Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 03-07-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
230	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Blackburn
15574	Blackburn BS	Beardwood, Wilton Close	59	Stagecoach Lancashire
15466	Beardwood, Wilton Close	Blackburn BS	59	Stagecoach Lancashire
2772	Blackburn BS	Feniscowles, Three Arches	152	Transdev Blackburn
2767	Feniscowles, Three Arches	Blackburn BS	152	Transdev Blackburn
20788	Blackburn (Stand A)	Salesbury, Ellerslie	45	Rotala Preston Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Accrington. We discussed the possibility of going to Accrington and Matthew said yes. Research consisted of checking the weather 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 RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw red minibus BJ12 OAN.

BJ12 OAN in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60 and we ran around a few junctions to the M66 past Bury and forwards onto the A56. We followed the road along the Haslingden by-pass and the when we got to the A680 we went North West into Accrington. We parked outside The Abbey Friar and we went in for dinner. Matthew went up to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. On the way out we paid for the stuff and Matthew picked another couple of small bottles of pop. Matthew decided to get back in the car and have a lift to the bus station. We didn't know exactly where it was but we had seen pictures taken nearby under the arches of the railway line. We headed back onto the A680 we parked in a car park on King Street which was right next to the bus station. We sid goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On layover near to the exit of the bus station was Transdev Rosso 290. We walked into the bus station and Matthew had to try out the toilet. A few minutes later we saw Transdev Blackburn 230 on a #6A to Blackburn. We got on the bus and we brought the Ribble Valley day tickets at £5.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station under the railway line and onto King Street. We ran forwards onto Blackburn Road as we had done many times before on various vehicles from Mercedes minibus to double deckers. We continued out of town for a little over 1/2 a mile and we ran forwards onto the A679. We turned left onto the B6231 and we went under the railway line again near to Church & Oswaldtwistle railway station. We ran through Oswaldtwistle and we continued out of the other side of the town into open countryside. We crossed over the M65 and we ran into Knuzden. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran down the hill towards the main road, At the end of the road we turned left onto the A679 and we ran Westwards to the edge of Blackburn. We ran forwards onto the A678 and we After around 1/4 of a mile we veered right onto Higher Eanam. At the roundabout we turned left onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus we decided to go for a walk around. We went outside the bus station and we saw Transdev Blackburn 510 on a #1 to Bolton. We walked back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15574 on a #59 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Richmond Terrace. We went forwards onto King William Street. We travelled onto the A677. We headed through Beardwood and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the A677 and we visited the garage. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we did some shopping. He brought a couple of Bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed back along the A677. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15466 on a #59 to Blackburn. We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off down the A677 and we ran through Blackburn. We turned left onto the A666 and we turned right onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We saw Transdev Rosso 1727 on layover. A few minutes later we saw Transdev Blackburn 2772 on a #152 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Ribble Valley day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Railway Road. We went past the shopping centre onto Ricmond Terrace and we ran forwards onto Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned left onto Northgate. We turned right onto Duke Street and Left onto Blakey Moor. We turned right onto Fellden Street and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right onto the A674 and we headed out of town through Mill Hill. We passed Cherry Tree railway station and we continued out of town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 2769 on a #152 to Burnley. We carried on a bit bit further into Feniscowles an we got up and got off the bus. Once off we crossed over the road. We walked to the stop for the Blackburn bound bus and we waited for the next bus to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew ate the lolly and drank the small bottle of Cola. A few minutes later the bus appered and it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2767. We got on the bus and we flashed Ribble Valley day tickets before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A674 out of Feniscowles and past Cherry Tree railway station. We continued into the West end of Blackburn and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right into Fellden Street past the college. We turned right onto Cardwell Place. We ran forwards onto Darwen Street and we turned left onto Jubilee Street. We ran past Blackburn railway station along the Boulevard and we followed the road to the left onto Railway Road. We ran onto Penny Street and we entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we walked along Ainsworth Street and we continued up the Richmond Terrace. We walked up Exchange Street past the former RBS bank which is new cafe. We turned left onto King William Street. We stopped at Greggs and brought a caramel shortbread and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we stopped to look at the former Thomas Cook which is now closed. We walked onto King William Street and we turned right and into Exchange Street. On the way to the bus stop we saw Transdev Blackburn 301 on a #2 to Chorley. After a while we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Preston Bus 20788 on a #45 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed Ribble Valley day ticket to the driver for the final time today the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned right onto the A666. We turned left onto the B6232 and we travelled through Royshaw Hill. We continued to Pleckgate and we turned right onto the A6119. We ran forwards onto the A666 and we ran up to Brownhill. We went through Wilpshire and we turned left onto the B6245. We ran over the canal and into Salesbury and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Bonny Inn. Matthew used the toilet and we had a glass of Coke. Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along the B6245 and we ran into Clayton-le-Dale. We turned left into the A59 we travelled up through Osbaldeston and onto Mellor Brook. We ran into Myerscough Smithy onto Turner Green. We carried on towards Samlesbury. At the we turned left and joined the Southbound M6. We went Southwards down the A556. We ran West for one junction and we went Southwards down the A50. We travelled South through Knutsford. We continued to Holmes Chapel and down into Kidsgrove. We carried on South towards Tunstall and we turned left onto the A527. In Fegg Hayes we turned right onto Oxford Street and we ran through Chell Heath past Matthew's old school which has been fenced off. In Smallthorne we turned right onto Ford Green Road and at the roundabouts we turned left onto the A5272. We followed the road through Sneyd Green and Northwood and down to Bucknall. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had pizza and chips followed by a Bakewell tart. Matthew went back to his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Blackburn / Rawtenstall 21-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2784	Blackburn BS	Rawtenstall BS	481	Transdev Rosso
2783	Rawtenstall BS	Accrington BS	464	Transdev Rosso
236	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
2759	Blackburn BS	Feniscowles, Three Arches	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2758	Feniscowles, Three Arches	Blackburn BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Blackburn. We had checked the weather for today and it was for warm dry and cloudy weather. We gave Matthew a list of destinations in the Midlands and North West and from list Matthew chose Blackburn. Reserch consisted of checking the Transedev webpage to check for tickets that we could use. It reminded us that Transdev had taken over Rosso since our last visited and the Transdev Lancashire ticket was valid on Rosso service too. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around 11:45 on the A5035. We had a parcel to pick up from a shop in Trentham, so we continued over the railway line into Trenthan before turning right into Brough Lane. We continued onto The Lea and we stopped at the shop. Mum picked up the parcel and we set off to Blackburn via the petrol station. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we joined the Northbound A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way. We ran Northwards up to the A50 and we went Wetwards towards Sideway. We joined the Nothbound A500 and we ran through Stoke and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we stopped at the petrol station by Asda. After taking on petrol we re-joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to the M6. We joined the Northbound M6 and then traffic was moving quite well. Traveling up the M6 we saw CVS Van hire BF14 YHT, an unidentified National Express liveried coach (#528), Stanton's of Stoke TPY 245, white minibus YS15 CRJ / EN67 MYJ / WR17 JFU, ABC Coache Hire OU17 OTG, an unidentified AAA Coaches coach, blue minibus E1 ESX, silver minibus MJ18 RKZ, an unidentified M&I Travel minibus & taxi minibus YN06 UFM. We ran up to junction 29 and we joined the Eastbound M65. As we travelled along the M65 we saw 2 x unidentified B&N Coaches. We came off the M65 at junction 6 onto the Westbound A678. WE ran into town through Intack. We veered right onto the A6078 and we turned left onto Eanam. We turned left into Morrisons and we parked up in the car park. We got in the left and we went down to the shop. Matthew went to the toilet and we headed to Morrisons cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a cup of Coke, followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we set off along Railway Road towards the bus station. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 574 on a #22 to Clitheroe.

Transdev Lancashire United 574 in Blackburn

We continued along Railway Road to the bus ststaion and we we stood on the elavated area to the South of the bus station. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 235 on a #6 Hyndburn circular service.

Transdev Lancashire United 235 in Blackburn bus station

We also saw Transdev Lancashire United 2756 on a a #152 'Hotline' service to Preston.

Transdev Lancashire United 2756 in Blackburn bus station

A few minutes later we saw a Rosso liveried bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Transdev Rosso 2784 on a #481 to Bury via Rawtenstall.

Transdev Rosso 2784 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Transdev lancashire Day ticket at £6.70 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Rosso 2784.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2784

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Penny Street. we turned right onto Railway Road and we ran past the railway station. We continued onto the Boulevarda and forwards onto Jubilee Street. We turned left onto Darwen Street and we ran forwards onto the A6077. We veered left onto Hasligden Road and we went past the back of the hospital before entering the grounds and stops at the hospital bus terminus. We rejoin-ed the A6077 and we crossed over the M65 at junction 5 onto the B6232. We turned right onto Belthorn Road and we ran through the village of Belthorn before re-joining the B6232. We then climbed out into the open moorland and we had great views across Lancashire. We then ran down into Haslingden past Ogden Reservoir and Holden Wood reservoir. We ran into the centre of Haslingden and we turned right onto the A680. We turned right onto Beaconsfied street and left onto Helmshore Road. We passed a climbing centre. We crossed over the A56 and we turned left onto Broadway. We joined the A680 and crossed over the A56. We turned right onto Haslingden Road and we ran down into Rawtenstall town centre. We ran past the railwat station and we continued Eastwards along Bocholt Way. We ran for quite a distance before turning sharp left onto Bacup Road. We ran back EWestwards for almost as far as we had travelled the other way and we stopped at the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Transdev Rosso 2784 before it continued to Bury.

Transdev Rosso 2784 in Rawtenstall bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station to take a few more pictures. We saw Transdev Rosso 1606 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 1606 in Rawtenstall bus station

On the other side of the bus station Transdev Rosso 2785 was on layover.

Transdev Rosso 2785 in Rawtenstall bus station

We set off on foot up towards the town cente because Matthew wanted the toilet. We walked up James Street and across a car park. On the car park were Connect Taxis MW07 NKC & GL60 BGV. We crossed over Bank Street. We saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2780 on a a X43 to Skipton. Matthew went to Betfred to use the toilet. When we came out we saw Transdev Rosso 142 on a #10 Edgeside. We walked back across the car park and back to the bus station to wait for a bus. After a few minutes we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Transdev Rosso 2783 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 2783 in Rawtenstall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day tcket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Rosso 2783.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2783

We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty too. Matthew took another picture inside Transdev Rosso 2783.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2783

The bus set off along Bacup Road and at the roundabout we ran fowards onto Haslingden Road. We travelled for around 2/3rds of a mile and at the A680 we turned right. We ran through Haslingden town centre up the high street and we continued Northwards to the A56. We ran through Stone Fold and past the Hollands Pie factory and into Baxenden. As we approached the centre of Accrington we turned left into Abbey Street. We continued forwards onto Whalley Road and we turned left onto Eastgate and we went over the roundabout onto King Street. We turned left into Crawshaw Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we went around the side to get another picture of Transdev Rosso 2783.

Transdev Rosso 2783 in Accrington bus station

We walked back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We were considering catching something back towards Haslingden. whilst we waited we saw Transdev Burnley and pendle 245 on a M3 to Trawden and 270 on a #9 to Burnley. We then saw Transdev Lancashire United 236 arrive on a #6A to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 236 in Accrington bus station

The following 464 was required Transdev Rosso 1720 'Rochdale Pioneers' but Matthew decided he didn't want to do that. We saw a double decker arrive and go onto layover. It was Transdev Lancashire United 2754.

Transdev Lancashire United 2754 in Accrington bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do one of the newer Versas on the Hyndburn circular service so we could charge the phone up. Transdev Lancashire United 236 was loading up that he had photographed earlier, so we got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station under the railway line and onto King Street. We ran forwards onto B;ackburn Road as we had done many times before on various vehicles from Mercedes minibus to double deckers. We continued out of town for a little over 1/2 a mile and we ran forwards onto the A679. We turned left onto the B6231 and we went under the railway line again near to Church & Oswaldtwistle railway station. We ran through Oswaldtwistle and we continued out of the other side of the town into open countryside. We crossed over the M65 and we ran into Knuzden. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran down the hill towards the main road, At the end of the road we turned left onto the A679 and we ran Westwards to the edge of Blackburn. We ran forwards onto the A678 and we After around 1/4 of a mile we veered right onto Higher Eanam. At the roundabout we turned left onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 236.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 236

Once off the bus we sat in the bus station for a short while whilst we consider what bus to do next. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 574 on a #22 but Matthew didn't fancy doing it. We also aired Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 ona a #59 to Preston, and Blackburn Private Hire YJ61 JJF on a #3 to Sunnybower. Eventually dud Transdev Lancashire United 2759 appeared on a #152 to Preston and Matthew decided he wanted to do that.

Transdev Lancashire United 2759 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2759.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2759

We sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Railway Road. We went past the shopping centre onto Ricmond Terrace and we ran forwards onto Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned left onto Northgate. We turned right onto Duke Street and Left onto Blakey Moor. We turned right onto Fellden Street and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right onto the A674 and we headed out of town through Mill Hill. We passed Cherry Tree railway station and we continued out of town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 2762 on a #152 to Burnley and Dreamline YJ08 EAM. We carried on a bit bit further into Feniscowles an we got up and got off the bus. Once off we crossed over the road and we went to the Spar shop in a petrol station. Matthew had a can of Coke and a smal bottle of Cola as well as chocolate bar and a drumstick lolly. We walked to the stop for the Blackburn bound bus and we waited for the next bus to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew ate the lolly and drank the small bottle of Cola. A few minutes later the bus appered and it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758.

Transdev Lancashire United 2758 in Feniscowles

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A674 out of Feniscowles and past Cherry Tree railway station. We continued into the West end of Blackburn and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right into Fellden Street past the college. We turned right onto Cardwell Place. We ran forwards onto Darwen Street and we turned left onto Jubilee Street. We ran past Blackburn railway station along the Boulevard and we followed the road to the left onto Railway Road. We ran onto Penny Street and we entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we walked around to the North side of the bus station and Matthew got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2758 before it continued on towards Burnley.

Transdev Lancashire United 2758 in Blackburn bus station

We walked back down to the South end of the bus station and we took a few more picture before we left. We saw National Express liveries Park's of Hamilton HSK 656 on a #540 to Liverpool.

Park's of Hamilton HSK 656 in Blackburn bus station

Also we saw Rotala Preston Bus 20793 on a #35 to Longridge. We set off towards the car and Matthew stopped at Costa to use the toilet. The shop was shuting so we weren'e able to stop for something to eat. We decided to go back to the car and drive to a nearby chip shop. We set off from the car park near to Gala Bingo onto Richmond Terrace. We ran forwards onto Exchange Street and forwards again onto Long William Street. We turned left onto Barbara Castle way and we turned right onto Montague Street. We turned left onto Johnston Street and we parked at the side of the road. Mum discovered that had a sit in area so we went inside to eat. matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating and we set off towards home. We continued along Johnston Street for around 1/4 mile and we turned left onto saunders Road. We continued onto garden Road and at the end we turned right onto the A674. We ran through Feniscowles to junction 3 of the M65. We got onto the Westbound side and we travelled up to the M6. We joined the South bound M6 we saw PN12 WZZ, an unidentified Keenan coach, Holmeswood VIP HC15 HWC and Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT go back towards Birmingham.

Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT on the M6

Further down the M6 we saw silver minibus FD53 UNZ, Ava Coaches YK51 ???. We came off the M6 at the junction with the A50 and we visited Lymm services. We parked up and we walked through the services area and out the other side to see if there were any coahces there today. There were 3 coaches, and first in the row was Llew Jones Coaches LJI 5520.

Llew Jones Coaches LJI 5520 in Lymm service

Also in Lymm service was Ellison's YN67 VDF.

Ellison's YN67 VDF in Lymm service

Afterwards we saw Ellison's YN64 LYP in the service.

Ellison's YN64 LYP in Lymm service

Matthew went to the toilet and then we visited WH Smiths. He had a bottle of Coke and some wriggley worms and eggs. We got back in the car and we continued down the M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Timewell's coach, an unidentified Magicbus coach (M11) and an unidentified Tyrers coach. At junction 16 we came off the M6 onto the Southbound A500. We ran down through Longport and Etruria and into Stoke. We continued to Sideway and we turned left onto the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned left to see what was parked up in the comound on Willow Row. We saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ in the compound.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

Parked on the road outside was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

We set off onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and at the end we stopped at the lighs where we saw Intercity RE14 OSN on the A5035. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got home around 20:45. As we had already had chips we didn't have another meal. Matthew had his jammed filled shortbread biscuit and we wrote an e-mail and did some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 08-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
227	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
1305	Blackburn BS	Darwen, Argyle Street (adj)	1	Transdev Lancashire United
1877	Darwen, by Earnsdale Road	Blackburn BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Burnley BS	Clayton-le-Moors, by Hare and Hounds	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2755	Clayton-le-Moors, by Hare and Hounds	Burnley BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
228	Blackburn BS	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. It has been a while since our last visit. There wre now new bus stations in Accringting and Blackburn, and recently we heard that M&M Coaches had ceased trading at the end of September. We checked the weather for today and it was forecast for dry weather with sunny intervals all over the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the Midlands and the Nrth Wesr and from the list unsurprisingly Matthew chose accrington. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthews Way and we ran north past the Bet365 stadium. We went West on the A50 and then North onto the A500. As we joined the A500 we saw an unidentified BSS Coaches coach joining the Eastbound A50. We carried on North through Stoke passing an unidentified Dublin liveried ALX400 double decker (Paul's of Stoke?). We came off the A500 at Shelton on to Shelton New Road. We went along past the old Twyfords factory un to Etruria where we filled the car with gas. Once we had filled up we went onto the Westbound A53 and we re-joined the Northbound A500, going North up to the M6. As we traveled North up the M6 we passed National Express BX16 CJJ, black minibus L6 WEY and an unidentified Pride of the Clyde coach. At Junction 21A we went East along the M62 and then forwards onto the clockwise M60. On the M60 we passed an unidentified Tetley's coach, an unidentified Acklams coach, Cochrane Travel 54 FWY and an unidentified white & black Plaxton President double decker. We joined the North M66 past Bury and forwards onto the A56. We followed the road along the Haslingden by-pass and the when we got to the A680 we went North West into Accrington. We parked outside The Abbey Friar and we went in for dinner. Matthew went up to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. On the way out we paid for the stuff and Matthew picked another couple of small bottles of pop. Matthew decided to get back in the car and have a lift to the bus station. We didn't know exactly where it was but we had seen pictures taken nearby under the arches of the railway line. We headed back onto the A680 we parked in a car park on King Street which was right next to the new bus station. We sid goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On layover near to the exit of the bus station was Pilkington Bus Dennis Dart R10 PLK.

Pilkington Bus R10 PLK in Accrington bus station

We walked into the bus station and Matthew had to try out the toilet. We walked around what appeared to be a triangular shaped building. At the Southern end was an entrance to the bus station along School Street from Blackburn Road. We walked up to the end where we could see the buses on stands 5 through 9. On these stands were Pilkington Bus BA52 GHS on a #2 Dill Hall circular and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 on a M3 to Trawden.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 in Accrington bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Rossendale 124 on a #484 to Bury.

Rossendale 124 in Accrington bus station

We also saw required Transdev Lancashire United 227 on a #6A to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 227 in Accrington bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we walked back into the bus station and over to the stands on the North side. We queued up to get on the bus and we purchased Blackburn area tickets at £4.30 each. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Blackburn Road. We headed West for around 1/2 mile and we briefly joined the A679. before turnning left onto Market Street. We ran under the railway line and we ran through the centre of Oswaldtwistle. The B6231 continued straight onto the B6234 and we ran out into the countryside and over the M65. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran into Knuzden. We re-joined the A679 and we travelled West through Intack. Near to Tesco we joined the A678 and we ran into the town center. We ran past Thwaites brewery and Morrisons and we entered the new bus station for the first time. We let the bus enmpty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 227.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 227

Once we got off the bus we decided to go for a walk around. We went outside the bus station and we saw an area to the South of the bus station where there were 3 very large and long steps where all the skater kids hung around on. It was also the perfect platform for looking into the bus station and getting pictures of the buses on layover on the East side of the bus station. On layover was Transdev Lancashire United 3604 resting between runs on the X41 to Manchester.

Transdev Lancashire United 3604 in Blackburn bus station

We walked back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1305 on a #1 to Darwen so we decided to do it.

Transdev Lancashire United 1305 in Blackburn bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 on a #59 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and through town past the railway station. We left town heading South under the railwayline and past the retail park. We ran down the A666 past the site of the old hospital and over the canal. We ran down Bolton Road avoiding Alan Shearer Way and then past Ewood Park. This was as far in this direction as we had been before. We continued South under the M65 and we ran into Darwen. For some reason based on the shops on the road I thought we were in the centre on Darwen, but we later found out this was not the case! We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1305 as it carried on down to the town centre.

Transdev Lancashire United 1305 in Darwen

The original plan was to go to Darwen town centre, but for some reason we got off early, to make sure we didn't to go outside the boundary of the ticket. Just as we got up to get off we passed a Co-operative food store on the other side of the road, so we decided to take Matthew there to do some shopping. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a couple of bars of chocolate. We walked down to the stop outside the Conservative Club and we waited for the next bus back into town. Matthew had a Milky Way whilst we waited fo the next bus. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 1305 going back towards Blackburn running out of service and a couple of minutes later we saw a bus further down the road heading towards us. As it got closer we saw that it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1877.

Transdev Lancashire United 1877 in Darwen

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus traveled North up the A666 under the M65 We passed ewood park and we ran into Blckburn under the railway line. We ran through the town centre and past the railway station for running into the bus station from the South end. When we got back to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1877.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1877

When we got back to the bus station we went outside and we stood on the steps by the skaters. We had a quick look at what was about to work and there was a choice of a required bus on the X41 towards Accrington or a Hot LIne branded double decker on the #152 service to Burnley. We walked back into bus station and matthew decided he wanted to do the double decker on the #155 service. As we went to get on it we discovered it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Transdev Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out if the bus station and we ran up past the brewery onto the A678. In Intack we followed the road past MacDonalds and we passed ab unidentified Cranberry Coachways coach on the opposite carriageway through the trees. Crossed over the big roundabout onto Blackburn Road and under the railway line. We ran into Rishton and we stopped for a short whilw whislt we waited time. We then continued along the A678 past a large building site on the left hand side of the road. We then ran up the hill adjacnet to the M65 and into the centre of Clayton-le Moors where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2760 before it carried on towards Burnley.

Transdev Lancashire United 2760 in Clayton-le-Moors

We asked Matthew if he wanted to do another #152 back to Blackbrn or to go around the corner and travel back via Great Harwood. He chose to do another #152, so we had to run the gauntlet of going across two main roads to get to the other bus stop. We crossed over the A680 and then the A678 before walking down to the bus stop. The M65 was behind us down an embankment and we could hear the traffic racing by. Last time we went to Burnley we would have done a #152 the Altham Business park as the buses used to pass somewhere between the business park and Clayton-le-Moors. If the timetable was anything like it was there should be a bus due very soon. There was a gentleman already at the stop waiting for the bus so the signs were good. Matthew had a packet of Milky Stars as the best best way to ensure the bus turns up promptly is to give Matthew somethinfg to eat! Pretty much as soon as Matthew had polished of the chocolate we saw a double decker coming down the hill on the other side of the crossroads. As it got closer we saw that it was Transdev Lancashire United 2755.

Transdev Lancashire United 2755 in Clayton-le-Moors

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blacburn area day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was almost empty, I don't think Matthew spotted the young man hiding behind the plush leather high backed seats...

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2755

We sat down and the bus set off down the A678 and into Rishton. We crossed over the roundabout and up the hill into Intack, where we followed the road to the right as we went passed Tesco. We ran into the town centre past the brewery and morrison and we entered the bus station once again. As we went on stand we spotted an interesting looking Merceds minibus on layover. We got off the bus and we walked up the big steps next to the skaters so we could get a better look. It was required Darwen Coach Services BX06 UMM.

Darwen Coach Services BX06 UMM in Blackburn bus station

We went back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet again. We saw on the display that the next bus back to Accrington was the 16:55 #7 service. We had a few minutes and we visited the kiosk where Matthew brough a caramel flapjack and a milky Way. We walked out of the other end of the bus station and we got a picture of required Transdev Lancashire United 228, which was now starting to load up for the trip up to Acrington.

Transdev Lancashire United 228 in Blackburn bus station

We got in the queue to get onto the Accrington bus and we saw Darwen Coach Services minibus BX06 UMM pull onto san adjacent stand to work a #3 service to Sunnybower. We wren't sure if we could do this service and get back so we turned it down for now, hopefully to get it at some point in the near future. We got on Transdev Lancashire United 228 and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down near to the front of the bus. The bus was packed and there were sveral standees as we left the bus station. We headed past the brewery onto the A678 and outside Tesco we carried on straight on to the A679, As we went through Intack and on to Knuzden the bus statrted to empty out. We carried on under the M65 and went we got into Church we turned right onto Thwaites Road. At the end we turned left onto the B6234 and into the centre of Oswaldtwistle. As we ran down towards Market Street and the junction A679 the bus was almost empty. We turned right onto Blackburn Road and we ran into Accrington. We went under the railway line and we turn left into School Street and into the bus station from the Southern End. The bus unloaded and we walked out of the bus station to try and get another picture. Whilst we waited we saw Rossendale 234 on a #464 to Rawtenstall.

Rossendale 234 in Accrington bus station

Mum appeared and parked in the layby on King Street outside the Bistro, so we decided to head over to the car where she was waiting with a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We turned around via Blackburn Road, Oxford street and Hyndburn Road before getting onto the A680 and going around the town centre and down through Baxenden. We stopped at the Shell garage for gas and matthew used the toilet. We carried across the A56 and stopped at the entrance of Winfields so we could see if we could see an industrial shunter, but the gates were closed. We got back onto the A56 and we ran Southwards down to the M66. We passed another Cranberrys Coachways coach going the other way. At the end of the M66 we joined the Westbound M60. Traveling home along the M60 we passed 2 unidentified Tyrer's Coaches an an unidentified Shearing's Grand Tourer. We also passed two gold coloured coaches, the operator name escapes me. Further around the ring road we saw also saw black minibus EX66 FTF and a Playbus. We came of the M60 and went WEst along the M62 to the M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw white LDV DL04 UWX. At junction 16 we came of the M6 onto the Southbound A500 which we did down to Sideway. We went East along the A50 and we came off to check out was was parked up at Z Carz this evening. Today we got there and it was properly dark! In the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Also in the front row we saw Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

At the near end of the front row was Z Carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row see what was in the compound. Outside was Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and strangely enough we didn't see a single clown. We followed the road around to the right onto Church Road and we turned right into beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea we had banger and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark