Trip to Middleton / Oldham 28-04-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10854	Middleton BS	Harphurey, Queens Park	112	Stagecoach Manchester
37403	Harphurey, Queens Rd (Stop C)	Middleton BS	163	First Manchester
YJ11 ENR	Middleton BS	Chadderton, Town Hall	419	MCT
67425	Chadderton, Chadderton Precinct (Stop B)	Royton, Shaw Road (Stop C)	182	First Manchester
33736	Royton, Shaw Road (Stop E)	Oldham BS	182	First Manchester
BU05 HEJ	Oldham BS	Mills Hill Station (Stop A)	406	M Travel
MX59 NWN	Mills Hill Station (Stop A)	Middleton BS	419	MCT

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. Mum had been away for a night out and we had arranged to pick her up from the railway station on our way out. As such we decided not to go to far today. We checked the weathr for today and it was for dry weather with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We had run out of orange juice! We set off 11:15 and we ran along Beaconfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. At the BP petrol station we saw Paul's of Stoke M20 BUS. We continued along Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Whieldon Road. We went under the railway brdige and the A500 and we turned right onto the A52. We crossed back under the railway line and we followed the A52 towards the railway station. We went slight left onto Station Road and we pulled into one of the drop off points to pick up mum. Once we had picked her up we continued along Station Road and left onto Stoke Road. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound carriage way. We neede some petrol so we came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we went to the Asda Petrol station. Once we had filled up we continued Northwards up the A500. We got on the M6 at junction 16 and as we travelled North we saw 3 unidentified Orion Travel coaches, An unidentified Olympia Travel coach, 4 unidentified ABC Coach Hire coaches, Paul's of Stoke Y17 POS, Park's of Hamilton LSK 812, Titterington Holidays TH16 TTH & 2 unidentified Tyrer's coaches. We came off the M6 at junction 19 and we went Eastwards onto the A556. We continued onto the M56 and we did the link road up to the M60. Once on the M60 we ran around Manchester in an anti-clockwise direction. On the M60 we saw Andrew's YX17 OGU & taxi minibus YD17 ODS. We came off the M60 at junction 19 and we went North-Eastwards up the A576. At the edge of town we turned left onto Limetrees Road. We turned right into the passage by Factory Street and we parked in one of the spaces in front of the Dusty Miller. Once we had parked up we walked into the shopping centre and we went upstairs. Matthew went to the toilet and we went back outside again. We went arund the corber towads the bus station and we stopped at the food van under the shopping centre. Matthew had a sausage, bacon and egg bap washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw required First Manchester 30948 on a #59 to Rushcroft. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we went towards the bus station. On stand was required Stagecoach Manchester 10854 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10854 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was First Manchester 37422 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37422 in Middleton bus station

We crossed over to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36075 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 in Middleton bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station whilst we decided what to catch. In the end we decided to do Stagecoach Manchester 10854 on a the #112 to Manchester. We got on the bus and we booked System One anybus day tickets at £5.60 before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 10854.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 10854

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned right onto Market Place and then right again onto Townley Street. We crossed over the A669 and we continued to the end of the street where we turned left onto Grishaw Lane and we ran down to Middleton Junction. We turned right onto Greengate and we carried on down Greengate over the M60 and to the roundabout. We joined Moston lane and we passed 67408 on the #81 to The Gardners Arms. Further South we passed required Stagecoach Manchester 10855 on a #114 to Alkrington. We continued South and when past the Blue Bell pub and through Moston. As we approached Harpurhey we turned left onto Upper Conran Street. We continued Southpast Harpurhey shopping centre and we turned right onto Fenclough Road. We travelled for around 1/3 and when we joined the Southbound A664 we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 10854 as it continued towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10854 in Harpurhey

We then walked North to try and crossed the road and we saw dud First Manchester 37405 on a #163 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37405 in Harpurhey

It was a bus we had been on from Bury to Heywood back in May 2017. We decided it was easier to go Southwards and crossed over the road so that is what we did. Once across the road we stood at the stop to wait for the next bus back Northwards. We saw A First Manchester double decker approaching in the distance. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37403 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37403 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37403 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37403

The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Across the way First Manchester 69205 was on layover. We walked around the bus station whilst we decided what bus to do next. There was nothing in the bus station that Matthew wanted to do so we waited by the last stop in the main area. A few minutes later required MCT YJ11 ENR appeared on a #419 to Ashton-under-lyne.

MCT YJ11 ENR in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto A669 and we ran Eastwards out of town to Mills Hill railway station. JUst after the station we turned right onto Baytree Avenue after runniung South for a while we followed the road around onto Firwood Park and we headed back Northwards up to the main road. We turned right onto the A669 and after a short run we turned left onto Chadderton Park Road. We turned right onto Cathederals Road. We followed the round and we turned right onto Parkway. We turned left onto Park Avenue and we ran up to the back of the Chadderton Park Travelodge. We turned right onto the Northbound Burnley Lane . We went around the rouandbout at the start of the A627(M) and we went Southwards down the A663. At the crossroad we turned left onto the A669 and we missed the stop for the shopping centre so we got up and got off at the next stop by the town hall. As we walked back to the shoping centre we saw First Manchester 37467 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37467 in Chadderton

When we got to the shoping centre we went into the post office and Matthew brough a couple of cans of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had paid for the good we went outside to the Oldham bound stop. As couple of minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 67425 on a #182 to Shaw.

First Manchester 67425 in Chadderton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A669 and we turned left onto Garforth Street. We ran up the hill to we turned right onto Burnley Lane. At the end we turned right onto the A627. We had a quick check on TfGM and we noticed that the #182 didn't go into Oldham. We saw that it was going up to Royton and we knew we could get a bus to Oldham from Royton. We turned left onto the A6048, We veered left onto the A671 and we went past the Royal Oldham Hospital. We ran through Long Sight and we crossed the A663. It was this point we decided to get up and get off the bus. We crossed over the road and we waited for the next Oldham bound bus. We only had to wait a couple of minutes and we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 33736.

First Manchester 33736 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Southwards down the A671 and we crossed over the A663. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station, enetering from the North end. Once off the bus we went to the toilet, but the toilet was shut due to 'Ongoing drain issues'. We then walked around the bus station taking bus pictures. We saw MCT Enviro200 MX12 DZE on a #412 to Middleton.

MCT MX12 DZE in Oldham bus station

We walked around to the East side of the bus station and we saw required First Manchester 33676 on a #83 to Sholver.

First Manchester 33676 in Oldham bus station

We walked down to the other part of the bus station and we saw required First Manchester 37549 on layover.

First Manchester 37549 in Oldham bus station

We went back to the other part of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 42940 on a #415 to Middleton.

First Manchester 42940 in Oldham bus station

We need to start considering how to get to Middleton as mum would be abkle to drive to meet us today. We saw a double decker on the #59 to Manchester but Matthew didn't fancy doing it. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37444 on a #59 to Manchester. Whilst we decided what to do next Matthew had a Milky Way washed down with a small bottle of cola. We saw that there was a M Travel #406 to Mills Hill due in a few minutes. A few minutes later we saw it approaching and it was required M Travel Dart BU05 HEJ on a #406 to Mills Hill.

M Travel BU05 HEJ in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station down West Street and right onto Rochdale Road. We went up to and into the Oldham Royal Infirmary and then we went back South down the A6048 to the A627. We turned right onto the A627 and we headed up to the roundabout at Holden Fold. We crossed over the A627(M) and we went onto Burnley Road before turning left into Parkway. After what happened last time we did the #406 we checked the TfGM site to make sure this #406 was going all the way to Mills Hill station. We ran around the estate and we returned to Burnley Road. We ran Westwards onto Chadderton Hall Road and forwards onto Haigh Lane. We turned right onto the A669 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of M Travel BU05 HEJ as it went back towards Oldham.

M Travel BU05 HEJ in Mills Hill

We were on the right side of the road for the bus back to Middleton. A quick check at the bus stop timetable we saw that there was a #419 to Middleton due. Wew assumed it would proably be YN11 ENR that we were on later and we could do the following #59 service. As the bus approached we saw that it was a different vehicle so we flagged it down. As it got closer we saw that it was required MCT Enviro200 MX59 NWN on a #419 to Middlton.

MCT MX59 NWN in Mills Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. THe bus set off along the A669 and we ran Westwards into Middleton. We crossed over the first roundabout and at the second we turned right into the bus station. We decided to take a few more bus picture before we left. We saw dud First Manchester 37385 on layover in between #19 to Langley.

First Manchester 37385 in Middleton bus station

Also seen on the main road was required First Manchester 37351 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37351 in Middleton

As we got to the other side of the bus station we saw required First Manchester 37453 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37453 in Middleton bus station

We walked past the shopping cebtre and around the corner. We dropped the stuff off in the car and Matthew went to the Dusty Miller to use the toilet. We also had a swift half of Coke. We returned to the car where mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off up the passage and we turned left onto Limetrees Road. We ran forwards onto the A576 and we joined the M60 at junction 19. We ran clockwise around Manchester and as we travelled we saw an unidentified M&D Travel minibus and an unidentified Garnetts coach. We ran through Stocport and onto the link road to the M56. We ran Westwards along the M56 and we joined the Westbound A556 we we got to the M6 junction 19 we saw Alfa 69 on the roundabout. We joined the M6 and as we travelled Southwards we saw 3 unidentified Reays coaches, an unidentified Minsterley Motors coach and 3 unidentified Dhillons coaches. Further down the motoway we were passed by GreyShells Travel YN08 DGY.

Greyshells Travel YN08 DGY on the M6

We continued down the M6 and we saw Courtesy Destination Travel YE17 AHA. As we left the M6 at junction 16 we were passed by national Express liveried Park's of hamilton HSK 652 on a #540 to London.

Parks of Hamilton HSK 652 on the M6

We joined the Southbound we saw an unidentified National Express liveried coach(#570), white minibus YN53 ZDE, Orion Travel 8201 VC and We were evetually caught up by Stanways white coach EGZ 1850.

Stanways EGZ 1850 on the A500

We came off we saw an Pete Bus YJ08 ZHK. the A500 at Etruria and we went Eastwards along the A53. We turned right onto Etruria Road and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road past the pub with the Dennis the Menace play area. We turned right onto Lichfield Street and we stopped at the Venus Fish Bar. For tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Bagnalls BAG 564S set down opposite to us. Once we had finished eating we turned left Lichfield Street. We ran over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 Link Road which we did up the A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we turned left into Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco for Petrol and then we returned onto the high level A50. We crossed over the A50 and we to the other side. We stopped at Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening the spare ground was empty so we turned left into Willow Row where we saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJE.

Z Carz PE10 MJE in Longton

Another minibus in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ62 RCO. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. By the BP garage we saw Alfa 64. We continued up to Church Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke YN16 UKU parked up by the road. We turned right into the A5035 and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back Matthew had a can of Orange Fanta followed by a millionaire's shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Middleton / Cheetham Hill 05-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37282	Middleton BS‎‎	Harpurhey, Harpurhey Rd	18	First Manchester
63148	Harpurhey, ‎‎Pleasant St	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	53	First Manchester
36075	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Miles Platting, Whitley Road	57	Stagecoach Manchester
66868	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	17	First Manchester
30935	Middleton BS‎‎	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Road/Seymour Road (Stop H)	59	First Manchester
37553	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester
37442	Middleton BS‎‎	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	17	First Manchester
37431	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	163	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. I had checked the weather for today and it appeared that the weather was going to be better North of Manchester. than it would be throughout the Midlands. As such we gave Matthew a list of places from the North West and from the list Matthew chose Middleton. What we did not check was the roads... Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we ran onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We turned right onto the A500 and we travelled North up to Shelton. We were on our way to Shelton new Road when the car died and cut out whilst on LPG. We got the car started again on Petrol. We decided to divert to a petrol station instead of filling up with gas so we carried on along Shelton New Road to Snow Hill. We went up Broad Street and we tuned left onto the clockwise ring road where we saw National Express liveried The Travellers Choice FN63 PXB on a #333 to Bournemouth. We stopped at Tesco and we filled up with petrol. Once we had filled up we ran down to Etruria Road and then onto the Westbound A53. In Etruria we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We travelled North to the M6 and we hit a little bit of traffic. As we got on the M6 traffic seemed to be moving well and we got to the first matrix sign that said M^ Junction 19-20 closed... Mum checked the Internet only to that there had been an accident and road closure. The first sign said junction 19 was 20 minutes away, when we got to the next one it said 200 minutes away! As we travelled North was saw an unidentified Bostocks Neoplan doubled decker coach and an unidentified Ava Coaches coach. We decided to come off at junction 18 and go cross country. The Sat Nav on mum's phone was trying to take us Westwards on the A54, but logically as we were going North East of Manchester it made sense to me to go East to the A34 and then North to the M60. We travelled Eastwards along the A54, and as we were sat in traffic we put the gas back on. We passed to the South of Holmes Chapel before going north Eastwards up the A535. We passed through Twemlow Green and then we kept seeing signs the the A535 was closed ahead due to roadworks. As we got to Jodderll bank we saw signs that the road was closed but other cars were turning left so we assumed they knew where they were going. We ran Westwards to Blackden and then we re-joined the A535 further North. At Chelford we ran Eastwards along the A537 to Monks Heath. We turned left onto Bollington lane and then we got to the A34 and we ran Northwards. Traffic was now free flowing and we got onto the Alderley Edge by-pass. We continued up the A34 bypassing Wilmslow and Handforth. There were some steep hills so we decided to switchback to petrol for the rest of the journey. We ran north to the M60 and we got onto the anti-clockwise carriageway. As we headed towards Stockport we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37146 going the other way round. We ran through Stockport and we headed North ans as we we passed near to Ashton-under-Lyme we started to turn Westwards. We ran around to junction 19 and we came of the M60 onto the Northbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into town and we attempted to park by MacDonalds but the spaces were not only full but the were car and taxis doubled parked and trying to turn and go out onto Limetrees Road. We went on top of the shopping centre and it took a while to park there as 1/2 the car park had been shut. We eventually parked up around 14:15! We went into the shopping centre and then we headed to the toilets. After using the facilities we went down to ground level and we walked out to the bus station and the cafe on the pavement opposite to it. On the corner stand was required Stagecoach Manchester 10863 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10863 in Middleton bus station

We stopped for dinner at the pavement cafe and the sun was quite warm. Matthew had a sausage and eggs barm with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we left her to pay whilst we went of towards the bus station. Before we entered the bus station we saw First Manchester 37469 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37469 in Middleton bus station

We also saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We went around to the other side of the bus station and we spotted required First Manchester 37282 on a #18 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do the bus so we got on and we brought System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club' with the mosaic of Bernard Manning on he side! We decided to go another couple of stops South and then get off the bus. We got up and got off opposite to the Kebab King. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37282 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Harpurhey

Once off the bus we walked Southwards down the road to the traffic lights. We crossed over the road and we were going to go further South to the next stop. We saw a bus approaching so we decided to go North as the bus stop was closer. I flagged the bus down and Matthew took a picture of required First Manchester 63148 on the #53 to Cheetham Hill

First Manchester 63148 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran North through Harpurhey and into Blackley. As we veered left onto Old Market Street we wet into familiar territory. We guessed we were towards the North Manchester General Hospital. We asked Matthew if he wanted to go to the hospital or Cheetham Hill and Matthew chose the hospital. We ran forwards onto Delaunays Road and then we turned left into the hospital. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 63148 before it carried on towards Cheetham Hill.

First Manchester 63148 outside the NMGH

We crossed over the road to get get a picture of required Stagecoach Manchester 36075 which was on a #57 service to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 outside the NMGH

We also saw required First Manchester 66855 on a #42 to Manchester. We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10858 on a #156 to Middleton.

Stagecoach Manchester 10858 outside the NMGH

We decided to do the Stagecoach Manchester 36075 so we got on it and flashed the System One ticket to the driver. Matthew took a picture inside and then we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 36075

We set off onto Delaunays Road and we went eastwards towards Blackley. We turned right onto Lion Street and we went Southwards. We went forwards onto Slack Road and forwards again onto Waterloo Street. We continued onto Hazelbottom Road and at the end we turned left onto Smedley Road. We turned left onto the A6010 and we ran Eastwards for around 1/4 of a mile until we got to the A664. We turned right to go South and travelled for around another 1/2 mile. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 36075 as it carried on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 in Miles Platting

Right behind us was required Stagecoach Manchester 10853 on a #118 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10853 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road to catch a bus Northwards back towards Middleton. A few minutes later required First Manchester 66868 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 66868 in Miles Platting

We decided to do this bus so we flagged it down. We got on the bud and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated he wanted to go to the toilet. On the way to the toilet we saw dud First Manchester 42941 on layover in between #415's to Oldham.

First Manchester 42941 in Middleton bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet I saw a First Manchester ALX400 pull up on stand. Matthew finished in the toilet and we walked over to discover that the bus was required First Manchester 30935 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 30935 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 30935

We set off out of the bus station and we turned onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another First Manchester 30935 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Cheetham Hill

Once off the road we went into Kashmir Mart world food shop. We brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars and then we went back outside. As we came back out of the shop we saw First Manchester 30945 heading Northwards on a #59 service. We crossed the road and we just missed a bus on a #163 to Bury. We decided to sit at the bus stop and wait for the next #59. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Vimto and a chocolate bar. Whilst we were at the bus we saw Stotts MX60 BWZ on a #151 to Hollinwood.

Stotts MX60 BWZ in Cheetham Hill

A few minutes later the bus to Middleton appeared. It was dud First Manchester 37553 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37553 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37553 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. We continued North Eastwards past Bowker Vale tram stop and to the East of Heaton Park. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station. Once in Middleton bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the bus driver. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club'. We then continued Southwards down the A664 crossed over Queens Road. We got back into familiar territory so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37442 as it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road and we waited at the bus stop for a bus back towards Middleton. As we waited we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10849 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10849 in Miles Platting

We also saw First Manchester 67419 on a #81A to Manchester.

First Manchester 67419 in Miles Platting

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was dud First Manchester 37431 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37431 in Miles Platting

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had one last walk around the bus station to see what was about before we returned to the car. We saw required First Manchester 60274 on a #58 to Oldham.

First Manchester 60274 in Middleton bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Manchester 10848 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10848 in Middleton bus station

We walked outside onto the main road whilst we waited for mum to arrive and we saw First Manchester 39207 on a #18 to Langley.

First Manchester 39207 in Middleton bus station

We walked across the the police station and mum pulled up outside. We got in the car and there were sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru waiting for Matthew. We set off onto the A664 and we ran up the hill and down towards Blackley. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and as we joined up with the M62 we saw Rigby's coach RIG 1083. We continued along the M60 and then took the Westbound M62. We carried on Westwards for a few miles and then we took the Southbound M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw and unidentified AVA Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at the A500 and we ran Southwards through Stoke. At Sideway we went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. We went to Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening. In the front row was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Nearest in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked in to compound today. In the compound we saw Z Carz Renault minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Last bus in the compound was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

It appears that Z Carz may have brought the field behind the shed and are extending the depot so they don't have to park the buses on the spare ground. We turned around and ran down Edensor Road. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and we ran to the end. We went past a new building which appears to being built by the old Somerfield supermarket. We joined the A5035 towards Longton and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We stopped at the Longton Fisheries chip shop to pick up tea. Matthew decided to visit the bookmakers next door to use the toilet. We picked up the food and we ran along the A5035 through Dresden into Blurton. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out at home and uploaded pictures and did some of the Blog. Matthew chilled out om the computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark