Trip to Bristol / Bath 27-04-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
35147	Weston-super-Mare Interchange	Bristol BS	X1	First Bristol
36802	Bristol BS	Bath BS	X39	First Bristol
33858	Bath BS	Claverton Village	D2x	First Bristol
67102	Claverton Village	Bath BS	D2x	First Bristol
36818	Bath BS	Bristol BS	X39	First Bristol
35147	Bristol BS	Weston-super-Mare Interchange	X1	First Bristol
35685	Weston-super-Mare Interchange	Burnham-on-Sea, (W-bound)	20	First Bristol

Today we were on the second day of a holiday in Somerset. Matthew woke up around 07:00. He had his medication at 08:00 and got up around 09:00. Matthew had toast washd down with a glass of orange Fanta. Just after 10:00 we got in the car and we set off to Weston-Super-Mare. We set off out of the caravan park onto Westfield Road and we turned left onto the B3140. At the roundabout be turned left to continue following the B3140. We headed Eastwards for a few miles and we joined the Northound A38. We veered left onto the A370 and we continued to head North into Weston-super-Mare. We followed the A370 to the right and we turned left onto Walliscote Road We turned left onto Oxford Street and right nto High Street before we turned into the NCP car park. Once we had parked up said goodbye to mum and we walked down onto Regent Street. We stopped at Greggs and we bought sausage rolls and a bottle of Coke. As we approached the Interchange we saw First Bristol 67108 on a A3 to Bristol Airport.

First Bristol 67108 in Weston-super-Mare Interchange

We set at the bus stop and we ate a sausage roll each. Matthew also had his bottle of Coke. Whilst at the bus stop we saw Edwards BV23 ZXL on a #100 to Birmingham.

Edwards BV23 ZXL in Weston-super-Mare Interchange

A few minutes later we saw another X1 on stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Bristol 35147 on a X1 to Bristol.

First Bristol 35147 in Weston-super-Mare Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked at Avon Rider Group ticket at £14 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the B3440 and we headed Eastwards. We continued for a couple of miles to Worle and we clled into the small bus station by the retail park. We Rejoined the B3440 and we crossed over the M5 and headed Eastwards along the A370. We headed through Hewish and the road turned sharp left in Congresbury. We ran North Eastwards through Cleeve and Backwell before the road turned Eastwards through Flax Bourton. We joined a fast section of the A370 with no stop until we reached the Western edge of Bristol. After a brief stop near to Ashton Gate we ran forwards onto the A3029 and we crossed over the river. We crossed the Brunel Lock and we headed Eastwards along the A4. We ran forwards onto the A38 which appeared to be the main road through Bristol where most of the local buses were stopping. We turned left onto the B4051 and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. After using the facilities we came out to see what we could catch. Alomost immediately we saw First Bristol 36802 on a X39 to Bath.

First Bristol 36802 in Bristol bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avon Rider group ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Lower Maudlin Street. We crossed the A38 and we ran onto Bridewell Street. We turned left onto Broadmead Street and right onto Fairfax Street. We ran through a tunnel and we turned right onto Merchant Street. We turned right on to Newgate and we ran forwards onto Wine Street. We turned left onto Bristol Bridge and we ran along the B4053. We ran forwards onto the A4 and we passde Bristol Temple Meads railway station. We crossed the river over Totterdown bridge and we ran up the hill past the paintworks. We continued Eastwards past the Lodekka pub and into Brislington. We ran forwards onto tje Keynsham bypass and we ran fast around the town and into Saltford. We continued Eastwards along the A4 and we crossed the river at Newbridge. We continued to the edge of the city and we saw First Bristol 37634 on a #4A to Weston. We turned right onto Little Stanhop Street and we turned left onto James Street West. We continued onto Saint James's Parade and we ran forwards onto Southgate Street before entering the bus station from the West end. We pulled onto a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a wal around the bus station. We walked to the West end and we saw Faresaver BJ11 DVN.

Faresaver BJ11 DVN in Bath bus station

We walked back towards the bus s ation and we went through the old booking office to the toilet. Afterwards we walked intothe bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Bristol 33933 on a #172 to Bristol. A few minutes later we saw a bus come on stand. It was First Bristol 33858 on a D2x to Frome.

First Bristol 33858 in Bath bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avon Rider Group ticket to tbhe driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Dorchester Street. We turned left onto Manvers Street and we headed Northwards. We continued onto Pierrepont Street and we turned left onto Orange Grove. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right onto Bridge Street. We crossed over the river and we ran onto Argyle Street. We continued onto Great Pulteney Street and we turned left onto the A36. We continued Eastwards up the hill to bathampton and the road veered right and we headed Southwards. We passed First Bristol 67101 on a D1 to Bath. We continjued for about another mile and we came into Claverton where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Bristol 33858 as it continued towards Frome.

First Bristol 33858 in Claverton

We crossed over the road and we decided to have a quick look up the footpath into the village. There was nothing there apart from a postbox and a defribulator! by the time we got back to the bus srop we had about 15 minutes to wait. We had a look for supplies in the trip bag. Matthew ate a Milky Way whilst we waited. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Bristol 67102 on a D2x to Bath.

First Bristol 67102 in Claverton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avon Rider Group ticket to the driver befoer we sat down towards the middle of the bus. We set off Northwards along the A36. The road wheeled around to the left and we headed Westwards through Bathampton. We ran down the hill into the City and we turned right onto Great Pulteney Street. We continued onto Argyle Street and we crossed over the bridge before turning left onto Grand Parade. We ran into a square where there were coaches loading up with passengers. These included Trafalgar TT22 TTL and Airsym YD22 BZL. We ran forwards onto Pierrepont Street and we continued onto Manvers Street. We turned right onto Dorchester Stree and we ran around the bus station entering from the West side. We piulled onto a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over Dorchester Street and we went to the Sainsbury's Local shop. We headed back into the bus staion and we had around 10 minutes to wait for the bus back to Bristol. After a short wait we saw a bus pull onto the stand. We sawi it was First Bristol 36818 on a X39 to Bristol.

First Bristol 36818 in Bath bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avo Rider Group ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus pulled out of the bus station and we turned left onto Dorchester Street. We headed onto Saint James's arade and we ran out of town Westwards along the A4. We headed out of the city and through Saltford where we saw Arleen YC16 XAH. We went onto the Keynsham bypass and at the other end we saw First Bristol 33973 on a #349 to Keynsham. We continued down the hill through Totterdown and we crossed the bridge and into Bristol. We ran past Temple Meads station and we went forwards onti the B4053 We crossed over Bristol Bridge and we followed the road to the right onto Wine Street. We turned left onto Union Street and we turned left onto Rupert Street. We ran around Primark and we headed Eastwards along the A38. We turned left onto the B4051 and we entered the bus station fron the Eastern end. The bus pulled onto a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew used the toilet. We had about 15 minutes for the next X1 and we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BV66 WPJ on a #040 to London. We walked out of the bus station and onto Cannon Street. We crossed over a green ont the A38 and we visited the Bay Horse. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We quickly drank the drink and we headed back along the path onto Cannona Street and back into the bus station. When we got into the bus station we saw the bus was already on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First Bristol 35147 on a X1 to Weston-super-Mare.

First Bristol 35147 in Bristol bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avon Rider Group ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Lower Maudlin Street. We turned right onto the A38 and we ran through the city centre. There were dozens of buses on both sides of the A38. We ran forwards onto the A4 and we crossed over the docks before leaving town along the A3029 and over the river. We ran past Ashton Gate before joining the A370. The football had just finished and a few of the quicker fans managed to get on the bus. We continued onto the fast section of the A370 and we saw an unidentified laser coach and CJJ Travel LE18 ONN. We ran though Flax Bourton and Backwell and into Congresbury where we turned right to continue following the A370. We ran through Hewish and we crossed over the M5. We ran onto the B3440 and we stopped at Worle Retail Park. Afterwards we ran through the retail park and continued along the B3440 into Weston-super-Mare. We ran forwards ontoi Locking Road and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Bristol 35147 before it continued to Asda.

First Bristol 35147 in Weston-super-Mare Interchange

We had around 10 minutes before the last bus to Burnham-on-Sea. Mattew deicded he needed the toilet so we headed back over to Tesco to used the toilet there. When we had finished we we rushed back over the road and the bus was already on the stand. As we got closer we saw it was First Bristol 35685 on a #20 to Burnham-on-Sea.

First Bristol 35685 in Weston-super-Mare Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the Avon Rider Group ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turne right onto the B3440 past the railway station. We turned right onto the A370 and we headed out of town. We headed Southwards for a few miles and at Easttown we turned right onto Lympsham Road. We passed through Lympsham ans we continued Westwards along Rectory Way Way. We turned left onto Brean Road and we ran forwards onto Wick Road. After running tnrough Wick we turned right onto Ham Road an left onto Weston Road. We passed Warren Farm holiday park and we turned left onto the B3140. We ran through Brean and Berrow passing First Somerset 34416. We continued into Burnham-on-Sea and we ran forwards onto the B3139. We turned right onto Marine Drive and we ran forwards on to Station Approach passing First Somerset 34469 on a #21 to Taunton. When we got to the centre of Burnham-on-Sea we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Bristol 35685 before it returned to the depot.

First Bristol 35685 in Burnham-on-Sea

Once off the bus we waited for mum to come and pick us up. When mum arrived we drove onto the Esplanade and I went to the chips shop to get some food. This particular place is somewhere I will never return to, as they charged me as if I was eating in even though they were fully aware I was taking away. They heard my non-local accent and decided to rip me off. We took the food and we set off Northwards up the Esplanade, We turned right onto SeaView Road and right onto the B3140. We turned left onto Westfield Road and we continued onto the caravan park. We got back into the caravan and we ate our sausage and chips, which incidentally weren't that nice. We chilled out in the caravan and we had some Cherry Coke. Later on we all had a toffee Crisp. After doing some of the Blog and writing an e-mail we went to bed around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Bath / Melksham 16-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY15 FPO	Fenton, Travers Court	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke
66725	Bath BS	Trowbridge, Town Hall	D1	First WOE
69511	Trowbridge, Fore Street	Bath BS	D1	First WOE
69503	Bath BS	Melksham, Market Place	D3	First WOE
69506	Melksham, Market Place	Bath BS	D3	First WOE
37763	Bath BS	Keynsham, Ellsbridge House	X39	First WOE
37764	Keynsham, Ellsbridge House	Bath BS	X39	First WOE
DY15 FPO	Bath Coach Park	Fenton, Travers Court	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was going out on the bus. Potteries Omnibus Presentation Society had a farewell to the former First Potteries Depot in Newcastle under Lyme. Matthew got up around 07:00 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 First Potteries 67664 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67664 in Fenton

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

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 40 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 40 in Fenton

We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. As expected it was Stanton's of Stoke DY15 FPO on the feeder service for the trip. We got on the coach and we set off along City Road we saw First Potteries 67665 on a #11 to Hanley. We ran down the hill under the railway line and then we got onto the southbound A500. We did the A500 to the end and joined the M6. We ran Southbound M6 we ran through Staffordshire into the West Midlands and at junction 8 we joined the Southbound M5. We ran a few junctions Southwards and we stopped at Frankley Services. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we returned to the coach. We rejoined the M5 ran Southwards for around 85 miles and we joined the Eastbound M4. We travelled a few miles to junction 18 and we joined the Southbound A46. We turned right onto London Road West and we ran the last few miles into town. We ran into the town centre and we parked up near to the river. Once off the coach we wanted to get a few pictures of coaches before we left. We decided to eat at the cafe by the coach park. We ordered breakfasts and after a while Matthew had a full English breakfast with toast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we used the toilets and we walked along the river towards the bus station. Once in the bus station we looked what buses we could catch. We saw First West of England 37758 on a X39 to Bristol. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was First West of England 66725 on a D1 service to Salisbury. We got on the bus and we brought Bath Zone Day tickets before sittind down towards the back of the bus. As the bus was awaiting departure we saw dud First West of England 67634 on a X31 to Chippenham. We set off out of the bus station and we saw First West of England 37405 on a X39 to Bristol. we turned right onto the A3039. We followed the road to the left onto Manvers Street. We continued past the guildhall and we turned right and crossed over the river. We continued Eastwards along Argyle Street. We continued forwards onto the A36 and we headed North Eastwards. The road to the South and we joined the B3108. We turned right onto Limpley Stoke Road and we ran through Winsley. We continued Eastwards and we rejoined the B3108. We followed the road forwards onto the B3109 and we ran South Eastwards for the last couple of miles into Trowbridge. We ran near to the railway station and we turned right onto Bythesea Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to the toilet. Afterwards we crossed over to wait for a bus back towards Bath. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First West of England 69511 on a D1 service to Bath. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bath Zone day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards back of the bus. We set off Northwards up Bythesea Road and we turned left onto the A363. We turned right onto Bradford Road and we ran North Westwards into Bradford Upon Avon. We ran onto the B3109 and we turned left onto the B3108. We headed Westwards and we turned left onto Winsley Road. We ran throu Winsley and we rejoined the B3108 and continued Westwards. We rejoined the Northbound A36 and we ran through Bathampton into the City. We turned left onto Great Pulteney Street and we crossed over the river. We headed Southwards down the A3039 and we followed the road around past the railway station and bus station. We entered the bus station from the Western end and we saw First West of England 36074 on layover. We got up and got off the bus. We looked for something else to catch and we saw First West of England 69503 on a D3 to Devizes. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bath Zone day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the A3039. We followed the road to the left and we headed Northwards out of town. WE joined the A4 and at the roundabout we went forwards onto London Road West. We ran through Batheaston and we re-joined the Eastbound A4. At Box we turned right onto the A365. We continued through Atworth and we turned left onto Purlpit. We ran through Whitley and forwards onto Top Lane. We turned right onto the B3553 and we headed Southwards. We ran into the centre of Melksham and we got up and got of the bus. Once off the bus we we walked Eastwards through town to the McColls shop. We returned to the High Street and we waited for a bus back towards Bath. A short time later we saw First West of England 69506 on a D3 service to Bath. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bath Zone day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the High Street and we turned left onto Bank Street we joined the Westbound A3102 and we turned right onto the A350. We turned left onto Bath Road and we ran North Westwards up the A365. We ran up to Shaw and we turned right onto the B3553. We ran up to Whiley and we turned left onto Top Lane. We ran Westwards and we re-joined the A365. We ran through Atworth and up to Box. We turned left on to the Westbound A4 and we ran around Ashley. We turned right onto London Road East and we ran through Batheaston. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto the Southbound A4. At the edge of the City we turned right onto the A3039. We ran Southwards towards the railway station and we turned right onto the A3039 and past the bus station. We entered the bus station from the West end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for another bus to catch. A short time later we saw First West of England 37763 on a X39 to Bristol. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bath Zone day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we set off onto Dorchester Street. We went Westwards onto the A367 and we turned right onto Corn Street. We turned left onto St James Parade and right onto Westgate Buildings. We ran forwards onto Monmouth street and forwards onto the A4. We ran through Lower Weston and we joined the Westbound A36. We turned right onto the A4 we headed through Saltford. We continued Northwards into Keynsham. As we approached the by-pass, we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we walked towards the town centre and we found a cake shop. Matthew had a slice of cheesecake washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back down to the start of the by-pass. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus back towards Bath. A shirt time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First West of England 37764 on a X39 to Bath. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bath Zone day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Eastwards along the A4. We ran down to the roundabout and we joined the Eastbound A36. We turned left onto the A4 and we ran through Lower Weston we ran into the West end of bath and we turned right onto Stanhope Place. We turned left onto James Street West and we ran forwards onto St James Parade. We ran onto the A367 and we entered the bus station from the West end. We got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we walked along the A367 towards the coach park. We visited the toilets and we found the coach. We got on the coach and we waited for it to fill before setting off. We crossed over the river and we headed North up the A36. We veered left onto Bathwick Street and we headed North Eastwards up London Road towards the A46. We joined the Northbound A46 and we ran up to the M4. We ran Westwards for a few miles and we joined the Northbound M5. We travelled Northwards into the Midlands and through Worcestershire. We ran to the end of the M5 and we headed Northwards up the M6. We travelled through the West Midlands into Staffordshire and we came off the M6 at Junction 15. Northbound A500. We continued North to Stoke and we came off the A500 onto City Road. We ran up under the railway line and up the hill. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. Once back at the residential unit, Mathew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out. 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 Bath / Bradwell 07-10-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LJ07 PXW	Fenton	Bath	Charter	Z Carz
LJ07 PXW	Bath	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going to the Little Dessert Shop in Bath. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew watched buses whilst he waited to go out in the morning. We saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Newstead. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Transport for the trip was Z Carz LJ07 PXW. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and and we joined the Northbound A52. Near to the railway station. We went forwards onto Station Road and at the end we turned right onto Stoke Road. We went up the hill and and to Shelton New Road where we had a brief stop at the other day centre. Once we had finished we returned onto Stoke Road via Caledonia Road and we ran up Snow Hill into Hanley. We went around the ring and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we stopped at Poundstretcher to do some shopping. Matthew went in and brought some chocolate bars before returning to the minibus. We then headed to the pub in Clayton. We set off onto Victoria Road and we crossed over the roundabout Lichfield Street. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we saw Stanton's of stoke minibus ASZ 2120 parked up at Hinde Street. We ran around to Etruria Road and we turned left and headed under the A53 onto Festival Way. After running around the loop of festival Way and Forge Lane we re-joined the A53 and we saw ABC Supreme SJ13 WYD. We ran over the A500 into Basford and we dropped down into Newcastle and went around the one-way system. We went down Barracks Road past the bus station and we joined onto the A519. We ran down to Hanchurch and we got onto the Southbound M6 we ran through Staffordshire into the West Midlands and at junction 8 we joined the Southbound M5. We ran Southwards for around 90 miles and we joined the Eastbound M4. We travelled a few miles to junction 18 and we joined the Southbound A46. We turned right onto London Road West and we ran the last few miles into town. We ran into the town centre and we parked up near to the river. We walked across the road and we visited the new Little Dessert Shop. Matthew went to the toilet and had some dinner. For dinner we visited the food van next to the coach park. Matthew had a bacon and egg sandwich and a can of Coke. when we had finished we returned to Fenton on Z Carz LJ07 PXW. We got on the bus and we set off out of town. We crossed over the river and we headed North up the A36. We veered left onto Bathwick Street and we headed North Eastwards up London Road towards the A46. We joined the Northbound A46 and we ran up to the M4. We ran Westwards for a few miles and we joined the Northbound M5. We travelled Northwards into the Midlands and through Worcestershire. We ran to the end of the M5 and we headed Northwards up the M6. We travelled through the West Midlands into Staffordshire and we came off the M6 at Junction 15. We joined the A519 and we ran North to Newcastle. We ran past the bus station and we joined the Eastbound A53 through Basford and into Etruria. We turned left onto Forge lane and we ran around to Festival Way where we saw Z Carz minibus LV59 DZC at Waterworld. We ran back under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Lichfield Street. At Joiners square we went across the A52 onto Victoria Road and we ran up to the top and we turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. we went upstairs to his room. Matthew chilled out on his computer. We saw Afford Rent-A-Car MK67 UER heading towards Hanley.

Afford Rent-A-Car MK67 UER in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 47520 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 47520 in Fenton

We arrived around 16:30 and we got ready to go out. We went downstairs and got in the car and set off onto Temple Street. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We ran through the traffic lights and onto Blurton Road, We crossed over the A50 and we ran through Blurton. We veered right onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Road. We stopped at Blurton to pick a few things up and we continued to the pub. We set off onto Finstock Avenue and we turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive we saw Blythe Bridge High School WA17 CUU go past. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Church Street. We veered left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton into Heron Cross. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Whieldon Road. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around Stoke town centre on the one-way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and we turned right onto Flemming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill through Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill onto the one-way system. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran through May Bank. We continued into Wolstanton and at the top of Porthill Bank. We ran forwards into Bradwell and we stopped at the pub. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For tea Matthew had burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Whilst we ate we saw D&G 40 on a #94 to Congleton and Harry Shaw coach BL64 MFK. When it was time to go we returned to the car for the trip back to Fenton. We set off onto Bradwell Lane and we crossed over the roundabout and ran through Wolstanton. We ran along the A527 through May Bank. We continued along the A527 and into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We ran past the bus station and we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Stafford. We continued along Barracks Road onto the A34. We turned left at the Avenue and we ran up to Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on 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 Bath 30-11-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BX13 CYY	Longton TI	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Bakers
42911	Bath BS	Bear Flat, Bear Flat (Stop C)‎	267	First Somerset & Avon
43849	Bear Flat, Bear Flat (Stop A)	Bath BS	179	First Somerset & Avon
46225	Bath BS	Lower Weston, Chelsea Road (NW-bound)‎	319	First Somerset & Avon
40588	Lower Weston, Chelsea Road (SE-bound)	Bath BS	319	First Somerset & Avon
46318	Bath BS	Weston, Outside 68 (NW-bound)‎‎	14	First Somerset & Avon
40513	Weston, Outside 68 (NW-bound)	Lower Weston, Chelsea Road (SE-bound)	14	First Somerset & Avon
46259	Lower Weston, Chelsea Road (SE-bound)	Bath BS	319	First Somerset & Avon
BX13 CYY	Bath Coach Park	Longton TI	Charter	Bakers

Today we decided to do a coach trip down to Bath. Happy Days coaches were due to run a trip to Bath on November 16, but they had to cancel due to low numbers. Bakers were running a trip this weekend, so we decided to go with Bakers. Mum had had a bad fall the day before in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and so this trip was going to be more difficult than usual. Research for the trip consisted of find an old timetable booklet for the area and reading all of the previous 3 Blog postings of our trips to Bath to see what buses we did and on what services. We also looked at which step entranced Darts were in operation with First on Steve White's excellent site on First Somerset and Avon buses. There were also a few P reg low floor buses in the area which probably wont last much longer. We also found a ticket called the Bath Rider. The weather was predicted for a sunny day with temperatures around 7' which is tropical for the time of year! We got up at 07:30 today. Matthew had crumpets for breakfast. Due to there being little in the way of long stay parking in Longton we decided to book a taxi to Longton Interchange. The taxi came around 08:45 and it took us onto the A5035 and into Longton. The taxi dropped us off in the interchange and we had to walk across into the bus station! We had around 15 minutes to wait for the coach so Matthew took a few pictures. We saw Copeland's Tours MIB 783 on the #40 Fenton circular service.

Copeland's Tours MIB 783 in Longton Interchange

We had a bit of time so we went to Wright's Pie and brought some sausage rolls for later. Matthew had a Manchester tart for now. Just after it's due time of 09:10 a coach rolled up into the Interchange. We were expecting a white and green Bakers coach, or one of the newer silver coloured King Longs. Instead a short wheelbase coach in Chino Travel livery arrived. It had a Bakers 'Bath' sticker in the front window and also it had Bakers legals on the side. The coach set off out of the interchange and onto the Westbound A50 where we passed Cox's of Belper coach COX 637V. We joined the Southbound A500 and then we headed South on the M6. In Walsall we joined the Southbound M5 which we did down to Strensham services where we had a quick break. Here Matthew got a picture of the coach.

Bakers BX13 CYY in Strensham services

We visited the toilet and then we went to WH Smiths where we picked up some Irn Bru and sweet as well as a truck magazine. We came out of the services and we saw another coach 3315 HP, which was taking football fans from Bury to their away game in Exeter.

3315 HP in Strensham services

The coach carried on South along the M5, which we did down to the M4. We then went East on the M4 until we reached the A46. We did the A46 southbound and a couple of miles outside Bath we hit stationary traffic. It took around 3/4 of an hour to get into Bath where we stopped at the riverside coach park around 13:30. The driver dropped us off and told us to be back at the coach park at around 18:15. After using the toilet we ate at the coach park cafe where Matthew had a bacon and egg sandwich and a can of Coke. After saying goodbye to mum, we set off on foot to the bus station. We left mum behind as she couldn't keep up with us on her crutches. On the way into the bus station we spotted our First 'First' step entranced Dart of the day. It was required 46318 on the #14 to Odd Down. We had a quick walk around the bus station whilst we decided what we were going to catch. On Dorchester Street was The Traveller's Choice PO12 JNF.

The Travellers Choice PO12 JNF in bath bus station

We only had a couple of hours of daylight left so we wanted to catch a bus quickly. The bus station as packed with shoppers. We have never seen the bus station as busy as it was today on all our previous visits. We saw an interesting bus coming into the bus station. It was Libra Travel Mercedes minibus SF06 FSN on a #94 to Trowbridge. I decided to see if we could book a multi-operator ticket. The driver said he would except an Avon Rider ticket on the bus (that was what I'd asked for) but he couldn't issue one. What I actually wanted was a Bath Rider, which turns out aren't valid on the #94 anyway. So we decided no to do this minibus. First Somerset and Avon 46260 was on one of the longer distance services from the middle stands but I don't know which one. We saw 46259 around the same time on a #319 service, but this was a dude bus that we had done back in August 2011. We decided to do required First Somerset & Avon 42911 on the #267 to Frome. This was a service we had covered back in October 2010 with 46237, so we knew we could do it u to Bear Flat. We also thought that if we were lucky we would drop on 46318 returning from Odd Down on the #14 to Weston. Matthew got a picture and then we got on this bus.

First Somerset & Avon 42911 in Bath bus station

We got on the bus and we asked for an Avon Rider (again I should have asked for a Bath Rider but didn't). When he told me the price of £7.50 I decided to get a First Bath ticket at £4.20. We sat down near the back of the bus. We then saw required 46261 on a #231 to Chippenham. The bus left town and crossed under the railway and then climbed to the top of the hill. The bus turned right and we were at our destination. We got off and Matthew got a better picture of 42911.

First Somerset & Avon 42911 in Bear Flat

We crossed the road to wait for a return service into Bath. We didn't have to wait long before we saw there was a Dart approaching. Someone else was catching the bus so I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus or let it go. We saw it was required First Somerset and Avon Dart 43849 on a #179 service from Midsommer Norton.

First Somerset & Avon 43849 in Bear Flat

We got on and sat down near the back. As expected at this time of day this inbound service was nearly empty. The bus headed down the hill and we headed into the bus station. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Somerset & Avon 43849.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 43849

We thought about going to take a few picture for a short while but we noticed 46318 was in the bus station on the #14 to Weston.

First Somerset & Avon 46318 in Bath bus station

We were going to do this bus but the driver got on the bus and immediately got off it again. In the meantime another step entranced dart came in. It was dud First Somerset & Avon 46247 which we had done up to Bailbrook on the #231 back in October 2012. As 46318 wasn't going anywhere soon we did consider doing 46247 on the #319 up to Lower Weston, but 46247 reversed off stand. We went for a bit of a walk around and we took some pictures. On e of the buses we photographed was Wessex Connect 30928 running out of service.

Wessex Connect 30928 in Bath bus station

We also saw First Somerset & Avon R reg Volvo B10 66107 on a #173 to Wells.

First Somerset & Avon 66107 in Bath bus station

Back in the bus station dud First Somerset & Avon 42824 had arrived on the next #14 to Weston. We considered doing this in case 46318 followed it out of the bus station, but then dud step entranced Dart First Somerset & Avon 46225 appeared on stand to replace 46247 on service #319. We decided to do this instead as we hadn't been on this bus since August 2011. We waited for the driver to ready the bus and then we got on it. The bus was full and standing again, and it set off through the town around Ambury and North up to the A4 picking up more passengers in the town centre. The bus headed West along the A4 before branching right onto the A431. We decidedto get off here so that we could head back to Bath on either a #14 or another #319. We got off and then took a picture of 46225 as it headed of into the distance.

First Somerset & Avon 46225 in Lower Weston

Right behind us was the #14 we had turned down with dud First Somerset and Avon 42824 which was another full bus.

First Somerset & Avon 42824 in Lower Weston

We crossed over catch something back to Bath. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a #319 approaching down the A431. It turned out to be required First Somerset & Avon 40588.

First Somerset & Avon 40588 in Lower Weston

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. There were a few people on this bus but it wasn't full. We headed back into bath along the A4 and then around the back along James Street West along the one way system. We came into the bus station and the bus emptied out and Matthew got his empty bus picture.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 40588

Along side us was required First Somerset and Avon 46262 on the adjacent stand. We decided to turn it down to try and get a few pictures near the bus station before it went dark. We had only taken a few pictures when we saw First Somerset & Avon 46318 again on a #14 to Weston. We had to try and get this so we walked around to the bus station. This time it was loading immediately and we got on the bus.

First Somerset & Avon 46318 in Bath bus station

The bus was full and Matthew sat down and Uncle Dave stood next to him. The bus was full and standing and it picked up even more passengers in the town centre. We headed out along the A4 and then turned towards Weston. The bus emptied out as we went along and by the time we reached the hospital we managed to sit down together. We decided to do the bus up to Eastfield Avenue so we could get a picture of the bus when it emptied out. At the end of the Eastfield Avenue we saw someone getting on the bus so we decided to get off and take a picture as we got off.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 46318

We also got a picture of 46318 as it went off into the sunset.

First Somerset & Avon 46318 in Weston

In theory we had 12 minutes to wait for the next bus. We had decided to do the next #14 down to Lower Weston and then wait for a #319 to Bath. We were hoping to perhaps get a double decker on the #319 as we had seen one leave bath earlier. Around 5 minutes after we had gotten off 46318 we heard another bus approaching. It turned out to be required First Somerset & Avon 40513.

First Somerset & Avon 40513 in Weston

The bus was nearly empty so we sat near the back and Matthew took a picture of the empty bus in front of us.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 40513

The bus headed back into the hospital and down onto the A431. When the bus reached the stop that we had used to catch 40588 earlier in the day, we decided to get off. Matthew got another picture of the bus and the driver paused for a few extra second so Matthew could take his picture...

First Somerset & Avon 40513 in Lower Weston

We had approximately 1o minutes to wait for the next #319, which we were hoping was going to be a double decker. Around due time we saw a Dart approaching. As i got closer we saw that it was dud First Somerset & Avon 46259 which we had seen leave on the #319 a few hours previously.

First Somerset & Avon 46259 in Lower Weston

We got on the bus and we set off back into town. We had arranged to meet mum by the bus station and it was going to be close to that by the time we got back into town. We went in through the one way system and we saw an Enviro 400 loading on the #41 P&R service. There was a queue so long it could have filled 3 or 4 double deckers! We got into the bus station and Matthew photographed the inside of 46259.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 46259

We found mum and then we had 3/4 of an hour to get back to the to the coach park. We took a slow walk back as mum was tired from her day on crutches. On Dorchester street was First Somerset & Avon Enviro 200 44523 on a #13 to Foxhill.

First Somerset & Avon 44523 in Bath bus station

We had a slight diversion into town whilst Matthew checked out the massive queue for the Park & Ride service. It took us a while to actually get across the queue as it was a hundred yards of so up in the pedestrianised area. When we did get across we headed down to Ambury where we took a few more pictures. National Express FJ60 HYW was arriving on a #403 service from London to Bath.

National Express FJ60 HYW in Ambury, Bath

Closer to the park Matthew got a picture of Redwing 231 on Corn Street.

Redwing 231 in Corn Street, Bath

Matthew was getting a bit would up and wanted to head back into town to visit Sainsbury's as he had read in a text that mum had been there earlier in the day. We persuaded him to head back to the coach park with the promise that we would take him to a supermarket for dinner the next day. At the coach park he took a few pictures of coaches, used the toilet, had a drink a Coke and ate some chicken popcorn that mum hadn't finished off that she had saved. As promised the coach appeared into the coach park from it's designated parking spot at the race course. The reason the city had been incredibly busy was there was a rugby match on accounting for 12,200 extra people in town as well as the Christmas market. We left the coach park at 18:20, but it took more than 30 minutes to get out of Bath town centre along the A4. Eventually we reached the A46 and the traffic was still nose to tail albeit moving steadily. We made it onto the Westbound M4 and then onto the M5. We stopped again at Strensham service going North and we had a quick toilet stop. Matthew had a chicken nugget meal and a plain cheeseburger as we knew we would not be able to do tea when we got back tonight. Around 20:20 we set off North on the M5 and joined the Northbound M6 at Walsall. We headed North up to the A500 and then onto the A50 into Longton. We said goodbye to the driver and then we called for a taxi to take us home. A few minutes later the taxi appeared. He took us out of Longton and onto Longton Hall Road. We went through Blurton and the taxi dropped us hoe around 22:10. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30. A very tiring trip that is better done earlier in the year when the days are longer...Mark

Trip to Bath 20-10-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
222	Stafford Town Centre, opp Railway Station	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Happy Days
42633	Bath BS	Batheaston, High Street (NE-bound)	231	First Somerset & Avon
67338	Batheaston, High Street (SW-bound)	Bath BS	231	First Somerset & Avon
42824	Bath BS	Bathford, Dovers Park (SE-bound)	13	First Somerset & Avon
42824	Bathford, Dovers Park (SE-bound)	Bath BS	13	First Somerset & Avon
46247	Bath BS	Bailbrook, Bailbrook Lane (NE-bound)	231	First Somerset & Avon
42557	Bailbrook, Bailbrook Lane (SW-bound)	Bath BS	13	First Somerset & Avon
222	Bath Coach Park	Stafford Town Centre, opp Railway Station	Charter	Happy Days

Today we finally managed to get to Bath! We had been trying for most of the year to spot and book a suitable trip but the last one we had booked was canceled due to low numbers. We booked this trip which involved a 15 mile journey to meet the coach and then we kept our fingers crossed that the bus was full enough to run. We checked the weather for today as always and the forecast was for sunny interval and unseasonably mild weather. Research for the trip didn't really happen due to a lack of time. Departure on the coach was at 08:45 from outside station and so we set our alarm for 07:00. Matthew got up and had some toast and orange juice before setting off just after 08:00. Our route to Stafford was A5035, A34 through Trentham, Whitmore Road and then onto the M6 Southbound. We then came into Stafford from the North and around the town centre to the railway station. We parked up at the railway station. Parking is reasonable here on a Saturday as it is only £2 to park here all day. We crossed the road and waited for the coach. As we waited for the coach we saw Arriva Midlands 3604 on a #76 service. We saw the coach approaching from the Newport end of the station and as we had never been on a Happy Days coach before we knew it was going to be required. It turned out to be required Neoplan coach 222 (MT61 HUP). We got on the coach and we were lucky enough to have the front 4 seats. The view of the trip down was fantastic. we set off through Rising Brook and Baswich before heading into Cannock and the bus station. Whilst in Cannock we saw Arriva Midlands double decker 4791 on a #26 service. We then joined onto the M6 and headed Southwards. We had a hostess drinks service which started after we had left the bumpy park of the M5. Matthew was fascinated when he found out there was a fridge in the front window of the coach! I think he would like one fitted in the front of our car to replace the glovebox. The driver told us he was going to stop at Michaelwood services which we did for 10 minutes. We got off and went to the toilet. He also visited the WH Smith shop and brough some pop and the latest Buses magazine. We also had time to get a picture of this fine coach.

Happy Days 222 in Michaelwood services

We jumped on and carried on South down the M5. The driver was dropping off people in a place called Bog Island in the town centre as this was the most central location. We asked if we could stay on the coach and go to the coach park as we wanted to take pictures of the coaches and also we wanted to be close to the bus station. After everyone else had been dropped off Bog Island we carried on to the the coach park. As we went passed the bus station we saw First Somerset and Avon step entranced Dart 46225. I cannot believe that no one else on the coach had come to Bath to ride around on the local buses! We got to the coach park at just after 12:00 and we had to be back around 16:30 if we wanted to get a few pictures of coaches before we left. We decided to eat at the cafe by the coach park. We ordered breakfasts and uncle Dave had a sausage sandwich. It took a while to cook because the lady there was on her own but it worth the wait. After using the 'wonderful' toilets at the coach park we walked down to the bus station via Ambury where all the Faresaver buses usually park. Here we saw and he photographed Faresaver T436 EBD and Bugler Coaches Mercedes minibus BIG 7763.

Bugler Coaches BIG 7763 in Bath

By the time we had eaten and walked up to the bus station it was nearly 13:00 there were a couple of First Step entranced Darts parked up and a Mercedes minibus but these didn't look like they were going anywhere anytime soon. We also saw 46925. There was a low floor Plaxton Pointer about to move off so we decided to do this. It was required 42633 and when it moved onto stand Matthew got a picture through the glass of the door on stand 5.

First 42633 in Bath bus station

We got on and booked some local First Day tickets. We got on and sat near the back. We saw a double decker arrive on the 332 service. We fought our way through the busy Streets and back past Bog Island before heading off up on to London Road. We decided to travel out for around 20 minutes to give us time to get back and do at least 3 out and back journeys. As such, once we had sussed out which direction we were traveling in we decided to get off a few stops after we had crossed the A4/A46 roundabout. This turned out to be in the village of Batheaston, and when we got off Matthew got a picture of 42633 here too.

First 42633 in Batheaston High Street

We crossed the road to catch a return service. It was now around 13:40. We looked at the timetable on the bus stop and we saw that there was a #231 service due the other way. Shortly after this there was a #13 service too. We saw a long single decker approaching and as we had not been on any before we knew it was going to be required. As it got closer we saw it was First 67338 and Matthew got a picture.

First 67338 in Batheaston High Street

We got on this bus and sat near the back. The bus seats had a moquette design which we had not seen before. The bus journey back in was quite swift due to the bus lane on the inbound A4, and we were back in town a little after 14:00. As we came into Dorchester Street we saw a First East Lancs Sprite Dart. It's a type of bus that we had never seen in Bath before. When we arrived Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside First 67338

I had not realised that we had been on a Dennis Lance even though I saw Matthew taking a picture of the Dennis logo just inside the door! We came out of the door of the bus station and the Sprite was still on Dorchester street. It was going to be required as we have never been on a bus of this type before. We saw it was 42824 and then Matthew got a picture before we got on.

First 42824 in Dorchester Street

We booked to the end in Bathford and sat down near the back. So we went out through the town centre and back up the A4. The outwards journey were starting to take a little longer as traffic was starting to build towards the Saturday equivalent of the evening rush hour. I thought that we may get off before the end as we might be able to get in a different bus back but Matthew had other ideas! I think he wanted to get a good picture of the inside of this bus as it was the First of this type we had been on, and it also had the pastel purple moquette that we had seen for the first time on the last bus. When we got to the terminus of the service he did get his picture.

Inside First 42824

Whilst we were off we had a sandwich each from our emergency supplies and we also shared a can of Barr limeade. We headed back into town and we were due in around 15:30. We came into own along the A4 and we stopped at the bottom to await time for 2 minutes. We also saw 46260 on a #272 service. As we went through the centre of town we saw a Plaxton Pointer Dart behind us on a #231 service. I stood up to look at which one it was and we saw it was required 46247! I arranged to meet with mum at the bus station so that I give her the lottery fast pay cards. We got off 42824 to get a picture and we also got a picture of 46247 too.

First 46247 in Dorchester Street

Mum had the lottery cards and came with us to wait for 46247 to come into the bus station and ready itself for service. Matthew was keen to get a picture of the inside of this bus so he kind of got to near the front of the queue to make sure that he did! When the door did open having seen Matthew keeness the family at the front decided it might be a good idea to let him on first. As I booked his ticket he got a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside 46247

As we were leaving we also saw 46261 and 46238 on a #161 service. The bus had filled to standing and we picked a couple more people as we passed through town. The journey out of town on what was the slightly late running 15:17 #231 to chippenham was quite slow. as we crossed over the A4/A46 roundabout we passed 42633 on a inbound #231 which we had been on earlier. We knew if we got to Batheaston for 15:54-ish, there would be an inbound #13. We got there for around 14:48 and Matthew got another picture of this fine old step-entranced bus.

First Somerset & Avon 46247 near Batheaston

We crossed the road and we had around 5 minutes to wait for the next Bath service. It was required First Somerset & Avon 42557.

First Somerset & Avon 42557 near Batheaston

The bus was empty as we got on Matthew got a picture before we sat down.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 42557

Only a few people got on this service as would be expected at this time of day and we had a swift inbound journey. We had quite a wait at the Snow Hill timed stop before setting off again and we still got to Dorchester Street early due to the slack timings for this service in a very busy town. When we got of the bus mum was waiting for us. We started to make our way back to the coach park, taking a few pictures on the way. We saw 40535 heading off under the railway line. Faresaver MCW Evolution TBZ 5834 was parked up on Ambery, and then we turned the corner to walk towards the car park and we saw the Wessex Connect rum Uniconnect service too.

Uniconnect BX62 FYY in Bath

Back at the coach park, we used the facilities and then took a few pictures of coaches in the car park. Matthew saw a really good example of a Van Hool bodied DAF, which was endeavour G2 END. He smiled at the driver and went to the front window to have a look in the coach to get a good look. The driver let him on and took a picture or 2 of the inside of the coach before say thank you. We got back to our coach and chatted to our driver awaiting time before departure. Matthew had his picture taken in the drivers seat of out coach and the driver had a quick flick through Matthew's Buses magazine! Around 16:45 we set off through town to Bog Island to pick up the rest of the passengers. We arrived there for our designated 16:50 pick-up slot and the coach filled up with the exception of one passenger. As it was getting close to 17:00 the driver had a look around to see if he could see him. He was sitting outside a pub finishing off his pint! After he had boarded we set off bang on time. We set of Northwards on the reverse of our route down. We stopped around 18:20 at Strensham services again for a quick 10 minute toilet stop. As usual we squeezed in a visit to the shop and taking a couple of pictures. Park's National Express Liveried coach HSK 652 was also here. Back on the motorway we continued to reverse the route we had done coming down. We started to drop off in Cannock around 19:30 and we reached Stafford railway station around 20:00. I think this trip has to qualify as the most well organised and profession coach trip that we had ever been on. It was then back to the car and after I had paid for parking we set off towards Stoke-on-Trent. We dropped off Uncle Dave and then drove back home. back home matthew helped me to upload my pictures to flickr before we went to bed...Mark