Trip to Loughborough / Shepshed 22-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4548	Loughborough, stop FA	Shepshed, Council Offices	127	Arriva Midlands
4748	Shepshed, Bull Ring	Shepshed, Gracedieu Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4416	Loughborough, Gracedieu Road	Quorn, Station Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4754	Quorn, Station Road	Mountsorrel, Watling Street	127	Arriva Midlands
4755	Mountsorrel, Watling Street	Loughborough, Cemetary	127	Arriva Midlands
510	Loughborough, Cemetary	Loughborough, (Stand BA)	154	Centrebus

Today we decided to visit Loughborough. We looked at the map and we decided taht we would visit Loughborough as it is fairly nearby, and we had never been there to travel on the bus before. Research consisted of looking on the Arriva Midlands website to look for suitable tickets and to see what services we might be able to catch. We also checked the weather, and was forecast to be dry, overcast and cool. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off just before 12:00. We 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. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We reached the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we continued along the A50 Eastwards, Passing Copeland's Tours MIB 904 and MIB 905 coming in the other direction. As we passed near to Uttoxeter we saw First Potteries 63113 on a KF service to Hanley. We headed up the hill over the river Dove and we overtook Powys area taxi minibus EB19 GMU. We had already decided that we were going to have diner at The Saltbox Cafe, so we came off the A50 and joined the Eastbound A511. We continued the 2 miles or so to junction and we stopped at the cafe. Once at the cafe Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 19 on a #401 to Uttoxeter and Trent Barton 497 on V1 Villager service. When we had finished eating we continued East to Hilton and then we went Northwards back onto the A50. We headed Eastwards to the end of that section of the A50 and we joined the Southbound M1. We came off the M1 at junction 23 and we joined the Eastbound A512 snd we headed into town, passing Arriva Midlands 2949 on a #16 to Coalville. In the centre of town we tirned left onto Broad Street and we parked up near to Dunelm Mill. We sdaid goodbye to mum and we set off on foot onto Broad Street. We crossed over Derby Road and we saw Kinchbus 638 on a Skylink service to Leicester.

Kinchbus 638 in Loughborough

We continued onto Bridge Street and we saw Kinchbus 147 after Skylink from Derby to Loughborough like we did back in September 2020. crossing over we turned right onto Fennel Street. We saw that this was a stop for the Eastbound #127 so we headed over to there. On layover just up from the stop was Kinchbus 905.

Kinchbus 905 in Loughborough

There was a #127 to Loughborough due shortly, but Matthew decided he needed the toilet, so we walked up the steps and around the corner to Tesco. After using the facilities we brought a bottle of Coke and headed back towards the stop. We stopped in the plaza area and Matthew sat on a seat and drank his Coke. We went down the steps and a short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 4548 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4548 in Loughborough

The driver readied the bus and a couple of minutes later we got on the bus and we booked a Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver at £11.00. We headed upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4548.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4548

At departure time we set off along Fennel Street and we turned left onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned right onto Derby Square. We ran forwards onto Ashby Road 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. We turned left onto Charnwood Road and we came to a stop as traffic was struggling to get in and out of Asda as a lorry had just arrived on site. We had seen on the map that there was a bus to Coalville right behind us. After the traffic got moving again we turned right onto Lambert Avenue where we got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4548 as it continued towards the end of the route.

Arriva Midlands 4548 in Shepshed

Once off the bus we walked back down Lambert Avenue and we turned right onto Charnwood Road and walked to the next bus stop. We looked at the map and it apperaed that the bus had gone past whilst we were still around the corner. We decided to walk into town and wait for the next #127. Matthew decided he wanted the toilet so we went into the Asda. It was only a small Asda store and there were no toilets. We decided to look for a pub. We walked back to the main roundabout and we turned left onto Field Street. We continued onto Britannia Street and we still couldn't find a pub. The town seemed to be full of take aways and hair salons!. We decided to use technology to find a pub and it guided us down a passageway onto Hall Croft. We turned left and walked a few yards and we came to the pub. We walked into a courtyard and the pub toilets were off the courtyard. Once Matthew had used the toilet we entered the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we headed outside and met up with uncle Dave again. We walked past a large Co-op store and onto Queen Street and we came out on the roundabout in the centre of town. The loughborough bound bus stop was on the roundabout so we crossed over the road and we sat on the bench behind the bus stop. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Paul S Winson XX13 PSW on a #129 to Ashby-de-la-zouch and then Trent Barton 126 on a Skylink service to Coalville.

Trent Barton 126 in Shepshed

A few minutes later our bus appeared out of Charnwood Road. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4748 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4748 in Shepshed

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4748.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4748

We set off onto Kirkhill and we veered right onto Leicester Road. We might have caught a kerb or gone over a speedbump, but a jolt made uncle Dave fall off the seat and end up on the floor. Once we knew he hadn't been hurt we laughed at him! At the ene of Leicester Road we turned left onto the A512. We crossed over the M1 and we saw Arriva Midlands 4754 heading towards Shepshed. We decided that if we got off in the estate to the North of the A512 we could catch the next bus that was working the 'short' service from Leicester to Loughborough. We turned left onto Ashby Old Road. We ran turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Blackbrook Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 4416 going the other way. We decided to go for a couple more stops down the road and then we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a photo of Arriva Midlands 4748 as it continued towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4748 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we knew we had approximately 15 minutes to wait for the following service. Whilst we waited Matthew had a flapjack out of the trip bag. In the distance we saw an unidentified white coach go past on the A512. Around 16:10 as expected we saw the bus approaching. Also as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4416 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4416 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Blackbrook Road and we ran forwards onto Garendon Green. We turned left onto Garenden Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 4764 on the following #127 to Shepshed. We turned right onto Alan Moss Road and we turned right onto the Southbound A6004. We turned left onto the A512 and we haeaded into the cente of Loughborough. We veered left onto Greenclose Lane and we turned left onto The Rushes. At the main junction we turned right onto Bridge Street and we turned right onot Fennel Street. We continued down the A6 and we stopped at the main stop opposite Aumberry Gap for a driver change. 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 where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4416 as it headed Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4416 in Quorn

Once off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet again. Unsuprisingly there was a pub opposite to the bus stop, and we had 15 before the next Southbound #127 was due. We walked to the White Horse pub and Matthew and we made our way through the maze of corridors to the toilet. After Matthew had finished we headed back to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. He finished his drink and we headed outside to uncle Dave. We knew what yhe bus was gpoing to be as we had passed it earlier heading up to Shepshed. A short time later the bus appeared and it was as expected Arriva Midlands 4754 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4754 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs. There were a few people on this bus, probably the busiest bus we had been on all day. We set off Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We decided to get off there as there was a bus come straight back. Once we were in what appeared to be the town cente we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4754 as it continued Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4754 in Mountsorrel

We crossed the road and we saw that the Northbound bus was imminent and we saw black minibus WP15 CEK parked nearby. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. The map had said it was Arriva Midlands 4775, but when it arrived we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4755 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4755 in Mountsorrel

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs. We set off Northwards out of Market Place and we ran Northwards through Quorn. We decided to break the journey to get a 6th bus in for the day. We joined the Northbound A6 and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We decided to get up and get off the bus outside the cemetery. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4755 as it continued towards Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4755 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we noticed that the following #15 service was running a few minutes late. As such a couple of minutes later we saw Centrebus 510 on a #154 to Loughborough.

Centrebus 510 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we booked single tickets to Loughborough at £1.80 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A6 and we headed into the centre of Loughborough. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right into Baxter Gate where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spotted Nottingham City Transport 645 on a #1 to Nottingham on the stand in front of us.

Nottingham City Transport 645 in Loughborough

We arranged to meet mum at Sainsbury's, so we set off on foot to meet her. We turned right onto Market Place and right again onto Biggin Street. We turned left onto Clay Pipe Jitty and at the end we seemed to have gone around in almost a circle! It was dark and we had not really been in Loughborough town centre before! I once again turnned to technology and it directed us across the road to Derby Square. We continued along the A512 and Matthew tried to take us into a food place called Phat Buns. I told him he could use the toilet at Sainsbury's when we got there. We crossed over the road and we went into Sainbury where Matthew used the toilet. Once we came out we spotted mum in the car park and we headed over to her. At the car Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park onto Broad Street and we turned left onto the Northbound A6. We had decided that would stop at the chip shop in Kegworth that I had been before, near to the junction on the M1 and A50. We ran Northwards out of town and through Hathern. As the A6 turned left to meet the A453, we continued Straihg through the village of Kegworth we ran out of the other side and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had his sausage chips and gravy. At this point he decided he needed the toilet. There wasn't a toilet in the adjacent garage so he ended up going to around the corner jus off a footpath. We got back in the car and we set off towards the big roundabout. We joined the A50 and we ran the 40 or so miles back to Stoke-on-Trent. The journey back was in darkness and we couldn't really see anything. 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. 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 Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 19:30. 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 Bolton / Darwen 14-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
15244	Bolton Interchange	Horwich, The Crown (Stop B)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
2998	Horwich, The Crown (Stop D)	Bolton Interchange	575	Arriva NW&W
511	Bolton Interchange	Darwen, Circus	1	Transdev Blackburn
510	Darwen, Town Centre(stand 1)	Bolton Interchange	1	Transdev Blackburn
33033	Bolton Interchange	Farnworth BS	501	Rotala Diamond
69148	Farnworth BS	Bolton Interchange	501	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to re-visit Bolton. Originally Matthew had requested going to Gainsborough, but we felt that both of these destination were to far away for this time of the year. We ask Matthew to pick somewhere a little closer and he chose Bolton. research consisted of looking at Parkopedia to see where we could park and looking to see where we could eat i loved it. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:0 and we stop onto Beaconsfield Drive to pick up mum's friend. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the roadworks and past the BP garage which has been knocked down and is being re-built. We ran up the hill to Heron Cross and we turned left on to the Westbound A50. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Hanford to Hanchurch where we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 15. As we ran Northwards we saw an unidentified Anthony's Travel coach, an unidentified Megabus coach (Cardiff), white minibus NJ65 ABU / M28 JAF. As we passed past Keele services we were overtaken by M N E Transport coach BU16 GZD.

MNE Transport BU16 GZD on the M6

We continued Northwards and we saw Parks of Hamilton BV67 JYY (#570) / LSK 807(#540), 3 unidentified white coaches, City Cabs ND58 EDJ, an unidentified grey VIP coach, an unidentified Sky Coaches coach, blue minibus YY69 CVR, an unidentified Andrew's Plaxton Cheetah and Go NW 39210(#100) passing over the top. We continued up to junction 21A and we joined the Eastbound M62. Seen on the M62 were an unidentified white Mercedes minibus, an unidentified Megabus (Liverpool) and former PSV Dart burger van Y671 NLO. We continued onto the Eastbound M60 and a couple of junctions on we joined the Northbound M61. We continued onto the A666 and we ran towards Bolton. We came off at the A579 and we headed Westwards around the bottom end of Bolton. We turned right onto Black Horse Street and right onto Great Moor Street. We were trying to get to Back Cheapside but we couldn't go straight on at the next junction. We turned right onto Newport Street and we went around the block again. This time we decided to park at Morrisons instead. We turned right onto the A579 and we turned right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Morrisons and we parked up. We went into the supermarket and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the cafe and we had dinner. Matthew had a sausage bap with extra sausage washed down with a cup of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and her friend and we cut through onto Newport Street. On the way to the interchange we saw Rotala Diamond 69169 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 69169 in Bolton

We went into the interchange and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 on a #125 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and we brought System One Bus Only Day tickets from the driver at £6 each before going upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We headed up through Brownlow Fold and up over Montserrat Brow. As we travelled up we saw Vision SL15 ZGP on a #502 to Bolton. We headed down the hill into Horwich and through to the top end of town by the Crown pub where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 as it continued Northwards towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 in Horwich

Once off the bus we set off around the corner and into the pub. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Chorley New Road to the bus stop and we waited for the next bus towards Bolton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2998 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2998 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Chorley New Road and we ran through the centre of Horwich and we headed South. We ran for about 5 miles along the A673 to the edge of Bolton. We crossed the ring road onto the B6205 and we turned right onto the B6204. We followed the road around onto the A676 and we turned right onto Black Horse Street past the old bus station. We followed the road to the left onto Great Moor Street and we turned right into Newport Street where we entered the bus station. We got up and as the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2998 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2998

Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards, we had a look around to see what we could catch next. we spotted Transdev Blackburn 511 on a #1 to Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 511 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and We purchased a Lancashire Duo ticket for £8. to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange onto Great Moor Street past and we ran North up the A575 and we turned left into Deansgate. We turned right into Bridge Street and we ran out of town over the ring road. We continued North onto Blackburn Road and we went up to Astley Bridge. We ran Northwards up the A666 through Egerton. We ran Northwards into the More and we continued up towards Darwen. In the centre of town we ran forwards onto Market Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Transdev Blackburn 511 before it continued onto Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 511 in Darwen

Once of the bus Matthew spotted a cafe and that there was a toilet in the back. We went into the cafe and we disappeared through the back and along a long corridor to a toilet. After Matthew had used the facilities we walked back along the corridor and we nearly made a wrong turn and ended up in a butchers shop next door, We returned to the cafe and Matthew had a a piece of millionaires shortbread washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went outside and we saw Transdev Blackburn 502 on a #1 to Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 502 in Darwen

We went in the shop next door and we brought a couple of cans and some chocolate bars. We paid for the goods and we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. We set off along Market Street and we turned left onto Croft Street. We turned right into Parliament street and we waited at the bus stop for a bus back to Bolton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Fanta and a small Curly Wurly. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was Transdev Blackburn 510 on a #1 to Bolton.

Transdev Blackburn 510 in Darwen

We got on the bus and we flashed the Lancashire Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Parliament Street and we turned right onto Church Street and we turned left onto the Southbound A666. We ran Southwards out of town and we headed through the moors to the edge of Great Manchester. We continued into Egerton and we continued Southwards through Astley Bridge. We continued down Blackburn Road and we travelled the mile or so into the town centre. We ran down Bridge Street and we turned right into St George's Road. We turned left into Knowsely Street and we passed the Market Place Shopping Centre before going into the bus station via Deansgate and Moor Lane. Once back at the Interchange Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went outside to take a few bus pictures. We saw Rotala Diamond 33752 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 33752 in Bolton Interchange

We headed back into the bus station and we decided to wait for the next #501 to Farnworth. A short time later we saw required Rotala Diamond 33033 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 33033 in Bolton Interchange

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 and we turned left onto Newport Street. We crossed over the A579 and we continued Southwards along Thynne Street. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street and we continued onto Crescent Road. We turned right onto Green Lane and we turned right onto Bishops Road. We turned left onto Bradford Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Minerva Road and we ran forwards onto Redgate Way. We turned right onto Plodder Lane and we turned sharp left onto Highfield Road. We continued onto Harrowby Street and we turned left onto the Northbound A575. We turned right onto onto the Southbound AS6053 and we ran into the centre of Farnworth. We turned right into King Street and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 33033 as it headed back towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 33033 in Farnworth bus station

Once off the bus we had a quick walk around town. Matthew indicated he required the toilet so we turned right onto the A6053 and he spotted a bookies. After using the toilet we headed back towards the bus station, passing the former RBS branch on the corner. We walked to the bus station and we saw Tyrer's SJ54 GDE on a #513 to Bury.

Tyrer's SJ54 GDE in Farnworth bus station

We waited at the relevant bus stop in the bus station for the next bus back towards Bolton. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 69148 on a #501 to Johnson Fold.

Rotala Diamond 69148 in Farnworth bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the system One bus ticket to the driver for the final time today. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 69148 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Rotala Diamond 69148

The bus set off along King Street and we turned right onto Albert Road. We turned left onto Harrowby Street and we headed Westwards. At the roundabout we continued Eastwards onto Highfield Road. We continued Westards for around 10 stops before turned right onto Plodder lane. We headed Eastwards before turning left onto Redgate Way. We ran Northwards and we followed the road Eastwards and we ran forwards onto Minerva Road. We turned left onto Bradford Road and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Green lane and we headed Eastwards. We turned left onto Crescent Road and we headed towards Bolton. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street. We continued Morthwards onto Thynne Street and we turnd left onto the A579 and right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Great Moor Street before entering the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a final walk around the bus station to take bus pictures. We saw Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBO on a #540 to Colne.

Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBO in Bolton Interchange

Once we had finished taking pictures we walked onto Newport Street and mum was waiting for us in the car near to the old entrance to the railway station. Mum was waiting with a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Newport Street and we turned left onto the A579. We headed Eastwards out of town an we joined the Southbound A666. As we travelled Southwards we saw Tyrer's VDL coach and an unidentified Arriva NW&W Pulsar II running out of service. We merged onto the M61 and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. After a couple of junctions we joined the Westbound M62. Seen on the M62 were an unidentified grey Llew Jones coach, Selwyn's 299(#060), an unidentified Stanley Coaches coach and an unidentified silver minibus. We joined the M6 and we headed Southwards towards junction 15. Seen on the M6 was an unidentified Furlongs minibus. We joined the Southbound A519 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We turned right onto the A34 and at the big roundabout in Trentham we turned left onto the A5035. We continued through Blurton and Dresden and we ran into Longton. We went to see what was at Z carz this evening. In the compound was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW parked up.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way and we turned left onto the A5035. We got home around 19:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash and carrots followed by a cream filled sponge cake. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. Later on we went to take uncle Dave home and Matthew came with me. We set off onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned right onto the Eastbound and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left into Grove Road and we dropped uncle Dave off at home. Having adjusted uncle Dave's calendar we set off back home. We ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at the next junction and we joined Stanley Matthews Way. We ran to the other end and we turned left onto the A5035. We got home around 22:45. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Buxton / Tideswell 31-12-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
294	Buxton Market Place	Whaley Bridge, Shallcross Road	190	High Peak
510	Whaley Bridge, Shallcross Road	Buxton Market Place	190	High Peak
36993	Buxton Market Place	Tideswell, Fountain Square	65	Stagecoach Yorkshire
36989	Tideswell, Fountain Square	Buxton Market Place	65	Stagecoach Yorkshire
295	Buxton Market Place	Hartington, Square	442	High Peak
291	Hartington, Square	Buxton Market Place	442	High Peak

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus and it was New Years Eve. 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 Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Also seen was blue minibus BX53 ADV going towards Stoke.

BX53 ADV in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

Afterwards we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Fenton

We went downstairs and got into car we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we continued onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway Bridge into Longton. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 63382 in the depot. We turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Bentilee to Bucknall. We continued onto the A52 and at the traffic lights we turned right onto the Northbound A5009. we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton into Badderly Green and we joined the A53 at Stockton Brook. We ran through Endon and continued Northwards to Longsdon. We ran up to Ladderedge and we ran down the hill into Leek. We ran up the hill into Leek town centre and we continued onto Ball Haye Street. We turned right onto the A53 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We ran through Blackshaw Moor and we climbed the hill through Winkhill. We ran over the top of the moor through Flash and we ran down into Buxton. We continued into the town centre and we saw High Peak 695 on a #199 to Manchester Airport. We ran along Station Road and we parked up in the main car park in town. We saw Bentley's Coaches J99 BCL parked up. Once we got out of the car we to the pub for dinner. Matthew had chicken burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we walked to the market square to catch a bus. We saw High Peak 294 on a #190 to Whaley Bridge. We got on the bus and we brought a High Peak day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off from the Square along Terrace Road and we turned right onto Station Road. We ran forwards onto Spring Garden and we went forwards onto Fairfield Road. We ran Northwards out of town along the A6 and we turned right onto Waterswallos Road. We turned left onto Upper End Road and we ran through Upper End. We turned right onto Batham Gate Road and we ran forwards onto Smalldale Road. We ran through Smalldale and forwards onto Batham gate and at the end of the road we turned left. In Paek Forest we turned left onto the A623. We followed the road through Sparrowpit and we joined the Northbound A6. We turned left onto the B5470 and we ran into Chapel-en-le-Frith. We ran up to Morrisons and afterwards we turned left onto Hayfield Road. We crossed under the A6 and we continued into Chapel Milton. We continued along the A624 and we ran forwards onto the B6062. We ran through Chinley and we continued through Buxworth before joining the Southbound A6. We turned right onto Buxton Road and we ran Southwards into Whaley Bridge. We joined the B5470 and we turned right onto Elnor Lane. We ran to the terminus where we got up and got off the bus. We spent a couple of hours hanging around and we caught a bus back to Buxton. It was High Peak 510 on a #190 to Buxton. We got on the bus and brought a High Peak day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran Northwards up Elnor lane and we turned left onto the B5470. We turned right onto the A5004 and we ran Northwards through Whaley Bridge. We joined the Northbound A6 and we turned right onto the B6062. We ran through Buxwoth and Chinley and we ran forwards onto the A624. We went under the A6 and we ran down into Chapel-en-le-Frith. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran to Morrisons. After a brief wait we ran Eastwards out of town along the B5470. We joined the Southbound A6 and we turned left onto the A623. We ran through Sparrowpit and we continued Southwards to Peak Forest. We turned right onto Eldon Lane and we turned right onto Batham Gate. We ran through Smalldale and Peakdale and we turned left onto School Road. We ran through Upper End and forwards onto Upper End Road. We turned right onto Water Swallows road and we ran to the edge of Buxton. We turned left onto the A6 and we ran into town. We ran up Station Road and we turned left onto the A515. We got up and got off in Market Square. Once off the bus we looked for another bus to catch. We saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36993 on a #65 to Sheffield. We got on the bus and we brought a High Peak day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards down the A515 and we turned left onto Dale Road. We ran to the end and we turned righ onto the Southbound A6. We ran fast for a few miles before turned left onto the B6049. We ran near to Blackwell and we continued up to Miller's Dale. Just South of Tideswell we turned right onto a lane and we ran into Litton. We turned around in the village and we headed back to the main road. We turned right and we ran Northwards into Tideswell where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we visited a shop. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and a bar of chocolate. We waited for a bus back towards Buxton. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36989 on a #65 to Buxton. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards down the B6049 and we turned left onto the lane into Litton. After turning around we headed back to the B6049. We joined the Southbound B6049 and we ran through Miller's Dale and close to Blackwell. We turned right onto the Northbound A6 and we ran towards Buxton. We ran into the town centre and we turned right onto Station Road. We turned left onto the A515 and we stopped at the Market Square where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for something else we could do before we went home. We saw High Peak 295 on a #442 to Ashbourne. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off Southwards down the A515 and we turned right onto Harpur Hill. We ran forwards onto Barlow Road and we ran Southwards. We went though Barlow's Bar and we continued along the B5053. We turned left onto Dale View and we ran Southwards through Earl Sterndale. We continued South Eastwards and we turned right onto Tagg Lane. We ran down the hill into Crowdecote and we ran fordwards onto High Street and into Longnor. We turned right and we ran Southwards down Buxton Road to Warslow. After going into the village we headed Eastwards through Hulme into Hartington. where we got up and got off the bus. We waited in the square for the next bus to Buxton. A short time later we saw High Peak 291 on a #442 to Buxton. We got on the bus and we flashed the High Peak day ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards through Hulme and into Warslow. We turned around in the village and we headed North up Buxton Road into Lognor. We turned right onto the High Street and we headed Eastwards and into Crowdecote. We climbed the hill out of the village and we ran Eastwards a few miles before turning left and headed up to Earl Sterndale. We turned right onto the B5053 and we ran Northwards through Barlow's Bar. We ran up towards Harpurs Hill and we joined the Northbound A515. We ran into the centre of Buxton where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Spring Garden and back to the car park. We got in the car and we set off onto Station Road. We ran forwards onto the A53 and we headed Westwards out of town. After passing the junction of the A54 we climbed up the hill and out of Derbyshire into Staffordshire. We ran through Flash and Winkhill and we ran down the hill into Blackshaw Moor. We continued into Leek and we ran past Lidl and the new KFC site and we turned left onto Ball Haye Street. We ran onto the A53 and we ran Southwards out of town. We climbed up the hill towards Ladderedge and we ran down the other side into Longsdon. We continued Southwards through Endon and we veered left onto the A5009. We ran through Milton and Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall. At Limekiln light we ran forwards onto the A52. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square and we ran towards Stoke. We ran alongside the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill in to Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room for a while. Later on Matthew attended a new Years Eve party. We went downstairs and the main lounge was filled with food. Matthew ate egg sandwiches and a burger followed by lots of cake! He also drank a bottle of Coke. Matthew stayed up until after midnight in order to see in the new year. Happy New Year 2020! Matthew went upstairs and we to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Oswestry 01-10-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2369	Oswestry BS	College Road, Oswestry	70	Arriva Midlands
2370	College Road, Oswestry	Oswestry BS	70	Arriva Midlands
510	Oswestry BS	Llynclys	71	Tanat Valley
510	Llynclys	Oswestry BS	71	Tanat Valley

Today we decided to re-visit Oswestry. Since our last visit there has been a major timetable change in he area with the #445 and D71 being re-designated #71 & #72. Planning consisted of download the new timetable as well as the #449 for good measure just in case we got a chance to do this service. We set off after 12:00 and we had the head north up the A500 to Longport to get LPG. Afterwards we went straight down the A500 to the A519. Then it was the A5182 A53, A51, A525, A495. we arrived in Oswestry just after 14:00. First thing first we decided to get something to eat! Last time we came mum saw a cafe that was just about to close for the day called Jeanies. This time we decided to give this place a go rather than spending a lot of money in a pub on the way. matthew had a breakfast bap and a portion chips, mum had a sausage egg and mushroom bap and uncle Dave and I had the turkey bap as it was a red hot day. Along with 3 cans this came to around £11.50. This was much cheaper than a pub and just as enjoyable. Whilst we were eating we saw Tanat Valley 251 departing on the 14:22 towards Llynclys. The next departure along this route would be 15:17 so we had some time to kill. With the #70 service to Shrewsbury being every 30 minutes, we decided to do this service on a short out and back in order to fill time before 15:17. The 14:42 Shrewsbury appeared and it was required 2369. We got on this bus and booked to College Road. On the way we passed the Arriva bus garage. We saw a double decker and also preserved dart L116 YVK. we alighted on College Road and Matthew got a picture of our transport.


Arriva Midland 2369 in College Road, Oswestry (Matt)

We crossed the road and we nloy had around 5 minutes to wait for the return service. It was dud (for Matthew) 2370.


Arriva Midland 2370 in College Road, Oswestry (Matt)

I required this bus as Matthew had previously been on this one with his mum. We returned back passed the garage and Matthew got a shot of the parked up double decker. By the time we got into town, the bus had emptied out.We had the bus to ourselves as we entered the bus station again in Oswestery. Matthew got his customary empty bus shot here.


Inside 2370 (Matt)

When we got off there were busy scenes at the bus station. As well as 2370, Tanat Valley 259 which I think was doing #449's had come into the station on lay over. Also, Arriva Midlands 2348 was in a on a #2A Wrexham service.


Tanat Valley 259 and Arriva Midlands 2348 in Oswestry bus station (Matt)

On the other side of the bus station. Tanat Valley 510 was waiting time to work the 15:17 #71 service.


Tanat Valley 510 in Oswestry bus station (Matt)

After a very short while, 510 moved onto stand to work the #71. We booked to Llynclys and we went upstairs. Matthew then got a shot of the inside of the bus.


Inside 510 (Matt)

We eventually left the bus station, picking passenger along the way as we left town. We appsed another Tanat bus with #79 on the front at the edge of town. A few minutes later we were in Llynclys and we alighted from the bus. Matthew had time to take a picture before it departed.


510 at the White lion, Llynclys (Matt)

We had a bit of time to kill before the return journey so we decided to walk down to Llynclys station to have a look at the preserved railway. We heard a horn in the distance but we couldn't see anything working. We had a quick look around and Matthew had a Bakewell tart and I had a cCornetto from buffet car 1850. We then walked back to the road and waited for the bus. The bus turned up and it was 510 again.


510 returns (Matt)

When we looked at the timetable, I was hoping 251 would run light from Welshpool to pick up this service, But if I had studied it hard it can be seen that the 14:22 runs to Welshpool and lays over except on a shoolday. Otherwise it returns from Welshpool at 15:41. Also the 15:17 departure from Oswestry stops at Four Cross 9 minutes before the return bus departs! anyway we laerned something about the afternoon bus turns in the area. when we arrived back Matthew photographed the downstairs.


Downstairs in 510 (Matt)

When we got back we decided to call it a day. Matthew had time to get a couple more picture on the way back to the car including Tanat Valley 217 in the bus station


Tanat Valley 217 in Oswestry bus station (Matt)

On the way back we made a slight accidental diversion into Whitchurch. We saw Dennis Dart SN05 HDC on the #205 Chemistry circular, a service that we caught back in 2009. We got back home around 17:50... Mark

Trip to Oswestry 20-08-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
R794 WOY	Blurton	Oswestry	Charter	Lightning Travel
510	Oswestry BS	Llynclys	445	Tanat Valley
509	Llynclys	Oswestry BS	445	Tanat Valley
2737	Oswestry BS	Chirk	2A	Arriva Midlands
2740	Chirk	Oswestry BS	2	Arriva Midlands
R794 WOY	Oswestry	Blurton	Charter	Lightning Travel

Today we decided not to follow he crowds to Chester for the official farewell of 30069/30077 as we have already been on these and there was also a busy race meeting in town to contend with. So we gave Matthew a few choices of places he could go today and he chose Oswestry. Reseach consisted of printing an Arriva Oswestry route map out, and also the Tanat Valley timetables for D71 445 and 449. We set off on R794 WOY at around 12:00 picking some sausage rolls up from Hanford Wrights Pies on the way. The route was via the A53, A51 and then A525 and A495. In Ellesmere we passed a Challinor coach and also Tanat Valley 258 on the #449 service. We stopped for dinner on the way this time in a pub called 'Ye olde boote' in Whittington. We had baguettes and chips which from £5 to £6 depending on the filling. we all ate for just over £22 pound. The food was nice and plentiful, but it wasn't the type of food we would normally order when out with Matthew and we had to change things around to find a meal he would eat. After the meal we continues on to Oswestry and we parked up around 14:30. We saw Tanat Valley 214 depart on the d71 service, and we also saw Arriva Midlands 2295 on a #402 town circular service.


2295 on a #402 Oswestry town circular (Matt)

Remembering how thing work I realised that we only had a few minutes before the #445 service was due to depart. We saw the required double decker 510 about to go onto stand so we raced up to the stop. I don't think Matthew was quite on plan, but he eventually got on the bus and we sat upstairs. Last time we did this service it was a lynx! Matthew got a picture of the inside the top deck of the bus as we rode out to Llynclys


Inside Tanat Valley 510, top deck (Matt)

Last time we had done this and the D71 buses, both left Oswestry packed. Today the #445 was lightly loaded with a double decker.


Tanat Valley 510 in Llynclys (Matt)

We alighted outside the white Lyon and then crossed the road. It took a couple of minutes to get across because of traffic. as we had made good time we had around 5 minutes to wait for the return to Oswestry. It was a great surprise to see another double decker, 509 on the inbound service.


Tanat Valley 509 on a Oswestry bound #445 service (Matt)

The return was also lightly loaded but this comes as no surprise on a service which is basically a shoppers bus heading towards the shops in the late afternoon. before we got off matthew of course photographed the inside of this bus too...


Inside 509 (Matt)

When we got back after such a fast-paced move I hoped to have a few minutes to re-group and work out what we were going to catch. Matthew spotted 258 now parked up between duties.


Tanat Valley 258 between duties (Matt)

Matthew made a quick decision that he wanted to do the bus that was in the bus station. It was Arriva Midlands 2737 which was on a #2A to Wrexham. I decided that with an approx 30 minute frequency on the 2/2A to Wrexham, we could do this to Chirk and could get back easily. I think Matthew want to go to Wrexham in the future, but today that wasn't going to be able to do that. we got on the bus and it was quite well filled by the time it left town. and when we got off the bus was still quite full.


Arriva Midlands 2737 in Chirk (Matt)

In Chirk we the Spar shop. Matthew helped me take some money out of the cash machine and the we got lottery tickets and he chose some Coke from the shop fridge. we crossed the road and then had an approx 10 minute wait for a return bus, this time a #2. The bus appeared and it was 2740.


Arriva Midlands 2740 on a Oswestry bound #2 service (Matt)

We did this bus back into time and like the other inbound service it was nearly empty. The return service was via Gobowen and a hospital. I did briefly consider getting off at Gobowen for a #53 bus. At Oswestry, Matthew photographed the empty inside of the bus.


Inside 2740 (Matt)

We then got off and he got another picture of the outside for good measure...


2740 in Oswestry bus station (Matt)

Matthew wanted to go to Morrison's to do some shopping with mum and he brought a sizable amount of pop! We walked back via the bus station and we saw Shrewsbury's 2347 on a service 576.


2347 on a service #576 to Shrewsbury (Matt)

We then returned to the car to eat sausages rolls before driving back around 16:30. as we got in the car a #576 appeared so we could have gotten off at Gobowen and we wouldn't have had to wait too long. The return journey on R794 WOY was quite uneventful, and we got back home around 17:50...Mark