Trip to Wigan / Standish 26-10-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4107	Wigan BS	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	605	Go North West
4020	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	Wigan BS	606	Go North West
4109	Wigan BS	Standish Police Station	632	Go North West
4105	Standish Police Station	Wigan BS	632	Go North West
40761	Wigan BS	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	132	Rotala Diamond
40728	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	Hindley, Waverley Road	132	Rotala Diamond
3408	Hindley, Council Offices	Wigan BS	607	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go on Friday night and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton 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. We saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. Traffic was moving quite slowly as we headed up to the M6. As we got on the M6 we saw Excelsior 14 carrying Southampton fans to their away fixture at Man City.

Excelsior 14 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw an unidentified Keepings midicoach, an unidentified Chandlers coach, an unidentified Masons coach, an unidentified Whittle coach, an unidentified Just Go! coach, unidentified National Express liveried coaches on #121 and #540 and an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus on a M82 service. We came off the M6 at junction and we joined the A49. We followed the road to the edge of town and we ran forwards onto the A577. We crossed the big roundabout and we crossed ovrt the Leeds and LIverpool canal before turning left onto Wilcock Street. We stopped for dinner and we headed into a cafe. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had an English Breakfast washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished we went to the counter and Matthew had a slice of Bakewell cake to take away. We got in the car and Matthew started to eat his cake. We set off along Wilcocks Streetand we turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the railway bridge. We turned right into Deanery Court and left into Richmond Street. We turned left into the car park and we could not find a space. We came out of the car park and we turned left onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Ricmond Street and right onto Hallgate. We parked up and we put an hour on the car. We said goodbye to mum and we saw Go North West 4030 on layover.

Go North West 4030 in Wigan

We walked into the bus station and we took a few pictures, We saw Go North West 4107 on a #605 Beech Hill circular.

Go North West 4107 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. When he had finished he came out and we decided to do Go North West 4107 on the #605 Beech Hillcircular service. We got on the bus and we purchased Bee Network any bus day tickets at £5.00 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Northern end of the bus station and we turned left onto Frog Lane and we turned left onto the B5375. We travelled Northwards for a while and turned left onto Springfield Road. We turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue and we turned right onto Shaftesbury Street we ran forwards onto Acacia Crescent and we turned right onto Gidlow Lane and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into The Shop. Matthew had a bottle of Coke and a flake. We went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for the bus. Matthew ate his flake whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Go North West 4020 on a #606 Beech Circular.

Go North West 4020 in Beech Hill

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This was a bus that we last had on the #53 from Ordsall to Salford back in March 2023. The bus set off along Gillow Lane and we turned left onto Acacia Crescent. We ran forwards onto Shaftsbury Street and we turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue. We turned right onto Springfield Road past new school. We turned left onto Woodhouse Lane and we crossed over Frog Lane. We turned right and entered the bus station from the Northern end and got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to the end to take a few pictures whilst we decided what to catch next. We saw Arriva NW&W 4587 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4587 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 30673 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre

Rotala Diamond 30673 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Go North West 4109 on a #632 to Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus so we headed ibnto the bus station. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Market Street and we ran forwards onto the B5375. We turned right onto Mesnes Street and we ran forwards onto Crompton Street. We turned left onto the A49. We ran down through Swinley and into Marylebone. We continued down through to Lower Standish. We ran through Standish and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4109 as it continued towards Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Standish

There were a couple of pubs near to where we got off, we decided to cross over the road and visit The Globe. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we had a 1/2 of Coke each and Matthew made friends with the bar staff. We sat at a table and had our drinks. When we had finished we said goodbye and we headed outside to uncle Dave. The bus stpop was a short walk away so we headed to the bus stop. There were a few people waiting so we knew there was a bus due. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Go North West 4105 on a #632 to Wigan.

Go North West 4105 in Standish

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down the A49 we ran through Lower Standish and down the hill towards Marylebone. We ran up the hill into Swinley and we continued up to Wigan. We turned right into Crompton Street and we ran forwards onto Mesnes Street. We turned left onto the B5375 ans we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off the bus. We headed outside again to take a few more pictures. We saw Go North West 3435 on a #610 to Leigh.

Go North West 3435 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4600 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4600 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station whilst we decided what to catch. We saw a bus on stand on the #132. As we got closer we saw it was required Rotala Diamond 40761 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street. We turned left into Wallgate and then right into Library Street. We turned Left onto Millgate and we crossed over the A49 before turning left onto Warrington Lane. We passed Lidl and we turned left onto Darlington Street East. We headed through Ince and we carried on into Hindley. We paused at the main stop for a minute or so before we along Atherton Road. We headed into Hindley Green where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40761 before it continued on towards The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Hindley Green

We crossed over the road and we got to Tesco and Matthew sat down on the wall. He wanted to go inside so we headed into the shop and Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a twirl duo. We walked along the road to the bus stop and Matthew ate the Twirl. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Rotala Diamond 40728 on a #132 to Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley Green

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. This was a bus we first had on a #8 from Bolton to Salford back in september 2021. We set and the bus went West along Atherton Road and through Hindley. We decided to break the journey to get another bus in so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40728 before it continued on towards Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley

Once off the bus we walked back a stop to the centre of Hindley. We waited for a bus back to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bua approaching from around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3408 on a #607 to Wigan.

Go North West 3408 in Hindley

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off along the A577 and we crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took a few pictures whilst we waited for mum to appear. We saw Arriva NW&W 4585 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4585 in Wigan bus station

We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. I accidentally turned left onto King Street West so I followed the one-way system onto Crawford Street and back around onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we stopped at a chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Cherry Coke. After we had eaten our food we set off along the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Malbank minibus, an unidentified Brethertons coach and an unidentified Just Go! coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Birkenhead / West Kirby 29-02-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4531	Birkenhead BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	437	Arriva NW&W
27776	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	Heswall BS	22	Stagecoach Merseyside
36816	Heswall BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	22	Stagecoach Merseyside
27898	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	Moreton, Knutsford Road	413	Stagecoach Merseyside
2953	Moreton, Knutsford Road	New Brighton, Marine Promenade Adj Rowson Street	414	Arriva NW&W
2599	New Brighton, Morrisons (Stop B)	Birkenhead BS	411	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Birkenhead. Matthew had originally chosen to go to Southport this weekend, but during the week he changed his mind and decided to go to Birkenhead instead. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around 11:30 We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive a and we stopped to pick up a friend. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran up to Heron Cross. we joined the Westbound A50. We ran up to Sideway and we turned left onto the Southbound A500. As we travelled down the A500 we saw silver minibus BEZ 5791. We got on the M6 at junction 15 and we headed Northwards. Seen on the M6 were A2B B18 MGL, an unidentified Lakeside tri-axle, 2 x unidentified Swans (Chadderton) unbranded on side, white tri-axle coach YT19 ???. We ran past junction 17 and the site of the new petrol station and McDonalds. We continued Northwards up the M6 and we saw Travel De Courcey MD38 (#540), Unidentified black and silver coach 'Beat The ?', Edwards BV67 JYC(#528), unidentified white midi coach with blue roof, an unidentified white coach black roof, and Llew Jones LJ67 LLJ (#375). We came off the M6 at junction 20 and we joined the Westbound M56. Seen on the M56 were an unidentified Selwyn's coach, an unidentified Woodstones coach and biege minibus MK09 CYP. Seen on the M53 were West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ69 ECX / YJ69 ECZ / YJ69 EBX and silver minibus BF15 JYG. We came off the M53 at junction 3 and we turned right onto the A552. We ran up towards town, and we veered left onto Woodchurch Road. We turned right onto Balls Road East and we re-joined the A552. We turned left onto Whetstone Lane and right on to Claughton Road. we ran into the centre of town and we parked up by the bus station. Once out of the car we spotted Arriva NW&W 2908 on a #413 to Seaconmbe.

Arriva NW&W 2908 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked into the market and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked into the indoor part of the market hall and we went to Kev's Cafe. For dinner Matthew had a sausage sandwich washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we waited for the food to be prepared I walked to the travel office in the bus station and I purchased All Area Saveaway tickets at £5.50 each. My old Walrus cards didn't work so they were replaced by new Metro ones. Once we had finished eating we walked into the bus station and we took a few pictures whilst we waited for a bus to West Kirby. We saw Arriva NW&W 4518 on a #407 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4518 in Birkenhead bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 4531 on a #437 to West Kirby.

Arriva NW&W 4531 in Birkenhead bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked down the bus station and got on the bus. We placed the Metro passes on the ticket machine and we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Conway Street. We ran North Westwards out of town and past the end of Dale Street near to Birkenhead Park railway station. We continued onto Laird Street past the Arriva depot and we turned left onto Mallby Street. We turned right onto Park Road North and we ran through Claughton. We continued onto Upton Road and we crossed over the M53 near to Upton railway station. We turned right onto Ford Road and into Upton town centre. We continued out of the other side onto Old Greasby Road and forwards onto the B5139. We turned left onto Greasby Road and we ran through the village before re-joining the B5139. We continued through Frankby and Newtown and we ran forwards onto Greenbank Road. We past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and the bus emptied out. Matthew took a picture inside Inside Arriva NW&W 4531 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4531

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we took a few pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 4520 on a #437 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4520 in West Kirby

We crossed back over the road and we visited the library in order for Matthew to use the toilet. After we had been to the facilities we walked back to the bus stop and we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 on a #22 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 in West Kirby

We got on and we put the Metro cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A540 and we turned left onto Orrysdale Road. We ran forwards onto Anglesey Road and we turned sharp right by West Kirby football club. We ran along Greenbank Road and forwards onto the B5139. We passed through Newton and Frankby and we turned right onto Greasby Road. We ran through Greasby Road and forwards onto Arrow Road. We ran forwards onto Arrowe Brook Road before turning right onto the A551. We turnbed right into Arrowe park hospital and we stopped briefly before continuing South through Thingwall. We continued Southwards through Pensby and into Heswall. We turned left onto the A540 and left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 as it continued towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 in Heswall bus station

As we stood at the bus station we looked to see if there were any buses on the local bus map. We spotted that Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 was on it's way into Heswall on a #22 to West Kirby. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he agreed. As we walked up to the top end of the bus station the bus pull in and came on Stand. Matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 before we got on it.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 in Heswall bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the Northbound A540 and we turned right onto the B5138. We ran past the Harvest Mouse with it's windmill and we turned left onto Irby Road. We turned right onto Thingwall Road and left onto Mill Hill Road. We ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we turned left onto Greasby Road. We turned left onto Frankby Road. We continued Westwards along the B5139 and we saw Selwyn's 147 parked up in a school. We continued onto Greenbank Road and we past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the road and we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. We went outside and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 on a #38 to the Croft Retail Park.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 in West Kirby

We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up the Northbound A540 and we continued up to Hoylake. We followed the road through Meols and over the railway line. We continued into Moreton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 before it continued on towards Croft Retail Park.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 in Moreton

Once off the bus we visited Tesco Express. Matthew brought a small can of Coke and a few chocolate bars. When we had finished we went out to the bus stop to wait for a bus back Eastwards. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 3180 on a on a #413 to Birkenhead Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 3180 in Moreton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2953 on a #414 to New Brighton. We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A553 and we continued to the other end of Moreton. We turned left onto Reeds Lane and we ran past Leasowe railway station. We turned right onto Birket Avenue and left onto Castleway South. We turned right onto Twickenham Drive and we ran forwards onto Gardenside. We turned right onto Leasowe Road and we headed Eastwards. We turned right onto Breck Road and left onto Wallasey Road. We ran into Liscard and we turned left onto Seaview Road. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant Road and left onto Seabank Road. We ran forwards onto Rowson Street and left onto King's Parade where we got up an got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we visited Morrison's. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards went to the cafe. He had a slice of Victoria Sponge washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we walked outside to wait for a bus back towards Birkenhead. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2599 on a #411 to Birkenhead.

Arriva NW&W 2599 in New Brighton

We got on the bus and we place the Metro ticket on the scanner for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along King's Parade and we turned right onto Rowson Street. We ran forwards onto Seabank Road. We continued Southwards and we ran forwards onto King Street. We ran forwards onto Brighton Street and we turned left onto Church Road. We ran into the Seacombe Ferry terminal and we came back out again. We turned left onto Birkenhead Road and we ran Southwards. At the roundabout we turned left onto Canning Street. We continued onto Tower Road and we turned left onto Canning Street. We veered Left onto Hamilton Street and we enter the Birkenhead Woodside terminal. After a brief stop we headed onto Argyle Street. We ran past Hamilton Square and at the roundabout we turned right onto Conway Street. We veered left and we entered Birkenhead bus station. Once off the bus we had a walk around and we took a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 2545 on a #410 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked to the East end of the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 4107 on a #464 to New Ferry.

Arriva NW&W 4107 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked back to the other end of the bus station and we met up with mum and her friend at the car. We got in the car and mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park onto Claughton Road and we turned left onto the A5029. We turned right onto the A552 and we ran Westwards to the motorway. We joined the Southbound M53 and we joined the Eastbound M56. was an unidentified white minibus, Arvonia MX13 XGV and an unidentified silver minibus. Sen on the M6 were Suffolk Norse FJ59 CBU and Travel De Courcey MD27(#325) A500 to the A519. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we joined the Southbound A34. We turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the railway into Blurton and forwards into Dresden. We went to Longton to check out what was parked at Z Carz this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground again and we turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Ford minibus DC12 KNG in the corner of the yard. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Crewe / Nantwich 30-05-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4163	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4100	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2612	Crewe BS	Winsford, opp Asda	31A	Arriva NW&W
2611	Winsford, opp Siddon Street	Crewe BS	31	Arriva NW&W
4169	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4163	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit Crewe. We had checked the weather for the North West and the Midlands and it was for dry and cool weather with some sunny intervals. We had a slight crack in the windscreen of the car and it couldn't be replaced until Monday, so we gave Matthew a list of places nearby. From the list Matthew chose Crewe. Since our last visit there had been a few Darts arriving at Winsford depot from Bolton, plus there were a couple of Plaxton President double deckers on loan at Winsford for the half term holidays. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had some toast and orange juice fro breakfast. We set off just after 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned onto Stanley Matthews Way and and down past the Britannia Stadium where there appeared to be some kind of event taking place. We went West on the A50 and then Northwards up the A500. At Wolstanton we passed ABC Supreme YX03 JVZ going Southwards. We crossed under the M6 and carried on along the single carriageway section of the A500 until we got to the Crewe turning. We turned right onto the A5020 and we followed the road right to the edge of town before turning left onto the A534 and passing the railway station. We turned right onto Edleston Road for the final run into town. Just before we got there we passed required Arriva NW&W 4163 on a #84 to Nantwich. We turned left into Delamere Street and we passed the bus station. We wound our way around the one way street and we parked in Asda car park this time. We walked through the car park to the shopping edge of town and we went into Vernon's fish bar for dinner. We looked across at the bus station and we could see an Arriva double decker was parked up as spare bus. After using the toilet Matthew had sausage chips and beans with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. When it was time to go we walked into the bus station and we saw what we were hoping to see, Arriva NW&W 4163 had returned and was about to the next #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 4163 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva North West day tickets at £5 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4163.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4163

We sat down in the middle of the top deck and we waited for depature time. We noticed that the spare bus had swapped and was now a Plaxton Centro double decker. The bus set off out of the bus station Southwards onto Delamere Street. We carried on going South on Edleston Street. As we travlled down edleston Street we passed Beeline Taxis PN52 HUY going the other way. We turned right onto the A534 and we headed out of town. We passed through Wells Green and we turned left onto Willaston Road. We turned right into Coppice Road before rejoining the A534. We crossd the nantwich bypass and we carried on into town along the B5338. When we got to the edge of Nantwich we went North and around town until we got to the bus station on the A530. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road to get a better picture of Arriva NW&W 4163.

Arriva NW&W 4163 in Nantwich bus station

There was quite a lot of activity in the bus station when we arrived. D&G Cadet 125 was on a #6 service to Nantwich Millfields.

D&G 125 in Nantwich bus station

There were a few GHA buses too. GHA's new Solo SR 1202 was on a #39 to Crewe.

GHA 1202 in Nantwich bus station

Also in the bus station was another on of their new Solo SR's, GHA 1203.

GHA 1203 in Nantwich bus station

Whilst we were there we also saw GHA Solo YJ59 GHG arrive and go on layover.

GHA YJ59 GHG in Nantwich bus station

We walked into town and we went to the toilet. After we had finished there we headed back into the market and Matthew had some spearmint chews. We carried on walking back to the bus station. matthew sat down and had a Milky Way and then dud Arriva NW&W double decker 4104 came into the bus station on a #84 to Chester

Arriva NW&W 4104 in Nantwich bus station

A minute or so later the Crewe bound service appeared in the hands of dud Arriva NW&W 4100.

Arriva NW&W 4100 in Nantwich bus station

As both buses were dud we decided to head back towards Crewe to give us a greater choice of buses we could do. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and he rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4100.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4100

The bus set off onto the A530 and we wheeled around the North East corner of town before going Eastwards on the B5338. We crossed back over the Nantwich bypass and we headed East on the A534. We then headed into Willaston village along Coppice Road before turning left onto Willaston Road. We rejoined the A534 for the run into Crewe. We turned left into Edleston Road for the run Northwards into the town centre before turning left into Delamere Street, entering the bus station from the South. When we got back into to Crewe we considered which bus to do next. D&G 183 was on the on the #6 to Leighton hospital.

D&G 183 in Crewe bus station

We walked down the row of buses in the bus station taking pictures. We then stood on the end of the bus station and we took a few more pictures. On a #3 service we saw dud First Potteries Volvo 66962.

First Potteries 66962 in Crewe bus station

GHA have some new buses operating their #42 service to Congleton via Leighton Hospital and Middlewhich. We saw GHA Enviro 200 1407.

GHA 1407 in Crewe bus station

We then saw dud Arriva NW&W 2612 come in on a #37 service. It was about to work out on a #31A to Winsford, so we decided to do this bus.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. It was the first time we had done this service between Crewe and Winsford so it was a bit of an adventure! The bus set off North out of the bus station and we wound our way through the streets towards Leighton Hospital. At the hospital there was a small bus station and there were a few buses there including D&G 183 on a #6, First Potteries 66303 on a #3 to Newcastle and GHA 1407 again on a the #42 to Congleton. We left the bus station area and we crossed the A530 at Bradfield Green before we continues up to Church Minshull crossing the Shropshire Union canal and the river Weaver. We continued North through the centre of Cheshire, Darnhall. We came into town along Beeston drive and we stopped opposite the shopping centre outside Witherspoons. We got up to get off and Matthew photographed the inside of the now empty Arriva NW&W 2612.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2612

Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 2612 as it carried to its next turn.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Winsford

We saw the bus turned right onto the A54. There were a few buses parked up there. On bus pulled off before we got there but the other two were Arriva NW&W 2612 which was now on the #37 to Crewe and Arriva NW&W 2610 which was about to work a #29 to Northwich. Across the road we saw required Arriva NW&W 2615 went passed on the other side of the road. Another Plaxton Centro also appeared and stopped on the opposite side of the road. So we crossed under the road in the subway and we came out and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2611 on a #31 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 2611 in Winsford

We decided to do the bus anyway so we got on and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off West up the A54 before turning left into the housing estate and heading back South through Darnhall. Somewhere between Darnall and Church Minshull we passed Northwich Travel minibus Y743 DDA coming the other way. We passed through Church Minshull and just before we crossed the A530 to go towards the hospital, we saw that the bus in front of us was empty.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2611

At the hospital this time we saw D&G 124, GHA 1406 on the #42 to Congleton and required Arriva NW&W 2608 on the #31A to Winsford. We headed back through the estate passing an Arriva Solo SR on the #6 to Leighton Hospital. When we got back to the bus station there was Plaxton President in the bus station. It was required Arriva NW&W 4169.

Arriva NW&W 4169 in Crewe bus station

It was going to work the next #84 to Chester, but it wasn't departure time so we had a look around the bus station to see what was about. Next to Arriva NW&W 4169 was dud Arriva NW&W 4489 on the #38 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 4489 in Crewe bus station

Also in the bus station was First Potteries 66838 on the #3 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 66838 in Crewe bus station

The driver came to the bus and readied Arriva NW&W 4169 for service. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4169.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4169

The bus set off out of the Southern end of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we turhedn right onto Edleston Street. As we left the bus station we passed Arriva NW&W 2609 on the #84 from Nantwich. At the other end of Edleston Street we turned right onto the A534 and we went Westwards along the road for a few miles until we got to Willaston. We turned left on Willaston Road to go into the village before going fight onto Coppice Road and we then rejoined the A534. We crossed the Nantwich bypass and we headed into town we rounded the North end of town and we turned into the bus station from the A530. We got up and got off the bus and once again we went across the road to get a better picture of Arriva NW&W 4169 as we had done earlier with Arriva NW&W 4163.

Arriva NW&W 4169 in Nantwich bus station

Also in the bus station was GHA Solo SR 1201.

GHA 1201 in Nantwich bus station

Behind this was standard GHA Solo YJ59 GHF.

GHA YJ59 GHF in Nantwich bus station

We decided to walk into town to use the toilet by the market. We walked into the market which had been packed up and when we got to the toilet it was closed! It shuts at 16:30 apparently. There were a couple of gentleman tidying up the yard area so we asked where there was another toilet. One of the gentlemen kindly opened up the toilet so that Matthew could use it. Once Matthew had finished with thanked the gentleman and we walked to the chip shop and brought a portion of chips between us and 3 cans of pop. We walked back to the bus station and we ate the chips. Matthew had a can of Coke and I had a can of Pepsi. We let Arriva NW&W 2609 go which was on the #84 to Crewe having worked in from Crewe on the short turn. We saw D&G 103 on a #1A to Crewe and also parked up was GHA solo SR 1204.

GHA 1204 in Nantwich bus station

The Chester bound #84 came into the bus station as it should do, and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4102.

Arriva NW&W 4102 in Nantwich bus station

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and it was a Plaxton President double decker. It was dud Arriva NW&W 4163 which we had earlier, which had switched from doing the #84 shorts to Nantwich, to doing a trip to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4163 in Nantwich bus station

We got on this bus again and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today and we went upstairs. The bus was a little fuller than we had been on earlier, which is understandable for the time of day. It didn't matter as we had already got a picture inside this bus earlier. The bus set off around the town and onto the B5338. As we approached the Nantwich bypass we saw David Brown of Willaston's Iveco minibus BX56 MVA in a pub car park which appeared to be on wedding duties! We crossed the bypass and and we entered Willaston village along Coppice Road and we rejoined the A534 off Willaston Road. When we got into town we made the left turn into Edleston Street behind required Arriva NW&W 2608 which was on a #37. When we got to the bus station there was just time to get a picture of Arriva NW&W 2608 before we headed back to the car.

Arriva NW&W 2608 in Crewe bus station

We walked out of the bus station and mum had parked up on Victoria street outside Wetherspoons so we didn't have to walk as far back. Matthew said hello to a lady outside the pub and we got into the car. Mum had got Greggs sausage rolls for us and Matthew washed his down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We wound our way through the Streets in and we came out on Edleston Street. We headed onto the A534 and we went past the railway station before turning right onto the A5020. we ran out of town for a few miles before we joined the A500 and we went East. After we crossed under the A500 we followed Anytime Airports PY07 NHT South as it had come of the M6. When we got to Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton so that we could check out what was parked up at Z Carz today. First in the row was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next to the Mercedes minibus S952 VMY was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

Next to the Ford minibus GL04 CVE was another Ford minibus PY08 KDX, Z Carz PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

At the back were another couple of minibuses. Next to the Fords minibus BN03 OVS was another Mercedes minibus, Z Carz CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Finally, last in the row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was there. There was only one vehicle, Z Carz Renault traffic DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We headed back onto A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. Unusually we passed through Blurton without seeing another bus. We got home around 18:40. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:15... Mark