Trip to Cannock / Wolverhampton 07-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
498	Cannock BS	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	70	Chaserider
835	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	Wolverhampton BS	11	NX West Midlands
3792	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, Square	9	Arriva Midlands
2006	Compton, Square	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands
6792	Wolverhampton BS	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
2132	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Samuel Street	31	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Cannock. We had seen the weather warnings for storm Darragh so we wnated to go somewhere close to home. We didn't pick until Saturday morning and appart from looking at the weather we did no research. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr 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 right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. Whilst we waited to joined the A500 we saw former Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX going the other way. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the motorway we saw an unidentified Jones Coaches, white minibus YS22 ZZE, 2 unidentified adventure coaches, an unidentified Ferris coach, an unidentified coachleasing.com coach, an unidentified Bennetts (blue and orange) coach, Alfa 103 / 117 and Selwyns BV23 ZWB(#540) / BV67 JXN(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed out to the car park and we saw GJG Travel MC19 MMX parked up outside.

GJG Travel MC19 MMX in Four Crosses

We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. Just before we got to the A4601 we turned left onto the A4601 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we ran past the bus station. We pulled up next to the bus station and we said goodbye to mum before heading into the bus station. On the way in we saw Chaserider 198 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 198 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we came out and had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw a bus on the bottom standing heading inti the West Midlands. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 498 on a #70 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 498 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to singles to Wolverhampton at £2 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned around at the roundabout and we went Eastwards along the A34. At the roundabout we turned left onto the B5012 and we ran through Dartmouth Road. We turned right onto Hatherton Road and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. We turned left onto Oaks Drive and we ran North Eastwards through Bideford Way and we turned left onto Ascot Drive. We turned right onto Longford Road and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto the A5 and we turned right onto Walkmill Lane and we ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we ran forwards onto Coppice Lane and we ran through Cheslyn Hay. We turned right onto the B4156 and and we turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto onto Wolverhampton Road. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran forwards onto the A460 and we ran through Shareshill. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Turnstone Drive. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Brookhouse Lane and we continued onto The Avenue. We turned right onto the A460 and we headed up to Westcroft. We ran up the hill and into Underhill and past the fromer Berry Brook Farm pub. We ran down the hill into The Scotlands and we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Veezu SG74 LKU. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 835 on a #11 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 835 in The Scotlands

We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Cannock Road and we crossed under both railway lines. We passed nearby to the railway line and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we turned left onto a special bus lane that runs alongside the inside of the ring road contraflow to the traffic. We then emerged from the cutting at the entrance of the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the toilet and we saw Woods Coaches 380 on a #210 service to Gatwick Airport.

Woods Coaches 380 in Wolverhampton bus station

We had a look around for something to catch. Matthew noticed there was a #9 to Bridgenorth due. We waited at the stand for around 10 minutes and the bus appeared. As it arrived on stand we sw it was dud Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #9 to Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3792 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3792

This is a bus that we first had back in March 2023 from Telford to Oakengates on a #6 service. The emergency door open alarm was going off, so the driver attempted to silence the alarm by opening and closing all the door but to no avail. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. About 2 miles West of the ring road we came into village of Compton. As we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3792 before it continued on towards Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Compton

Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over Bridgenorth Road and headed to the bus stop. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard so we huddled in the bus shelter to wait for a bus back to Wolverhamptom. There should have been an Arriva Midlands bus first but it must have been running late. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2006 on a #10 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2006 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and we then turned right onto Bilston Street. We ran past the police station and onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to have another drink. We walked across the road to the premier shop and we bought some chocolate bars and a bottle of Coke. We crossed back over to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Walsall. We formulated a plan to meet up with mum in Bloxwich. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 2077 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 2077 in Wolverhampton bus station

Whilst we waited Matthew ate some Cadbury's Snack which had just bought from the shop. A few minutes later a bus came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6792 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station. We left towards the tram station and we crossed over the ring road and onto the A454 and we ran through Monmore. We continued into Moseley and we Northwards into Portobello. We ran through Willenhall and we walked past thre former HSBC Bank. We ran through Bentley and out the other side and down into Reedswood. We travelled through Pleck and over Walsall and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We decided to have a qiuick walk around and take a few picture before we caught something up to Bloxwich. We saw APP Carz AV11 UFZ stopped outside the bus station on St Pauls Street.

APP Carz AV11 UFZ in Walsall bus station

We walked back to the bus station just as a driver was getting a bus ready for service. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2132 on a #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2132 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We messaged mum to tell her to set off and meet us at Bloxwich. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down Wolverhampton Road and we crossed over the High Street and we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toi;et and afterwards we had a can of Coke. Mum called to say she was outside so we went outside to the car. Mum needed to drop something off at work so we headed up to Brownhills. We turned around and we headed North up Park Road. We turned right and we headed Eastwards aklong the A4124. We ran through Pelsall and over the Wyrley and Essington Canal and we headed to the roundabout at the top of Brownhills. We crossed over the roundabout onto the B4155 and we turned right onto Great Charles Street. We stopped for a few minutes near to mums work and Matthew had the bakewell tart we bougt at the Truck Stop Cafe earlier. When mum was ready to go we headed home via the chip shop. We turned left onto the Sadler Road and left onto the B4155. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After I had finished eating we set off along the B4155 and we turned right onto the A452. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A5. We ran to the bottom of Cannock and we joined the Westbound A460. We ran to the south of Cannock and we joined the Northbound M6. As we battled our way Northwards through the winds and we rain we saw an unidentified Bruce's Coaches BF21 CZV(#590) and Woods Coaches 335(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off at Stoke and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house and dropped uncle Dave off. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Brownhills / Cannock 29-04-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BG61 KTK	Fenton	Westbury Park	Charter	Travel Express
BG61 KTK	Westbury Park	Fenton	Charter	Travel Express

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but first we had to go and pick up mum from work and do his weekly shop. Matthew had his medication and got up around 08:30. Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 09:30. We got in the car and we ran through Blurton and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the other end and joined the Westbound A50. We ran to Sideway and joined the Southbound A500. We ran down to Hanchurch and we joined the Southbound M6 As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Johnsons coach, an unidentified silver minibus, an unidentified white minibus, A Line Coaches WA07 BHE, Hearns YD23 FOK, 2 x unidentified Masons coach and Lochs & Glens SJ73 HWA. We came off the M6 at junction 11 and we joined the A460. We ran to the South of Cannock before joining the Eastbound A5. We ran for a few mile before turning right onto the A452. We ran to Brownhill and we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We saw National Express West Midlands 2140 on a #8 to Walsall. We ran down to mum's work and we picked her up. Afterwards we turned around and we joined the Northbound A5. We ran to the big interchange with the A34 and we continued along the A5 and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto Longford Road and parked up. We walked back along Delta Way and we saw Chaserider 67 come into the depot. We walked through the gates of Chaserider and we went to the Pit Stop Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went outside and Matthew took a picrure of Chaserider 40 parked up in the bus garage.

Chaserider 40 in Cannock

We walked onto Delt Way and we turned left onto Longford Road. We got back in the car. We set off along Longford Road and we continued onto Hatherford Road. We turned continued onto Parkside Lane and we turned left onto the B5012. We turned left onto Wolgarston Way and we turned right on to the Northbound A449. We ran through Penkridge and we joined the M6 at junction 13. We ran Northwards to junction 15 and we came off the motorway. We ran forwards onto the A500 and we ran through Hanford and Stoke. We ran through Etruria and we came off the A500 at Wolstanton. We entered the retail park to go towards Asda and we saw blue minibus SG71 YLU parked up. We parked up and went to do Matthew's weekly food shop. Afterwards we returned to Blurton. We got in the car and we saw beige minibus N704 SDV.

N704 SDV in Wolstanton

We ran out if the retail park and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Etruria and Stoke and we came off the A500 at Sideway and onto the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we saw D&G Bus 174 on a #24 to Hanley. We turned left onto the A5035 and we came back to Blurton. In them afternoon we chilled out writing the Blog. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Mum went upstairs to rest black jogging bottoms. Just after 16:30 we got ready and we set off back to the residential unit. We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive passing silver minibus WR14 YAK. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road and wwe caught up with First Potteries 67144 on the #23 on to Hanley. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw silver minibus YR11 OJC. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew had a bottle of Coke. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw Cabability WJ65 BKE. For a late tea Matthew had sausage and potatoes followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Westbury Park. We went downstairs and we saw it was Travel Express BG61 KTK. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road. We ran down the into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned left onto Southbound A500. We ran past Sideway to Hanford. We turned right onto the A519 and we turned left onto Westbury Road and to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we returned to Fenton in Travel Express BG61 KTK. We set off onto Westbury Road and we turned right to run anti-clockwide around the estate. We turned right onto Wye Road and we crossed over Seabridge Lane and we turned left onto the Northbound A519. We ran into Newcastle and we went around the roundabout onto Barracks Road and past the bus station. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A53 and we ran through Basford to Etruria. We got onto the Southbound A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto City Road and we went under the raileay line and up into Fenton. We continued up City Road before turning right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew also drank a can of Cherry Coke. 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 Cannock / Walsall 22-07-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6738	Cannock BS	Bloxwich, Victoria Avenue	X51	National Express West Midlands
2132	Bloxwich, Victoria Avenue	Walsall St Pauls BS	31	National Express West Midlands
6736	Walsall St Pauls BS	Great Barr, Scarsdale Road	997	National Express West Midlands
6730	Great Barr, Malthouse Lane	Aldridge, Shopping Centre	997	National Express West Midlands
4348	Aldridge, Shopping Centre	Walsall St Pauls BS	7	National Express West Midlands
6765	Walsall St Pauls BS	Walsall, Alumwell Road	529	National Express West Midlands
6767	Walsall, Alumwell Road	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	National Express West Midlands
2112	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Wolverhampton Road	31	National Express West Midlands
6740	Bloxwich, Wolverhampton Road	Cannock BS	X51	National Express West Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Cannock. There was an issue with the main car, so we decided to stay fairly local. It was also the same today that Copeland's Tours ran a trip to Leicester. Research consisted of checking the National Express West Midlands bus ticket prices and local at the weather. The weather was forecast for rain all afternoon. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got reasy and we set off around 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we we around the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's to put diesel in the car. Once we had filled up with diesel we set off onto London Road and we conrinued onto the one-way system. We turned left onto Church Street and right onto Liverpool Road. We veered right onto Eleanor Street and right onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we turned left onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 before joining the Southbound A500. We ran to the end and we joined the Southbound M6. Seen on the M6 were taxi minibus SF16 XWV, blue minibus FN66 YWP, an unidentified NX liveries coach on a Northboud #120 service, white minibus HX12 HHY, an unidentified white coach and ERS Medical FJ21 HGK. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we headed Eastwards towards Cannock. We stopped at The Truckers Rest truck stop and Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we got back into the car and and we set off onto the Eastbound A5. At the roundabout we turned left at the A4601 and we ran into Cannock towards centre. At the edge of town we forwards onto the ringway. We went past the bus station and we did a 180' turn at the roundabout before parking up at Beechcroft Road car park. We walked across to the bus station and we took a few bus pictures. We saw Chaserider 542 on a #60 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 542 in Cannock bus station

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6738 on a X51 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6738 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we booked National Express Daysaver tickets for £4.50 each. We went upstairs, and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6738.

Inside NX West Midlands 6738

We set off out of the bus station and we turned around at the roundabout and we went Eastwards along the A34. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5190. We past the railway station and at the McArthur Glen Shopping Centre we turned left onto The Northbound A460. We veered left into the retail park and pulled into the bus stop and we returned back Southwards down the A460. We turned left onto Votager Drive and we entered the Orbital Retail Park. We followed Voyager Drive to the left and we turned left onto Orbital Way. We rejoined the Southbound A460 and we crossed over the M6 toll road onto the A34. We turned right onto Hilton Lane and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Holly Lane and at the end we turned right onto the A34. We Headed Southwards for a mile or so before turning right onto right onto Turnberry Road and we ran past the pub One Man and his Dog. We turned left onto the B4210 next to Bloxwich North railway station and we travelled Southwards. We turned left onto the A4124 by the Sir Robert Peel pub and we turned right onto Sand Bank. We followed the road around to the left onto Wolverhampton Road and we turned right onto Bloxwich High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6738 as it continued towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6738 in Bloxwich

Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what we could catch. We left the A34 and we walked onto Park Road. We saw Walsall Community Transport YX13 BVW on a #25 to Kingstanding.

Walsall Community Transport YX13 BVW in Bloxwich

Afterwards we walked back onto the A34 to wait for a bus towards Walsall. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was National Express West Midlands 2132 on a #31 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 2132 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall. We crossed over the A4148 and we saw an unidentified TNS minubs go past. We ran down onto St Pauls Street and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we looked around for something to catch. A short time later we saw a bus heading towards Birmingham. We saw it was Narional Express West Midlands 6736 on a #997 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6736 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we booked flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before going upstairs and sitting down. When it was departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and on to Hatherton Street and forwards onto Hatherton Road.We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left at the roundabout. We ran Northwards along Lichfield Road and we ran through Rushall. We turned right onto the B4154 and we came into Daw End and we turned left onto Redhouse Lane and we ran North Eastwards until we reached Walsall Road. We continued onto Aldridge bypass and we ran to the West of the town centre before turning right at the roundabout onto Anchor Road and into the town centre. We ran back onto the Aldridge Bypass and we veered left onto Birmingham Road. We turned left onto the B4154 and we headed Eastwards. The road curved around to the South and at Barr Beacon crossroad we turned left. We turned right onto Aldridge Road and at Queeslet we turned right onto the A4041. We passed the former the Buffet Island site which is going to be a new McDonald's. We turned right onto Collingwood Drive and left onto the B4154. We turned left out of Dyas Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6736 as it continued towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6736 in Great Barr

Once we let the bus go we walked Northwards up Aldridge Road and we crossed over Dyas Road before stopping at a shop to buy chcolate and a drink. We also brought a jelly snake. We paid for the stuff and Matthew ate the jelly snake and we crossed over the road to wait at the Northbound bus stop. Whilst we weaited for our bus we saw National Express West Midlands 1866 on a #28 to Heartlands Hospital.

NX West Midlands 1866 in Great Barr

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6730 on a #997 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6730 in Great Barr

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards up Aldridge Road and we turned right onto Dyas Road. We turned left onto Old Oscott Lane and left onto Oscott School Lane. We turned left onto Shady Lane and right onto Aldridge Road. We crossed the A4041 and we headed Northwards onto Beacon Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto Collingwood Drive. We turned left onto Hillingford Avenue and forwards onto Frampton Way. We turned right onto Doe Bank Lane and at the end we turned left onto the A4041. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Aldridge Road. We turned left onto the B4151 and at the next roundabout at at the next roundabout we turned right onto the B4154. We ran Northwards for around 1/4 of a mile and we turned left onto Barr Common Road. At the next junction we veered right onto Birmingham Road up to Pool Green. We turned right onto the A454 and we turned right into Portland Road. We veered left onto Anchor Road and we stopped in Aldridge town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6730 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6730 in Aldridge

Once off the bus we went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat down. After we had finished our drinks we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We waited for a bus towards Walsall. Across the road we saw National Express West Midlands 6758 on a #937 to Brownhills West.

NX West Midlands 6758 in Aldridge

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4348 on a #7 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4348 in Aldridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4348.

Inside NX West Midlands 4348

We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty too. Matthew took another picture inside National Express West Midlands 4348.

Inside NX West Midlands 4348

We set off along Anchor Road and we ran forwards onto Portland Road. We turned left onto the A454 and we ran South-Westwards towards Walsall. After a couple of miles we turned left onto the A461 and we headed Southwards. We crossed the A4148 and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Bridge Street and we followed the road around onto St Pauls Street where the bus terminated. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4348 before it went on to it's next service.

NX West Midlands 4348 in Walsall bus station

We walked through the bus station to have a look what we could catch. We saw Rotala Diamond 32240 parked up on layover in Hatherton Street.

Rotala Diamond 32240 in Walsall

Also see was National Express West Midlands 1840 on a #29 to Bloxwich.

NX West Midlands 1840 in Walsall bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus Matthew wanted to catch. It pulled onto stand and we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6765 on a #529 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 6765 in Walsall bus station

Once the bus was ready we got on the bus bus we flashed the nBus Star Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran past the Crown Wharf shopping centre along Wolverhampton Street. We ran forwards on to the A454 and we ran the 1/2 mile where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another pictre of National Express West Midlands 6765 as it continued towards Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 6765 in Walsall

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back to Walsall. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6767 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6767 in Walsall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A454 and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus we looked for a bus to head back towards Cannock. We had just missed the X51 so we decided to go to Bloxwich and break the journey. A short time later a bus came on stand, As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2112 on a #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2112 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Once again we didn't realise it was a dud bus until we got on it. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 2112 as it continued on the #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2112 in Bloxwich

Once off the bus we had a bout a 20 minutes wait or so we decided to visit the spotted cow, Matthew went the toilet and afterwards had a can of Coke which we took outside to drink. A short time later the bus came around the corner. We saw it was National Express West Midlands 6740 on a X51 to Cannock.

NX West Midlands 6740 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flasjed the nBus day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstaits and sat down. We continued onto Sand Bank and we turned left onto Bell Lane. We re-joined the Northbound B4210 and we headed past Bloxwich North railway station. We turned right onto Turnberry Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the Northbound A34 and we headed up to Landywood. We turned left onto Holly Lane we turned right onto Gorsey Lane. We turned right onto Hilton Lane and then left onto the Northbound A34. We crossed the M6 toll and we ran Northwards up the A460. We turned right onto Votager Drive and we entered the Orbital Retail Park. We followed Voyager Drive to the left and we turned left onto Orbital Way. We rejoined the Northbound A460 and we ran up to the McArthur Glen retail outlet village. After looping around to the stops for McArthurs Glen we rejoined the Southbound A460. We turned right onto the A5190 and we ran to the edge of the town centre. We went Westwards onto the ringway and at the roundabout we turned left onto the A34 before turning left into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6740 before it returned to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6740 in Cannock bus station

Also see at the bus station was Chaserider 670 on layover.

Chaserider 670 in Cannock bus station

Once off the bus we called mum to see where she was. She had a flat battery in the car and she was parked by The Range. We set off on foot around the ringway and we turned left onto the A34. We got part way down the hill and we spotted mum mum driving up the hill as she had managed to get a jump start. We got in the car and we turned around and headed Southwards onto the A34. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We joined the Westbound A460 and we headed towads the motorway. I needed to look on my phone to reset the car radio. We decided to pull over inti a layby and there just happened to be a minibus there. It was Five Star Cars YB19 EJD.

Five Star Cars YB19 EJD in Cheslyn Hay

Car Radio reset we carried on along the A460 before joining the Northbound M6. We came off at junction 12 and we went Westwards along the A5 before turning right onto the A449. We ran Northwards to Penkridge before stopping in the car park in the town centre. I went to the chip shop and fetched chips. Matthew had sausage, chips and gravy. When we had finished eating we continued Northwards up the A449. We ran up to the motorway and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 13. As we travlled Northwards up the motorway it was dark and we passed wuite a few coaches including WMAS YJ21 GWX, an unidentified Major Coachways coach and an unidentifeid Atlantic Coaches coach. We came of the motorway at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. 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 Stafford / Cannock 12-11-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Hanford, Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
171	Hanford, Mayne Street	Stone, Radford Street	100	D&G Bus
65036	Stone, Radford Street	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
704	Stafford BS	Rugeley BS	828	Chaserider
169	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	63	Chaserider
18	Cannock BS	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	875	Select Bus
33	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	Stafford, Gatehouse Theatre	7	Select Bus
37157	Stafford, Chell Road	Walton, Eccleshall Road Shops	101	First Potteries
65034	Walton, Eccleshall Road Shops	Stone, Stafford Road	101	First Potteries
171	Stone, Stafford Road	Trentham, Barlaston Old Road	100	D&G Bus
67179	Trentham, Barlaston Old Road	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Stafford as mum was at work. Research for today consisted of checking the weather which was a for a mild dry day with some sunshine. I also researched the times of the D&G #100 service from Hanford. Matthew got up around 09:15 and had toast for breakfast. We had seen there was a #100 bus from Hanford around 11:39, so we decided to go for the 11:00 departure from Blurton. We set off just before 11:00 and we walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. We waited for the bus and a short time later it turned the corner. It was as expected First Potteries 44514 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked Knot Day ticket at £7. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane where we passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road and left onto Church Lane. When we got to the bottom of Church Lane we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 44514 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanford

We decided to not catch the next #101 which was due in a few minutes and we would wait for the #100. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65042 in Hanford

Whilst we stood at the bus stop waiting for the #100 service, we saw 4 unidentified Leon's coaches, an unidentifed Happy Days coach, an unidentified Daish Holidays coach, Cabability SB15 PJY and Tidy Team YT08 WKD. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was D&G Bus 171 on a #100 to Stone as expected.

D&G Bus 171 in Hanford

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 past Trentham Gardens and we turned left onto the A5035. We turned right by Bod onto Barlaston Old Road and we headed Southwards past Strongford water treatment centre and Wedgwood. We continued into Barlaston village and we contnued Southpast the site of Meaford power station before joining the A34 near to Darlaston. We continued along the A34 for a short while and we Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. We stopped in the square and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 171 before it returned to Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Stone

Once off the bus we had a short wait for the next #101 to Stafford. We went in the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished in the pub we crossed over the road to visit the cash machine. Whilst we waited we saw Bennetts Travel SJ16 BGU go past.

Bennetts Travel SJ16 BGU in Stone

We crossed back over the road and we waited for the bus to Stafford. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65036 in Stone

We got on the bus and we scanned the Knot day tictes before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the one-way system past Morrisons and we saw Star MX13 APK. We continued down the A520 and we crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Newcastle International Airport YJ16 DXP. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65036.

First Potteries 65036 in Stafford

Once off the bus we headed towards the market. We stopped at the toilet block oppsite to the market. One of the toilets wasn't open so Matthew had to use the other. We continued into the market up to the top corner and we stopped at The Chef's Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. When we had finished eating we headed across to the bus station. We came out of the side entrance into the old guildhall shopping centre and we headed onto Chapel Street. We continued onto Broad Street and we turned right onto the passage through to Princes Street. We went forwards onto Hunters Row and we crossed Gaolgate Street past the Butler's Bell which is currently up for sale. We continued into the bus station and we saw Chaserider 194 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 194 in Stafford bus station

We asked Matthew which direction he would like to go in and he said Rugeley. There was a Lichfield bus in that direct in about 10 minutes. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 26 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 26 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 704 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 704 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Caserider 704 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Chaserider 704

We set off out of the bus station and we joined the A34 and we turned left onto Chell Road. After a brief stop we continued onto Tenterbanks and we headed onto Bridge Street. We ran through the town centre and we crossed over the A34 onto the Northbound A518. We ran out of town for around a mile and we entered the hospital grounds. We returned to the A518 and we turned right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto Tixall Road and we crossed over Blackheath Lane. We continued into Tixall and we turned right onto Mill Lane. We turned right onto Main Road and we ran throught Great Haywood. We continued South through Little Haywood into Colwich and we joined A51. We travek South for 1/2 a mile or so and we turned right onto the A460. We turned right onto Plovers Rose and right onto Springfields Road. We followed the road around onto Crabtree Way and we turned left onto Green Lane. We turned right onto the A460 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Elmore Lane and we entered Rugeley bus station where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Chaserider 704 before it continued towards Lichfield.

Chaserider 704 in Rugeley bus station

Already in the bus station was Chaserider 169 on a #63 to Cannock.

Chaserider 169 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus waited until departure time unil setting off onto Elmore Lane. We crossed the roundabout onto Sandy lane and we headed Southwards along the A460. We crossed over the Rugeley to Walsall line and we ran fast through the countryside to the North end of Hednesford. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we had a short wait at the main stops in Hednesford near to Tesco before continuing towards Cannock. We continued to the end of Victoria Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We crossed over the railway line and we turned left onto Cannock Street. We crossed over the roundabout and onto Belt Road. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road and we headed Southwards. We veered right onto Old Fallow Road and we turned left onto Pye Green Road. We joined the A34 and we ran Southwards into town. We turned left onto the B5012 and left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 169 before it returned to Rugeley on a #63 service.

Chaserider 169 in Cannock bus station

We walked down to the other end of the bus station and we saw Chaserider 611 on a #26 Pye Green circular.

Chaserider 611 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we headed back into the bus station and we had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw Chaserider 195 on a #74 to Stafford. Behind that was a Select Bus on a Stafford service. We saw it was Select Bus 18 on a #875 to Stafford.

Select Bus 18 in Cannock bus station

We got on and flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the B5012 and we headed Westwards. We decided to go to Moss Pit and catch a #7 forward to Stafford. We crossed over the M6 and we turned left onto Woolgarston Way. We ran forwards onto Boscomoor Lane and we turned right into Vale Gardens.We ran forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left onto Francis Green Lane and left onto Cannock Road. We continued onto New Road and we turned right onto the Northbound A449. We ran fast up the A449 and under the M6. We past Select Bus Services 31 on the #875 to Cannock. We crossed over the railway line and we climbed the hill up to Moss Pit where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Select Bus Services 18 before it continued towards Stafford.

Select Bus 18 in Moss Pit

We had just missed Select Bus 14 on a #7 to Stafford. The next bus that was due at the stop was the #878 to Stafford. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a rather squashed Fudge which I found in the bottom of the trip bag. We could see on the map that this was running a little late. We saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Select Bus 33 on a #7 to Stafford.

Select Bus 33 in Moss Pit

When it was time for departure the bus set off up the A449. We ran Northwards over the railway line and we ran into Stafford. We crossed the big roundabout and we joined the Northbound A34. We turned left onto South Walls and rught onto Cope Street. We turned left onto Eastgate Street and where we got up an got off the bus. We got off the bus and crossed over the road. Matthew got another picture of Select Bus 33 as it went on a short layover.

Select Bus 33 in Stafford

We walked forwards onto Malt Mill Lane and we turned left onto North Walls and continued to the bus station. We saw Chaserider 62 on a #841 to Uttoxter.

Chaserider 62 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Chaserider 610 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 610 in Stafford bus station

We saw on the map that First Potteries 37157 was on it's way down the A34. so we decided to walk around the corner onto Chell Road and get on the bus there. A short time later as expected we saw First Potteries 37157 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37157 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we the Knot ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Chell Road and we ran down to the railway station. Whilst we waited for time outside the railway station we saw an unidentified Borland Roadliner coach go past the end of the road on the A518. We set off from outside the railway station and we ran around the South end of town and over the river onto Cope Street. We ran up Eastgate and along North Walls and into the Gaol Square bus station. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37157 before it continued on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 37157 in Walton

Once off the bus we walked along Eccleshall Road and we visited the Walton Fish Bar we brought sausage chipe and gravy and we went outside. We sat down outside the petrol station which is currently being refurbished, and we ate our sausage chips and gravy. Matthew washed down his food with a can of Coke. We set off back along Eccleshall Road and we waited for the next bus into Stone. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Walton

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We worked out that we could intercept the #100 in Stone and reduce how far we had to walk. We set off along Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we got up and got off the bus by the toilet block. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65034 before it continued on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Stone

Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he sat on the wall by the bus stop. Almost as soon as he sat on the wall the bus appeared from around the corner. It was as expected D&G Bus 171 on a #100 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Stone

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 171 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G Bus 171

The bus set off along the one-way system and we veered left onto Newcastle Street. We continued up to the end and we joined the Northbound A34. We travleed about 1/3 mile Northwards and at the roundabout we turned right onto Meaford Road. We continued Northwards through Barlaston onto Barlaston Old Road and we ran Northwards to the end where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 171 as it continued Northwards towards Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Trentham

Once off the bus we crossed over Barlaston Old Road and walked past Bod before crossing over the A5035. We walked to the nearest stop and we saw that there was a #22 to Newstead due in a few minutes. We waited for a while and the bus turned the corner. We saw it was as expected First Potteries 67179 on a #22 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67179 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner for the fianl time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Longton Road towards Blurton. We crossed over the canal and the railway line and ran past the end of Stanley Matthews Way. We ran past the lay-by and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67179 as it went back to the depot.

First Potteries 67179 in Blurton

We walked around the corner onto Magdalen Road and we got back to Blurton around 18:15. We chilled out and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We uploaded pictures and we started to do some work on the Blog. Around 20:30 we went to take uncle Dave home via Aldi. We set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We stopped st Aldi and we picked up some food for the weekend. When we had finished we set off onto Stanley Matthews Ways and we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left into Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards drank some of uncle Rob's pop. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a peice of a scotch egg and a slice of cheesecake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark