Trip to Stockport / Ashton-under-Lyne 24-05-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
VMD374	Stockport Interchange	Thornley Park	7	Metroline
ADE558	Thornley Park	Hyde BS	201	Metroline
VW590	Hyde BS	Hattersley, Melandra Crescent	201	Metroline
TEH152	Hattersley, Melandra Crescent	Hyde BS	201	Metroline
VMD466	Hyde BS	Ashton Interchange	346	Metroline
11884	Ashton Interchange	Hyde BS	330	Stagecoach Manchester
10860	Hyde BS	Ashton Interchange	330	Stagecoach Manchester
VMD407	Ashton Interchange	Openshaw, Stop F	219	Metroline

Today we decided to revisit Stockport. We asked Matthew where he would like to go on the Friday and he told us Stockport. Research consisted of looking at where we might eat, and the weather, which was for overcast with some sunshine and a chance of rain. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we got in the car and set off just before 12:00. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we joined the one-way system around Stoke. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainbury's to fill up with petrol. Afterwards we set off onto London Road and we ran forwards onto Campbell Place. We turned left onto Church Street and we turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We re-joined the Northbound A500 and we headed Northwards through Etruria and Longport. We continued through Talke to Barthomley and we joied the Northboud M6. Travelling up the M6 we saw Selwyns BV23 ZXC(#171), an unidentified Alfa coach, an unidentified Malbank Coaches coach, an unidentifed Hallmark coach, an unidentified Crystal Coaches coach and ATM CN66 GJU. We came off the M6 at junction 19 and we joined the Northbound A556. After a few miles we ran forwards onto the M56. Seen on the M56 was an unidentified M&D Travel coach. We ran forwards onto the M60. We came off the M60 at junction 1 and we continued Eastwards on the A5145. We turned right onto the Southbound A6 and we turned left into the Red Rock car park. We parked up and we went walked through the car park to the Merseyway Shopping Centre. We came down the stairs and out the front entrance. We decided to eat at Gregs as it was convenient. Matthew had 1 1/2 sausage rolls washed down with a can of Coke. As we ate we saw an unidentified Biulton's coach go past on the A6. When we had finished we headed towards the new Interchange. We saw Rotala Diamond 20609 on a #364 to Hazel Grove.

Rotala Diamond 20609 in Stockport Interchange

We headed into the Interchnage and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went to the other end to see the buses arriving. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 26332 on a #325 Brinnington circular service.

Stagecoach Manchester 26332 in Stockport Interchange

We walked into the Interchange to catch something out. A short time later we saw a bus that Matthew fancied doing. As it came on stand we saw it was required Metroline VMD374 on a #7 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

Metroline VMD374 in Stockport Interchange

We got on the bus and we bought Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket for £5 each. The top deck of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Metroline VMD374 before we sat down.

Inside Metroline VMD374

The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Astley Street and we saw Metroline VMD434 on a #203 to Manchester. We turned left onto Heaton Lane and at the roundabout we turned right onto the A560. We turned right onto Little Egerton Street and we turned left onto Prince's Street and we turned right onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto Warren Street we turned left onto the A560 and we turned right onto the B6167 and we ran forwards onto Lancashire Hill. We ran forwards onto the A6188 and we ran up the hill into South Reddish and then forwards through Heaton Chapel and we turned right onto the B5169. We turned left onto Nelstrop Road and we turned right onto Carnforth Road and we turned left onto Marbury Road. We turned right onto Carnforth Road and we turned left onto Keswick Road and we turned right onto the B5169. We crossed over the B6167 and down into Reddish and we turned left onto Longford Road West and we turned right onto Browning Road. We turned right onto Ruskin Road and we turned left onto Longford Road West and we ran through Longford Road. We turned left onto Windmill Lane and we turned right onto Thornley Lane South and back onto the A57. We ran up to Thornley Park and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Metroline VMD374 as it continued towards Ashton.

Metroline VMD374 in Thornley Park

Once off the bus we walked along the road to a shop. We bought some pop and some choclate bars to share out amongst us later on Matthew also had a jelly snake. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus towards Hyde. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Metroline ADE558 on a #201 to Hattersley.

Metroline ADE558 in Thornley Park

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A57 and we crossed over the M60. We ran alongside the M67 and past Denton railway station and to the South of Audenshaw reservoirs. We crossed over the M67 and we ran through Denton town centre past the former Halifax bank. We continued for a further 1 1/2 miles into Hyde and as we approached the town centre we veered left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk ariund and took a few pictures. We saw Metroline VMD451 on a #346 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

Metroline VMD451 in Hyde bus station

Matthew indicated that he wanted to got ot the pub. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Market Street. We turned left onto Clarendon Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished our drinks we walked along Clarendon Street and back to the bus station. WE had a look around to see what else we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 18925 on a #330 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 18925 in Hyde bus station

Matthew didn't famcy this so we waited for something else. A short time later we saw a diesel bus approaching. A former Go North West double decker. As it got closer we saw it was Metroline VW590 on a #201 to Hattersley.

Metroline VW590 in Hyde bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off around the bus station and out of the bus station onto New Beech Street. We turned right onto Clarendon Place and we ran forwards onto the A57. We ram through Godley and we turned right onto Hattersley Road West. We ran past Hattersley railway station and into Hattersley and we crossed over Hattersley Road East and we turned right onto Underwood Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Metroline VW590 as it continued back towards Manchester.

Metroline VW590 in Hattersley

We crossed over the road and we waited for the next bus back which was another diesel. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru from the trip bag. A short time later we saw the bus come over the hill. As it got closer we saw it was Metroline TEH152 on a #201 to Manchester Piccadilly.

Metroline TEH152 in Hattersley

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Underwood Road and we turned right onto Hattersley Road East. We continued onto Hattersley Road West and we ran past the railway station. We turned left onto the A57 and we ran through Godley. At the edge of town we ran forwards onto the bus lane on Claredon Place and we turned left onto New Beech Street. We ran into the bus station from the East end and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to go towards Ashton-under-Lyne. We saw a Metroline VMD466 arrive and go on layover.

Metroline VMD466 in Hyde bus station

We walked around to stand A and we waited for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw Rotala Diamond 20606 on a #343 to Oldham. A few minutes later the bus cam on stand and as expected we saw it was Metroline VMD466. We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A627. We crossed over the M67 and we ran forwards ponto Clareden Road. We ran forwards onto Voctoria Street and we crossed over the railway line. We turned left onto Talnbot Road and we ran into Newton. We turned right onto Ashton Road and we veered right onto the B6175. We turned left onto Lodge Lane. We re-joined the B6175 and we ran forwards onto Jeffreys Drive. We turned right onto Town Lane and we ran forwards onto the B6170. We crossed over the Tame and we headed into Ashton. We ran forwards onto the A670 and we turned left onto Penny Meadow. We continued onto Wellington Road. We turned left onto the A6043 and left onto A627. We turned left into the Interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Metroline VMD466 before it went onto a different service.

Metroline VMD466 in Ashton Interchange

Matthew want to go to the pub so we headed onto the A6043. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we headed to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We went into the games room as it was a little quieter in there. Matthew made a new friend and after we had finished our drinks we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We headed back to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 80113 on a #409 to Rochdale.

Stagecoach Manchester 80113 in Ashton Interchange

The plan was to go back to Stockport to met mum, so we waited for a stockport bound bus. A short time later the bus cam on stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11884 on a #330 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 11884 in Ashton Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the A6043. I messaged mum to see how she was ans she said she was on her way to Farmfoods in Openshaw. I worked out to get to her by bus we had to go back to Ashton! We turned left onto the A627 and we through Dukinfield and we ran into Hyde. We turned left onto Bank Street and we entered the bus station from the East end. We got up an got of the bus and we waited for a bus back to Ashton. We had around 5 minutes to wait. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 10860 on a #330 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

Stagecoach Manchester 10860 in Hyde bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network Bus Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran onto the A627. We crossed over the M67 and we ran Northwards. We ran under the railway line and we continued Northwards through Dukinfield We crossed the Tame and the A635 and we ran forwards onto Cavendish. We turned right onto Katherine Street and left onto Gas Street. We turned right onto Water Street and we ran into the Ashton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. We had a few minutes before the bus to Openshaw was due off so Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked across to the stops adjacent to the tram stop. We got to the stop and the bus was already on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Metroline VMD407 on a #219 to Piccadilly.

Metroline VMD407 in Ashton Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Newtwork Bus Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A6043 and we turned left onto the A627 We headed South and we turned right onto the A635. We came to a large roundabout and we ran forwards onto the A6017. We ran into Guide Bridge and we ran forwards onto the A6140. We turned left onto the B6390 and we ran over the railway line. We ran past the North end of the Audenshaw Reservoirs and we crossed over the M60. We turned right onto the A635 and we ran the last 2/3 of a mile into Openshaw where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Metroline VMD407 as it continued towards Piccadilly.

Metroline VMD407 in Openshaw

We crossed over the road and we met up with mum. We went in search of a chip shop for something to eat. We set off out of the car park onto Turton Street. We turned right onto the A635 and left onto Lees Street. We passed Gorton railway station and we ran forwards onto Constable Street. Tghe chip shop that we want was closed so we had to go in search of another. We continued onto Abbey Hay Lane and we ran forwards onto Highmead Street. We turned right onto Chapman Street and we continued onto Cornwall Street. We turned left onto the A635 and we turned right onto the A6010. We turned left onto the A662 and we stopped in a small side street opposite the Ethiad Stadium. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and washed it down with the can of Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating We set off onto the A662 and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Councillor Street and we turned right onto Palmerston Street. We crossed over the river Medlock and we headed Southwards. We turned left onto the A665 and we ran forwards onto the A635. Wwe ran under the railway line a few hundred yard East of Manchester Victoria and we continued onto the A57(M). We ran for a mile of=r so and we came of the ring road onto the Southbound A5103. We ran Southwards through Moss Side and Whalley Range and we joined the Southbound M56. We ran out of Greater Manchester near to the airport and we continued into Cheshire. We came off the M56 and joined the A556. We ran for a few miles and we joined the M6 at junction 19. As we travekled Southwards we saw an unidentified Ellisons Coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now 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 we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. 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 00:00... Mark

Trip to Manchester / Ashton 21-02-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10582	Manchester, (Stop D)	Ashton BS	216	Stagecoach Manchester
10601	Ashton BS	Manchester, Warwick Street	231	Stagecoach Manchester
12186	Manchester, Piccadilly	Trafford Centre BS	250	Stagecoach Manchester
3131	Trafford Centre BS	Altricham Interchange	247	Arriva NW&W
19528	Altricham Interchange	Wythenshawe, Police Station	11	Stagecoach Manchester
19471	Wythenshawe Interchange	Manchester, Dickinson Street	101	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Manchester. Matthew got up around 06:00. Around 07:00 Matthew came downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. The walked along A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and had a bottle of Coke. After finishing eating we went waited for a train to Manchester. We got on the train and we set off Northwards towards Manchester. It was an express train so the first stop was Macclesfield. We continued Northwards and we stopped at Stockport. and we continued Northwards into Manchester Piccadilly. Once of the train we walked out of the railway station. We walked out of the station area and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10849.

Stagecoach Manchester 10849 in Manchester

Matthew visted the toilet and afterwards we saw Go North West 3225 on a #135 to Bury.

Go North West 3225 in Manchester

After we had finished eating we continued down to Piccadilly. We stopped at McDonalds and we had breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast roll with Hash brown and orange juice. When we had finished we walked along Piccadilly. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 10582 on a #216 to Ashton. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Piccadilly and we turned right onto Lever Street and we turned right onto the A665. We ran through Ancoats and we turned left onto the A662. We ran Westwards through Holt Town, Sportcity and Clayton. We ran through Droylsden and we turned left into the A635. We went through Ashton and we turned left onto Margaet Street and we turned right onto Katherine Street and we turned left onto Gas Street. We turned into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 10582.

Stagecoach Manchester 10582 in Ashton bus station

We set off out of the bus station onto Wellington Road and we saw First Manchester 69445 on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69445 in Ashton

We went into B&M and we brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we went out of the shop. We walked down Wellington Road. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10585 on a #237 to Glossop.

Stagecoach Manchester 10585 in Ashton bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10579 on a #346 to Hyde.

Stagecoach Manchester 10579 in Ashton bus station

We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus back towards Manchester. A short time later we saw First Manchester 33736 on a #350 to Oldham. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was Stagecoach Manchester 10601 on a #231 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10601 in Ashton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Wellington Road. We ran forwards onto Henrietta Street and we turned left onto the A670 and we turned right into the Tameside General Hospital and we turned right onto the A670. We continued onto Queens Road and we ran through Hurst and into Higher Hurst and we turned left onto St Albans Avenue and into Hartshead and we continued through Smallshaw and we ran onto Wood Lane. We ran through Waterloo into Taunton and we travelled Westwards along the Westbound M60 and at the end we turned right onto Moorside Street and we turned left onto the A662. We ran Westwards through Droylsden, Clayton and Sportcity. We turned left into the A662 and we ran through Holt Town. We turned left onto Every Street and we ran into Ancoats. We turned right onto the A665 and we ran down the hill into Manchester and we turned left onto Oldham Street and we got up and got off the bus. We turned left onto Oldham Street and we turned right onto Market Street. Once we had finished we went to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we visited the toilet. When we had finished we walked along Piccadilly bus station at Parker street. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 12186 on a #250 to Trafford Centre.

Stagecoach Manchester 12186 in Manchester

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the terminal and we turned right onto Portland Street. We turned left onto Princess Street and right onto Whitworth Street. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Booth Street West. We passed the College of Music and we turned right onto Boundry lane. We turned left onto the A5067 and we headed Westwards. We passed Hulme Park and we ran to the end of the road and we joined Chester Road. We joined the A56 and we ran past White City Retail Park. We passed Old Trafford and we turned right onto the A5081 and we turned left onto Europa Way. We turned right onto Westinghouse Road and we turned left onto the A5181 and we turned right onto the B5211. We pulled into the bus station and we got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and went into the Trafford centre. Matthew used the toilet. We continued into the Trafford centre and we visited Five Guys. Matthew had bacon cheeseburger and fries washed down with a cup of coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We visited Work Shop. We walked through the bus station taking picture whilst we decided what to do next #247 to Altricham. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching as it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 3131 on a #247 to Altricham.

Arriva NW&W 3131 in Trafford Centre bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right on to the B5214. We continued East along Woodhouse Road and we turned right onto Davyhulme Road. We turned right and close to the Manchester Ship Canal. Passed the Trafford General hospital and we turned Northwards onto Woodsend Road and into Davyhulme. We turned right into Moorside Road and we turned left onto Woodsend Road. After running the hill through Flixton and we turned left onto Irlam Road and we turned right into the B5158 and we turned left onto the A6144 and we turned right into the A56. We ran up the hill into Broadheath and we turned left onto the B5164 and we ran into the interchange and we got up and got off the bus. As we headed New Stamford Road before arriving at our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and drank some Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included D&G Bus 33 on the #88 to Macclesfield. We set off continued down New Stamford Road. On the way to the interchange. We continued down to the interchange. AS it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 19528 on a #11 to Stockport. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned right onto Stamford New Road. We turned right onto the A560 and we headed Eastwards. We veered left onto the B5165 and we ran into the centre of Timperley. We ran past the old NatWest Bank which closed 2 years ago. We turned right onto Thorley Lane and we crossed over the A560. We turned left onto Mainwood Road and left onto Greystoke Avenue. We ran forwards onto Aimson Road East and we turned right onto the A560. We ran into Baguley and we turned right into Southmoor Road. We turned right into Ledson Road and left into Floats Road. We turned left into Southmoor Road and we entered the hospital. After a brief stop at the hospital main bus stop we continued forwards onto Hollyhedge Road. We turned right onto Greenbrow Road and we ran around a loop. We turned right onto Tuffley Road and we crossed over the M56. We continued onto Simonsway and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19528 as it continued towards Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 19528 in Wythenshawe

We went into Asda and we vivited the toilet. Once we had finished we went out of the shop. We continued onto Hale Top and walked up Wythenshawe Civic Centre and we ran alongsid Poundswick Lane and we went back to the interchange. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Stagecoach Manchester 19471 on the #101 to Manchester. We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Poundswick Lane we turned right onto Simonsway. We turned left onto Greenbrow Road We turned left into Southmoor Road and we entered the hospital. After a brief stop at the hospital main bus stop. We turned right onto Hollyhedge Road and we continued forwards onto Bowland Road. We turned right onto Floatshall Road and we turned left onto Hall Lane we turned right onto the A560 and we crossed over the A5103. We joined the A560 and we ran up to Moss Side and we turned right onto Greenheys Lane and we turned right onto Burlington Street. We turned left onto Higher Cambridge Street and we ran through the the A57(M). We ran along Cambridge Street and we turned right onto Whitworth Street West and right onto Oxford Street. We turned right onto Portland Street and we got up and got off the bus at the top of Portland Street. Once off the bus we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19495 on the #101 to Logistics North. As we turned left into Dickinson Street and we turned right into George Street. We turned left into Charlotte Street and we turned right into Mosley Street and we stopped at the shop. Matthew brought a can of Coke. We crossed over Mosley Street and we continued up Market Street. Once we had finished we went to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we visited the toilet. When we had finished we walked along Piccadilly we walked back to the railway station and we also visited burger king and Matthew had a burger and fries. We waited for a train back to Stoke-on-Trent. After a short while we got on the train and we found a seat. We set off Southwards out of Manchester Piccadilly and we ran fast down to Stockport. After a station stop we continued Southwards to Macclesfield. We ran fast through Congleton and Kidsgrove to Stoke-on-Trent where we got up and got off the train. Once off the train we got a Lucky Seven taxi up to Fenton. We set off along Station Road and we joined the Westbound A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and we turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 27-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3101	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
37460	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
69539	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
37459	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
33682	Oldham BS	Ashton BS	409	First Manchester
12197	Ashton BS	Hyde BS	330	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to St Helens. We decided to re-visit Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE.

Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE in Fenton

Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Around 11:30 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw silver minibus DG64 KUT, white minibus HT68 HHE, an unidentifled blue minibus and an unidentifled Moffat & Williamson coach. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw silver minibus DN08 GOC, an unidentifled Parks of Hamilton coach, an unidentifled A2B Travel minicoach, an unidentifled Atlantic Travel coach and City Centre Central KE64 HFG. We ran up to Junction 19 and we got onto the Eastbound A556. We continued for a few miles and we ran forwards onto the M56. As we travelled Eastwards we saw an unidentified coach on National Express(#328). We took the junction to go onto the The anti-clockwise M60 and we circled around Manchester. We ran through Stockport and we passed an unidentified coach on National Express 540. When we got to the right junction we left the M60 and got onto the Eastbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into middle and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Limetrees Road. We entered the car park and we parked up. After visiting the toilet in the shopping centre we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10850 on a #112 to Manchester. We went into the bus station and we looked for bus to catch. On layover was dud Go North West 6204. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3101 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud Transdev Rosso 733. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 37460 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1232 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69539 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road and we turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 37459 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223 and we saw First Manchester 33747 on a #409 to Rochdale. We turned left onto Oldham Road and we continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton and we saw an unidentified Jacko's Travel midicoach. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 37461 on layover. The plan now was to head up back to the other half of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 33831 on a #83 to Manchester. As we were about to enter the bus station to go to the newsagents we saw required First Manchester 33682 on a #409 to Ashton. We decided to abandon the plan to go to the newsagent and catch the required First double decker. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and down the hill before turning left. We crossed Oldham way and we went South Down the A627. We continued Hathershaw and Into Fitton Hill. We ran up the hill and into Bardsley. We ran forwards onto Waterloo and we ran down the hill into Ashton. We turned left onto the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Hyde. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19352 on a #237 to Glossop. We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We stood by the #330 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 12126 on a #219 to Manchester. We looked up the time of the next #330 bus up to Hyde. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 12197 on a #330 to Stockport. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A6043. We turned left onto the A627 and we through Dukinfield and we ran into Hyde. We turned left onto Bank Street and we entered the bus station from the East end. Web got up an got of the bus and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36422 on a #346 to Ashton. Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted the toilet. The bus station toilet were closed so we went for a walk to look for somewhere for Matthew to go. We ran up Clarendon Street and we spotted a pub on the corner. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. After using the toilet Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we finished the drink we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked back down Clarendon 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 Clarendon Street and we turned right onto the A57. We turned right onto Clark Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the B6170 and we turned left onto A627. A few hundred yards up the road we pulled into a parking area and we stopped to pick up chips. Once we had the chips we continued on our journey. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy on a tray. We rejoined the A627 and we turned right onto the B6170. We turned left onto the M67 and we turned left onto the clockwise M60. We ran forwards onto the M56 and as we travelled Westwards. We ran forwards onto the A556 and we continued forwards as far as the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and as we travelled down we saw Gwyn Jones YN06 NZX. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 were taxi minibus SF11 MVO, white minibus BX60 ELH. We ran through Longport and Etruria and into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we ran through Shelton and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and went up to his room. 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 Ashton / Glossop 18-01-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
19278	Ashton Interchange	Glossop, Henry Street	237	Stagecoach Manchester
MX57 URA	Glossop, Market Hall	Hyde BS	341	Stott's
19182	Hyde BS	Stockport BS	330	Stagecoach Manchester
37037	Stockport BS	Trafford Centre BS	25	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew decided to re-visited Ashton-under-Lyne. As we knew we were going in advance we did some research. We checked which depots First Manchester operate from and which ones had been sold to other companies. We also checked the weather which was for cool, dry and sunny weather, slightly warmer the normal for the time of year. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum went out to the post office around 11:20 to pick up a parcel. She also picked up her friend who was coming with us today. We got in the car just after 11:30 and we set off onto the A5035. Mum had the sat-nav set to shortest route instead of the fastest so it took us the wrong way! We turned left onto the A5035 and left onto Ripon Road. We turned the car around and we turned right onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto the Northbound A34 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Northbound A519. We joined the Northbound M6 and we travelled through Staffordshire. As we travelled North we saw Park's of Hamilton BV67 JYZ (#540), HSK 646 (#532), H&H Hire B8 HNH, silver minibus CP19 KWL, Edwards Coaches (NX) BV67 JYD(#528), an unidentified Megabus (M11), an unidentified Ellison's coach and an unidentified Hollinsheads. At junction 19 we came of the M6 and we headed Eastwards for around 5 miles. Seen on the A556 were Copeland's Tours MIB 279 and an unidentified white coach. We joined the Eastbound M56 and we ran Eastwards up to the anti-clockwise M60. Seen on the M60 were 2 unidentified Sky Coaches, Stagecoach Manchester 19330(X30) & High Peak 804 (#199). We came off the M60 at junction 24 and we joined the Eastbound A57. We ran into the centre of Denton and at the lights we turned left onto the Northbound A6017. We ran past the new Wellness Centre in Tameside and past the retail park. We turned right onto Shepley Road and following the sat-nav against my better judgement we turned right onto Globe Lane. When we realised the sat-nat wasn't very accurate we turned around and we turned right at the roundabout. We spotted the cafe and we parked up nearby. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast with toast as well as a buttered bap so he could make a sausage sandwich from other people's sausages! Afterwards he had a bakewell slice. When we had finished eating we headed outside and we got in the car. We ran Northwards up Astlet Street. In the centre of Dukinfield we turned left onto King Street. We crossed over the A635 onto the A627 and we turned right onto Newman Street. We ran forwards onto Water Street and the road we were heading for had been truncated with the building of the new Interchange. We got out of the car and we said goodbye to mum and her friend. Once out of the car we headed into the Interchange. In front was the new section of the interchange that was being built.

Ashton Interchange construction work

In the Interchange we saw First Manchester 37556 on a #350 to Micklehurst. We walked up to the top end of the Interchange and we saw First Manchester 33684 on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33684 in Ashton Interchange

We waited around at the top end of the Interchange and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19278 on a #237 to Glossop.

Stagecoach Manchester 19278 in Ashton Interchange

We walked down through the Interchange and we waited for the bus to be readied for service. We got on the bus and we booked System One Bus Only Day tickets at £6 each. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19278 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19278

We set off out of the Interchange onto Wellington Road and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Penny Meadow and we continued onto Beaufort Road. At the end of Beaufort Road we turned left onto Stamford Street. We veered right onto Rassbottom Street and we ran into Stalybridge. We past the railway station and we went into the town centre. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran forwards onto Trinity Street and we ran through the town centre onto the square. We ran Southwards out of town and we turned left onto Acres Lane. At the end of Acres Lane we turned right onto Mottram Road. We ran past Stalybridge Celtic's ground, where we saw an unidentified Sharpe's coach parked up. We passed MCT E200MMC bus YX19 ONS on a #387 to Ashton. We continued along Mottram Road and we ran forwards onto Roe Cross Road. We ram through Maltley and Roe Cross and into Mottran in Longendale. We turned left onto Mottram Moor. We continued along the A628 and into Hollingworth. We ran forwards onto Manchester Road into Tinwistle and we turned right onto New Road. We ran down into the valley and we ran forwards onto Waterside. We ran forwards onto Station Road and we ran up to the corner by the railway station. After a brief stop we turned right onto Railway Street. We ran forwards onto Newshaw lane and we turned left onto Brookfield. We ran under the viaduct at Dinting and forwards onto High Street West. We ran the last 1/2 mile into the centre of Glossop and we turned left into Norfolk Square. We turned right to continued around the square and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19278 as it continued towards the end of the run on Shirebrook Drive.

Stagecoach Manchester 19278 in Glossop

In front of us was High Peak 290 on a #390 to Whitfield. Once off the bus we walked down through the square and we crossed over into the market hall. We walked around the market looking for toilets. We stopped at a Market Stall and Matthew had 50p worth of spearmint chews and a Milky Way. We asked where the toilets were and we were directed to a toilet block outside the market. After using the toilet we headed back to the bus stop. There wasn't another Ashton bound bus for 20 minutes so we went to get a drink. We walked onto High Street East and we visited the petrol station and Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back along High Street East and we saw High Peak 290 on a #390 to Whitfield.

High Peak 290 in Glossop

We conitnued back into the town centre and we stopped at the bus stop outside the market hall. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19113 on a #237 to Ashton. He indicated that he wanted to do the #341 to Hyde, but that wasn't for another 30 minutes or so. We decided to have a walk around rather than wait at the bus stop for 30 minutes. We walked Westward along High Street West looking for a cash machine. When we did find one. we crossed over the road and we walked Eastwards along High Street West to Norfolk Square. After getting some money out of the cash machine we crossed back over to the market hall to wait for a the bus to Hyde. Just after 16:00 we saw South Pennie Community Transport HV69 EPX on a #351 to Holmfirth. the back of the bus stopped on Henry Street. When it set off Matthew moved up to the road to get a picture. It appeared from around the corner and as it got closer we saw it was Stott's MX57 URA on a #341 to Hyde.

Stott's MX57 URA in Glossop

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Th bus set off along High Street West and we headed Westwards out of town. About a 1/2 mile out of town we crossed the roundabout and we turned left onto Simmondley Lane. We turned left onto Pennine Road and we ran past the local shops. We turned right onto Werneth Road and we looped back onto Pennine Road. We turned right onto Simmondley Lane and we ran back down to the A57. We ran under Dinting viaduct and we turned left onto Glossop Road. We ran into Gamesley and we went back under the railway line. We ran down into the village of Charlesworth and we turned right onto Long Lane. We ran into Broadbottom and we went under the railway line. We ran past Broadbottom railway station and we headed Northwards up towards Mottram. We ran through Mudd and we turned left onto Ashworth Lane. We ran past the library and we crossed over the A560. We ran forwards onto Underwood through Hattersley and we turned left onto Hattersley Road West. We turned left onto Fields Farm Road and we ran forwards onto Beaufort Road. We crossed over the A560 onto Clough End Lane and we looped back around onto the Southbound A560. We ran for a few miles towards Gee Cross and we turned right onto Werneth Avenue. We turned right onto Backbower Lane and right onto Grange Road South. We ran around the loop and we turned right onto Grange Road. We turned left onto Peel Street and right onto Stockport Road. We turned right onto Lumn Road and right onto Mansfield Road. We turned left onto Walker Lane and we turned right to re-join Lumn Road. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran into the centre of Hyde. We turned right onto Clarendon Street and we entered the bus station from the East end. Web got up an got of the bus and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36422 on a #346 to Ashton.

Stagecoach Manchester 36422 in Hyde bus station

Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted the toilet. The bus station toilet were closed so we went for a walk to look for somewhere for Matthew to go. We ran up Clarendon Street and we spotted a pub on the corner. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. After using the toilet Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we finished the drink we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked back down Clarendon Street and back to the bus station. Mum had driven to The Trafford Centre so we tried to work out how we could get to her. We decided to go via Stockport. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19182 on a #330 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 19182 in Hyde bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off around the bus station and out of the bus station onto Market Street. We ran southwards through the town centre and we turned right onto Dowson Road. We ran out of town down the hill and forwards onto the A560, passing Belle Vue YN08 MLL going the other way. As we passed Woodley railway station we saw a freight train going towards the Bredbury Freight terminal. We continued through Bredbury and we ran forwards onto the B6104. We crossed over the big roundabout on the east end of Stockport and and as we entered town. We ran through Stockport along Little Egerton Street and great Egerton Street and we entered the bus station through Mersey Square and under Wellington Road South. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19182 before it returned on a #330 to Ashton.

Stagecoach Manchester 19182 in Stockport bus station

Once off the bus we went to catch a #23 or #25. We just missed a #23 so we walked to the stop to wait for the next bus. As we got to the stop we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37037 on a #25 to The Trafford Centre.

Stagecoach Manchester 37037 in Stockport bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we went under the A6. We turned right into Mersey Square and we looped around to join the Northbound A6. We ran Northwards over the M60 and we ran into Heaton Norris. We turned left into Heaton Road. We turned right onto Parsonage Road and left onto Heaton Moor Road. We ran through Heaton Moor and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We turned left onto Buckingham Road West and right onto Mauldeth Road. We ran forwards onto Burnage Lane and we turned left onto Mauldeth Road. We crossed over the A34 and we continued along Mauldeth Road. As we ran Westwards we saw an unidentified Bullock's coach and an unidentified National Holidays coach. We ran forwards onto Mauldeth Road West and we turned right on to the Northbound A5145 and into Chorlton-cum-Hardy. We turned left onto the A6010 and we ran forwards onto the A5145. We crossed the A56 at Stretford and we continued Westwards onto Kingsway. We turned right onto the A5181 and we veered left onto Barton Road. We crossed the M60 on Lostock Road and we turned right onto Barton Road. We crossed under the M60 again and we ran Northwards into The Trafford Centre. At thr first roundabout we turned right and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 37037 before we got off the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 37037

Once off the bus we took a few pictures and afterwards Matthew used the toilet in the shopping centre. We met up with mum and her friend and Matthew took a few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Manchester 69147. This bus on loan to Rotala Diamond on layover in between runs on the #68 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 69147 in Trafford Centre bus station

now allocated to First Potteries. As we walked towards the car we saw Go North West 37393 on a #100 to Warrington.

Go North West 37393 in Trafford Centre bus station

Matthew visited the garage and brought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. In the car Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a ring doughnut. We got in the car and we set off out of the petrol station towards the B5214. We saw Go North West single decker 4015 pull up along side us on a #52 to Cheetham Hill. We turned left and at the next roundabout we joined the Southbound M60. As we travelled home we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36416(nis). We came off at junction % and we ran Southwards down the A5103 to the M56. Seen on the M56 was taxi minibus DV16 PZH. We came off the M56 at junction 7 and we joined the Westbound A556. We travelled to the M6 and we got onto the Southbound M6 at junction 19. Seen on the M6 was Selwyn's (NX) BV67 JXP(#441). We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport and Etruria and through Stoke. We came off the A500 at Sideway and we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground as expected and we turned left onto Willow Row. Outside the depot we saw Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ parked up on the road.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

In the compound we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW parked up.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

We carefully turned the car carefully and we returned onto the A50. We ran up the Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We carried on down the hill into Blurton. We ran through Blurton before turning right onto Church Road. We turned right onto A5035 and we got home around 20:10. Mum went to drop off her friend and pick up some chips for tea. For a late tea we had sausage chips and gravy followed by a Milky Way. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some more of the Blog and out our bus pictures online. Matthew went to bed around 01:00... Mark.