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 Wolverhampton / West Bromwich 27-04-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4333	Wolverhampton BS	Dudley BS	82	NX West Midlands
21224	Dudley BS	West Bromwich BS	74A	Rotala Diamond
4259	West Bromwich BS	Pheasey, Hillingford Avenue	5	NX West Midlands
6730	Pheasey, Hillingford Avenue	Aldridge, Opp Shopping Centre	997	NX West Midlands
6715	Aldridge, Adj Shopping Centre	Walsall St Pauls BS	7	NX West Midlands
6772	Walsall St Pauls BS	Wolverhampton BS	529	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Wolverhampton. Mum was going to Wolverhampton an a night out with friends and as we hadn't been there for a while we decided to go to Wolverhampton for our bus trip too. We did no research for the trip other than to check the weather. The forecast was for rain showers as the back end of Hurricane Hannah passed over the UK. Matthew got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. mum came home from work around 10:45. After getting ready we set off onto the A5035 just after 12:00. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we ran to the end before joining the Northbound A34. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we ran up to the A519. We turned right onto the A519 before joining Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw an unidentified grey coach, and unidentified white coach, 2 x unidentified The Travellers Choice coaches, an unidentified National Express liveried coach (#590), white minibus NA14 FSU, an unidentified Ellison's coach & blue minibus DE54 NSS. Just after junction 13 as we got to the 4 lane section, we were passed by Edwards coach BN63 NYW.

Edwards BN63 NYW on the M6

We continued down towards junction 12. We left the M6 and we turned left onto the A5. We ran towards Cannock and we stopped at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we continued towards Wolverhampton. We set off Westwards along the A5 and we re-joined the Southbound M6 and we passed an unidentified Eavesway coach going the other way. We came off at junction 13 and we ran Southwards down the A460. We ran down to the A460 and we joined the Westbound M54. We ran to the next junction before we joined the Southbound A449. We ran for approximately 3 mile to the edge of town and we turned left onto onto the ring road and we ran around to the A41 roundabout. We turned right onto Bilston Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We turned right onto Queen Street and at the end we turned right onto Pipers Row. We turned right into Tower Street and we stopped briefly to get out of the car. We said goodbye to mum and we walked across Pipers Row and into the bus station. We had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw Travel De Courcey's National express liveried coach MD28 on a #210 from Gatwick Airport.

Travel De Courcey MD28 in Wolverhampton bus station

We carried on around the bus station and we spotted National Express West Midlands 4333 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 4333 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and brought nBus Star Day tickets at £4.20 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4333.

Inside NX West Midlands 4333

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Pipers Row. We cross over the Bilston Island onto the A454 and we headed Eastwards out of town. We turned left onto Old Heath Road and we headed into Moseley We turned right onto Deansfield Road and right onto Deans Road. We re-joined the A454 for a short while before turning right into Moseley Road. We ran through Portobello before turning right onto Willenhall Road. We ran to the end and we turned left into the A41 in the centre of Bilston. We turned right into Hall Street and then we entered Bilton Interchange. Across the road we saw Bilston Radio Cars minibus RO08 KBJ near to their base. After a brief stop in Bilston Interchange, we went Southwards onto the A41. We turned right onto Loxdale Street and over the tram line, going forwards onto Salop Street. We trundled through undulating housing estates full of near identical semi-detached houses and we went over the railway into Coseley. We stopped in the village briefly and we crossed a dual carriageway and we went through a small village called Roseville and we travelled South again through yet another housing estate of semi-detached houses. Eventually we joined a main road and we went South-Westwards into Dudley town centre. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. We had a quick walk around to we what we could catch. We saw Travel De Courcey National Express liveried coach MD38 on a #420 to London.

Travel De Courcey MD38 in Dudley bus station

As we considered what to do we spotted Rotala Diamond Mellor bodied minibus 21224 go on layover.

Rotala Diamond 21224 in Dudley bus station

We spotted that it was about to work a #74A to West Bromwich so we decided to do this bus. A few minutes later the bus pulled onto it's stand and we flashed the nBus Star day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and along Birmingham Street and we crossed over B4171 onto Hall Street. We ran through the Kate's hill estate and we ran up Watsons Green Road and left onto Highfield Road. We turned right onto Corporation Road and left onto Burn's Lane. We turned left onto the A4123 and right onto Burnt Tree. We ran through Dudley Port and under the railway line near to the station. We turned right into John's lane and we ran through the small estate to the South of the A461 before re-joining the main road. We continued Eastwards and we saw Philips minibus YK18 GXM. We turned right into Great Bridge Street and afterwards left into Asda. We ran around the Asda car park and to the bus stop before turning left onto Great Bridge Street. We turned right onto Charles Street and at the end we turned right onto Pheonix Street. We ran forwards onto the B4166 and we turned left onto Albion Road. We turned left onto Brandon Way and we crossed Greets Green Road onto Claypit Lane. We turned right onto Turner Street and left onto Harwood Street. We turned right onto Baker Street and left onto Dartmouth Street. We turned right onto High Street and right onto St Michael Street past the bus station. We turned left onto West Bromwich Ringway and we entered the bus station from the South side. Once off the bus we took a few pictures. We saw National Express West Midlands 4244 on layover in the bus station.

NX West Midlands 4244 in West Bromwich bus station

We went to the toilet and we looked for a bus that we could catch to go North or East. As we headed back to the stands to buses in that direct Matthew spotted required National Express West Midlands 4259 on a #5 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 4259 in West Bromwich bus station

We decided to do that bus so we waited for the driver to ready the bus for service. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Star tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the West Bromwich Ringway and right onto St Michaels Street. We ran past the college and we crossed over the A41 on All Saints Way. The road turned to the right and we ran out into a more open route before crossing over the M5 we continued Eastwards for around a mile and into Great Barr. After crossing the A34 we went under the M6 and up the hill into Pheasey. The bus turned left at the roundabout and we got up and got off the bus. once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted to visit a shop. We brought a can of Cherry Coke and a few chocolate bars and Matthew also had a raspberry flavoured slushie. Once we had paid for the stuff we walked back to the stop on Beacon Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw National Express West Midlands 4275 on a #5 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4275 in Pheasey

Whilst we waited Matthew had his slushie as well as the can of Cherry Coke. He also ate a Milky Way. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. It was required National Express West Midlands 6730 on a #997 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6730 in Pheasey

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Star Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture of the inside of National Express West Midlands 6730 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 6730

We set off up Beacon Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto Collingwood Drive. We turned left onto Hillingford Avenue and forwards onto Frampton Way. We turned right onto Doe Bank Lane and at the end we turned left onto the A4041. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Aldridge Road. We turned left onto the B4151 and at the next roundabout at at the next roundabout we turned right onto the B4154. We ran Northwards for around 1/4 of a mile and we turned left onto Barr Common Road. At the next junction we veered right onto Birmingham Road up to Pool Green. We turned right onto the A454 and we turned right into Portland Road. We veered left onto Anchor Road and we stopped in Aldridge town centre where we got up and got off the bus. once off the bus we crossed over an stood at the stop for a Walsall bound bus. Matthew turned down required National Express West Midlands 4603 on a #7A to Walsall and decided he wanted to go to the toilet. We headed off to the pub and Matthew sued the facilities. Afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we headed outside and we met up with uncle Dave again. We saw required National Express West Midlands 4601 on a #7A to Castleford and a few minutes later we saw National Express West Midlands 6715 on a #7 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6715 in Aldridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Star Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture of the inside of National Express West Midlands 6715 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 6715

We set off along Anchor Road and we ran forwards onto Portland Road. We turned left onto the A454 and we ran South-Westwards towards Walsall. It had now gone dark and was hard to see the passing buses. After a couple of miles we turned left onto the A461 and we headed Southwards. We crossed the A4148 and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Bridge Street and into the centre of town and we ran around the South side of the bus station and entered the bus station from the West side. When we got into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around and we took a few bus pictures before we caught the bus to Wolverhampton. We walked onto Hatherton Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 3740 on layover in between runs on the #3 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Walsall

We stood at the entrance of the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 6772 on a #529 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 6772 in Walsall bus station

We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and we waited for the bus to be readied for service. Once the bus was ready we got on the bus bus we flashed the nBus Star Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran past the Crown Wharf shopping centre along Wolverhampton Street. We ran forwards on to the A454 and we ran the 1/2 mile or so to the motorway. We crossed the M6 and we ran forwards onto the B4464. We ran through Willenhall and we re-joined the A454 near to Portobello. We ran the last couple of miles into Wolverhampton and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road at Bilston Island and we entered the bus station off the ring road. Once off the bus we headed outside the bus station for mum to pick us up. Mum arrived and we got in the car where she had sausage rolls waiting for us and a can of Irn Bru. We headed around the one way system and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran around to the A41 and we ran out of town to the hotel where mum way staying for the night. Once we had dropped her off we set off onto Albert Road. We turned left onto Clifford Street and we ran forwards onto Hunter Street. We turned left onto Hordem Road and right onto Aldersley Road. We ran up to Oxley and we joined the Northbound A449. We stopped at a petrol station and whilst there we saw AT Brown coach P27 ATB. We continued Northwards up the A449 under the M54 and a few miles North we turned right onto the A5. At the roundabout we joined the Northbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. As we travelled Northwards we saw an unidentified Plymouth City Coaches coach, an unidentified P&D Coaches coach, an unidentified Eagle's of Bristol coach, Target Travel P4 FTC, an unidentified Dan's Luxury Travel coach, an unidentified white coach and an unidentified silver Tri axle coach. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we ran Northwards up the A500 to Sideway. We turned right at the roundabout and we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we ran up to Z Carz to see what we could see. There was nothing on the spare ground as expected so we turned left onto Willow Row. In the corner of the yards was Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

Also in the yard was Z Carz minibus Peugeot YJ62 LSX.

Z Carz YJ62 LSX in Longton

Another vehicle seen in the yard was Z Carz SORN minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:45. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by 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 Cannock / Rugeley 23-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3718	Cannock BS	Hednesford BS	26	Arriva Midlands
2748	Hednesford BS	Cannock BS	19	Arriva Midlands
3740	Cannock BS	Penkridge, Opp Crown Bridge	75	Arriva Midlands
3721	Penkridge, Adj Crown Bridge	Cannock BS	75	Arriva Midlands
3702	Cannock BS	Rugeley BS	70	Arriva Midlands
2736	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	70	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Cannock. We check the weather for the North West and Midlands, and it was for mild cloudy weather until around 17:00 when rain was due to move in from the West. We gave Matthew a choice of destination from the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Cannock Hi, thanks for this blog, i was having trouble finding out whether the 154 was national express west midlands or arriva, many thanks, cheers!. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and strawberry juice. We set off a fraction before 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We went over thr raiway line into Trentham and we conrinued down to the A34 where we went North. Turning left at Whitmore Road We then joined the A519 for a few hundred yards before going onto the South bound M6. Travelling down the M6 we saw several national Express coaches going Northwards... One of these was Selwyns YN10 FKP. We also saw a silver mini coach Passenger Plus+ with black and orange decals. We came off the M6 at the A5 and we went Eastwards to to Southern end of Cannock. We then we into town up the final Km or so along the A4601. At the top of the ringway we turned into the Multi-storey car park and we parked on the roof in one of the long stay spaces. Once we had parked up we went down to the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet. We carried on through the shopping centre and we went to the The Copper Kettle cafe which overlooks the bus station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst eating we saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 on the #25 Pye Green circular and national Express west Midlands 851 which was on the relatively new #154 service from Hednesford to Wolverhampton. We also saw plain white coach Happy Days Coaches H1 HDC arrive to pick up West Brom fans for their home match against Aston Villa. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked down to the bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw required Arriva Midlands 3721 on the #75 to Stafford and required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 Cannock outer circular service.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Cannock bus station

We also saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 now on the #26 Pye Green circular.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Cannock bus station

We asked Matthew which of the buses he wanted to do and he chose Arriva Midlands 3718. We decided we were going to do this bus up to Hednesford. We got on the bus and we booked a Midlands Day Saver ticket for £6.20. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town eastwards and onto the A4601. We traveled North Eastwards parallel to the railway line before we turned left onto Crab Lane. We turned right onto Moss Road before we joined the main road, turning right onto Cannock Road. We crossed the roundabout and we continued North for another few hundred yards before we turned right onto Market Street and then left into Victoria Street where we decided to get up an off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3718.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Hednesford bus station

We checked the timetable and we saw that there was a #19 service due in a few minutes followed by a #70 to Rugeley. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 850 arriving on the #154 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 850 in Hednesford bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 outer Cannock circular.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Hednesford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down to the roundabout and we turned around and headed back up Victoria Street. We turned left onto Market Street and then right onto Anglesey Street. At the end we turned left onto Stafford lane and we went across the roundabouts over the A460. We carried on Hill Stree and we traveled South for a round a thousand yards before we turned left into Langholm Drive. We wound trough the estate up to Wimblebury and we came back South onto Hednesford Road down Bank Street. On Hednesford Road we took the second left and went down Gorsemoor Road. We turned right onto Meadow Way and we went North up to and into Tesco. After turning around in Tesco we went South down Heath Way and right onto the A5190. At the A460 we turned right and headed South. After a few hundred yards we turned left into the Orbital Retail Park. We whizzed around the park and we came back onto the A460 further South. We joined the main road Junction to the South East of town where we saw an engineering train on the railway above. We then headed bcak into town up the A34 and along the Ringway before coming into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2748.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2748

We had a bit of a walk around now to see what buses were about We saw Arriva Midlands 3308 on a #1 service to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3308 in Cannock bus station

Coming into the bus station running out of service we saw required Arriva Midlands 2741.

Arriva Midlands 2741 in Cannock bus station

A bus came and parked up outside the bus station in the layby for bus parking. It was required Social Travel Dart Social Travel Y338 FJN on layover between runs on the #74 to Stafford.

Social Travel Y338 FJN in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3740 arrive about to work the next #75 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3740 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3740

We decided we were going to do the bus up to Penkridge. We set off out of the bus station and we traveled North up the A34. We went through Huntington and when we got to the edge of Cannock Chase we turned right onto Pottal Pool Road. We went West for a couple of miles and we crossed over the M6. We turned left into a housing estate and we went along Wolgarston Way. We turned right onto Vale Gardens and then forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left into Francis Green Lane and the we paused for a few second to wait time. We then went left onto New Road and right onto Wolverhampton Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3740 before it carried on towards Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Penkridge

The bus back to Cannock was due in just a few minutes. We crossed the road and we tried the toilet which was locked. Almost immediately the bus turned up and it was required Arriva Midlands 3721.

Arriva Midlands 3721 in Penkridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Southwards down Wolverhampton Road and we turned left into New Road. We whizzed around the estate and back onto Cannock Road. We carried on straight onto Pottal Pool Road and we went right onto the A34. We headed South through Huntington and down into town. When we got into Cannock bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3721.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3721

We were going to go to the toilet. On the way we stopped to photograph Select Bus Services Dart 1 which was on the #67 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus Services 1 in Cannock bus station

We walked into the shopping centre and Matthew used the facilities. After we had finished we walked back into the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw required Arriva Midlands 4201 come in on the #74 service and then go on layover.

Arriva Midlands 4201 in Cannock bus station

We also saw National Express West Midlands 853 on the #154 to Hednesford.

NX West Midlands 853 in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3702 on the #70 to Rugeley.

Arriva Midlands 3702 in Cannock bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited for the bus to start loading. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set out of the bus station and went North out of town onto Brunswick Road. At the end of Brunswick Road we turned right onto Old Fallow Road. At the double roundabout we veered left onto Huntington Terrace Road at the end of the road we turned right onto Belt Street. We joined onto Cannock Road and we headed North up to Market Street. We turned left onto Victoria Street and we stopped briefly in the bus station area. We joined the Northbound A460 and we continued for around 5 miles before going into Queensway. We whizzed around a small estate and we came back out of Queensway before continuing up the A460 into town. At the main roundabout we went straight ahead into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3702.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3702

As we came into the bus station we noticed a minibus parked up. We got off the bus and we walked over to the minibus which was William's Coaches MX08 NCA.

William's Coaches MX08 NCA in Rugeley bus station

We decided to got to the toilet straight away. The tardis toilet was closed so we walked over to the Burger King/Subway across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we purchased a couple of medium portions of fries from Burger King.We walked back across to the bus station and we sat down and ate the fries between the three of us. Afterwards we walked into the market and we purchased £1's worth of pick and mix from the sweet stall. Back outside we saw required Arriva Midlands 2745 on the R1 free Tesco bus service.

Arriva Midlands 2745 in Rugeley bus station

We decided to go back across the road and visit the petrol station to get a few supply to stock up the trip bag. Matthew had a can of Coke and and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid for the things we crossed back over the road. Back in the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 3757 on a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3757 in Rugeley bus station

A few minutes later the next #70 service to Wolverhampton cam into the bus station. It was required Arriva Midlands 2736.

Arriva Midlands 2736 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today. The bus sat in the bus station awaiting time. When it was time we set off out of the bus station and straight onto the A460. We turned left onto Queensway and we and we whizzed around the estate before returning onto the A460. We traveled South for 5 miles and we entered to up Victoria Street. We passed through the bus station and we joined the Southbound Cannock Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Belt Street. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road. At the double roundabout we veered right onto Old Farrow Road and we turned left onto Brunswick Road. We came into town and we entered the bus station. The bus emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2736.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2736

When we got back into the bus station mum was waiting for us. We walked through the shopping centre and matthew visited the toilets. We went down the escalator and out of the shopping centre and across to the stairs for the car park. We climbed the stairs and mum was waiting for us as she had taken the lift. Once we got out of the car we drove out of the the car park and we went West on the Ringway. At the roundabout we did a 180' and went back East on the Ringway and the we went down the A34. As we did the #19 earlier in the day we had seen a Sainsbury petrol station selling diesel at 97.7p. At the big roundabout we went North up the A460 and into the Orbital Retail Park and we stopped for some Diesel. Once we had toppd up we went back to the big roundabout and we joined the Westbound A460. We traveled West for a couple of miles before joining the Northbound M6. It was now raining quite hard and we drove up to junction 15 of the M6 before taking the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton, where we came off to check out what was at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz X599 WDY

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Closest minibus in the second row was Z Carz FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

At the back of the site we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. At the front of the compound we saw Z Carz YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Y569 DSF.

Z Carz Y569 DSF in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross where we left the A50 and we went onto Blurton Road. We traveled up through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road before turning right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out until bedtime around 01:00... Mark