Trip to Leicester / Loughborough 22-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4566	Leicester, (Stop CM)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	84	Arriva Midlands
4432	Leicester, St Margarets BS	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	127	Arriva Midlands
4554	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	Loughborough, stop FA	127	Arriva Midlands
4760	Loughborough, stop FA	Shepshed, Bullring	127	Arriva Midlands
3106	Shepshed, Bullring	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	16	Arriva Midlands
4434	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	127	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. In the week Matthew had suggested nthat we go to Loughborough, to which I said it might be better to go to Leicester and travel up son that there would be more for mum to do whilst we were on the bus. Matthew agreed to this. Research consisted of looking at the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. We also looked at the Arriva tickets that we could buy. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:20 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:50 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and right onto Emsworth Road. We returned to the house to check the door was locked and afterwards we ran through Blurton and onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we were passed by SAS BT 15 NLE. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. Passing former EWS locomotive 60078 on the back of a Reids Truck parked up in a holding area. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We deciedd to try something new today. We stopped at a cafe called Rascals for dinner. It was quite warm and sunny so we sat outside on a bench. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Southbound M1. Whilst travelling down the M1 we saw Skills (NX) BV73 ZTT(#450), white coach BK15 AJU, blue minibus YR60 LHM, an unidentified RML Routemaster and Travel Xpress RE22 ETT. We came off the motorway onto the A50 and we headed through Groby into Leicester the last 7 or so miles. We turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned we did the flyover and we ran onto St Matthews Way. We turned left onto Humberstone Road and we did a u turn just after the railway bridge. We went back along St Matthews Way and we turned left onto Gelgrave Gate. We ran forwards onto Haymarket and we we went into the car park. After we had parked up we said goodbye to mum and we went down the stairs into the shopping centre. We came out onto Charles Street and we headed into the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we ha a walk around to see what we could see. In the bus station was First Leicester 63567 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell.

First Leicester 63567 in Leicester bus station

We continued down Charles Street to see what was in the bus station. As we walked down Charles Street we saw First Leicester 36615 on a #54 to the Beaumont Leys Centre.

First Leicester 36615 in Leicester bus station

At the other end of the bus station we saw First Leicester 63550 on a #38A Nether Hall circular.

First Leicester 63550 in Leicester bus station

We planned to catch a bus from Charles Street down to the St Margarets bus station. Walking back up Charles Street we saw Centebus 775 on a #20 to Blackmore Drive.

Centebus 775 in Leicester bus station

As we walked up Charles Street we could see a #84 service at the bus stop. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4566 on a #84 to St Margaret's bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4566 in Leicester

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off along Charles Street and we ran through the bus station. We ran forwards onto Abbey Street and we entered the bus station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled onto the stand and we got up and got off the bus. We looked at the departure board and we saw there was a departure in 3 minutes from stand SC at the other end of the bus station. We had a brisk walk and we spotted the bus on stand. As we approached the stand we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4432 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Gravel Street. We turned right on Abbey Street and left onto Belgrave Gate. We crossed over the ring road and we headed North Eastwards up the A607. We started to go along the Golden Mile before we turned left onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards for just under a mile and we crossed over the A563 and joined the Northbound A6. We ran through Birstall where we saw West Yorkshire Travel BX14 OMP. We continued past the park and ride site and we crossed over the A46. We turned left towards a housing estate and we tured right onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards into Rothley and we turned left onto Helifields Lane. The road turned leftwards to head North and we ran forwards onto North Street. We continued Northwards onto Mountsorrel Lane and we continued onto Rothley Road. We turned right onto The Green and at the roundabout we turned left onto. Loughborough Road. We passed the Buttermarket we reached the Southernmost point that we reached on out trip to Loughborough back in January 2022. We continued Northwards out of Market Place and we ran Northwards through Quorn. We decided to get off and go to a pub so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4432 before it continued Northwards towards Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Quorn

Once the bus had departed we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small bottle of Coke with some ice in a glass, When we had finished our drinks we headed out to the bus stop and met up with uncle Dave. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 4400 on a #127 to Leicester. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4554 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the Northbound A6 and we headed into the centre of Loughborough. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right into Baxter Gate. After a brief stop we set off along Baxter Gate and we rejoined the Northbound A6. We ran around town to Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 4554 which sat at the bus stop for a few minutes awaiting time.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Loughborough

We headed up the step and we spotted a cafe. Matthew had a slice of red velvet cake washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. We met up with uncle Dave and we went back down the step to the bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before the bus appeared. As it approached the stop we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4760 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. After a short wait for time, the bus set off along the A6 and we turned left onto The Rushes and right onto Derby Square. We ran forwads onto the A512 and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the Northbound A6004. We turned left onto Alan Moss Road and right onto Garendon Road. We turned right onto Garendon Gardens and we ran forwards onto Blackbrook Road. We turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Old Ashby Road. We ran to the end and we joined the Westbound A512. We crossed over the M1 and we continued Westwards. We turned right onto Leicester Road and we ran into Shepshed. We went forwards onto Kirkhill and onto the roundabout in the centre of town where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4760 before it returned on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Shepshed

We set off on foot onto Queen Street and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Hall Croft. We visited the Hall Croft Tap and we had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks Matthew used the toilet. We walked back along Hall Croft and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Queen Street. We sat in the space behind the bus stop and Matthew chose and ate a Milky Way. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew made friends with the resident Shepshed Bullring cat. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 4437 arrive on a #127 service and go out of service.

Arriva Midlands 4437 in Shepshed

We chattd to one of the locals and we realised that we could do the #16 to Loughborough and get on the following #127 service. We waited for the bus to appear. As short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3106 on a #16 to Loughborough.

Arriva Midlands 3106 in Shepshed

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait for time, the bus set off onto Kirkhill, and we ran forwards onto Leicester Road. We turned left onto the A512 and we crossed over the M1. We continued along the A512. When we stopped at bus stops the engine shut down. We ran inti the West end of Loughborough and we turned left onto Greenclose Lane. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned righ onto the A6. We ran around the East side of the town past Tesco and when we got to next stop we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Kinchbus 128 on a Skylink service to the Airport.

Kinchbus 128 in Loughborough

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4434 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4434 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner for what turned out to be the fianl time today before we went upstairs and sat down. After a brief stop we continued Left onto Leicester Road. We ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn. We Continued Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We turne right onto The Green and we stopped behind the library before continuing onto Rothley Road. We continued onto Moutsorrel Lane and into Rothley. We followed the road to the left onto Halifields Lane and we continued onto Cossington Lane. WE joined the Southbound A46 and after crossing the A46 we ran past the park and ride site through Birstall. We tookm a diversionary route down the A6 and we passed the First Leicester depot. We turned left onto the B5327 and past Abbey Park before turning right onto the A607. We crossed the roundabout onto Belgrave Gate and we turmed right onto Abbey Street before entering the St Margaret's Bus Station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled into a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around. Matthew visited the toilet and we walked around the outside of the bus station as there wasn't a bus back to Charles Street for a long time we decided to walk. We walked down to the South West corner and we saw Woods Coaches BX65 WBD on a National Express #230 sercvice to Derby.

Woods Coaches BX65 WBD in Leicester bus station

We did a lap around the bus station and as we got to the junction of Abbey Street and Gravel Street we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a #148 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We walked along Abbey Street and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We continued onto Charles Street and past the Haymarket Bus Station. A the Southern end we saw First Leicester 63563 on layover in between runs on the #16 to the General Hospital.

First Leicester 63563 in Leicester bus station

We walked to the entrance of the shopping centre but the door was closed! We turned right onto Humberstone Gate and right onto Haymarket. There was an entrance by the theatre, but you needed the ticket or had to declare your ticket lost, which I did not want to do. We ended up walking up the ramp to get back into the car park. We walked to where the car was but mum had moved it to by one the pay stations. After paying for parking we set off out of the car park onto Haymarket. We ran forwards onto Belgrave Gate and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran through Frog Island. We spotted a chip shop on the A50 so we turned left onto Dunton Street and turned around. THe chip shop was closed so we looked up directions to another one. We continued onto the A50 and we did a u turned and turned left onto Buckminster Road. We stopped at Bucks Chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. It created a bit of a stir in the chip shop when I paid, becasue un beknown to me I paid with a couple of the new Charles III £10 notes! We ate the chips in the car and when we were ready we set off onto Buckminster Road. We turned left onto Medina Road and we turned right to re-join the A50. We ran North through Groby and we re-joined the Northbound M1. We came off the M1 and junction and we headed Westwards along the A50. As we travelled along the A50 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach, blue minibus SJ59 UAN, an unidentified Diamond Bus on a #401 to Burton and silver minibus YX09 HFK. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 21:10. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Leicester / Oadby 30-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4109	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, adj Alexandra Court	31	Arriva Midlands
37045	Oadby, Adj Lidl	Leicester Haymarket BS	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
63364	Leicester Haymarket BS	Rushey Mead, adj Braemer Drive	4	First Leicester
2939	Rushey Mead, Adj Sainsbury's	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
26204	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Lidl	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4202	Oadby, adj The Wheel Inn	Leicester Haymarket BS	31	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We made the choice earlier in the week based on the availability of a multi-operator tickets and lower rates over Covid in recent times. We checked the weather and it was for dry and unseaonably warm weather for the time of year. What I hadn't researched was the fact the Leicester were at home to Arsenal in the 12:30 kick off! We got up around 10:30 and we had tost for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 11:30 to pick up uncle Dave. We set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blutron Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we turned left onto Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco to fill up with diesel and we re-joined the A50. Just before we went down the slip road we saw D&G Bus 50 on a #24 to Hanley. We ran Eastwards up towards Blyth bridge and we follwed the A50 to the right. We ran past Uttoxter and towards the M1. As we travelled Eastwards we saw silver taxi minibus MD17 ???, Flixbus FX25(023),Emenence Travel BV70 UAL and Global Travel T5 XLA. A couple of miles short of the M1 the car started making a noise from the back and the handling started to changed. I quickly realised that we had a rear puncture and we found somewhere safe to pull over on the exit of the gravel quarries. Everyone got out of the car and I changed the tyre. Whilst I was changing the tyre City Cabs DG55 FLK go past. The tyre change was straight forwards so we got going again in around 20 minutes. We got back underway and we joined the Southbound M1. As we travelled Southwards we saw Skills (NX) BX16 CHG(#450). We came off the M1 and we joined the A50. We ran into town and on the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We did a u-turn and we ran up towards the bus station and into the car park. We parked up and we walked through the shopping centre to the bus station. We went tuse the toilets in the bus station but these are currently closed. So we headed back into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilets there. After we had used the toilets we said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. Matthew took a few bus pictures whilst I get the burgers from the food place outside the bus station. We saw Arrive Midlands 2954 on a #6 to Thurmaston.

Arriva Midlands 2954 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was First Leicester 35152 on a #14A to Beaumont Leys.

First Leicester 35152 in Leicester bus station

Afterwards we saw Centebus 253 on a #22A to Birstall.

Centebus 253 in Leicester bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva Midlands 3107 on a #44A to South Wigston.

Arriva Midlands 3107 in Leicester bus station

Once the burger were ready we stood at the end of the bus station and ate our burgers. We walked through bus station to see what we could catch. Matthew took an interest in Arriva Midlands double decker 4109 that was about to work a #31 to Oadby. It was not due off for another few minutes so we walked down to the bottom end of the bus station to be outside in the fresh air. Whilst outside we saw Arriva Midlands 4505 on a #49 to Fleckney.

Arriva Midlands 4505 in Leicester bus station

We walked back into the bus station and the driver was getting Arriva Midlands 4109 ready for service, so Matthew took a picture before we got onboard.

Arriva Midlands 4109 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Flexi Day tickets at £4.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down before the bus pulled ou of the bus station. We turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles before turning The Parade. We continued onto Leiceter Road and just on the other side of the roundabout on London Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up New Street and headed up to the A6. We walked past the supermarket, which used to be a Wiatrose before it closed on our last visit. It is now re=opened as a Starbucks and Lidl. We waited at the stop outside of Lidl for the next bus towards Leicester. We checked on the map and saw Stagecoach Midlands Enviro200 37045 was about 15 minutes away to the South of us. We decided to have a drink whilst we waited. We had a can of Coke each, and we also saw Arriva Midlands 26207 on a X7 service to Market Harborough. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Midlands 37045 on a X7 to Leicester as expected.

Stagecoach Midlands 37045 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. before entering the bus station before we got up and got off the bus. We want to catch something quickly, and we decided to have a walk up and down to see what we could do. As we walked up the stand, Matthew saw First Leicester 63364 on a #4 Rushey Mead circular which we decided to do.

First Leicester 63364 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which had lights in place ready for Diwali. As we travelled Northwards we passed Central coaches P25 GJR and NIB 8179 coming the other way. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Gipsy Lane. As we turned left to follow Gipsy Lane we went past the rather impressive Hindu temple. We ran forwards onto Barkby Road and just before the railway bridge we turned left onto Wyvern Avenue. I decided to research what we could do to get beck to leicester. We could come back on another #4 or we could walk over to the A607 and catch either a #5 or #6 back to town. We ran forwards onto Gleneagle Avenue and as we approached Troon Way we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Leicester 63364 at it continued towards the end of the run.

First Leicester 63364 in Rushey Mead

On the other side of the road we saw First Leicester 63365 on another #4 followed by Centrebus 314 on a #40 city circular service. We decided to walk over to the A607 and catch something Arriva back into town. We set off along Gleneagles Avenue and we turned left onto Nicklaus Road. We turned left onto Troon Way and we followed the wide pedestrian pathway alongside this main road. We walked past Sainsbury's and when we got to the A607 we crossed over Troon way to get to the Southbound bus stop. We waited at the stop and we had a look on the map. In the distance we saw an Arrive double decker approaching. It was due in around 10 minutes. A few minutes later we were surprised by an Arriva single decker that wasn't showing on the map. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the approaching bus and he said yes. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 2939 on a #6 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2939 in Rushey Mead

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off down the A607 and we ran back through the bustling Golden Mile area of Leicester. We passed the big whell and we ran into the centre of Leicester. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw there was a X7 to Northampton due ain a few minutes and we could see a bus on layover further up the bus station. A few minutes later the bus approached the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a X7 to Northampton.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Lidl. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew had wanted to go further on the bus, but with us starting out a bit late and the car having a flat tyre, this would not be practicle to do today. We crossed over the A6 and we decided to visit the Lidl Store. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brough a couple of small bottles of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. We decided to catch a #31 back towards Leicester, which in hindsight might not have been the best idea. The route of the #31 has changed since the last time we did the bus South of Oadby! We walked down New Street onto London Road and we crossed over to look at the bus towards Leicester. The first stop we found said stop out of use, and we concluded the route must have changed so that the entire run to the South of Oadby town centre was a large circular end. We decided to cross over and go Southwards around the loop. We waited outside THe Wheel Inn pub and we saw there was a bus due at 17:20. We could not see what the bus was going to be as I guess the route data is not on bustimes.org. Whilst we waited Matthew had one of the Crunchie bars from the bag. A few minutes later the bus turn up and it was dud Arriva Midlands 4202 on a #31 to Leicster.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus ran Southwards down London Road and we turned left onto the Northbound A6. We turned right onto Uplands Road and left into Launde Road. We turned right onto Copse Close and forwards onto Severn Road. We ran forwards onto Ullswater Drive and left onto Hunters Way. We turned left onto Beaufort Way and right onto Florence Wragg Way. We turned right onto the A6 and we ran North for around 1/3 mile. As we ran up the A6 we were passed by Grey minicoach LN17 LKJ. We turned left onto Ash Tree Road. We turned left onto Glen Way and right onto Park Crescent. We turned left onto Coombe Rise and we ran around a loop and left onto Ridge Way. We Headed Westwards and forwards onto Howdon Road. We turned right onto Briar Walk and at the end we turned left onto Rosemead Drive. We crossed the B582 and ran onto Brabazon Road. We turned right onto Chestnut Avenue and into the centre of Oadby. We turned left onto The Parade and we paused for a short while before continuing North to the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street and into Haymarket Bus Station. We got up and got off the bus and we met up with mum. Matthew decided he wanted to visit the arcade for a short time. We then took a few more bus pictures before going back towards the car. We saw Arriva Midlands 4107 parked up in the layover spaces.

Arriva Midlands 4107 in Leicester bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and we went to use the toilet but it had been taken out of use for cleaning. We met up with mum and uncle Dave and we went back to the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We paid for the parking and we set off out of the carpark onto Belgrave Gate. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto the Northbound A6. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the Northbound A50. As we have done before we missed the junction where the road veers to the right so we ended uo on Fosse Road North heading Southwards! We veered right onto Henley Road and we turned right onto Aikman Avenue. We decided to follow a different Sat Nav, and that also took us back to the A50 via a chip shop! We turned right onto Pinder Road and we ran down to the roundabout where the chip shop was situated. We parked up and I fetch the chips and Matt and mum went to the Londis next door. Matthew had a chocolate bar and a bottle of Coke. I came back with the chips. Matthew sat in the car and ate sausage, chips and gravy washed down with the bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating onto Stephenson Drive and we ran down to the end. We turned left onto Fosse Road North and we turned left onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through the darkness. As we headed West we saw blue minibus NV67 MUY and an unidentified Flixbus on the #023 service. We continued through Meir and Longton an we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 20:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Leicester / Thurmaston 28-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2528	Leicester Haymarket BS	Thurmaston, Asda	6	Arriva Midlands
2938	Thurmaston, Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
28629	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4502	Oadby, Opp Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands
63379	Leicester Haymarket BS	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	26	First Leicester
32646	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	Leicester Haymarket BS	26	First Leicester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Leicester. We hope that this bus was going to be First South Yorkshire 63379 which is currently on loan to Leicester. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw First Potteries 67665 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67665 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran Eastwards for around 40 miles and we got onto the Southbound M1. junction and we ran the final 8 miles or so into Leicester. On the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Road and right onto Ravensbridge Drive. We joined St Margaret's Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. As we passed the bus station we saw Kinch Bus 649 on a #2 to Loughborough. We turned right onto Abbey Street and left into Gardens Street. We went into the Abbey Street car park and we found a space and parked up. Once we had parked we went down to the ground floor and onto Abbey Street. We turned right onto Belgrave Gate and we crossed over the road. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26225 on a #48 to Coventry. Once in the bus station we headed to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. Mum queued up at the food counter by Holland Park Amusements and Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw First Leicester 66841 on a #18 to Bruanstone. Once the food was ready we took it in to the bus station and sat down to eat it. Matthew had a bacon and sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we looked for a bus to catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2528 on a #6 to Thurmaston. We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which still had most of the lights still in place from Diwali. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto Silverdale Drive and we followed the road to the right. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Beacon Avenue. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we followed the road around. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and left onto Highway Road. We turned left onto Barkby Thorpe Lane and we got up and got off the bus outside the Thurmaston shopping centre. Once off the bus Matthew expressed a wish to visit a toilet. There was a nearby Marks & Spencers foodhall so we visited there. After Matthew had been the toilet we brought some caterpillar sweets which had been reduced as they were for Halloween and a bottle of Coke. After we had paid for the good we returned to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The bus does a u-turn at the roundabout and afterwards stops on the opposite side of the road from where we got off. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew ate a few of the caterpillars. We saw a bus approaching and we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 2938 a #6 to Leicester Haymarket. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Barkby Thorpe Lane and we turned right onto Highway Road. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and we followed it around to the end. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we headed Southwards. At the end of Sandiacre Drive we turned right onto Beacon Avenue. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Silverdale Drive. We followed the road Southwards and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto the A607 and we headed Southwards through the Golden Mile. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw First Leicester 66805 on a #38A to Thurnby Lodge. A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 28629 on a X7 to Market Harborough. We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we noticed a sign to say that Waitrose. We looked at the bus stop and the next X3 wasn't due for another 25 minutes. We decided to walk into Oadby to see if we could possibly catch another bus. As we walked away from the stop we saw Centrebus 315 on a #40 circular service. We walked down the B582 and we turned right onto The Parade. we turned right Wigston Road and Brabazon Road. We continued along The Parade through the festivities and we stopped at the Post Office. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had paid foe everything we continued along the Parade until we reached the A6. Ww decided to wait for the X3 which was now due in a few minutes time we looked on the bustime.org live bus map and we could see a bus approaching. The bus appeared a few minutes and as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4502 on a X3 to Leicester St Margarets. We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. we set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street We saw First Leicester 69303 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the bus station and we met up with mum. We told her we were doing one more quick round trip. We spotted required First Leicester 63379 on a #26 to the Beaumont centre. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We turned left onto Abbey Park Road. We ran forwards on to Blackbird we turned right onto Parker Drive. We turned left onto Somerset Drive and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Cheltenham Road and left onto Heacham Drive. After a long run through the estate we ran forwards onto Strasbourg Drive. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Orwell Drive. At the roundabout we turned right onto Rutherford Rood an we stopped at the Beaumont Centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the local pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Matthew expressed a wish to catch a #25 back to Leicester. Whilst we waited we saw First Leicester 66965 on a #74 to Leicester. As we waited we spotted First Leicester double decker 32646 on a #26 to Leicester. We decided to do the double decker so we legged it over to the other stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs. The bus set off along Rutherford Road and we turned left onto Beaumont Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Benion Road. We turned left onto Astill Lodge Road and we ran through the Beaumont estate. We re-joined Benion Road and we turned right onto Knights Road. We turned left onto Madeline Road and we ran past the back of the Walkers Crisps factory. We turned right onto Beaumont Leys Road and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto Belmont Boulevards and left onto Holderness Road. We ran forwards onto Border Drive and we turned left onto Red Hill Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Halifax Road and we turned left onto Thurcaston Road. We crossed over the A6 and we continued along Thurcaston Road. We ran into Belgrave and we stopped at the lights. We turned right onto Loughborough Road and we headed Southward towards the Golden Mile. We turned right onto the A607 and we headed into the city centre. At the roundabout we went under the flyover and forwards onto Belgrave Gate. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 35182 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre. We crossed over Belgrave Gate and we crossed over Abbey Street. We went into the entrance of the car park and we paid for the parking. We got the lift up to the appropriate floor and we got in the car. Mum had brought sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station onto Garden Street and we turned right onto Abbey Street. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto St Margaret's Way. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and we turned left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through. As we headed West. As we came through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Leicester / Oadby 09-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2538	Leicester Haymarket BS	Thurmaston, Asda	6	Arriva Midlands
2525	Thurmaston, Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
27685	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4518	Oadby, Opp Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands
63352	Leicester Haymarket BS	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	26	First Leicester
32645	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	Leicester Haymarket BS	26	First Leicester

Today we had planned on going to Sheffield. Due to the recent bad weather and flooding in the Sheffield area, we decided to go to Leicester instead. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Meir. As we ran the 40 or so miles to the M1 we saw silver minibus PIB 272, grey minibus DA68 ZXX, blue minibus FN55 KTD / FX57 OCW, welfare bus BD11 WSY, 3 unidentified Solus Coaches, an unidentified Drews coach, Birmingham International BJ15 TWD, Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU and Magnum PF64 RJJ. We ran to the end and we joined the Southbound M1. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified white minibus, Skills YN18 AUP & Parks of Hamilton (NX) LSK 832 (#540). We came off the M1 at junction and we ran the final 8 miles or so into Leicester. On the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Road and right onto Ravensbridge Drive. We joined St Margaret's Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. As we passed the bus station we saw Chalfont BV19 XPR. We turned right onto Abbey Street and left into Gardens Street. We went into the Abbey Street car park and we found a space and parked up. Once we had parked we went down to the ground floor and onto Abbey Street. We turned right onto Belgrave Gate and we crossed over the road. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26203 on a #48 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26203 in Leicester bus station

Once in the bus station we headed to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. Mum queued up at the food counter by Holland Park Amusements and Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw First Leicester 69440 on a #18 to Bruanstone.

First Leicester 69440 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was Roberts BU16 UWM on a #303 Birstall Park & Ride service.

Roberts BU16 UWM in Leicester bus station

Once the food was ready we took it in to the bus station and sat down to eat it. Matthew had a bacon and sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we looked for a bus to catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2538 on a #6 to Thurmaston.

Arriva Midlands 2538 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which still had most of the lights still in place from Diwali. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto Silverdale Drive and we followed the road to the right. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Beacon Avenue. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we followed the road around. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and left onto Highway Road. We turned left onto Barkby Thorpe Lane and we got up and got off the bus outside the Thurmaston shopping centre. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2538 before it returned on a #6 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2538 in Thurmaston

Once off the bus Matthew expressed a wish to visit a toilet. There was a nearby Marks & Spencers foodhall so we visited there. After Matthew had been the toilet we brought some caterpillar sweets which had been reduced as they were for Halloween and a bottle of Coke. After we had paid for the good we returned to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The bus does a u-turn at the roundabout and afterwards stops on the opposite side of the road from where we got off. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew ate a few of the caterpillars. We saw a bus approaching and we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 2525. The bus did a u-turn at the roundabout and Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 2525 on a #6 to Leicester Haymarket.

Arriva Midlands 2525 in Thurmaston

We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2525 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2525

We set off along Barkby Thorpe Lane and we turned right onto Highway Road. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and we followed it around to the end. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we headed Southwards. At the end of Sandiacre Drive we turned right onto Beacon Avenue. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Silverdale Drive. We followed the road Southwards and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto the A607 and we headed Southwards through the Golden Mile. We passed the big whell and we ran into the centre of Leicester. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw First Leicester 63106, a recent arrival from Manchester on a #38A to Thurnby Lodge.

First Leicester 63106 in Leicester bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 27685 on a X7 to Market Harborough.

Stagecoach Midlands 27685 in Leicester bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 27685 before it continued South on the towards Milton Keynes.

Stagecoach Midlands 27685 in Oadby

We crossed over the road and we noticed a sign to say that Waitrose had closed permanently on November 3rd. We looked at the bus stop and the next X3 wasn't due for another 25 minutes. We decided to walk into Oadby to see if we could possibly catch another bus. As we walked away from the stop we saw Centrebus 315 on a #40 circular service. We walked down the B582 and we turned right onto The Parade. Due to an event for the switching on of the towns lights. The Parade was closed to all traffic the buses divert down Wigston Road and Brabazon Road. We continued along The Parade through the festivities and we stopped at the Post Office. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had paid foe everything we continued along the Parade until we reached the A6. Ww decided to wait for the X3 which was now due in a few minutes time we looked on the bustime.org live bus map and we could see a bus approaching. The bus appeared a few minutes and as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4518 on a X3 to Leicester St Margarets.

Arriva Midlands 4518 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. we set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the bus station and we met up with mum. We told her we were doing one more quick round trip. We spotted required First Leicester 63352 on a #26 to the Beaumont centre.

First Leicester 63352 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Leicester 63352 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Leicester 63352

We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We turned left onto Abbey Park Road we saw Sihota Coaches FJ06 ZKV parked at the side of the road. We ran forwards on to Blackbird we turned right onto Parker Drive. We turned left onto Somerset Drive and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Cheltenham Road and left onto Heacham Drive. After a long run through the estate we ran forwards onto Strasbourg Drive. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Orwell Drive. At the roundabout we turned right onto Rutherford Rood an we stopped at the Beaumont Centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Leicester 63352 before it returned to Leicester on the #26.

First Leicester 63352 in Beaumont Centre

Once off the bus we walked to the local pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Matthew expressed a wish to catch a #25 back to Leicester. Whilst we waited we saw First Leicester 66962 on a #74 to Leicester.

First Leicester 66962 in Beaumont Centre

As we waited we spotted First Leicester double decker 32645 on a #26 to Leicester.

First Leicester 32645 in Beaumont Centre

We decided to do the double decker so we legged it over to the other stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs. The bus set off along Rutherford Road and we turned left onto Beaumont Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Benion Road. We turned left onto Astill Lodge Road and we ran through the Beaumont estate. We re-joined Benion Road and we turned right onto Knights Road. We turned left onto Madeline Road and we ran past the back of the Walkers Crisps factory. We turned right onto Beaumont Leys Road and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto Belmont Boulevards and left onto Holderness Road. We ran forwards onto Border Drive and we turned left onto Red Hill Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Halifax Road and we turned left onto Thurcaston Road. We crossed over the A6 and we continued along Thurcaston Road. We ran into Belgrave and we stopped at the lights. The bus in front of us was now empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Leicester 32645.

Inside First Leicester 32645

We turned right onto Loughborough Road and we headed Southward towards the Golden Mile. We turned right onto the A607 and we headed into the city centre. At the roundabout we went under the flyover and forwards onto Belgrave Gate. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 35184 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre.

First Leicester 35184 in Leicester bus station

We walked through the bus station towards Belgrave Gate. At the North end we saw Arriva Midlands 3765 on a #14 to New Parks.

Arriva Midlands 3765 in Leicester

We crossed over Belgrave Gate and we crossed over Abbey Street. We went into the entrance of the car park and we paid for the parking. We got the lift up to the appropriate floor and we got in the car. Mum had brought sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station onto Garden Street and we turned right onto Abbey Street. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto St Margaret's Way. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and we turned left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through the darkness. As we headed West we saw an Afford rent-a-car YO19 AZC, 3 unidentified Solus Coaches, 2 unidentified Silverdale coaches, blue minibus FL04 WXJ. As we came through Meir we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 797 at the depot. We came off the A50 and Longton and we went to the Z Carz depot. We passed the Lucky Seven depot and we saw Lucky Seven SJ16 EOV. We turned left onto Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:06. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark.