Trip to Telford / Shrewsbury 05-02-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3736	Telford BS	Madeley Centre (Stand B)	1	Arriva Midlands
3334	Madeley Centre (Stand A)	Telford BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3697	Telford BS	Shrewsbury BS	X5	Arriva Midlands
2989	Shrewsbury BS	Battlefield, Adj Red Lion	511	Arriva Midlands
3699	Battlefield,Opp Red Lion	Shrewsbury BS	64	Arriva Midlands
2507	Shrewsbury BS	Shrewsbury, Shirehall	8	Arriva Midlands
3755	Shrewsbury, Shirehall	Telford BS	X5	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Telford. Research consisted of looking on the Arriva Website to look a t tickets and checking the weather which was for mainly dry and cloudy with rain moving in during the early evening. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had orange juice and toast for breakfast. We got ready and we set off to pick up uncle Dave around 11:50. 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 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. After picking up uncle Dave we continued down Wheildon Road and under the railway line. WE crossed over the canal and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran up to City Road and we had intended to turn right and straight back onto the A500. There seemed to be a problem with the right turn filter lane, so we turned right onto City Road and went under the railway bridge. We went to the roundabout and we turned 180' and back to the A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Hanford to the end of the A500. We turned left onto the A519 and we passed Longmynd Travel D10 LMT coming the other way. We continued Southwards through Eccleshall and we ran down to the A41 Newport bypass. We joined the Southbound A518 and we headed towards Telford. We had decided that we would eat in a cafe in Dawley which is a couple of miles South of Telford. We ran down to Trench and we turned left onto the Southbound A442. We turned right onto the B4373 and we continued Southwards for a few miles over the M54. At Malinslee we veered left onto King Street and we ran into Dawley. We turnd left onto Captain Webb Drive and we entered the main town car park and parked up. Once we had parked up we walked through a passageway onto High Street and we headed to the Cafe. When we got there the cafe was closed! We decided to headed across the way to the sandwich shop and we brough Matthew a sausage sandwich, a sausage roll and a slice of chocolate cake. He also had a bottle of Coke. Once the food was ready we headed back to the car and we sat and ate the food in the car. When we had finished eating we set off on the last couple of miles into Telford town centre. We turbed onto Captain Webb Drive and we turned left onto King Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto the B5072. We headed Westwards and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Malinsgate. We continued onto Northfield Street. We parked up at the Southfields retail park and we said goodbye to mum. We headed towards Northfield Street and we saw Arriva Midlands 2402 running out of service towards the bus station.

Arriva Midlands 2402 in Telford bus station

We crossed over the road and we had a walk around the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3784 on a #5 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3784 in Telford bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew used the facilities. After we had finished in the shopping centre we walked back into the bus station where we saw Arriva Midlands 3736 on a #1 Sutton Hill circular service.

Arriva Midlands 3736 in Telford bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we purchased a West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket at £12.50 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. This is a bus that we have done on at least 3 occasions previously! The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Northfield Street. We continued onto Malinsgate and at the roundabout we turned left onto Brunal Road. We followed the road through the Malinslee estate and we ran forwards onto Church Road. We turned left onto Mount Road and right onto Eyton Road. We turned right onto Johnston Road and left onto Worcester Road and we passed Arrive Midlands 3322 on a #2 to Telford. We turned right onto Lancaster Avenue and left onto King Street and we headed into Dawley. We ran forwards onto New Street and we turned left onto Finger Road. We turned right onto New Road and right onto Webb Crescent. We turned left onto Manor Road and right onto Deepfield Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Trinity Road and we headed Southwards. We turned left onto HOlly Road and we continued forwards onto Old Vicarage Road. We turned right onto Southall Way and we veered left onto Southall Road. We turned right onto Brookside Avenue and we ran around the edge of the Brookside estate. We turned left onto Bridgenorth Road and we continued Southwards. We crossed the Cuckoo Oak roundabout and we continued Southwards to the Sutton Hill Roundabout. We ran forwards onto Sutton Way and we did a complete circuit of the Sutton Hill estate before heading back Northwards up Bridgenorth Road. We turned left onto Queen Street and we crossed over the roundabout onto Madeley High Street. In the centre of town we veered left to stay on High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3736 as it continued on it's journey back to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3736 in Madeley

Once off the bus we considered what to do next. We saw Arriva Midlands 2520 on a #18 to Much Wenlock.

Arriva Midlands 2520 in Madeley

We heard a bus pull up around the corner. It was Arriva Midland 3334 on a #4 to Leegomery. Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. After using the toilet we noticed the bus was still around the corner as it was waiting time before taking the working back North. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he decided that he would. Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 3334 before we got on it.

Arriva Midlands 3334 in Madeley

We go on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. It turns out we have been on this bus before from Leegomery to Oakengates back in October 2019. We ran onto Court Street and we turned left onto Parkway. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Mound Way. At the roundabout we went West along the B4373 before turning ritgh into Woodside Avenue. We ran around the Woodside estate before turning left onto the Northbound B4373. We ran up the the big roundabout and we turned right onto the A4169. We ran forwards onto the A442 and at the next junction we came off onto Stirchley Avenue. At the next roundabout we ran forwards onto St Quentins Gate and then forwards agin onto Northfield Street and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we did another lap around the bus station to take a few pictures and see what we could catch. After getting back into the bus station I saw that Matthew was eying up Arriva Midlands 3697 on a the X5 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3697 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. Once off the bus we walked around to get a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva Midlands 2988 on a #25 to Halescott Tesco.

Arriva Midlands 2988 in Shrewsbury bus station

We crossed over Raven Meadows to have a look at the buses in the layover area. We saw Tanat Valley 271 parked up in between runs on the #558 to Montgomery.

Tanat Valley 271 in Shrewsbury bus station

We crossed back over Raven Meadows and we saw Arriva Midlands 2535 on a #20 service to Radbrook Green.

Arriva Midlands 2535 in Shrewsbury bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 2968 on a #11 to Gains Park.

Arriva Midlands 2968 in Shrewsbury bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva Midlands 2975 on a #24 to Harlescott Tesco.

Arriva Midlands 2975 in Shrewsbury bus station

We went back inside the bus station and we spotted Arriva Midlands 2989 on a #511 to Whitchurch.

Arriva Midlands 2989 in Shrewsbury bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus, so we waited for the bus to be readied for service. Once the driver was aboard, we got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. It turned out they we had already had this bus from Telford to Shrewsbury in October 2019. We set off out of the bus station onto Raven Mwadows and we turned right onto the A458. We turned left onto Chester Street and we turned right onto Cross Street and under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we headed Northwards out of town. I explained to Matthew that we could only go so far on this bus if he wanted to get 6 or more buses in for the day. We passed the roundabout with the Heathgates pub and we joined the Northbound A5112. We continued Northwards into Harlescott and past the Sundorne Retail park and the bus garage. We continued Northwards into the area know as Battlefield. It was at this point we decided to get up and get off the bus whilst we could still catch something back down to Shrewsbury in the opposite direction. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2989 as it continued Northwards towards Whitchurch.

Arriva Midlands 2989 in Battlefield

Once off the bus, Matthew had spotted the pub and decided he needed the toilet. We headed into the pub and Matthew used the facilities. We returned to the bar and Matthew had a small Coke. After finishing his drink we went outside and we had spotted that the Southbound #511 had not yet come past, so we crossed over the road and waited at the stop. A few minutes later another bus appeared. It was required Arriva Midlands 3699 on a #64 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3699 in Battlefield

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Southwards out of Battlefield down the A5112 and through Harlescott. At the roundabout we joined the Southbound A5191 and we ran into Shrewsbury town centre. We went under the railway line and we turned right onto the A458. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3756 going on layover.

Arriva Midlands 3756 in Shrewsbury bus station

We crossed over Raven Meadow and we went to look at the buses on layover. We saw Minsterley Motors YJ14 BBV between runs on the #435 service to Ludlow.

Minsterley Motors YJ14 BBV in Shrewsbury bus station

Whilst travelling down from Battlefield, I worked out that we could get another bus in by catching something heading out of town along Abbey Foregate. In the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2507 on a #8 to Sutton Hill.

Arriva Midlands 2507 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A458 and we went left onto Chester Street. We turned right onto Cross Street and right onto Castle Foregate and past the railway station. We headed up the hill past the castle and we turned left onto St Mary's Street. We continued down the hill and we veered left onto Wyle Cop. We crossed over the English Bridge and we went under the railway line onto Abbey Foregate. We headed out of town in a South Easterly direction and we decided to get up and get off the bus outside of the Shirehall. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2507 as it contnued towards Sutton Farm.

Arriva Midlands 2507 in Shrewsbury

Once off the bus we walked down to the Sainbury's store and we got some Toffee Crisp and a bottle of Coke. We paied for the shopping and we headed back outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Whilst we waitd for the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3693 on a #436 to Shrewsbury. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 3755 on a X5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3755 in Shrewsbury

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the roundabout and we took the A5064 Southwards towards the bypass.

Arriva Midlands 2503 in Telford bus station

Arriva Midlands 3785 in Telford bus station

Trip to Telford / Shrewsbury 12-10-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3793	Telford BS	Wellington BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3322	Wellington BS	Leegomery, Millstream Way	4	Arriva Midlands
3334	Leegomery, Millstream Way	Oakengates BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3752	Oakengates BS	Telford BS	5A	Arriva Midlands
2989	Telford BS	Shrewsbury BS	X5	Arriva Midlands
3692	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Telford. It had been quite a while since Matthew had been, and he had seen that I had to visit Telford the week before with work. Research consisted of checking the area of the Telford Arriva Day Saver and checking the weather which was for mainly dry weather with some cloud and showers. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we headed over the railway line into Trentham. We passed First Potteries 63177 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto the A34 and we headed North. At the next junction we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We turned left onto the A519 and we ran Southwards. We went under the A519 and we continued Southwards over the A51. We ran through Cotes Heath and we crossed over the West Coast main line at Mill Meece. We continued Southwards for another 3 miles or so and into Eccleshall. We turned right onto High Street and we parked up. We went to Star Cafe and Matthew visited the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage egg chips and beans with 2 rounds of bread and butter. He washed this down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to the car and continued towards Telford. We set off along the High Street and we turned left onto Kerry Lane. We turned left onto Shaws Lane and we turned right onto Cross Butts. We turned right onto Newport Road and we headed towards Wootton. As we headed South we passed D&G 170 on a #14 to Hanley. We continued Southwards through Woodseaves and towards Newport. On the edge of town we joined the Southbound A41 where we saw Stafford Grammar minibus YT17 BFX. Just to the South of Newport we joined the A518. We continued South through Lilleshall and Donnington and when we got to Trench Lock we turned left onto the A442. We went under the M54 and we came off the A442 near to Telford Central railway station. We turned right onto Hollinsgate and we accidentally turned left onto Dale Acre Way. After turned the car around we turned right onto Grange Central and We turned right onto Northfield Street. We turned left into the car park and we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back onto Northfield Street towards the bus station. As we crossed over by the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 3748 on a #5 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3748 in Telford bus station

On layover just inside the bus station was Arriva Midlands 3323.

Arriva Midlands 3323 in Telford bus station

We walked into the bus station and we looked for the toilet. The old entrance to the shopping centre so we walked up and down to try and find a way into the shopping centre. We went out of the bus station past a Costa Coffee and we saw and new entrance. The toilets were right by the entrance. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 3793 on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3793 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Telford Day Saver ticket at £4.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street and we turned left onto Grange Central. We ran forwards onto Hollingsgate and we crossed the A442 and we turned into the railway station. After stopping outside the station we returned back to the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A5. We turned left onto the B5061 and we ran West past Wickes and back over the A442. We joined Station Road and we ran North to Oakengates. Outside the railway station we Uxacona Way and we ran Northwards around the town centre and into the bus station. We left the bus station onto Uxacona Way and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Lions Street and we ran out of town and we joined the westbound B5061. We ran West for a couple of miles through Ketley and we went past the Telford United ground where we saw an unidentified York Pullman coach which was the York City team coach. We turned right onto Mill Bank and forwards onto King Street. We crossed the railway line and we turned right onto Victoria Road and we crossed back over the railway line. We then turned right into the bus station, a small terminus next to the railway station. We got off the bus and we had a quick wander around. We visited the toilet at the top end of the bus station and Matthew used the facilities. When we got back into the bus station we had a choice of 2 buses to do. Arriva Midlands 3330 was on a #4 to Madeley and Arriva Midlands 3322 was on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3322 in Wellington bus station

We decided to do Arriva Midlands 3322 and we waited for the driver to ready the bus for service. We got on the bus and we put the tickets under that scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto National Cycle Route 81 and we crossed over the railway line. We turned left onto King Street and we ran forwards onto Whitchurch Street. We turned right onto Apley Avenue and at the roundabout we went into the grounds of The Princess Royal Hospital. We ran through the hospital and we turned left onto Grainger Drive passing Arriva Midlands 3793 that we had been on a few minutes previously. At the roundabout we turned left onto Pool Farm Avenue. We turned right onto Leegate Avenue and we ran past Leegomery Pool. As we approached the roundabout we got up to get off the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3322 before we got off.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3322

Once off the bus we sat at the stop and Matthew a Crunchie from out of the trip bag. We had a 12 minute wait for the next bus on the circuit. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 3334 on a #4 to Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3334 in Leegomery

We got on the bus and we placed the Telford Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Leegate Avenue and at the roundabout we turned right onto Grainger Drive. We ran around the housing estate and at the roundabout we continued onto Grainger Avenue back on the main part of the route. We turned right onto The Princess Royal Hospital and we ran through the grounds. We ran forwards onto Apley Avenue and we turned left onto King Street. We turned right onto National Cycle Route 81 and we saw 24/7 Sovereign coach GXZ 4247. We turned into the bus station and we stopped in the bus station for a few minutes. We set off out off the bus station onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto King Street and we ran through town and onto the B5061. We ran East for a couple of miles and we ran into Oakengate. We turned left onto Hartshill and we ran into town. By the railway station we turned left onto Uxacona Way and around the North end of town before entering the bus station. We got off the bus Matthew took another picture Arriva Midlands 3334 before it continued onto Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3334 in Oakengates bus station

Once off the bus we walked into town and we visited the Co-operative food store. Matthew had a small can of Coke and a few chocolate bars. We paid for our stuff and we headed back to the bus station. We sat in the bus stop and Matthew had a Bounty whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands on a #5A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3752 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Telford Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew spotted Arriva Midlands 2989 on a X5 to Shrewsbury. As the bus service appears on the Telford area map I assumed it stopped somewhere with the area.

Arriva Midlands 2989 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Shrewsbury Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We knew we wouldn't be returning to Telford, so arranged with mum to meet us Harlescott. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column and we saw Arriva Midlands 2517 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate and as we approached the Abbey we saw Boulton's YJ04 GYP emerge from a car park on the West side of the road. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop and we passed Arriva Midlands 2980 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 2148 on a #19 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 2148 in Shrewsbury bus station

We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We then returned to the outside stops to take a few pictures. We saw Minsterley Motors YJ65 EVW arriving in town.

Minsterley Motors YJ65 EVW in Shrewsbury bus station

We stood by the #64 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Arriva Midlands 2500 on a #8 to Sutton Farm.

Arriva Midlands 2500 in Shrewsbury bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #436 to Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Shrewsbury bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #11 to Gains Park.

Arriva Midlands 2976 in Shrewsbury bus station

We looked up the time of the next #24 or #25 bus up to Harlescott. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #24 to Harlescott.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Shrewsbury Day Saver ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Arriva Midlands 3512 on a X70 to Oswestry. We set off of the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528 and we followed the one-way system under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto Newpark Road. We turned left onto Sultan Road and at the end we re-joined the Northbound A5191. We ran North to the roundabout and we turned right on the B5062. We turned left onto Featherbed Lane and right onto Alberbury Drive. We follwed the road through the estate and we turned right onto Featherbed Lane. We turned right onto Arlington Way and we crossed over the A5191 and we ran forwards onto road past the bus garage and Tesco. We stopped behind Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3692 before it returned on a #25 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Harlescott

Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3693 on a Park & Ride service.

Arriva Midlands 3693 in Harlescott

Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, but the toilet block by the Park & Ride was locked up. We got in the car and we drove to KFC. Matthew used the toilet but the KFC app didn't work in the store because there was no wifi! We got back in the car and we decided to drive up to Shawbury to get some chips. We set off out off the Park & Ride sight onto the Northbound A5112. We joined the Northbound A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We parked up and mum and Matthew went to the Co-operative food store and I went to the chip shop. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and I brought him sausage, chips and gravy. We met back up at the car and we continued our drive Northwards. As we ran up towards Market Drayton we passed an unidentified Alfa coach. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up towards Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we headed for Z Carz. We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus SJ61 OPK.

Z Carz SJ61 OPK in Longton

Also seen was Ex Arriva Healthcare FS1SF. We saw new to Z Carz Peugeot minibus YA13 AMK appears to have arrived at Z Carz recently.

Z Carz YA13 AMK in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road past the BP garage which the owners want to re-develop, and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. As we had already had chips in the car, latter on Matthew had a sausage roll and a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Northwich 30-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2616	Northwich Interchange	Northwich, Iron Bridge (SW-bound)	1	Arriva NW&W
2610	Northwich, Iron Bridge (NE-bound)	Northwich Interchange	1	Arriva NW&W
2515	Northwich Interchange	Wharton, nr Wharton Gardens	31	Arriva NW&W
4040	Wharton, opp Wharton Gardens	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W
3346	Northwich Interchange	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	37	Arriva NW&W
2516	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Northwich to try and ride on the last 2 Olympians that we hadn't been on before they are withdrawn from service. We checked the weather the night before and it was for cool cloudy weather around 6'. Matthew got up around 11:00 and he had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:15 and we headed to heron cross passing Lightning travel FD53 UNX on our way. We got onto the A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. When we reached the motorway it was a little slow so we decided to come off at the next junction and drive through Sandbach. This also gave us chance to see some buses on the #37 service as we went. Between Sandbach and Middlewich we passed one of the Ex Runcorn Cadets. It was Arriva NW&W 2516 on a Sandbach Short #37. We stopped at the country Kitchen food van for dinner and whilst we were there I saw a unidentified double decker heading to Crewe on a #37. I did consider waiting for the next northbound bus to come passed but I worked out it was going to be 2516 anyhow. We carried on up the A533 into Northwich and parked up. There were required Centros on the #37 and #29A but Matthew didn't fancy them. We also saw Network Warrington 60 on the #45 service.

Network Warrington 60 in Northwich

Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a look what was about to work. Unusually, there was also a Centro on the #1. It was unrequired Arriva NW&W 2616, but Matthew decided he wanted to do this anyway so he got a picture of 2616 before we boarded to bus.

Arriva NW&W 2616 in Northwich

We booked our Arriva Daysavers and sat down near the back. This is a bus we first had back in January when we had it around Leftwich on the #29A. We did the bus to the iron bridge as we do when we catch the #1 and we got off and got another picture.

Arriva NW&W 2616 by the iron bridge

We crossed the road to wait for the next inbound #1. We only had to wait a couple of minutes and required Arriva 2610 made an appearance. We got on and sat down near the back. The bus was nearly empty and the journey back was swift. When we reached Northwich Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2610

We got off and he also got a picture of the bus of the outside too.

Arriva NW&W 2610 in Northwich

We had a short wait for the next batch of services. We knew 2516 was on it's way up and was going to work an #29A soon. W then saw another ex Runcorn Cadet 2515 on the #31 service so we decided to do this. We also saw GHA YJ04 BVB on a #82 to Chester.

GHA YJ04 BVB in Northwich

After we got a picture of the GHA bus we got a picture of Arriva 2515 and then got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2515 in Northwich

We got on and as the bus was lightly loaded Matthew photographed the inside of the bus too

Inside Arriva NW&W 2515

We sat near the back and we set off at 14:15. The bus seemed really nice for a 55 reg bus. It was better than the 54 reg Cadets and better than the centros too. As we passed by Davenham we saw an as yet unidentified Northern Counties double decker. We thought that there was a 50% chance of being 3346 (forgetting there were 3 of these type) so we knew we had head back to Northwich. We carried on to Wharton Gardens where we knew both the #31 and #37 go along. We got off and then matthew got anothr picture of this fine bus.

Arriva NW&W 2515 near Wharton Gardens

We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. There was a #31 at 14:50 and the was a #37 at 15:01. We had a little picnic at the bus stop. We shared a Galaxy caramel and Matthew had a small bottle of cherryade. As we waited we saw a Pegasus Coaches coach J941 JWP which was on its way to Everton for the football match and it stopped in the distance. After a short while it approached and Matthew got a picture of it.

Pegasus Coaches J941 JWP near Wharton Gardens

14:50 came and went. There was a driver waiting for a driver change so we knew the bus was imminent. The bus arrived at 1458 and it was dud. As we waited to get on the bus we spotted a double decker in the distance. We thougt that it was proabably going to be on the #37 so we decided to turn down 2501. It turned out to be a good move as the bus was ALX400 DAF 4040. It was a bus that we had only done once before back in May 2012 to Nantwich. Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus as it was empty behind us when we got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4040

The run up to Northwich was swift, and as we pulled around the corner we could see a double decker waiting. The gamble had paid off, it was required Arriva 3346. We got off and then got a picture of 4040.

Arriva NW&W 4040 in Northwich

I asked the driver of 3346 if he was due off at 1530 and he was. This gave us 10 minutes to go to the toilet before coming back and getting a picture of 3346.

Arriva NW&W 3346 in Northwich

We got on and went upstairs. The driver said that these buses have around 2 weeks left before they were being replaced. Matthew also got his inside bus picture too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3346

We set off South and I asked Matthew where he wanted to end the day Sandbach or Northwich. Matthew chose Northwich so we decided to go just South of Middlewich on 3346 and then catch a bus back. We passed Olympian 3334 on a Northbound #31 and then we passed 4156 between Winsford and Middlewich. At this point we knew we would be returning on required Cadet 2516. We passed around the back of Middlewhich as there are still diversions on around town due to roadworks. As soon as we got back on route and to a place with stops both sides of the road we got of to wait for 2516. We only ad to wait about 2 minutes and 2516 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2516 South of Middlewich

The bus was empty when we got on and so Matthew got a picture inside too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2516

We set off north and in Winsford we saw 2608 on a #31, which means it must have swapped with 3334. Sure enough we passed 3334 just outside Winsford. We also passed 4040 coming south around the Brighton Belle pub. We got to Northwich a little after 17:10 and matthew got another picture of 2516.

Arriva NW&W 2516 in Northwich

We then walked back to car and we drove to the nearby Co-operative food store. We went around the shop and Matthew brought some Coca Cola and some Milky Ways and a chocolate Gateau. After paying for the shopping Matthew visited the toilet before we got back in the car. We drove home listening to the Everton Stoke game and Matthew ate a sausage roll. Everton took the lead after Mirales went passed a couple of stoke player and then beat Begovic! We traveled along the A556 and then onto the Southbound M6. We did this down to the A500 and to Longton on the A50. At Z carz tonight there were quite a few vehicles. At the back was LDV minibus YN03 HJC. First on the front row was coach V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Then was Iveco HX51 HRU.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

Next was minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row where there was a VW transporter DX55 WGE.

Z Carz DX55 WGE in Longton

We ten headed home down Longton Hall Road. We passed First Potteries 40015 on a #22 and in Blurton we saw First Potteries 53830 on a #23A.

First Potteries 53830 in Blurton

We got home around 19:00 and Matthew had a late a of battered burger and chips. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime around 12:00...Mark