Trip to Middleton / Manchester 02-04-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3060	Middleton BS	Manchester Shudehill	18	Go North West
4005	Manchester Shudehill	Prestwich, St Ann's Road	93	Go North West
3263	Prestwich, Red Lion	Manchester Shudehill	98	Go North West
40820	Manchester Shudehill	Salford, Rossall Way (stop G)	8	Rotala North West
6154	Salford Shopping Centre (Stop A)	Cheetham Shopping Centre (Stop K)	52	Go North West
37431	Cheetham Hill, Neighbourhood Centre	Higher Blackley, Victoria Avenue	59	First Manchester
19421	Higher Blackley, Glenbrook Road	Blackley, Old Market Street	156	Stagecoach Manchester
3267	Blackley, Charlestown Road	Middleton BS	17	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. Matthew had wanted to go further afield, but we decided to schedule that for another weekend when we have an overnight stay. I did no research for this trip, other than check the weather, which was for a cold but mainly sunny day. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum returned home from work and we got ready to go out. We set off just before 12:00 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. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we ran up towards the motorway we saw City Centre Central FE15 UAD and Tyrer's TYR 11R and another unidentified Tyrer's coach. We joined the M6 and we headed Northwards. On the M6 we saw at least 3 unidentified Tyrer's Coaches, an unidentified Travel Express coach and St Peters School (Wisbech) WA68 BFP. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards along the M62. When we got to the M60 we joined the clockwise carriageway and continued Eastwards. On the M60 we saw Marchant's C7 FCT (Cheltenham Town FC club coach).

Marchant's C7 TFC on the M60

Continuing along the M60 we saw a double decker coach in black and white Totenham Hostpurs colous and grey minibus J30 PDA. We cae off the M60 at junction 19 and we ran Northwards up the A576. When we came to the edge of town we turned left onto Limetree Road and we entered the car park above Middleton Shopping Centre. There was a bit of kerfuffle trying to park up as they were doing some work on one of the barriers. We ended up going to a different park of the car park that was one-way. The exit barrier at the end was closed and out of action so we had to turn around and go back the wrong way. The guy running the intercom was very unhelpful to say the least! We eventually got back around to the shops area and we parked up. Once we had parked up we visited the toilet before exiting the shopping centre to look for a cafe to eat. The old van under the ledge by the bus station had gone and the substation was just closing as we got there. We walked up Manchester New Road and we stopped at Midddleton cafe. It was at this point we discovered that Internet wasn't working on my phone. I tethered my phone to mu's so that we were able to carry on looking at things. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went outside and we said goodbye to mum before heading off down Manchester New Road towards the bus station. We decided to have a walk around the outside to take a few pictures before we caught a bus. We continued along Park Road and Middleton Way and we saw Go North West 3007 on a #17 to Manchester.

Go North West 3007 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5001 on a #415 to Oldham.

Go North West 5001 in Middleton bus station

Another vehicle seen was Go North West 5001 on a #18 to Manchester.

Go North West 3060 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked around and into the bus station. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only day tickets at £6.40 each before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Middleton Way and we turned right onto the A664. We crossed over the M60 and we ran through Blackley. We continued though Harpurhey and Collyhurst. We crossed the railway line and we were now into new territory. As we approached Manchester we saw Flixbus BV67 JZH parked up to the left on a side street. We continued for another few hundred yards and we turned right into Shudehill Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around as we decided what to catch next. We sat down and Matthew had a Crunchie. We decided to go Northwards as we had done two weeks ago, so we waited for a bus off the top stand A few minutes later we saw Go North West 4005 on a #93 to Prestwich Tesco.

Go North West 4005 in Manchester Shudehill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned right onto Shudehill. We continued onto Withy Grove and we turned right onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto Todd Street and we continued onto Victoria Station Approach. We ran past the front of Victoria Railway statio along Hunts Bank and we turned left onto Victoria Street. We ran along Chapel Street and we turned right under the railway line onto Blackfriars Road. We continued Northwards out fo the city centre and we crossed over the A6042. We continued Northwards up the A6041 and we continued forwards onto the A5066. We crossed over the river Irwell and we turned left onto Lower Broughton Road. The road turned to the right and we headed Northwards alongside the River Irwell. We turned left onto the A576 and we turned right onto Littleton Road. We crossed the Irwell and we continued Northwards. We turned right onto Moor Land and left onto Kersal Road. We turned right onto Hilton Land and left onto Butterstile Lane. We turned left at the roundabout onto Venwood Road and we turned left onto Woodwards Road. We turned left onto Kershaw Avenue and right onto Carr Avenue At the end we re-joined Buttersile Lane and continued Northwards. We continuned to the end of the Lane and we joined the Northbound A56. As we were approaching Prestwich we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4005 as it continued towards Prestwich Tesco.

Go North West 4005 in Prestwich

Once off the bus we headed Northwards towards the centre of the village. We spotted a pub across the road and Matthew indicated that he needed to toilet so we crossed the road and we went to the Red Lion. After using the toilet Matthew sat at the bar and had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished we went outside and we joined uncle Dave. We walked a few yards to the Southbound bus stop and we waited for a bus. Whilst we waited we saw Go North West 3205 on a #98 to Bury.

Go North West 3205 in Prestwich

A minute or so later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3263 on a #98 to Manchester Shudehill.

Go North West 3263 in Prestwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstais and sat down. We set off Southwards down the A56 and we continued through Sedgeley park. We turned right onto Great Clowes Street and we stopped at the Murray Street stop to await time. A minute or so later we headed Southwards over the A576 and past Albert Park. We now joined the part of the route we did in the opposite direction 2 weeks ago. We crossed the Irwell and we continued Southwards into Manchester along Blackfriars Road. When we got into the centre of Manchester we hit traffic. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto Chapel Street. We ran forwards onto Victoria Street and we turned right into Hunts Bank. We turned right onto Victoria Station Approch and onto Todd Street where we saw Ausden Clark BIG 9828 & BIG 9834. Coming the other way was McLeans S90 ASM. We veered left onto Withy Grove and forwards onto Shudehill before turned left inti Shudehill Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to Shudehill where we saw Go North West 3107 arriving on a #97 to Bury.

Go North West 3107 in Manchester Shudehill

We decided to head out towards Salford. We had seen the #8 on the top stand on previous visits, so I checked that it went via Salford and it did. A few minutes later we saw Rotala Diamond North West 80420 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40820 in Manchester Shudehill

We crossed over the exit and we entered the bus station. We waited for the bus to be readied for service. When the bus was was ready we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstais and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Shudehill. We continued onto Withy Grove and past the Printworks. We turned right onto Corporation Street and we turned left onto Todd Street. We continued onto Victoria Station Approach and around the corner onto Hunts Bank. We turned left onto Chapel Street and we crossed the Irwell. We turned left onto Victoria Bridge Street and we crossed over the Irwell again. We went past a building site where a concrete building was being demolished and turned right into Deansgate. We turned right into Bridge Street and we crossed over the Irwell again. We were in traffic and we were passed by white minibus Y611 AKV going the other way. We went under the railway line by Salford Central railway station. and we turned left onto Chapel Street. We continued onto the A6 and we ran past Salford Crescent. We continued Westwards to the roundabout by the police station and we pulled up outside of Salford Shopping Centre. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Diuamond North West 40820 as it continued towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40820 in Salford

We decided to go Eastwards around the top of Manchester to head back towards Middleton. To do this we were going to catch a #52 to Cheetham Hill. We walked around the corner and down to stop A where the #52 departs from. When we got there we saw Rotala Diamond 20054 on a #74 to Agecroft.

Rotala Diamond 20054 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw an approching bus. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 6154 on a #52 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 6154 in Salford

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Hankinson Way and we crossed over the A6 onto the A576. We turned right onto Langley Road South and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Douglas Green and we turned right onto Gerald Road. At the roundabout we rejoined the Eastbound A576. We crossed over the Irwell and we ran past Albert Park where we boarded a #52 in the opposite direction two weeks previously. We crossed over Great Clowes Street and we ran into new territory. We continued Eastwards over the A56 and we veered left to continue following the A576. We ran past Mandley Park and we continued to the North end of Cheetham Hill and the junction of the A665. We turned right onto the A665 and we ran through the main part of Cheetham Hill. We turned left onto Thomas Street and we started to go around the Tesco car park until we got to the bus stop where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 6154 before it Continued to Failsworth.

Go North West 6154 in Cheetham Hill

Once of the bus we walked back along Thomas Street and we walked Southwards down the A665. We walked down to the junction of Woodlands Road and we crossed over the A665 to catch a bus back North towards Middleton. We didn't have to wait long before we could se a First Manchester bus approaching in the distance from the South. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 37431 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37431 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards up the A665. This weas a bus that we first had from Heap Bridge to Bury on a #163 back in November 2013. We turned right onto the A576 and we ran Northwards. We ran under the tram line to Bury and we past Bowker Vale tram stop. As Matthen had been excellent today, I asked him if he wanted to break the journey and get few extra buses in, to which he agreed. A quick bit of research revealed that there was a #156 to Manchester from around the corner in about 20 minutes. As we approached the junction with Victoria Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37431 as it continued Northwards towards Oldham.

First Manchester 37431 in Higher Blackley

We watched First Manchester 37431 go off into the distance and we had around 20 minutes to do a few hundred yards around the corner to the bus stop we needed. We crossed over the very busy and complex junction of the A576 and Victoria Avenue onto the North side of Victoria avenus and we crossed over the Victoria Avenue Bridge over the River Irk. We continued a few hundred yards Eastwards and we crossed over Glenbrook Road and we got to the bus stop. We sill had around 10 minutes so Matthew had a can of orange Fanta whilst we waited for the bus. After about 10 minutes chatting to a lovely local lady, we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 19421 on a #156 to manchester Shudehill as we had seen on the bustimes.org bus map.

Stagecoach Manchester 19421 in Higher Blackley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Eastwards and we ran up past Tweedle Hill. We turned right onto Plant Hill Road and we ran past the Manchester Co-operative Academy where one of the Manchester Bee's is situated. At the end we turned left onto Chapel Lane and right onto Mill Brow. We ran forwards onto Delaunays Road and we ran down to the North Manchester General Hospital. We turned right into Crumpsall Way and we stopped at the NMGH bus terminal. After a short wait we turned right onto Delaunays Road and we headed back Northwards. We followed the road to the right onto Mill Brow and we ran forwards onto Old Market Street. We turned right into Slack Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Grant Close and forwards onto Old Market Street. We turned right onto Old Middleton Street and we saw Go North West 3267 above us on the A664. We climbed up some steps onto the A664 and Matthew got a picture of Go North West 3267 before we got on it.

Go North West 3267 in Blackley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards up the A664 and we went towards Blackley. As we waited at the crossroad we saw Anderson Travel WJ19 HPZ going Southwards. We crossed the M60 and we ran up the hill through Alkrington. We crested the hill and we ran down towards Middleton. When we got to the roundabout we ran forwards onto Park Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the outside of the bus station. We saw First Manchester 37552 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37552 in Middleton bus station

We walked around to the other side and we saw Go North West 6161 ona #41 to Sale.

Go North West 6161 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 10848 on a #112 to Manchester Piccadilly.

Stagecoach Manchester 10848 in Middleton bus station

Once we had finished taking pictures we tried to get into the shopping cente through the East entrance. This had been locked off, so we walked back around to the South Entrance and up the stairs to the top floor. We met up with mum and we went back to the car. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and mum went to pay for the parking. We decided to go to Tesco to use the toilet before we headed back homewards. We came out of the car oark and we foolishly turned right onto Limetrees Road. We continued onto Factory Street and turned left onto Wood Street. We turned right onto Eastway and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way! We turned right onto Oldham Road and right onto Park Road before entering Tesco. Had we turned left out of the car park it would have been about 1/4 of the distance! We parked up and Matthew went into tesco and used the facilities. When we had finished we set off out of Tesco onto Oldham Road and we headed North Eastwards. We past our intended chip shiop and we continued towards Mills Hill railway station. When we realised we had missed it we turned into a side street and we headed back Westwards. We turned right into Hilton Fold Lane. We turned right onto Norman Street and we parked up at the back of the chip shop. I went back onto Oldham Road and I got the food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We set off up Norman Street and turned around. We turned left onto Hilton Fold Lane and right onto Oldham Road. We ran back into Middleton and we joined the Southbound A576. We ran the 2 or so miles back to the motorway and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. We ran around the North side of Manchester and we came off at junction 12 onto the Westbound M62. We continued Westwards for around 10 miles until we reached the M6, where we joined the Southbound Side. We crossed the Manchester Ship canal and we continued through Cheshire. Travelling back along the M6 we saw Selwyn's Travel (NX) BD65 JFA(#550) / BV19 XSA(#540), an unidentified blue and yellow coach & silver minibus SG63 KGF. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we headed Southwards. We ran through Longport and Stoke and we veered left onto Wheildon Road. We went under the railway line and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards drank some of uncle Rob's pop. 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 we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 we got back to Blurton around 20:30. 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 00:30... Mark

Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 27-02-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3003	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
67430	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
67424	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
67408	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
37431	Oldham, Lord Street	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	184	First Manchester
33687	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	Oldham BS	84	First Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out to re-visit Middleton. The long-running ‘fire and rehire’ dispute between bus drivers at Go North West and their bosses escalated further over the weekend, with the announcement staff would be staging indefinite strike action. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63096 in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60. We came off the M60 onto the Northbound A576 and we ran the 2 or so mile into Middle town centre. We ran forwards onto Limetrees Road and we turned right into the car park. Once we had parked up we walked through the shopping centre to the toilets at the other end. Once we had finished in the shopping centre we went down the stairs and out and round the corner to the food van on the pavement opposite to the bus station. we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw First Manchester 37470 on a #59 to Manchester. We walked back to the toilet and it was still occupied. We decided to catch a bus to another local town with a bus station so that we find another toilet. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3003 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud First Manchester 67430. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 67430 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1616 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67424 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road. We turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 67408 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 44189 on layover. We went back to the other part of the bus station and we saw Go North West 4006 on a #415 to Middleton. Whilst we decided what to do next Matthew had a Milky Way washed down with a small bottle of cola. We saw that there was #184 to Uppermill due in a few minutes. we walked up West Street and the nearest toilet was in The Spindles shopping centre. and we turned the corner and went up a floor and the toilet where at the near end. We continued through the Market Place and forwards onto Yorkshire Street. A few minutes later we saw it approaching and it was required First Manchester 37431 on a #184 to Huddersfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Yorkshire Street. We continued through the Mumps. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto the A62. We turned right onto Soho Street. We turned left into Greenacres Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We ran forwards onto Dunham Street. We turned right onto Stamford Road. We headed through Lees. We joined St John Street. we went across onto Elliott Street. We turned left into High Street. We ran through Springhead. We turned into the A669. We ran down into Grotton. We ran through Grasscroft. We continued into Uppermill. we went onto the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to High Street. We stopped at the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Coke and some chocolate bar. We crossed over the road and we headed to the bus stop. We waited for a bus back to Oldham. Matthew also ate one of his milky Way bars. We went back down to the bus stop and we saw First Manchester 69529 on a #350 to Ashton. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 33687 on a #184 to Oldham. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down High Street. We ran through Grasscroft. We ran down into Grotton. We turned into the A669. We ran through Springhead. We ran onto the High Street. We turned right onto Elliott Street. We joined St John Street. We headed through Lees. we went across onto Stamford Road. We turned left into Stamford Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We turned left into the A62. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. We continued through the Mumps. We continued onto Union Street. We turned right onto Greaves Street. We turned right onto Yorkshire Street. We turned left into St Mary's Way. we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Manchester 37428 on a #57 to Shaw. Once off the bus we waited for mum to arrive and we took a few more bus pictures. We saw required First Manchester 33657 on a #409 to Ashton. Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along St Mary's Way. We turned left into Rochdale Road. We turned right onto Middleton Road. We went under Oldham Way and we ran forwards around a mile into Chadderton. We continued forwards into Mills Hill and we went under the railway line. We ran the last mile or so into Middleton and we ran past the bus station. we ran Westwards towards the A576. We ran the 2 or so miles down to the M60 and we joined the clockwise carriageway. We ran South around Manchester and through Stockport. We came off the M60 and we went along the Handforth by-pass down to Wilmslow. We past near to Alderley Edge and and over Monks Heath crossroad. We continued Southwards through capesthorne and we ran to the West of Congleton town centre and through Talke down to the A500. At Talke we got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longtport and Etruria into Stoke. WE came off the A500 in Stoke onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up City Road onto Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by a a slice of chocolate gateau and custard. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back 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.

Trip to Middleton / Cheetham Hill 05-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37282	Middleton BS‎‎	Harpurhey, Harpurhey Rd	18	First Manchester
63148	Harpurhey, ‎‎Pleasant St	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	53	First Manchester
36075	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Miles Platting, Whitley Road	57	Stagecoach Manchester
66868	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	17	First Manchester
30935	Middleton BS‎‎	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Road/Seymour Road (Stop H)	59	First Manchester
37553	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester
37442	Middleton BS‎‎	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	17	First Manchester
37431	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	163	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. I had checked the weather for today and it appeared that the weather was going to be better North of Manchester. than it would be throughout the Midlands. As such we gave Matthew a list of places from the North West and from the list Matthew chose Middleton. What we did not check was the roads... Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we ran onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We turned right onto the A500 and we travelled North up to Shelton. We were on our way to Shelton new Road when the car died and cut out whilst on LPG. We got the car started again on Petrol. We decided to divert to a petrol station instead of filling up with gas so we carried on along Shelton New Road to Snow Hill. We went up Broad Street and we tuned left onto the clockwise ring road where we saw National Express liveried The Travellers Choice FN63 PXB on a #333 to Bournemouth. We stopped at Tesco and we filled up with petrol. Once we had filled up we ran down to Etruria Road and then onto the Westbound A53. In Etruria we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We travelled North to the M6 and we hit a little bit of traffic. As we got on the M6 traffic seemed to be moving well and we got to the first matrix sign that said M^ Junction 19-20 closed... Mum checked the Internet only to that there had been an accident and road closure. The first sign said junction 19 was 20 minutes away, when we got to the next one it said 200 minutes away! As we travelled North was saw an unidentified Bostocks Neoplan doubled decker coach and an unidentified Ava Coaches coach. We decided to come off at junction 18 and go cross country. The Sat Nav on mum's phone was trying to take us Westwards on the A54, but logically as we were going North East of Manchester it made sense to me to go East to the A34 and then North to the M60. We travelled Eastwards along the A54, and as we were sat in traffic we put the gas back on. We passed to the South of Holmes Chapel before going north Eastwards up the A535. We passed through Twemlow Green and then we kept seeing signs the the A535 was closed ahead due to roadworks. As we got to Jodderll bank we saw signs that the road was closed but other cars were turning left so we assumed they knew where they were going. We ran Westwards to Blackden and then we re-joined the A535 further North. At Chelford we ran Eastwards along the A537 to Monks Heath. We turned left onto Bollington lane and then we got to the A34 and we ran Northwards. Traffic was now free flowing and we got onto the Alderley Edge by-pass. We continued up the A34 bypassing Wilmslow and Handforth. There were some steep hills so we decided to switchback to petrol for the rest of the journey. We ran north to the M60 and we got onto the anti-clockwise carriageway. As we headed towards Stockport we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37146 going the other way round. We ran through Stockport and we headed North ans as we we passed near to Ashton-under-Lyme we started to turn Westwards. We ran around to junction 19 and we came of the M60 onto the Northbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into town and we attempted to park by MacDonalds but the spaces were not only full but the were car and taxis doubled parked and trying to turn and go out onto Limetrees Road. We went on top of the shopping centre and it took a while to park there as 1/2 the car park had been shut. We eventually parked up around 14:15! We went into the shopping centre and then we headed to the toilets. After using the facilities we went down to ground level and we walked out to the bus station and the cafe on the pavement opposite to it. On the corner stand was required Stagecoach Manchester 10863 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10863 in Middleton bus station

We stopped for dinner at the pavement cafe and the sun was quite warm. Matthew had a sausage and eggs barm with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we left her to pay whilst we went of towards the bus station. Before we entered the bus station we saw First Manchester 37469 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37469 in Middleton bus station

We also saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We went around to the other side of the bus station and we spotted required First Manchester 37282 on a #18 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do the bus so we got on and we brought System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club' with the mosaic of Bernard Manning on he side! We decided to go another couple of stops South and then get off the bus. We got up and got off opposite to the Kebab King. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37282 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Harpurhey

Once off the bus we walked Southwards down the road to the traffic lights. We crossed over the road and we were going to go further South to the next stop. We saw a bus approaching so we decided to go North as the bus stop was closer. I flagged the bus down and Matthew took a picture of required First Manchester 63148 on the #53 to Cheetham Hill

First Manchester 63148 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran North through Harpurhey and into Blackley. As we veered left onto Old Market Street we wet into familiar territory. We guessed we were towards the North Manchester General Hospital. We asked Matthew if he wanted to go to the hospital or Cheetham Hill and Matthew chose the hospital. We ran forwards onto Delaunays Road and then we turned left into the hospital. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 63148 before it carried on towards Cheetham Hill.

First Manchester 63148 outside the NMGH

We crossed over the road to get get a picture of required Stagecoach Manchester 36075 which was on a #57 service to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 outside the NMGH

We also saw required First Manchester 66855 on a #42 to Manchester. We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10858 on a #156 to Middleton.

Stagecoach Manchester 10858 outside the NMGH

We decided to do the Stagecoach Manchester 36075 so we got on it and flashed the System One ticket to the driver. Matthew took a picture inside and then we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 36075

We set off onto Delaunays Road and we went eastwards towards Blackley. We turned right onto Lion Street and we went Southwards. We went forwards onto Slack Road and forwards again onto Waterloo Street. We continued onto Hazelbottom Road and at the end we turned left onto Smedley Road. We turned left onto the A6010 and we ran Eastwards for around 1/4 of a mile until we got to the A664. We turned right to go South and travelled for around another 1/2 mile. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 36075 as it carried on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 in Miles Platting

Right behind us was required Stagecoach Manchester 10853 on a #118 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10853 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road to catch a bus Northwards back towards Middleton. A few minutes later required First Manchester 66868 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 66868 in Miles Platting

We decided to do this bus so we flagged it down. We got on the bud and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated he wanted to go to the toilet. On the way to the toilet we saw dud First Manchester 42941 on layover in between #415's to Oldham.

First Manchester 42941 in Middleton bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet I saw a First Manchester ALX400 pull up on stand. Matthew finished in the toilet and we walked over to discover that the bus was required First Manchester 30935 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 30935 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 30935

We set off out of the bus station and we turned onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another First Manchester 30935 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Cheetham Hill

Once off the road we went into Kashmir Mart world food shop. We brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars and then we went back outside. As we came back out of the shop we saw First Manchester 30945 heading Northwards on a #59 service. We crossed the road and we just missed a bus on a #163 to Bury. We decided to sit at the bus stop and wait for the next #59. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Vimto and a chocolate bar. Whilst we were at the bus we saw Stotts MX60 BWZ on a #151 to Hollinwood.

Stotts MX60 BWZ in Cheetham Hill

A few minutes later the bus to Middleton appeared. It was dud First Manchester 37553 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37553 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37553 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. We continued North Eastwards past Bowker Vale tram stop and to the East of Heaton Park. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station. Once in Middleton bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the bus driver. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club'. We then continued Southwards down the A664 crossed over Queens Road. We got back into familiar territory so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37442 as it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road and we waited at the bus stop for a bus back towards Middleton. As we waited we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10849 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10849 in Miles Platting

We also saw First Manchester 67419 on a #81A to Manchester.

First Manchester 67419 in Miles Platting

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was dud First Manchester 37431 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37431 in Miles Platting

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had one last walk around the bus station to see what was about before we returned to the car. We saw required First Manchester 60274 on a #58 to Oldham.

First Manchester 60274 in Middleton bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Manchester 10848 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10848 in Middleton bus station

We walked outside onto the main road whilst we waited for mum to arrive and we saw First Manchester 39207 on a #18 to Langley.

First Manchester 39207 in Middleton bus station

We walked across the the police station and mum pulled up outside. We got in the car and there were sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru waiting for Matthew. We set off onto the A664 and we ran up the hill and down towards Blackley. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and as we joined up with the M62 we saw Rigby's coach RIG 1083. We continued along the M60 and then took the Westbound M62. We carried on Westwards for a few miles and then we took the Southbound M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw and unidentified AVA Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at the A500 and we ran Southwards through Stoke. At Sideway we went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. We went to Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening. In the front row was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Nearest in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked in to compound today. In the compound we saw Z Carz Renault minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Last bus in the compound was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

It appears that Z Carz may have brought the field behind the shed and are extending the depot so they don't have to park the buses on the spare ground. We turned around and ran down Edensor Road. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and we ran to the end. We went past a new building which appears to being built by the old Somerfield supermarket. We joined the A5035 towards Longton and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We stopped at the Longton Fisheries chip shop to pick up tea. Matthew decided to visit the bookmakers next door to use the toilet. We picked up the food and we ran along the A5035 through Dresden into Blurton. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out at home and uploaded pictures and did some of the Blog. Matthew chilled out om the computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark