Trip to Leicester / Loughborough 22-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4566	Leicester, (Stop CM)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	84	Arriva Midlands
4432	Leicester, St Margarets BS	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	127	Arriva Midlands
4554	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	Loughborough, stop FA	127	Arriva Midlands
4760	Loughborough, stop FA	Shepshed, Bullring	127	Arriva Midlands
3106	Shepshed, Bullring	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	16	Arriva Midlands
4434	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	127	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. In the week Matthew had suggested nthat we go to Loughborough, to which I said it might be better to go to Leicester and travel up son that there would be more for mum to do whilst we were on the bus. Matthew agreed to this. Research consisted of looking at the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. We also looked at the Arriva tickets that we could buy. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:20 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:50 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and right onto Emsworth Road. We returned to the house to check the door was locked and afterwards we ran through Blurton and onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto 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 by SAS BT 15 NLE. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. Passing former EWS locomotive 60078 on the back of a Reids Truck parked up in a holding area. 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. It was quite warm and sunny so we sat outside on a bench. 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 Southbound M1. Whilst travelling down the M1 we saw Skills (NX) BV73 ZTT(#450), white coach BK15 AJU, blue minibus YR60 LHM, an unidentified RML Routemaster and Travel Xpress RE22 ETT. We came off the motorway onto the A50 and we headed through Groby into Leicester the last 7 or so miles. We turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned we did the flyover and we ran onto St Matthews Way. We turned left onto Humberstone Road and we did a u turn just after the railway bridge. We went back along St Matthews Way and we turned left onto Gelgrave Gate. We ran forwards onto Haymarket and we we went into the car park. After we had parked up we said goodbye to mum and we went down the stairs into the shopping centre. We came out onto Charles Street and we headed into the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we ha a walk around to see what we could see. In the bus station was First Leicester 63567 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell.

First Leicester 63567 in Leicester bus station

We continued down Charles Street to see what was in the bus station. As we walked down Charles Street we saw First Leicester 36615 on a #54 to the Beaumont Leys Centre.

First Leicester 36615 in Leicester bus station

At the other end of the bus station we saw First Leicester 63550 on a #38A Nether Hall circular.

First Leicester 63550 in Leicester bus station

We planned to catch a bus from Charles Street down to the St Margarets bus station. Walking back up Charles Street we saw Centebus 775 on a #20 to Blackmore Drive.

Centebus 775 in Leicester bus station

As we walked up Charles Street we could see a #84 service at the bus stop. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4566 on a #84 to St Margaret's bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4566 in Leicester

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off along Charles Street and we ran through the bus station. We ran forwards onto Abbey Street and we entered the bus station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled onto the stand and we got up and got off the bus. We looked at the departure board and we saw there was a departure in 3 minutes from stand SC at the other end of the bus station. We had a brisk walk and we spotted the bus on stand. As we approached the stand we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4432 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Gravel Street. We turned right on Abbey Street and left onto Belgrave Gate. We crossed over the ring road and we headed North Eastwards up the A607. We started to go along the Golden Mile before we turned left onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards for just under a mile and we crossed over the A563 and joined the Northbound A6. We ran through Birstall where we saw West Yorkshire Travel BX14 OMP. We continued past the park and ride site and we crossed over the A46. We turned left towards a housing estate and we tured right onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards into Rothley and we turned left onto Helifields Lane. The road turned leftwards to head North and we ran forwards onto North Street. We continued Northwards onto Mountsorrel Lane and we continued onto Rothley Road. We turned right onto The Green and at the roundabout we turned left onto. Loughborough Road. We passed the Buttermarket we reached the Southernmost point that we reached on out trip to Loughborough back in January 2022. We continued Northwards out of Market Place and we ran Northwards through Quorn. We decided to get off and go to a pub so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4432 before it continued Northwards towards Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Quorn

Once the bus had departed we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small bottle of Coke with some ice in a glass, When we had finished our drinks we headed out to the bus stop and met up with uncle Dave. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 4400 on a #127 to Leicester. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4554 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the Northbound A6 and we headed into the centre of Loughborough. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right into Baxter Gate. After a brief stop we set off along Baxter Gate and we rejoined the Northbound A6. We ran around town to Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 4554 which sat at the bus stop for a few minutes awaiting time.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Loughborough

We headed up the step and we spotted a cafe. Matthew had a slice of red velvet cake washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. We met up with uncle Dave and we went back down the step to the bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before the bus appeared. As it approached the stop we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4760 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. After a short wait for time, the bus set off along the A6 and we turned left onto The Rushes and right onto Derby Square. We ran forwads onto the A512 and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the Northbound A6004. We turned left onto Alan Moss Road and right onto Garendon Road. We turned right onto Garendon Gardens and we ran forwards onto Blackbrook Road. We turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Old Ashby Road. We ran to the end and we joined the Westbound A512. We crossed over the M1 and we continued Westwards. We turned right onto Leicester Road and we ran into Shepshed. We went forwards onto Kirkhill and onto the roundabout in the centre of town where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4760 before it returned on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Shepshed

We set off on foot onto Queen Street and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Hall Croft. We visited the Hall Croft Tap and we had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks Matthew used the toilet. We walked back along Hall Croft and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Queen Street. We sat in the space behind the bus stop and Matthew chose and ate a Milky Way. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew made friends with the resident Shepshed Bullring cat. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 4437 arrive on a #127 service and go out of service.

Arriva Midlands 4437 in Shepshed

We chattd to one of the locals and we realised that we could do the #16 to Loughborough and get on the following #127 service. We waited for the bus to appear. As short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3106 on a #16 to Loughborough.

Arriva Midlands 3106 in Shepshed

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait for time, the bus set off onto Kirkhill, and we ran forwards onto Leicester Road. We turned left onto the A512 and we crossed over the M1. We continued along the A512. When we stopped at bus stops the engine shut down. We ran inti the West end of Loughborough and we turned left onto Greenclose Lane. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned righ onto the A6. We ran around the East side of the town past Tesco and when we got to next stop we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Kinchbus 128 on a Skylink service to the Airport.

Kinchbus 128 in Loughborough

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4434 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4434 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner for what turned out to be the fianl time today before we went upstairs and sat down. After a brief stop we continued Left onto Leicester Road. We ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn. We Continued Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We turne right onto The Green and we stopped behind the library before continuing onto Rothley Road. We continued onto Moutsorrel Lane and into Rothley. We followed the road to the left onto Halifields Lane and we continued onto Cossington Lane. WE joined the Southbound A46 and after crossing the A46 we ran past the park and ride site through Birstall. We tookm a diversionary route down the A6 and we passed the First Leicester depot. We turned left onto the B5327 and past Abbey Park before turning right onto the A607. We crossed the roundabout onto Belgrave Gate and we turmed right onto Abbey Street before entering the St Margaret's Bus Station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled into a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around. Matthew visited the toilet and we walked around the outside of the bus station as there wasn't a bus back to Charles Street for a long time we decided to walk. We walked down to the South West corner and we saw Woods Coaches BX65 WBD on a National Express #230 sercvice to Derby.

Woods Coaches BX65 WBD in Leicester bus station

We did a lap around the bus station and as we got to the junction of Abbey Street and Gravel Street we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a #148 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We walked along Abbey Street and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We continued onto Charles Street and past the Haymarket Bus Station. A the Southern end we saw First Leicester 63563 on layover in between runs on the #16 to the General Hospital.

First Leicester 63563 in Leicester bus station

We walked to the entrance of the shopping centre but the door was closed! We turned right onto Humberstone Gate and right onto Haymarket. There was an entrance by the theatre, but you needed the ticket or had to declare your ticket lost, which I did not want to do. We ended up walking up the ramp to get back into the car park. We walked to where the car was but mum had moved it to by one the pay stations. After paying for parking we set off out of the car park onto Haymarket. We ran forwards onto Belgrave Gate and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran through Frog Island. We spotted a chip shop on the A50 so we turned left onto Dunton Street and turned around. THe chip shop was closed so we looked up directions to another one. We continued onto the A50 and we did a u turned and turned left onto Buckminster Road. We stopped at Bucks Chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. It created a bit of a stir in the chip shop when I paid, becasue un beknown to me I paid with a couple of the new Charles III £10 notes! We ate the chips in the car and when we were ready we set off onto Buckminster Road. We turned left onto Medina Road and we turned right to re-join the A50. We ran North through Groby and we re-joined the Northbound M1. We came off the M1 and junction and we headed Westwards along the A50. As we travelled along the A50 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach, blue minibus SJ59 UAN, an unidentified Diamond Bus on a #401 to Burton and silver minibus YX09 HFK. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. 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 and we got back to Blurton around 21:10. 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 Wigan / Ormskirk 27-05-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4579	Wigan BS	Ormskirk BS	385	Arriva NW&W
4566	Ormskirk BS	Skelmersdale Concourse	375	Arriva NW&W
4578	Skelmersdale Concourse	Ormskirk BS	385	Arriva NW&W
4583	Ormskirk BS	Old Skelmersdale, War memorial	385	Arriva NW&W
3200	Old Skelmersdale, War memorial	Skelmersdale Concourse	310	Arriva NW&W
3035	Skelmersdale Concourse	Wigan BS	395	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. Up to an hour before we set off we thought we might have to do a local trip because we thought mum was going to be stuck at work. When we found out that mum was coming home I gave Matthew a choice of where to go. He initially picked Warrington, but we ruled this out because there was a music festival there and would would be very busy and make it difficult to get fed and get the bus rides in. Eventually Matthew chose Wigan. We did no research other than to check the weather which was for warm sunny weather in the 20's. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to out and after mum came home we set off just before 12:00. We got in the car and we ran along 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. There was some traffic on the A500 but this did not delay us too much. We ran up to Barthomley and we joined the Northboud M6. As we came onto the M6 we saw Angel Tours MX59 KTL. A few miles up the road and the coach caught up with us and Matthew got a picture of Angel Tours MX59 KTL as it came past us.

Angel Tours MX59 KTL on the M6

We continued up the M6 asnd we saw Parks of Hamilton LSK 813 / KSK 983, Sewyn's (NX) BM68 AHO(#540) / BX16 CKD(171), 2 unidentified Alba Travel coaches, Ellisons WSM 3 coach in Man City colours and Alpine AP13 ALP. We came off the the M^ at junction 25 and we joined the Northbound A49. Just South of the town we jan forwards onto the B5386 which used to be the A49 before it was diverted around the town centre. We ran under the railway line to Kirkby and at the big roundabout we joined the A577. We crossed over the Leeds and Liverpoo, canal and we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the West Coast main line we turned right into Dorning Street and we parked up in the Mona Street car park. We walked up to the POst Office sorting office and we turned right onto Hallgate. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36799 parked up on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 36799 in Wigan

We walked along the path along the South end of the bus station and we went into the bus station and through onto Market Street. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed back past the shopping centre which is having construction work done on it. We went into the bus station and almost Immediately we saw an Arriva double decker on stand. I asked Mtthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 4579 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4579 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought an Arriva Day saver Duo ticket at £11.50 before we went upstairs and sat down. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36796 on layover. We set off out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street West and we turned right onto Wallgate. We passed the 2 railway stations and we ran under the railway line and onto the A577. We ran to the Wigan Pier and at the big rounsabout we continued onto the A577 through Newton and into Pemberton. We continued Westwards over the M6 and into Orrell. We passed the point to which we had previously travelled and we continued along the A577. Near to the Wide Cross serv ice station we turned left to follow the A577 into Upholland. We turned right onto Newgate Road and left onto Windmill Road. We ran forwards onto the B5312 and we turned left onto Tanhouse Road. We ran forwards onto Digmoor Road and we ran around the loop before running forwards onto Gillibrands Road. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station located over part of the shopping centre. After a brief stop we set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island onto the Westbound B5312. As we headed Weswards we saw a yard full of buses that contained buses and coaches. We turned right onto Westgate and right onto High Street. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Kiln Lane. We ran to the end and we turned left onto School Lane. We turned left onto Neverstitch Road and left onto Ormskirk Road. We turned right onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Witham Road and we ran forwards onto the A577. We ran through Blaguegate and Lathom and we ran into Westhead. We ran the last 1 1/2 miles into Ormskirk and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4579 as it continued towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4579 in Ormskirk bus station

We headed across the railway line along Moor Street and we went into the pub. We went into the Golden Lion and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we headed to the bar and we bought a couple of glasses of Coke and we sat down. It was a very friendly pub and a couplke of the locals were chatting to Matthew. When we had finished we headed back out onto Moor Street and we crossed over the railway line and back to the bus station. We waited for something we could catch... anything Arriva in any direction. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15747 on a #2A service to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15747 in Ormskirk bus station

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2937 on a #310 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2937 in Ormskirk bus station

After a while we saw Charlton Minicoaches XFC 482 on a #6 service to the Scott estate.

Charlton Minicoaches XFC 482 in Ormskirk bus station

A short time later we saw a bus headinh towards Skelmersdale. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4566 on a #375 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4566 in Ormskirk bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Moor Street. We ran forwards onto the A577 and we headed Eastwards out of town we ran through Westhead and we continued Eastwards into Lathom. We continured through Blaguegate and we ran forwards onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Neverstitch Road we turned right onto School Lane. We turned right onto Flag Lane and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto Westgate. We turned left onto the B5312 and we headed Eastwards. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4566 before it continued towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4566 in Skelmersdale

We headed into the Concourse Shopping Centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterward we came out into the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 3195 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 3195 in Skelmersdale

About 10 minutes later the driver came out, got into the bus and then drove off out of service. Whilst we waited for another bus we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27261 on a #319 to Kirkby.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27261 in Skelmersdale

A short time later another we saw Arriva NW&W 2670 on a #310. This also went off out of service. After another few minutes we saw Arriva NW&W 4578 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4578 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island onto the Westbound B5312. As we headed Weswards we saw a yard full of buses that contained buses and coaches. We turned right onto Westgate and right onto High Street. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Kiln Lane. We ran to the end and we turned left onto School Lane. We turned left onto Neverstitch Road and left onto Ormskirk Road. We turned right onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Witham Road and we ran forwards onto the A577. We ran through Blaguegate and Lathom and we ran into Westhead. We ran the last 1 1/2 miles into Ormskirk and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a short break and Matthew had a Caramel Freddo. Whilst sitting there we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 11102 on a EL1 Edgelink service to the local Edge Hill University campus.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11102 in Ormskirk bus station

We decided that we needed to start heading back towards Wigan. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 4583 on a #385 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Moor Street. We ran forwards onto the A577 and we headed Eastwards out of town we ran through Westhead and we continued Eastwards into Lathom. We continured through Blaguegate and we ran forwards onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4583 as it carried on towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Old Skelmersdale

Once off the bus we headed into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar. Matthew had glass of Coke and we stayed in the bar for a few minutes. After drinking his drink we headed outside to the bus stop and almost immediately we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3200 on a #310 to Skelmersdale.

Arriva NW&W 3200 in Old Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3200 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3200

We set off from outside of the war memorial and we turned right onto Neverstitch Road. We turned right onto School Lane. We turned right onto Flag Lane and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto Westgate. We turned left onto the B5312 and we headed Eastwards. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew we saw another bus we could catch on an adjacent stand. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3035 on a #395 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 3035 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3035 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3035

We set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island and forwards onto Whitelodge Road. At Thorn Island we turned left onto Gillibrands Road. We ran forwards onto Digmoor Road and we ran around the loop before turning right onto Clay Brow Road. We continued onto Ormskirk Road and we turned right onto Tanhouse Road. We ran up to the roundabout and headed back Southwards before joining the Eastbound B5312. We ran forwards onto Windmill Road before turning right onto the A577. We turned left to follow the A577 and we ran through Upholland. We paused briefly by the Co-op and we followed the road around to the North before turning sharp right to continue Following the A577. We ran through Orrell and we crossed over the M6 and into Pemberton. We ran the last 2 miles or so to the edge of town and we went over the big roundabout and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We ran past Wigan Pier and we ran forwards onto Wallgate and under the West Coast Main Line. We past the 2 railway stations and we turned left onto King Street West. We turned right onto Dorning Street and we crossed Hallgate and into the bus station. We had messaged mum to let her know when we would be in the bus station. Matthew used the toilet before we walked towards Hallgate to wait for mum. She ssaid she had been delayed so we took a few bus pictures. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 19326 running out of service.

Stagecoach Manchester 19326 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 19522 on a #8 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Wigan bus station

Another vehocle seen was Stagecoach Manchester 36787 running out of service.

Stagecoach Manchester 36787 in Wigan bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva NW&W 2995 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2995 in Wigan bus station

Mum called to say she was parked on Hallgate so we headed out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we got in the car. Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke with ice. We drove up Hallgate and we turned right onto Dorning Street. We continued past the former Uncle Joes Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Dearney Court. We turned left onto Frog Lane and 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. After we had eaten our food we set off along the A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Lloyds Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke and we saw Global Travel RU 5621 parked up in a layby with the engine cover open. We continued through 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. Matthew ate a Cadburys Snack and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark