Trip to Cannock / Brownhills 17-04-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6731	Cannock BS	Landywood, Oak Avenue	X51	NX West Midlands
6722	Landywood, Oak Avenue	Brownhills, Tamar Close	X51	NX West Midlands
168	Cannock BS	Hednesford BS	63	Chaserider
62	Hednesford BS	Cannock BS	26	Chaserider
178	Cannock BS	Brownhills, Tamar Close	3	Chaserider
1851	Brownhills, Silver Street	Walsall, Town Hall	8	NX West Midlands

Today Matthew was in residential and we were going to take him out for the day. We decided to re-visit Cannock. 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 RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go to Cannock. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We joined the Southbound A500. We did the A500 to the end and joined the M6. We ran Southbound M6. At Junction 12 we headed East along the A5 for a couple of miles before turning left onto the A4601 for the run into town. We parked on the multi storey car park by the bus station and we took the lift down into the shopping centre. On the way to the cafe we stopped at the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. We then head to 'The Copper Kettle' for dinner. A cafe that overlooks the bus station and gives great views of the bus coming and going, especially on the Wolverhampton and Pye Green circular stops. We took a table right by the window and we ordered food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walk the short distance from the cafe into the bus station and we saw required Chaserider 52 on the #2 to Huntington. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw National Express West Midlands 6731 on a X51 to Birmingham. We got on the bus and we brought Cannock plusBus ticket from the driver at £6 each before before we went upstairs and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the Ringway. We did a U-turn at the roundabout and we ran Eastwards out of town along the A5190. We continued North through Rumer Hill and Hawks Green. We turned left onto the A460 and we entered designer outlet west midland. After a brief stop we ran out onto A460. As we travelled down A460 through Churchbridge. We turned left into Voyager Drive and we entered Sainsbury's. After a brief stop we ran out onto Orbital Way and we turned left onto the A460. We continued along A460 and forwards onto the A34. We ran up the hill and into through Great Wyrley. We turned right onto Hilton Lane. We ran down the hill into Landywood. We turned left into Gorsey Lane and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we visited the nisa local store. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We went to the stop and we waited for a bus back to Cannock. A few minutes later we saw National Express West Midlands 6722 on a X51 to Cannock. We got on the bus and we brought Cannock plusBus ticket from the driver before we went upstairs and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Gorsey Lane. We turned right onto Hilton Lane. We ran up the hill and into through Great Wyrley. We turned left onto A34 and through Great Wyrley. We crossed over M6 toll and A5. We ran forwards onto the A460 and we ran down the hill into Churchbridge. We turned right into Voyager Drive and we entered Sainsbury's. After a brief stop we ran out onto Orbital Way and we turned right onto the A460. We ran through Hawks Green and we entered designer outlet west midland. After a brief stop we ran out onto A460. As we travelled down A460 through Rumer Hill. We turned right into the A5190. We went down the hill to Cannock. We joined the Ringway and ran down to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to the stop to wait for a bus to Hednesford. We had a bit of a walk around now to see what buses were about We saw Select 21 on a #71 to Wolverhampton. We had a look around to see what we could catch next. we spotted Chaserider 168 on a #63 to Rugeley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Cannock plusBus ticket ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set out of the bus station and went North out of town onto Brunswick Road. We turned right onto Old Fallow Road. We went North up Huntington Terrace Road and then right onto Belt Road. At the roundabout we joined onto Cannock Road. We turned right into Market Street and we got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we headed into the Tesco. We went in and Matthew went to the cafe we ordered a Caramel Shortbread and a cup of Coke and Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished in the cafe we walked though the car park back to Market Street to wait for a bus back to Cannock. It was required Chaserider 62, a dual door Wright Gemini double decker. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Victoria Street and we did a 180' turn at the roundabout before returning onto Market Street. We turned right onto Station Road and we ran North for a round a 1/3 of a mile before we turned left onto Bradbury Lane. We continued West and forwards onto Broadhurst Green. Near to the Pye Green transmitter we turned left onto Pye Green Road and we travelled South back towards town. after about 2 miles we joined the A34 where we saw Chaserider 65 on a #74 to Stafford. We continued to the roundabout and we turned right onto the B5012 before we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus to Stafford. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 34 on #85 to Nantwich. After a short while we saw Chaserider 178 on a #3 to Brownhills. We got on the bus and we brought Cannock plusBus ticket from the driver sat down near the back. We set off out of the bus station and onto the Ringway. We did a U-turn at the roundabout and we ran Eastwards out of town along the A5190. We continued North through Rumer Hill and Hawks Green. We turned left onto the A460 and we entered designer outlet west midland. After a brief stop we ran out onto A460. We ran up to the Hayes Way. We continued Eastwards for around another mile, passing the Tesco Superstore on the way. We turned right onto the B4154 and we ran up the hill through Heath Hayes We crossed over the B4154 and we ran around through the housing estates. We crossed the Five Ways roundabout onto Hednesford Road. We ran around Norton Canes and we ran North up Burntwood Road before we turned right onto Norton East Road. We continued into into Stoke town centre along Brownhills Road and forwards onto Hednesford Road. We ran up the hill and into Brownhills. We headed down Cherwell Drive where we got up and got off the bus. We walked onto Cherwell Drive and we turned right onto Hednesford Road. We turned right onto onto the A5. We turned right A452. We ran past the fromer police station and the site of a new McDonalds. A few minutes later we saw Chaserider 188 on a #3 to Cannock. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1851 on a #8 to Walsall. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along High Street and we turned right onto the B4152. We ran through Shire Oak into Walsall Wood and we turned right onto the A461. We ran through Shelfield and we continued up to Rushall. We crossed over the A4148 and we continued North through Walsall and we got up and got off bus by fromer RBS. Once off the bus we walked down Lichfield Street and forwards onto Bridge Street and back to the bus station. We walked along Hatherton Street to see what vehicles were parked up on layover. We returned back to wards the bus station and car park and we saw National Express West Midlands 4334 on a #77 to Sutton Coldfield. We returned to the car and we met up with mum who had brought sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park onto Hatherton Street and and we ran up to the A4148. We turned left and we ran forwards onto the A454. When we got to the motorway we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 10. Travelling home up the M6. We continued Northwards through the West Midlands and up through Staffordshire. We ran North to junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out in his room. For a late tea we had chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by millionaire's shortbread squares. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. He chilled out until bedtime around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Cannock / Bloxwich 14-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3905	Cannock BS	Hednesford BS	26	Arriva Midlands
3866	Hednesford BS	Cannock BS	26	Arriva Midlands
2401	Cannock BS	Brownhills, Silver St (Stop BD)	3	Arriva Midlands
2744	Brownhills, Brickiln Street (Stop BE)	Cannock BS	3	Arriva Midlands
3763	Cannock BS	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	1	Arriva Midlands
3305	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BP)	Cannock BS	1	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Cannock. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cool cloudy weather, slightly brighter in the North. We gave Matthew a list of nearby destinations in the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Cannock. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we ran down to the A5035. We ran West to the A34 and then we went North as far as Whitmore Road. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we ran up the the A519 before joining the M6 at junction 15. As we ran South down the M6 we saw we passed an unidentified Prospect coach, An unidentified Pat's Coaches coach with a trailer, a black coach with red 'Spirit of the ??' on the side and an unidentified National Express liveried tri-axle coach on the Northbound #570. At Junction 12 we headed East along the A5 for a couple of miles before turning left onto the A4601 for the run into town. Coming into town we saw 2 of the 'new' arrivals from Arriva Aylesbury... Arriva Midlands Solo's 2403 on the #3 to Walsall & 2402 on the #62 to Lichfield. We parked on the multi storey car park by the bus station and we took the lift down into the shopping centre. On the way to the cafe we stopped at the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. We then head to 'The Copper Kettle' for dinner... A cafe that overlooks the bus station and gives great views of the bus coming and going, especially on the Wolverhampton and Pye Green circular stops. We took a table right by the window and we ordered food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Select Bus services Dart 6 on the #67 to Wolverhampton as well as National Express West Midlands 850 on the #154 to Wolverhampton. We also saw Arriva Midlands dart 2371 on the #63 to Rugeley and Arriva Midlands 2736/3761/3866 & 3904 on the Pye Green circulars. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walk the short distance from the cafe into the bus station and we saw required Arriva Midlands 3905 on the #26 Pye Green circular service.

Arriva Midlands 3905 in Cannock bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we purchased an Arriva Midlands Day Saver at £6.20, Before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the Ringway. We did a 180' at the roundabout and we went East before continuing onto the A5190. We turned left onto the A4601 and we ran North for around 1/2 a mile. We turned left onto Crab Lane and then right onto Moss Road, a location where we broke down on Arriva Midlands 2328 on our first ever trip to Cannock back in November 2102. At the end of Moss Road we turned left onto Moss Street and then right onto Cannock Road. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3905.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3905

We continued North for another 1/2 mile and then we turned right onto Market Street where we crossed over the Rugeley to Walsall railway line. We turned left onto Victoria Street and we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3904 departing on a #25 Pye Green circular service. Arriva Midlands 3904 was a bus we had from Hinckley to Barwell on the #158 back in August 2014. We then got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spotted a taxi minibus parked up in Hednesford Tesco Extra car park. Closer inspect revealed it to be Hednesford Taxi's Mercedes minibus DK52 ZGU.

Hednesford Taxi's DK52 ZGU in Hednesford bus station

Across the road we saw required National Express West Midlands arrive in the bus station area. We had seen it at Cannock when we were setting off and it was now about to work the returned #154 Hednesford - Wolverhampton service.

NX West Midlands 854 in Hednesford bus station

We crossed the road to see when the other buses were due and it appeared the next Arriva Midlands bus back to Cannock would be the #26 Pye Green circular. Matthew wanted to get on National Express West Midlands 854 on the #154, but we didn't have the right ticket to ride on this bus unless we brought a different one. Matthew was a little dissapointed and we crossed the road reluctantly to wait for the next #26. few minutes later we saw the bus approaching... It was required Arriva Midlands 3866 on the #26 Pye Green circular.

Arriva Midlands 3866 in Hednesford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Victoria Street and we did a 180' turn at the roundabout before returning onto Market Street. We turned right onto Station Road and we ran North for a round a 1/3 of a mile before we turned left onto Bradbury Lane. We continued West and forwards onto Broadhurst Green. Near to the Pye Green transmitter we turned left onto Pye Green Road and we travelled South back towards town. after about 2 miles we joined the A34 where we saw Arriva Midlands 2912 on a #74 to Stafford. We continued to the roundabout and we turned right onto the B5012 before we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3866.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3866

Once off the bus we decided to have a quick comfort break. We walked into the shopping centre and we went to the toilet. Once we had done we walked back to the bus station to consider what we were going to do next. The first thing we saw was required Arriva Midlands 2401 on a #3 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2401 in Cannock bus station

We were considering doing required Arriva Midlands 3901 which was on the #2 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3901 in Cannock bus station

The bus pulled off before we could get to it, so we considered what to do next. Reluctantly we decided to do Arriva Midlands 2401 on the #3 on the proviso that Matthew behaved himself... We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver. We did have to wrestle with Matthew a little to stop him from honking the horn, but he did eventually sit down towards the back of the bus with a big grin on his face. We set off out of the bus station and we left the bus station onto the Ringway. We did a U-turn at the roundabout and we ran Eastwards out of town along the A5190. We crossed under the railway line and we continued to the A460. We ran North to the next roundabout and then we turned right onto Hayes Way. We continued Eastwards for around another mile, passing the Tesco Superstore on the way. We turned right onto the B4154 and we ran up the hill through Heath Hayes. We crossed the Five Ways roundabout onto Hednesford Road. We ran around Norton Canes and we ran North up Burntwood Road before we turned right onto Norton East Road. We continued down to Brownhills Road and we continued South past the Southern terminus of the Chasewater Railway. We crossed over the M6 toll and and then we went around an housing estate We turned right onto Cherwell Drive and then onto Shannon Drive. We joined the A5 at the Rising Sun roundabout and we ran East to The Parade. We headed South for about 1/3 of a mile and we joined the A452. The bus had now emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2401.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2401

We headed down the High Street and we travelled 3 stops down before we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2401 before it carried on South towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2401 in Brownhills

Just behind the bus in the previous picture was a small group of people with massive cameras, who appeared to be pointing them at the flats above the shops. We crossed the road a bit further down and we waited at the the stop opposite. There was a flurry of bus activity where we saw National Express West Midlands 4601 on the #10 to Burntwood. We also saw iGo KX08 OML Plaxton Primo on the #24 to Catshill and Arriva Midlands 2162 on the #23 to White Horse Road.

Arriva Midlands 2162 in Brownhills

We checked the bus stop timetable to see when the next #3 was due. There wasn't time to go to a shop as the bus was due almost immediately. One of the gang of photographers had walked back to their car so I ask if there was a rare bird in the area. They said that they had been watching a small flock of Waxwings. A few minutes later we saw the bus in the distance. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 2744.

Arriva Midlands 2744 in Brownhills

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day saver to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we turned right onto the Parade. As we travelled North we saw a coach lurking in the trees on the West side of the bus road. We ran up to the A5 and we went West to the Rising sun roundabout and then North up Wilkin Road. We went around the housing estate along Shannon Drive and Cherwell Drive and then we continued North up Hednesford Road and over the M6 Toll. We turned right onto Norton East Road and we passed Arriva Midlands Solo 2402 on a Southbound #3 service. We ran around Norton Canes and then we went North up Hednesford Road to Five Ways. We crossed the roundabout and we went down Heath Hayes High Street and the bus emptied out a little and then filled up again at the same stop. We continued up the B4154 and then we turned left onto Hayes Way. We ran West for around a mile and then South along the A460. We then turned right onto the A5190 and we ran into Cannock town centre. We joined the Ringway and ran down to the bus station. When the bus got into the bus station we let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2744.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2744

Once we got off the bus we looked around for something to catch to finish the day off with. Across the way we saw required Arriva Midlands 2403 on a #62 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 2403 in Cannock bus station

We also saw required Arriva Midlands 3763 on a #1 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3763 in Cannock bus station

We decided to do this single decker to Bloxwich, so we got on and flashed the Arriva Midlands Day saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. we set off out of the bus station and onto the Ringway. We ran East to the edge of town and then right onto the A4601. At the next set off lights we joined the Southbound A34 and we carried on to the A5. We crossed over the A5 and the M6 toll and we continued South down the A34 through Great Wyrley. We carried on for around another 3 miles and we entered Bloxwich from the North end. When we got into town we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3763 before it carried on South towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3763 in Bloxwich

The scene had changed at little since our last visit. The Black Bull pub had been knocked down and the toilet block had been shut. To be fair the toilet block did need something doing to it as it was a bit rough, hence why they probably did close it. We crossed over the road to the local papershop and Matthew had a can of Coke and a can of Vimto. He also had a couple of chocolate bars and a wriggly worm. We crossed over Wolverhampton Road and we saw a couple of buses approaching. One of the buses was Rotala Diamond 30211 on a #301 to Walsall.

Rotala Diamond 30211 in Bloxwich

We went around the corner to the Northbound stop and we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3302 on the #2 to Cannock. We sat at the stop and we saw that we had around 10 minutes to wait for the next #1. Matthew had a Milky Way whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw National Express West Midlands 4190 on a #89 to Walsall via Pelsall.

NX West Midlands 4190 in Bloxwich

We were a bit concerned that we might be getting back onto the same bus. But when we saw it was a Streetlite approaching we were very relieved. As the bus got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 3305.

Arriva Midlands 3305 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver for the last time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus was quite full when we got on it, bus as the bus went North up the A34 and through Great Wyrley the bus almost complete emptied out. It was now dark as we crossed over M6 toll and A5. We continued into town up the A34 and at the top we turned right onto the A4601. We turned left onto the Ringway and we entered the bus station for the final time. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3305.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3305

Mum had moved the car to Asda, so whilst we waited for her to return to the car park, we decided to go to use the facilities as it was still not even 17:00. On the way to the shopping centre we saw Arriva Midlands 2374 on a #74 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 2374 in Cannock bus station

We went into the shopping centre and used the toilet and Matthew went to say hello to someone who was working in Argos. When we cam out and before we walked around to the car park we saw which was on the #3/#63 turn.

Arriva Midlands 2371 in Cannock bus station

We walked around to the car park and we didn't have to go too far up to find mum who was waiting with sausage rolls and a Bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. Mum decided to drive home today, so we left the car park and we did the u turn on the Ringway roundabout and then when South down the A4601. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran West for a couple of miles to Gailey where we got onto the Northbound M6 at junction 12. Travelling back North up the M6 we passed an unidentified silver coach, as well as an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus with trailer. We travelled North for around 25 miles and then we came off at junction 15. We ran North up the A500 to Sideway. We went East along the A50 and we saw an unidentified Eavesway coach with returning Wigan Athletic fans from Burton Albion. we came off the A50 at Longton and we went to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the front row was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV10 OTM.

Z Carz LV10 OTM in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

The nearest minibus in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

The nearest bus n the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. On the road outside was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

In the compound was Z Carz silver Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we crossed over onto baths Road and into Tesco Petrol station where we filled up with petrol. We then got back onto the Westbound A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 18:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Cannock / Rugeley 23-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3718	Cannock BS	Hednesford BS	26	Arriva Midlands
2748	Hednesford BS	Cannock BS	19	Arriva Midlands
3740	Cannock BS	Penkridge, Opp Crown Bridge	75	Arriva Midlands
3721	Penkridge, Adj Crown Bridge	Cannock BS	75	Arriva Midlands
3702	Cannock BS	Rugeley BS	70	Arriva Midlands
2736	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	70	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Cannock. We check the weather for the North West and Midlands, and it was for mild cloudy weather until around 17:00 when rain was due to move in from the West. We gave Matthew a choice of destination from the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Cannock Hi, thanks for this blog, i was having trouble finding out whether the 154 was national express west midlands or arriva, many thanks, cheers!. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and strawberry juice. We set off a fraction before 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We went over thr raiway line into Trentham and we conrinued down to the A34 where we went North. Turning left at Whitmore Road We then joined the A519 for a few hundred yards before going onto the South bound M6. Travelling down the M6 we saw several national Express coaches going Northwards... One of these was Selwyns YN10 FKP. We also saw a silver mini coach Passenger Plus+ with black and orange decals. We came off the M6 at the A5 and we went Eastwards to to Southern end of Cannock. We then we into town up the final Km or so along the A4601. At the top of the ringway we turned into the Multi-storey car park and we parked on the roof in one of the long stay spaces. Once we had parked up we went down to the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet. We carried on through the shopping centre and we went to the The Copper Kettle cafe which overlooks the bus station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst eating we saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 on the #25 Pye Green circular and national Express west Midlands 851 which was on the relatively new #154 service from Hednesford to Wolverhampton. We also saw plain white coach Happy Days Coaches H1 HDC arrive to pick up West Brom fans for their home match against Aston Villa. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked down to the bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw required Arriva Midlands 3721 on the #75 to Stafford and required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 Cannock outer circular service.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Cannock bus station

We also saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 now on the #26 Pye Green circular.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Cannock bus station

We asked Matthew which of the buses he wanted to do and he chose Arriva Midlands 3718. We decided we were going to do this bus up to Hednesford. We got on the bus and we booked a Midlands Day Saver ticket for £6.20. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town eastwards and onto the A4601. We traveled North Eastwards parallel to the railway line before we turned left onto Crab Lane. We turned right onto Moss Road before we joined the main road, turning right onto Cannock Road. We crossed the roundabout and we continued North for another few hundred yards before we turned right onto Market Street and then left into Victoria Street where we decided to get up an off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3718.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Hednesford bus station

We checked the timetable and we saw that there was a #19 service due in a few minutes followed by a #70 to Rugeley. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 850 arriving on the #154 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 850 in Hednesford bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 outer Cannock circular.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Hednesford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down to the roundabout and we turned around and headed back up Victoria Street. We turned left onto Market Street and then right onto Anglesey Street. At the end we turned left onto Stafford lane and we went across the roundabouts over the A460. We carried on Hill Stree and we traveled South for a round a thousand yards before we turned left into Langholm Drive. We wound trough the estate up to Wimblebury and we came back South onto Hednesford Road down Bank Street. On Hednesford Road we took the second left and went down Gorsemoor Road. We turned right onto Meadow Way and we went North up to and into Tesco. After turning around in Tesco we went South down Heath Way and right onto the A5190. At the A460 we turned right and headed South. After a few hundred yards we turned left into the Orbital Retail Park. We whizzed around the park and we came back onto the A460 further South. We joined the main road Junction to the South East of town where we saw an engineering train on the railway above. We then headed bcak into town up the A34 and along the Ringway before coming into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2748.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2748

We had a bit of a walk around now to see what buses were about We saw Arriva Midlands 3308 on a #1 service to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3308 in Cannock bus station

Coming into the bus station running out of service we saw required Arriva Midlands 2741.

Arriva Midlands 2741 in Cannock bus station

A bus came and parked up outside the bus station in the layby for bus parking. It was required Social Travel Dart Social Travel Y338 FJN on layover between runs on the #74 to Stafford.

Social Travel Y338 FJN in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3740 arrive about to work the next #75 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3740 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3740

We decided we were going to do the bus up to Penkridge. We set off out of the bus station and we traveled North up the A34. We went through Huntington and when we got to the edge of Cannock Chase we turned right onto Pottal Pool Road. We went West for a couple of miles and we crossed over the M6. We turned left into a housing estate and we went along Wolgarston Way. We turned right onto Vale Gardens and then forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left into Francis Green Lane and the we paused for a few second to wait time. We then went left onto New Road and right onto Wolverhampton Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3740 before it carried on towards Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Penkridge

The bus back to Cannock was due in just a few minutes. We crossed the road and we tried the toilet which was locked. Almost immediately the bus turned up and it was required Arriva Midlands 3721.

Arriva Midlands 3721 in Penkridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Southwards down Wolverhampton Road and we turned left into New Road. We whizzed around the estate and back onto Cannock Road. We carried on straight onto Pottal Pool Road and we went right onto the A34. We headed South through Huntington and down into town. When we got into Cannock bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3721.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3721

We were going to go to the toilet. On the way we stopped to photograph Select Bus Services Dart 1 which was on the #67 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus Services 1 in Cannock bus station

We walked into the shopping centre and Matthew used the facilities. After we had finished we walked back into the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw required Arriva Midlands 4201 come in on the #74 service and then go on layover.

Arriva Midlands 4201 in Cannock bus station

We also saw National Express West Midlands 853 on the #154 to Hednesford.

NX West Midlands 853 in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3702 on the #70 to Rugeley.

Arriva Midlands 3702 in Cannock bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited for the bus to start loading. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set out of the bus station and went North out of town onto Brunswick Road. At the end of Brunswick Road we turned right onto Old Fallow Road. At the double roundabout we veered left onto Huntington Terrace Road at the end of the road we turned right onto Belt Street. We joined onto Cannock Road and we headed North up to Market Street. We turned left onto Victoria Street and we stopped briefly in the bus station area. We joined the Northbound A460 and we continued for around 5 miles before going into Queensway. We whizzed around a small estate and we came back out of Queensway before continuing up the A460 into town. At the main roundabout we went straight ahead into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3702.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3702

As we came into the bus station we noticed a minibus parked up. We got off the bus and we walked over to the minibus which was William's Coaches MX08 NCA.

William's Coaches MX08 NCA in Rugeley bus station

We decided to got to the toilet straight away. The tardis toilet was closed so we walked over to the Burger King/Subway across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we purchased a couple of medium portions of fries from Burger King.We walked back across to the bus station and we sat down and ate the fries between the three of us. Afterwards we walked into the market and we purchased £1's worth of pick and mix from the sweet stall. Back outside we saw required Arriva Midlands 2745 on the R1 free Tesco bus service.

Arriva Midlands 2745 in Rugeley bus station

We decided to go back across the road and visit the petrol station to get a few supply to stock up the trip bag. Matthew had a can of Coke and and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid for the things we crossed back over the road. Back in the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 3757 on a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3757 in Rugeley bus station

A few minutes later the next #70 service to Wolverhampton cam into the bus station. It was required Arriva Midlands 2736.

Arriva Midlands 2736 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today. The bus sat in the bus station awaiting time. When it was time we set off out of the bus station and straight onto the A460. We turned left onto Queensway and we and we whizzed around the estate before returning onto the A460. We traveled South for 5 miles and we entered to up Victoria Street. We passed through the bus station and we joined the Southbound Cannock Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Belt Street. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road. At the double roundabout we veered right onto Old Farrow Road and we turned left onto Brunswick Road. We came into town and we entered the bus station. The bus emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2736.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2736

When we got back into the bus station mum was waiting for us. We walked through the shopping centre and matthew visited the toilets. We went down the escalator and out of the shopping centre and across to the stairs for the car park. We climbed the stairs and mum was waiting for us as she had taken the lift. Once we got out of the car we drove out of the the car park and we went West on the Ringway. At the roundabout we did a 180' and went back East on the Ringway and the we went down the A34. As we did the #19 earlier in the day we had seen a Sainsbury petrol station selling diesel at 97.7p. At the big roundabout we went North up the A460 and into the Orbital Retail Park and we stopped for some Diesel. Once we had toppd up we went back to the big roundabout and we joined the Westbound A460. We traveled West for a couple of miles before joining the Northbound M6. It was now raining quite hard and we drove up to junction 15 of the M6 before taking the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton, where we came off to check out what was at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz X599 WDY

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Closest minibus in the second row was Z Carz FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

At the back of the site we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. At the front of the compound we saw Z Carz YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Y569 DSF.

Z Carz Y569 DSF in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross where we left the A50 and we went onto Blurton Road. We traveled up through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road before turning right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out until bedtime around 01:00... Mark