Trip to Hinckley / Earl Shilton 27-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1008	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Earl Shilton, Almeys Lane	1	Arriva Midlands
3807	Earl Shilton, Almeys Lane	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	158	Arriva Midlands
1005	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Barwell, Willowdene Way	2	Arriva Midlands
3808	Barwell, The Square	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	158	Arriva Midlands
3799	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Nuneaton BS	158	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Hinckley. We discussed the possibility of going to Hinckley and Matthew said yes. Research consisted of checking the weather, which was for cold weather with light rain showers brightening up later in the afternoon. We also checked AA roadwatch to see if the roads were clear and we downloaded a map of the Arriva services around Hinckley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We got onto the high Level A500 and we turned right at the next roundabout onto baths Road and into the Tesco petrol station. Once we had filled up we got onto the Westbound A50 and we ran up to Sideway. We got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran down to junction 12. As we travelled South we passed Shearing Holidays 140, Abbey Coaches CE02 YRZ and an unidentified BBC East Lancs Myllenium single decker bus. We came of the M6 onto the eastbound A5 and we saw Linburg BF16 XPJ. Just before we reached Cannock we stopped at the Trucker Rest cafe. As soon as we got inside Matthew visited the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we continued Eastwards along the A5 we saw B&N coaches A20 BXN. Passing close to Lichfield and Tamworth, we came off the A5 near to Nuneaton and we went Eastwards up the B4666. We came into the town centre and we turned right into Rigby Road and we parked up in the Trinity Lane East car park. We said goodbye to mum, and we set off towards the new bus station. This is the first time we have visited Hinckley since the completion of The Crescent Bus Station. AS we walked into the bus station we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36752 on a #10 to Grove Farm.

Stagecoach Midlands 36752 in Hinckley bus station

A short while later we saw Arriva Midlands 2570 on a #7 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 2570 in Hinckley bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 2410 on a #7 to Burbage.

Arriva Midlands 2410 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to do something Northbound so we waited at the end stop for a #1 or #158. Whilst we waited we were surprised to see Arriva Midlands 1005 on a #2 to Burbage.

Arriva Midlands 1005 in Hinckley bus station

A few minutes later we saw another another approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 1008 on a #1 to Earl Shilton.

Arriva Midlands 1008 in Hinckley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Zone two tickets at £4.20 each before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Regent Street, stopping at the stop from where the services used to start. We ran forwards onto the B590 and we headed out of town. We crossed the A47 and we turned right Elmesthorpe Lane. We then ran through the estates to the East of town after travelling for over a mile we came into the North end of Earl Shilton. We travelled in along Mill Lane, Church Street and onto the High Street. A couple of stops down we got up and got off the bus. As we had got off the bus we had spotted a shop so we walked up the road to the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a can of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We returned to the stop from where we had got off in order to wait for a bus back to Hinckley. Whilst we were waiting there was a flurry of activity. We saw Arriva Midlands 3808 going towards Leicester. We also saw Stagecoach Midlands 26220 going towards Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26220 in Earl Shilton

Right behind the Stagecoach Midlands bus was dud Arriva Midlands 3807 on a #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Earl Shilton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran through the centre of Earl Shilton and we continued on down to Hinckley Road and we turned right onto Shilton Road. A couple of minutes later we were in the centre of Barwell. We ran onto High Street and we continued onto Mill Street. We ran forwards onto Hinckley Road and at the junction we turned left onto Ashby Road and we ran Southwards. Due to an incident on the junction of Ashby Road and he A47, We got about 1/4 mile down the road and we had to turn around. We headed back North up Ashby Road and by now a police car had turned up to stop traffic going Southwards. We turned left onto Rogue Lane and it was quite difficult for the large bus to pass cars coming the other way. At the end of the lane we turned left onto Stoke Road. We crossed the A47 by Morrison's and the road here had been blocked off by police too. We continued into town and we ran forwards onto Hollycroft. We ran onto the B4667 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Coventry Road and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3807 before it continued towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Hinckley bus station

As we came into the bus station we spotted required Arriva Midlands 1005 on a #2 to Barwell. We headed up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 1005.

Arriva Midlands 1005 in Hinckley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Regent Street. We stopped on the bus top were the service used to start and we continued Northwards out of town. We veered left onto Hollycroft and we turned right into Stanley Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto Tudor Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 1008 coming the other way. We continued onto Netherley Road and we crossed over Ashby Road onto Barwell Lane. We turned right onto Stoneygate Drive and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Leicester Road and we crossed over the A47 onto The Common. We ran into Barwell and we got up to get off. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 1005 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 1005

When we got off the bus we crossed over the road and we visited the toilets. When we had finished we waited at the stop for the next Southbound bus. Even though in theory there was one due in 15 minutes, the display at the bus stop said the next bus wasn't for 30 minutes. We waited for the bus to appear and things were delayed due to the incident on Ashby Road. Going the other way we saw required Arriva Midlands 3803 on a #158 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3803 in Barwell

Around 16:40 the bus came around the corner and it was dud Arriva Midlands 3808. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the High Street and we ran forwards onto Mill Street. We continued onto Hinckley Road and at the end we turned left onto Ashby Road. We crossed over the A47 and we ran into town. Whatever had happened on the road had now been cleared up. We ran into town from the North along the B4667. We turned left onto Coventry Road and right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3808 before it continued on towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Hinckley bus station

Mum had messaged us to say that there was a cafe at Nuneaton bus station and there was cake waiting with Matthews name on it! Parked up in the bus station was required Arriva Midlands 2002 on layover in between working on the #66 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 2002 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to catch the next bus to Nuneaton to meet up with mum, which in theory was a #7. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 3799 on a #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3799 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to do this bus so we could get back to Nuneaton quicker. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zone two Day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait the bus set off out of the bus station and we turned B4666. We ran the two or so miles down to the A5 and after a short run along the A5 we continued down the A47 into Nuneaton. As we approached the town centre we passed required Arriva Midlands 2403 on a #7A to Sketchley Brook. We crossed over the railway line and we joined the ring road before entering the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3799 before it continued towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3799 in Nuneaton bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we met up with mum in Jenny's Cafe. We all had burgers and fries and Matthew washed his down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished Matthew went to the toilet in the cafe and we brought Matthew some cake as promised. We decided to have a walk around the bus station to take a few pictures before we return to the car. On layover was Stagecoach Midlands 36167 between working on the #18 to Ansley.

Stagecoach Midlands 36167 in Nuneaton bus station

Around the other side of the bus station we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36746 on layover.

Stagecoach Midlands 36746 in Nuneaton bus station

We walked over to the multi-storey car park and we got in the car. Mum arrived at the car shortly afterwards and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and we crossed over the ring road into Asda where we filled up with petrol. We got back onto the ring road and we ran around the one-way system near to the railway station. We turned left onto the A444 and we ran over the railway and out of town. A few miles out of town we got onto the Westbound A5. We ran North near to Tamworth and Lichfield and we ran through Brownhills to the Eastern end of Cannock. We joined the Westbound A460 and we ran up to the motorway. At junction 11 we got onto the Northbound M6. It was now fully dark. As we travelled Northwards vehicles that we passed were an unidentified New Adventure Travel coach, an unidentified Edwards coach and an unidentified Gwyn Jones coach. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we came off the A500 and we got onto the Eastbound A50. As we climbed up the hill we passed unidentified red Pats Coaches tri-axle coach. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z carz to see if there was anything we could see. There was nothing on the spare ground and unusually there was nothing visible at the entrance of the compound on Willow Row either. We ran Westwards along the A50 and we cam of at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. We had already had tea at Nuneaton, so later on as a snack we had the Greggs sausage rolls. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Hinckley / Earl Shilton 20-02-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2112	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R1)	Earl Shilton, adj Almeys Lane	1	Hinckley Bus
3318	Earl Shilton, adj Almeys Lane	Barwell, adj The Square	158	Arriva Midlands
2203	Barwell, adj East Green	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	3	Hinckley bus
2570	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	Nuneaton, Adj The Long Shoot	1	Hinckley bus
3318	Nuneaton, Adj The Long Shoot	Barwell, The Square (NE-bound)	158	Arriva Midlands
2170	Barwell, adj East Green	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	2	Hinckley bus
3315	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	Nuneaton BS	158	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Hinckley. A quick check of the weather revealed there was rain all day in the North and West so we would have to choose a Midlands destination. We gave Matthew a choice of destinations and from the list he chose Hinckley. Matthew got up around 10:20 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We went West towards the A34 and at Trentham we went North. After turning left onto Whitmore Road we joined the A519 for a few hundred yards and then we took the Southbound M6. As we traveled down the motorway we passed a number of coaches going the other way... As we went South we passed Shearers Grand Tourer 308 and an unidentified AC Williams coach. We left the M6 at Junction 11 and we went East on the A460 past the South of Cannock. As we joined the Eastbound A5 we saw Arriva Midlands 3309 on a #1 service. As we passed close to Brownhills we saw National Express West Midlands double decker 4870 on a #10A service. We also saw Arriva Midlands 2736 on a #3 service. East of Brownhills we got onto the fast section of the A5 and we bypassed Tamworth. West of Dordon we saw A2B Travel Dart T311 SMV going in the opposite direction running out service. We had planned to eat at The Copper Kettle roadside cafe, but when we got there it was just closing. We got back in the car and we decided to go through to Hinckley and eat there. We continued along the A5 and we saw Arriva Midlands 3507 emerging from a junction to the left on a #65 to Nuneaton. When we got to the B4666 we turned left and we ran the last couple of miles into town. On the way up we passed required Hinckley Bus 2106 on a #1 to Nuneaton. We couldn't park in the usual car park as the road was blocked after an accident. We parked on Rugby Road and we went into The Stottie Shop. The shop didn't have a toilet so we decided to go to the toilet before we ordered food. We walk along Waterloo Road and we could see the refurbished bus station taking shape along side the new Crescent Shopping Centre. We crossed Station Road and we used the toilet before walking back to Rugby Road past the library. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. After dinner we said goodbye to mum and we walked up Regent Street to the current main bus stands. The first bus we saw was required Hinckley Bus 2570 on a #1 to Nuneaton.

Hinckley Bus 2570 in Hinckley

Also on Regent Street we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36753 on a #10 to Grove Farm.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36753 in Hinckley

Going North we saw required Hinckley Bus 2172 on a #2 to Barwell.

Hinckley Bus 2172 in Hinckley

Also going North we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36157 on a #48 to Leicester.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36157 in Hinckley

We went to check out what buses were going North. Going South through town we saw Roberts YX63 GXP on a #159 to Coalville.

Roberts YX63 GXP in Hinckley

We saw that there was an #1 to Earl Shilton due, which we have never visited before. We decided to wait for that. We also saw dud Hinckley Bus 2714 on a #8 to Lutterworth.

Hinckley Bus 2714 in Hinckley

At the same time we saw a Dart on the #1 approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Hinckley Bus 2112.

Hinckley Bus 2112 in Hinckley

We got on the bus and we purchased Hinckley Bus Day Savers at £4 each. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Hinckley Bus 2112 before we sat down.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2112

The bus set off northwards out of town and onto the B4667. We crossed the A47 and we went past the hospital before we turned right onto Hinckley Road. We ran the last 3/4's of a mile into the centre of Barwell and the bus stopped in the square outside the Co-operative Food store. After a brief stop we continued East up Shilton Road. At the Junction we turned right onto Leicester Road and then left Elmesthorpe Lane. We then ran through the estates to the East of town after travelling for over a mile we came into the North end of Earl Shilton. We traveled in along Mill Lane, Church Street and onto the High Street. A couple of stops down we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Hinckley Bus 2112.

Hinckley Bus 2112 in Earl Shilton

The disappeared down the High Street and we looked at the timetable on the bus stop. The next bus to Barwell was due in 10 minutes so there wasn't time to go exploring. Matthew had a Milky Way and a bottle of Cola whilst we waited. The time past quickly and before long we saw an Arriva Midlands Streetlite approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 3318 on the #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3318 in Earl Shilton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Southwards and we realised there was more to the town of Earl Shilton than we had thought. The high Street was busy for shops than the centre of Barwell with such establishment as The Man Cave, several pubs and a bank. The back of the bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3318.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3318

We continued on down to Hinckley Road and we turned right onto Shilton Road and we Passed required Hinckley Bus 2570 going North on the #1 service. A couple of minutes later we were in the centre of Barwell and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3318 as it carried on towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3318 in Barwell

Right by the bus stop was the public toilets, so we used the key and Matthew used the facilities. When we had finished we walked over to Co-operative Food store and Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru. He also had a couple of chocolate bars and a small box of millionaires shortbread. We sat on the bench outside briefly, and Matthew ate a couple of the shortbread squares. We decided to check out the bus stop by East Green to see it there was a #2 or #3 due before the next #1. It just so happened that there was a departure due before the #1, so we decided to wait there to see what it was. A couple of minutes later we saw a Caetano Dart approaching we new it would be a dud one. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do it and he said yes. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Hinckley Bus 2203.

Hinckley Bus 2203 in Barwell

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. This former Wardle Transport bus was on we first had from Hanley to Birches Head back in January 2013. We also had it on our last visit to Hinckley back in September 2015 from Hinckley to Burbage. The bus left Barwell down Chappel Street and we crossed over the A47. We went South down the B4668 and we turned right into Stoneygate Drive. We joined Barwell lane and we passed the Asda Store before turning left onto Ashby Road. We turned right onto Netherley Road and followed it around to the end. At the crossroad we continued forwards onto Tudor Road. A couple of hundred yard later we turned left into Stanley Road which we did to the end. We entered the town from the North down Hollycroft and we ran down into Regent Street. We also saw We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Hinckley Bus 2203 before it carried on towards Three Pots.

Hinckley Bus 2203 in Hinckley

Going Northwards we saw Hinckley Bus 2176 going North towards Nuneaton. Almost immediately we saw required Hinckley Bus 2570 come onto Stand 4 on the #1 to Nuneaton.

Hinckley Bus 2570 in Hinckley

We agreed to do he required Solo on the condition that Matthew was well behaved and he didn't try and honk the horn... We got got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver and we wrestled Matthew past the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Matthew was his usual cheeky self trying to honk the horn on the Solo. The bus set off Southwards down Regent Street and we turned right onto the B4667. There was around a 2 mile run down to the A5 and we passed Hinckley Bus 2112 going back North on the #1 to Earl Shilton. The bus emptied out in front of us so Matthew took a picture inside Hinckley Bus 2570.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2570

After we joined the A5 we traveled a short distance West before going South again down the A47. After a couple of stops we got up so we could get off the bus and return North on the #158. As we passed the driver we had let our guard down and Matthew honked the horn. Luckily the driver saw the funny side. We got off the bus and we crossed over the road at the traffic island which was right next to the Northbound bus stop. We only spent around 2 minutes on the ground and then we saw an Arriva Streetlite coming towards us. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva Midlands 3318 that we had been on from Earl Shilton to Barwell earlier in the day!

Arriva Midlands 3318 in Nuneaton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We decided to do the bus back up to Barwell, where we could use the toilet and if we had time, perhaps get some chips. The bus went up the A47 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went left onto the B4667 and we went into Hinckley. After a few minutes on Regent Street we went out of town and onto the B4667. We crossed the A47 and we went past the hospital before we turned right onto Hinckley Road. We ran the last 3/4's of a mile into the centre of Barwell and passed required Hinckley Bus 2106 on the #3 service. The bus stopped in the square outside the Co-operative Food store. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3318.

Arriva Midlands 3318 in Barwell

As we had nearly 30 minutes so we decided to go to the chip shop, the Barwell Fish Bar. We selected a couple of can s form the fridge and the kind gentleman behind the counter gave Matthew a few chips in a cone whilst we waited for him to do the main portion. One we had been served we went outside in the square and the three of us ate the chips and Matthew drank a bottle of Irn Bru that we had brought form the Co-op earlier. We also had a few more millionaire shortbread squares. Whilst we were eating we saw Roberts YX63 GXR on a #159 to Coalville.

Roberts YX63 GXR in Barwell

Once we had finished eating we went across to the toilet on Shilton Road. Once Matthew had used the toilet we walked over to the stop by East Green. There was now last than 10 minutes before the bus was due. A few minutes later we saw a red Hinckley Bus Dart approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Hinckley Bus 2170 on the #2 to Hinckley.

Hinckley Bus 2170 in Barwell

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver. The bus was empty when we got on it so Matthew took a picture inside Hinckley Bus 2170 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2170

The bus left Barwell down Chappel Street and we crossed over the A47. We went South down the B4668 and we turned right into Stoneygate Drive. We joined Barwell lane and we passed the Asda Store before turning left onto Ashby Road. We turned right onto Netherley Road and followed it around to the end. At the crossroad we continued forwards onto Tudor Road. A couple of hundred yard later we turned left into Stanley Road which we did to the end. We entered the town from the North down Hollycroft and we saw Hinckley Bus 2714 on layover on Lower Bond Street. We ran down into Regent Street and on the way in we saw a white Robinson's coach going South down Mansion Street. We also saw Hinckley Bus 2106 on a #3 to Barwell. When we stopped in Regent Street we got up and got off the bus. We saw required Hinckley Bus 2176 on a #7 service. We would have done this bus, but it was on a short service terminating on Roston Drive. We would have to wait until 17:30 for the #158 for the next bus that we could catch with our ticket. Whilst we were over checking out the #7 service we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36162 on a #48 to Hinckley.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36162 in Hinckley

We also saw Hinckley Bus 2003 on a #66 service, but we weren't sure if our ticket was valid on this service.

Hinckley Bus 2003 in Hinckley

We sat on a bench and Matthew ate a Toffee Crisp whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3315 pull up on the opposite side of the road on the #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3315 in Hinckley

We walked across to the bus and we got on it. We flashed the Hinckley Bus Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait the bus set off down Regent Stree and we turned right onto the B4667. We ran the two or so miles down to the A5 and the bus emptied out, and so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3315.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3315

We crossed the A5 and we ran down the A47 into Nuneaton. After going around the one way system we crossed over the railway and we went into the centre of town and into the bus station. The bus station was that busy we had to park on the end as we couldn't get through onto the stand. We set off towards the toilet and on the way we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 47071 on a #9 service.

Stagecoach Midlands 47071 in Nuneaton bus station

There was someone in the toilet so we had to wait for a couple of minutes before Matthew could use the facilties. Once he had been we set off towards the multi-storey car park where mum had moved the car to. On the was we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36207 a #5 to Camp Hill.

Stagecoach Midlands 36207 in Nuneaton bus station

We walked over to mum and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out off the car park and we drove to the Asda petrol station opposite to put in some diesel. We set off out of town past the railway station and over the railway line onto the A444. When we got to the A5 we went West past Tamworth and Brownhill and to the Southern end of Cannock. We joined the A460 and we ran West to the M6. It was now raining hard as we went North but now that the roadworks have finished we made good time up the the 4 lane section despite the weather. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we ran up the A500 to Sideway. We then went east to Longton so that we could check out what was at Z Carz this evening. There wasn't as much on the spare ground this evening. At the front was Z carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

At the back of the site was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN, which is currently out of action.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz silver minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

The compound itself was packed full of minibuses, but there were cars parked in front of them. There was another Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP parked on the road. It was Z Carz silver Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross before coming off the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we went forwards onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:40. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Hinckley / Nuneaton 12-09-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2203	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R3)	Burbage, adj Horsepool	7	Hinckley Bus
2714	Burbage, adj Horsepool	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R3)	8	Hinckley bus
2204	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R1)	Barwell, The Square (NE-bound)	1	Hinckley Bus
2169	Barwell, adj East Green	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	3	Hinckley bus
3300	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R1)	Barwell, The Square (NE-bound)	158	Arriva Midlands
3317	Barwell, adj The Square	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	158	Arriva Midlands
3315	Hinckley, Regent Street (Stand R4)	Nuneaton BS	158	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Hinckley. We had checked the weather for today and the better weather was in the Midlands with some showers in the North West. We ruled out Chester as there was a race meeting on today. We gave Matthew a list of destination in the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Hinckley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we drove down to the A5035. We headed towards Trentham and we saw Free Spirits minibus MK52 PXH. We joined the Northbound A34 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. At the end of Whitmore Road we joined onto the A519 for a short while before taking the Southbond M6. As we travelled South we saw that the Northbund carriageway was very busy. Coaches queuing on the Northbound carriageway included a Castell Coaches, An Attain coach, Jumbulance J100 STB, a Berry's double decker coach, a P&D York coach, A Johnsons, a NAT coach and an Eastville coaches coach as well as First / Trurorian 20556. At Gailey we joined the A5 and we went Eastwards passing P&D York minicoach T3 PDY. We stopped at Truckers Rest Cafe for dinner. After visiting the toilet Matthew had a breakfast and washed it down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went back to the car and we carried on Eastwards. Just South of Cannock we saw Arriva Midlands 2209 on an #19 service. We carried on Eastwards and we went passed Tamworth and Polesworth. Just North of Nuneaton we took the B4666 into Hinkcley following Stagecoach Warwickshire 36162 into town. We overtook the bus at a bus stop and we parked on the Western edge of town. We said goodbye to mum and as we walked towards the toilet we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36162 come past us again on the #48 to Leicester.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36162 in Hinckley

We walked up Waterloo road and we witnessed the shopping centre doing up on the right hand side. The sign on the end of the building reads 'The Crescent'. We went to use the disabled toilet on Station Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Regent Road to see what bus we could catch. As we walked onto the Street we saw required Arriva Midland 3314. We then saw a very familiar looking bus approaching... It was former Wardle Transport, now Hinckley Bus 2203 on a #7 to Burbage.

Hinckley Bus 2203 in Hinckley

There are two of these ex Wardle Transport Caetano Darts now at Hinckley. One was required and on we had back in January 2013. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes... I assumed he knew which one we had been on. Whilst we waited for the drivers to swap we took a picture of Arriva Midlands on the #158 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3314 in Hinckley

We also saw a Solo going up the Street. It was dud Hinckley Bus 2569.

Hinckley Bus 2569 in Hinckley

After the driver change had completed we got on Hinckley Bus 2203 and we booked Hinckley Day savers at £4 each. A quick check of the buses I have travelled on page revealed that this was the bus we had been on from Hanley to Birches Head back in January 2013. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off Southwards down Regent Street and then left onto Lancaster Road. The bus turned right into Station Road and at the Bottom we turned Right onto Hawley Road. We went past the railway station and we turned left onto Rugby Road and we ran under the railway line. We went over the roundabout and we turned left into Brookside. We headed through the big housing estate and when a few people got off the bus Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2203

We turned left into Windsor Street and left again onto the B578. When we got to the Horsepool stop we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of this bus as it carried on back towards Nuneaton.

Hinckley Bus 2203 in Burbage

We got off the bus and we inspected the timetable on the stop. Since the timetables changed around a year ago the the frequency of the service dropped to every 30 minutes. There was also the #8 (formerly the #58) Lutterworth to Hinckley which ran once every hour. The next bus due was the #8 in around 20 minutes time. This gave us time to have a quick explore around the Horsepool. We entered the gate (now open as the tree stump carving had been completed). The tree stump which had been carved into a castle had now been populated with Playmobil figures! The was a small laminated notice on the gate that read 'You can play with us, but please don't take us away...' we also sat down and Matthew ate a packet of Milky Stars. We walked around the other side of the pool and Matthew photographed a red admiral butterfly on a bush. We walked back to the stop to wait for the #8 bus. 14:54 came and went and we were getting close to the time of the next #7... Eventually we saw a bus approaching and it was in original Arriva colours. As it got closer we saw that it was required Hinckley Bus 2714.

Hinckley Bus 2714 in Burbage

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day Saver to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off through Burbage and we headed onto the B4669. We crossed the railway line and we headed into town. On arrival in Regent Street we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside of Hinckley Bus 2714.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2714

We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Hinckley Bus 2714.

Hinckley Bus 2714 in Hinckley

I needed the cash machine so we decided to visit Yorkshire Bank to use the cash machine. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3315.

Arriva Midlands 3315 in Hinckley

We got the cash and then we the newsagents on the corner. Matthew had a can of Fanta and some chocolate to re-stock the trip bag. After we had purchased the stuff we crossed the road and sat on the bench whilst we contemplated what bus to do next. Matthew ate a Galaxy Caramel that we had brought out with us and was a little bit squashed. After Matthew had finished eating it we saw a familiar bus approaching it was former Wardle Transport now Hinckley Bus 2204... This time we knew it was the required one of the pair!

Hinckley Bus 2204 in Hinckley

As we got up to go and catch the bus there was a flurry of activity. Going South was new Hinckley Bus Enviro200 2000 on an inbound #66 service from Nuneaton.

Hinckley Bus 2000 in Hinckley

Right behind this was required Hinckley Bus 2503 also on a inbound service, this time a #2.

Hinckley Bus 2503 in Hinckley

We walked up to the stop and we went to get on the bus. The bus wasn't due to leave for a couple of minutes and there was a drunk by the step finishing his cigarette. We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day Saver to the driver. We went to the back of the bus and Matthew photographed the empty rear seat of Hinckley Bus 2204.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2204

We sat down and the drunk sat down in front of us. He tried to get a rendition of 'The Wheels on the bus' going but no one was going for it. The bus set off out Northwards out of town along the B4667. We passed the hospital and the drunk who had moved to the front of the bus was now belting out 'Ain't no sunshine when she's gone'. We crossed the A47 and we went Northwards up the A447 before turning right onto the the Hinckley Road. We ran into Barwell and we we got up and got off at the stop in the centre of town. Matthew took another picture of Hinckley Bus 2204.

Hinckley Bus 2204 in Barwell

As we had done our shopping in Hinckley we headed to the main Hinckley bound stop to see when then next bus was due to depart. There was an Arriva Midlands #158 due. Matthew decided to visit the toilet with about 3 minutes before the bus was due. The bus pulled up outside the stop and Matthew was still in the toilet. Matthew just came out and we saw the bus pull off! We decided to check out the other stop to see it there was a bus due. The was a #2 to Hinckley due in less than 10 minutes. We saw the bus go up and it was required Hinckley Bus 2169. A few minutes later it returned and as expected it was Hinckley Bus 2169.

Hinckley Bus 2169 in Barwell

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day Saver to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew got a picture inside Hinckley Bus 2169 before we sat down.

Inside Hinckley Bus 2169

We set off down down The Common and we crossed the A47 and ran towards town down Leicester Road. We turned right onto Stonegate Drive and we turned left onto Barwell Lane. We passed the Asda Store and we rejoined the main road from Hinckley to Barwell the B4667. We only stayed on this road for a short while as we turned right into Netherley Road. We went forwards onto Tudor Road and we turned right into Stanley Road. As we approached Hollycrofts we saw a Scania Onmicity disappearing into the Hollycroft housing estate. Is was there one and only Scania Omnicity Hinckley Bus 3512. We headed into Hinckley town centre down Hollycrofts and we got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Hinckley Bus 2169.

Hinckley Bus 2169 in Hinckley

Almost immediately we saw what I thought was required Arriva Midlands 3300 on a #158 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Hinckley

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day Saver to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. A quick check of the page revealed we had indeed been on the bus but I couldn't remember doing the bus. Back in 2013 when the bus was new to Arriva Midlands it was numbered 3999. We had it from Hanley to Burslem and back in February 2013 when it worked at the Hanley bus station finale gala. The bus set off out of town up the B4667 and we past the hospital and crossed the A47. We turned right onto Hinckley Road and we ran into Barwell town. When we got into the town centre got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3300 before it carried on Northwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Barwell

We ascertained that had missed the #3 to Hinckley so we had around 15 minutes before the next #158 to Hinckley. We decided to visit the Barwell Fish Bar for chips whilst we waited for the bus. I went into the chip shop to order the chips and we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36752 on a #10 to Earl Shilton.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36752 in Barwell

Matthew joined me in the chip shop and chose another couple of small bottles of pop. We ate the chips and then we crossed over to the Hinckley bound main stop. As we waited for the bus bus we saw Stagecoach Warwickshire 36171 on a Leicester bound #48 service.

Stagecoach Warwickshire 36171 in Barwell

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 3317.

Arriva Midlands 3317 in Barwell

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day Saver to the driver before sitting down at the rear of the bus. The bus set off out of town along Hinckley Road and onto the A447. We crossed the A47 and went forwards onto the B4667. We passed the hospital and we headed into town. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3317.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3317

We carried on a stop further onto Regent Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3317 before it carried on towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3317 in Hinckley

We decided to visit the toilet before catching the next bus to Nuneaton. We walked down George Street and onto Lancaster Road. As we approached Station Road we saw another one of the route branded buses on the #66 service turn the corner. It was required Hinckley Bus Enviro200 2002.

Hinckley Bus 2002 in Hinckley

This was followed by required Hinckley Bus Dart 2176.

Hinckley Bus 2176 in Hinckley

We visited the toilet and this time the disabled toilet was vacant. After using the facilities we walked back onto Regent Street via The Horsefair. On the back of a building that looked like a theatre was a blue plaque for Arthur Kimbrell (1908-1986) who was described on the plaque as 'Hinckley's Mr "Show Biz"'. Back on Regent Street we had around 15 minutes to kill for the next #158 to Nuneaton. We sat on a bench and opposite to us was required Hinckley Bus Solo 6100.

Hinckley Bus 6100 in Hinckley

We also saw Roberts Solo RBZ 1664 arrive on a #159 from Coalville.

Roberts RBZ 1664 in Hinckley

A couple of minutes before the bus was due we crossed the road and we waited at the stop. Bang on time we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3315 appear on the #158.

Arriva Midlands 3315 in Hinckley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Hinckley Day saver ticket to the driver for the final time today. I called mum to tell hetr we would be back at the car in around 30 minutes. We set off down the B4666 towards the A5 We travelled West along the A5 for a short while before joining the A47 for the run into town. We crossed under a bridge and we went around a short one way system before crossing over the railway line at Nuneaton railway station. We joined the ring road and we travelled anti-clockwise for a short distance to the bus station. We entered the bus station and everyone got up and got off the bus before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3315.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3315

We walked around the bus station to take a few picture before we went back to the car. On a #9 service was dud Stagecoach Midlands 47070.

Stagecoach Midlands 47070 in Nuneaton bus station

Matthew visited the toilet and we carried on back towards the car. On a #767 service was dud Stagecoach Midlands 36166.

Stagecoach Midlands 36166 in Nuneaton bus station

We walked down the last side of the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands Dart 34595 on a #18 service. Sitting out of service was Stagecoach Midlands 39686.

Stagecoach Midlands 39686 in Nuneaton bus station

We crossed the ring road and we walked into the car park where we found the car and mum. She was waiting with sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park and onto the ring road. We followed the one was system past the railway station and we crossed over the railway line. We left town along the A444 for a couple of miles until we hit the A5. We then headed West on the A5. Near to Lichfield we saw Harpur's MX04 AEV and further West at Brownhills we saw Shearings 223. We travelled to the South of Cannock and we joined onto the M6 at Gailey. Going North we didn't see many coaches, but we did catch up with Hayton's YJ06 LFV just before we left the M6 at junction 15. We joined the Northbound A500 which we did to Sideway before going Eastwards on the A50 up to Longton. At Z Carz tonight there were quite a few buses parked in two rows facing the A50 again. The front row included Mercedes minibus HX51 HRU, Green Ford Minibus T418 WYJ and White Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

On the end of the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

Closest bus on the second row was Z Carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. There were 3 minibuses there including Z Carz BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we did this up to Heron Cross before joining Blurton Road. We saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT near to the Lightning house and we travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark