a Skylink service to Leicester. We went outside onto Morledge and we saw MC Travel BU52 NCT heading Eastwards.

MC Travel BU52 NCT in Derby bus station

Also seen was Chalfont BK14 LFA on a Gatwick service.

Chalfont BK14 LFA in Derby bus station

We got in the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Morledge and we saw Harpur's CN55 MUE. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to the A52. At the next roundabout we turned left onto the A38 and we ran a cfew miles Soouth to the point where the A516 joins with the A38. We exited onto the A516 and we ran around Mickleover and Etwall and joined the Westbound A50. As we travelled towards Stoke we saw an unidentified Viking Travel coach, Safeway Coaches SF02 WAY, an unidentified Coach Leasing coach, Happy Al's CC05 ALS, Orbit Coaches IIL 8585 & Alfa 101. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z carz to see what was parked up there this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned into Willow Row. In the compound we saw Z Carz Volkswaggen minibus OV05 WSW which is currently VOR.

Z Carz OV05 WSW 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. We ran down Finstock Avenue and we stopped briefly for mum to pick up some baps. We continued down Finstock Avenue 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 Blackpool 05-05-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 302	The Strand, Longton	Blackpool Coach Station	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 302	Blackpool Coach Station	The Strand, Longton	Charter	Copeland's Tours

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going on a day trip to Blackpool. Starting on today "Beach Bus 26" operates daily from Marton Mere Holiday Village operating express to Blackpool Tower and Town Centre and then serving all stops along the Promenade to Pleasure Beach. Matthew got up around 06:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew took some batteries and we went to Longton to meet the coach in an intercity taxi. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we ran through Fenton. We continued onto King Street and through Foley into Longton. We went under the railway bridge into Market Street and we followed the one way system onto Commerce Street. At the roundabout we turned turned sharp right onto The Strand. We stopped near to Lidl and we got pout to wait for the coach. We saw a Copeland's Tour coach approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Copeland's Tours MIB 516 on a day trip to Bury.

Copeland's Tours MIB 516 in Longton

A few minutes later we saw another coach approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Copeland's Tours MIB 302 on the day trip to Blackpool.

Copeland's Tours MIB 302 in Longton

We got on the coach and we sat down in our seats. We set off down The Strand and we followed the one way system around onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill to Adderley Green. We turned left onto the A5272 and and we rn through Bentilee and into Bucknall. We joined the A52 and at Limekiln lights we followed the A52 around to the left. At Joiners Square we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran up towards Hanley. We joined the clockwise ring road and we came off at Hinde Street. We turned left onto Regent Road and we stopped to pick uo passengers. We re-joined Lichfield Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran around to Town road and we left hanley towards Birches Head. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and we went through Sneyd Green into Smallthorne. At the roundabout we turned left onto Moorland Road and we ran down into Burslem. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Tunstall. At the roundabout we went right onto the A5271 past the site of the new Asda petrol station. We stopped opposite to the Police Station to pick up passengers. We rsn onto Tunstall High Street and up to the A527. We ran down to the A500 and we went Southwards to Etruria where we came off ontio the Westbound A53. Weran through Basford and onto the one-way system. We stopped outside the swimming baths to pick up passengers and then we turned right at the roundabout onto the A527. We ran up to Wolstanton and we followed the A527 down onto the A500. We ran Northwards up the A500 and we got onto the Northbound M6. We ran Northwards for around 40 miles and then we stopped at Charnock Richard service for a compfort break. Matthew went to the toilet and when he returned we saw Westbus 171 parked in an adjacent space.

Westbus 171 in Charnock Richard service

We got back on the coach and when everybody was back onboard we set off back onto the M6. We travelled North for around 10 miles and we came off the M6 onto the M55. We ran to the end of the M55 and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Yeadon Way. We ran along the road that follows the old trackbed of the line to Blackpool Central railway station and we stopped at the coach park near to the Coral amusement arcade. Once off the coach Matthew went to the toilet. We set off towards town to get some dinner. We saw Blackpool Transport 409 on a #6 to Grange Park.

Blackpool Transport 409 in Blackpool

We walked along New Bonny Street and we crossed over the Promenade and over the tram line. Matthew went onto the beach as the tide was out. He collected some shells and wrote in the sand as well as doing some paddling in the sea. When we had finished we headed back up to The Promenade We saw Rigby's RIG 1075 going Northwards.

Rigby's RIG 1075 in Blackpool

A short while later we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15571 on a #68 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15571 in Blackpool

We crossed over the tram line and the Promenade and we had dinner at The Sea Fish and Chip Restaurant. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we went out and we walked Southwards down the Promenade. As we walked along the Prom we saw Catch22Bus Y388 GAX on a #21 to Cleveleys.

Catch22Bus Y388 GAX in Blackpool

As we walked past Chapel Street we saw Blackpool Transport 326 on a #20 Marton Mere circular.

Blackpool Transport 326 in Blackpool

A few minutes later we saw North East YL17 BFN going Northwards up the Promenade.

North East YL17 BFN in Blackpool

Also seen was Blackpool Transport 430 on a #11 to Blackpool town centre.

Blackpool Transport 430 in Blackpool

Matthew was on his way to Madam Tussauds to see the waxworks. Outside we saw Bob's of Clacton B2 CBT going Southwards.

Bob's of Clacton B2 CBT in Blackpool

Matthew went into Madam Tussauds to see the waxworks. Matthew spent quite a while in here having his pucture taken with all the stars including Jack & Vera Duckworth, Arianne Grande and Cheryl Cole. After visiting the waxworks Matthew had an ice cream. Once we had finsihed in there we went to the Sealfe centre. Matthew went to see the fish and also got to see the sharks being fed! Once we had finished in the sea life centre we went across the road to the Central Pier. Matthew went to the toilet and went into a cafe for a bottle of Coke. We came out of the Pier and we crosse dover the road to one of the food stalls. For tea Matthew had a burger followed by some doughnuts to share! We crossed over the prome and we sat eating the burger and doughnuts and watching buses. We saw Dodd's DD06 DOT heading Northwards.

Dodd's DD06 DOT in Blackpool

We walked down the Promenade to the corner of Victoria Street and Matthew went to the toilet in Harry Ramsdens. We walked back along the Promenade and we saw Catch22Bus W361 VHB on a #21 to St Annes.

Catch22Bus W361 VHB in Blackpool

We walked around the corner to New Bonny Street and we went into the coach park. The return journey back to Longton was on Copelan'd Tours MIB 302. We got on the coach and we sat down in our allocated seats. The coach set off along Seasiders Way. We ran forwards onto Yeadon Way and we joined the Eastbound M55. We ran for around 15 miles to the North side of Preston and we got onto the Southbound M6. We ran Southwards for around 25 miles and we came off the M6 onto the M56 and stopped at Lymm servcies. Matthew went to the toilet before returning to the coach for the last leg of the journey. We re-joined the Southbound M6 and we ran down to junction 16. We went Southwards down the A500 to Etruria and we cam off the A500 and onto the Westbound A53. We ran through Basford and we joined the one-way system in Newcastle. We stopped outside the baths and we ran onto the roundabout and turned right onto the A527. We ran up to Wolstanton and then we followed the A527 down to the A500. We came off the A500 at Longport and we ran up to Trubshaw Cross. We turned left and continued along the A5271 and we ran up to Tunstall. We went Straight onto the High Street and at the roundabout we turned sharp right onto the A5271. We stopped by the police station and we continued down to Scotia Road. We continued to Burslem and we turned left onto Moorland Road. We ran up to the roundabouts and we turned right onto the A5272. We ran through Sneyd Green to Birches Head and we ran forwards onto Town Road. We joined the clockwise ring road and we ran around to Hinde Street. We turned right onto Regent Road and we stopped to set down passengers. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we got onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran down Bucknall New Road and at Limekiln lights we went straight onto the A52. We tyurned right onto the A5272 and we ran up to Bentilee. We ran through Bentilee to Adderley Green and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down the hill to Longton and we joined the one-way system. We turned left onto Market Street and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street. We went around the roundabout onto The Strand and we stopped outside Lidl. We got off the coach and the coach carried on back towards the depot. We got a Lucky Seven taxi back to Fenton. We set off down the Strand and we turned left onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. When we got back we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. 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.