Trip to Wigan / Appley Bridge 02-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4102	Wigan BS	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	635	Go North West
4022	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	Wigan BS	635	Go North West
4133	Wigan BS	Horwich, (Stop D)	575	Go North West
15295	Horwich, (Stop A	Bolton BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
3500	Bolton BS	Westhoughton, Stop D	7	Go North West
3498	Westhoughton, Stop D	Wigan BS	7	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. I had checked the weather for the day and it said there would be sunshine and showers, with the better weather being in the North West. I asked Matthew where he wanted to go and he chose Wigan. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medicatiom. He got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set of just before 12:00 to go and pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we went uo the A500 we saw JKT GT19 JKT and blue minibus YR64 LRJ. We ran to the Barthomley Interchange and we got on the Northbound M6. Going up the M6 were an unidentified white tri-axle coach, an unidentified blue coach, an unidentified Centurian coach, An unidentified Traveller's Choice coach, silver minibus MK10 WGF and taxi minibus HA61 HHH. We came off the M6 at junction 24 and we ran along the A49 link road until we got to the A49. Just South of the town we jan forwards onto the B5386 which used to be the A49 before it was diverted around the town centre. We ran under the railway line to Kirkby and at the big roundabout we joined the A577. We crossed over the Leeds and Liverpool canal and we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the West Coast main line we turned right into Dorning Street and we parked up in the Mona Street car park. We walked up to the Post Office sorting office and we saw Go North West L4566 parked up on layover.

Go North West L4566 in Wigan

We continued onto Hallgate and we walked through the bus station and through onto Market Street. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed back past the shopping centre which has now been demolished. We went into the bus station and went went down to the bottom end to take pictures whilst we decided what to catch. We saw Go North West 4114 on a #3 Kitt Green circular service.

Go North West 4114 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5101 on a #630 to Platt Bridge,

Go North West 5101 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2929 on a #360 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2929 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4570 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4570 in Wigan bus station

At this point we headed into the bus station. I thought Matthew wanted to catch the Arriva double decker, but he continued to the top end of the bus station and decided to catch Go North West 4102 on a #635 to Apply Bridge.

Go North West 4102 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought System one bus at only tickets at £5 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto the B5375. We ran through Springfield, Standish Lower and Standish. As we travelled through we saw Go North West 4030 on a #635 to Wigan. We ran through Crooke to Shevington and we turned left onto the B5206. We turned right onto the B5375 under the M6 and into Shevington Vale. We turned right onto Back Lane and we turned right onto Woodnook Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4102 at it continued towards the end of the run.

Go North West 4102 in Appley Bridge

Once off the bus we headed to the nearby Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars and a millionaires shortbread. We stayed under the canopy and Matthew ate the millionaires shortbread and drank the Dr Pepper. We walked back to the stop and we waited for the next bus. It wasn't showing up on the map so we kept our fingers crossed that it was run but without the transponder on. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4022 on a #635 to Wigan.

Go North West 4022 in Appley Bridge

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Go North West 4022 before we sat down.

Inside Go North West 4022

We set of along Woodnook Road and we turned right onto the B5375. We turned onto left the B5206 and we continued through Shevington and we turned right onto Old Lane. We turned onto left the B5375 and we ran through Standish, Standish Lower and Springfield. We turned left onto New Market Street and we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off and Matthew went to the toilet. When he came out I asked Matthew if he wanted to go towards Horwich and he said yes. We saw Arriva NW&W 2971 on a #320 to St Helens. We looked on Stand and we saw it was Go North West 4133 on a #575 to Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of this well filled bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Markert Street We ran around the town clockwise and we went via Greenhough Street onto Scholes. As we ran out of town Scholes became Whelley. They don't have have some strange street names in these here parts... We continued North Eastwards through New Springs and we went forwards onto Wigan Road. On the Eastern Edge of Aspull we turned left onto Holly Road and left again onto St David's Crescent. At the end we turned right onto the B5239 and we ran ran Southwards into the centre of Aspull. We turned left onto Scot lane and we ran Eastwards out of town. We came to T junction and we turned left onto the B5408. To the left of us we could see a large transmitter on top of a hill. A little research revealed it is Winter Hill, the main TV transmitter for the North West. We travelled North through the village of Blackrod, and then when we got to the other side of the village we went South down the A6. At the next big crossroads we turned left onto Station Road and we passed Blackrod railway station and then went under the M61. We climbed the hill into Horwich and when the bus turned right into Chorley New Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4133 as it continued Northwards towards Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Horwich

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Crown. Matthew used the toilet and then we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat at a table for a few minutes whilst Mathew had his drink. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stagecoach Lancashire 11633 on the #125 to Sharoe Green. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for a Stagecoach bus towards Bolton. Whilst we waied we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 on a #125 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 in Horwich

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 on a #125 Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only ticket before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lee Lane and we went through the centre of Horwich. We continued Eastwards through Bottom O' Th' Moor and down the hill through Monserrat and Doffcocker. We crossed the ring road and continued along St George's Street and we turned right onto Knowsley Street going past the Market Place Shopping Centre. We turned right onto Deansgate and and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Moor Lane past the old bus station. We turned left onto Ormrod Street and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned right onto Newport Street and we entered the bus station. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. Afterwards we went outside to take a few pictures. We saw Go North West 4129 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Go North West 4129 in Bolton Interchange

We headed in the bus station to wait for a bus heading towards Westhoughton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Cadburys Snack. We saw Rotala Diamond 30675 on a #574 to Middlebrook. A sort time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3500 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Bolton Interchange

We flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto Newport Street. We turned left onto Great Moor Lane and we went forwards onto Deane Road. We past the site where there used to be an old double decker bus. This was now part of an aeroplane fuselage and call Steaks on a Plane. We ran about 3 miles out of town and we crossed under the M61. Chequerbent roundabout we saw an unidentified Grayways coach parked up at the side of the road. At the Chequerbent roundabout we turned right onto the A6 and we turned left onto Bolton Road and we ran down towards Westhoughton. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran through the town centre of Westhoughton. At the Western end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took anothr picture of Go North West 3500 as it continued towards Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we went into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we fought our way to the bar in a very busy and noisey pub and Matthew had a glass of coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and crossed the road to the bus stop. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Rotala Diamond 30156 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. We saw it was Go North West 3498 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3498 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. At the corner in the road we turned left into Southfield Drive and we worked our way across to the B5235. We went South past daisy Hill railway station and we turned right into Lower Leigh Road. We turned left onto Hindley Road and we ran through to Hindley via Swan Lane. We turned right onto Green Lane and we headed through the estate between Hindley Green and Hindley and we joined the A58 and we ran down int Hindley centre where we turned right onto the A577. We crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked around the bus station and we saw Go North West 4111 on layover. We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Fanta Orange and a sausage roll for tea. Whilst we were parked up preserved North West LDB 796 and GM Buses 3253 appeared on the Wigan Beer Festival shuttle service. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we turned right into Shell and stopped at the petrol station. After filling up we re-joined the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw ABC coach hire BA19 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate some carrot cake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Leigh / Bolton 18-09-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
143	Leigh BS	Tyldesley, The Gatehouse	594	Tyrer's
1033	Tyldesley, The Gatehouse	Farnworth BS	129	Vision Travel
40801	Farnworth, (Stop F)	Bolton Interchange	37	Rotala Diamond
40728	Bolton Interchange	Salford, Rossall Way (stop F)	8	Rotala Diamond
40815	Salford, Rossall Way (stop G)	Farnworth, (Stop F)	8	Rotala Diamond
40813	Farnworth, (Stop F)	Bolton Interchange	8	Rotala Diamond
2683	Bolton Interchange	Horwich, The Crown (Stop C)	575	Arriva NW&W

Today was the first day of a 2 day break away. We were stopping in a suite at a Best Western Hotel. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. He chilled out in his room until we came to collect him from the residential unit. Matthew got his face mask and bag and got ready to go. We came around 11:30 and Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We checked the bag and Matthew realised that he had no batteries so we returned to the residential unit to pick them up. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we saw Travel Express BG61 KTK. We turned right onto Temple Street and we stopped at the residential unit. We collected his batteries and and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hiull into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned right onto Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw black coach like reg M8 doh (murgatroid?), Daish's BU18 YND, Parks of Hamilton LSK 501 and preserved Primrose Motors RCJ 211M. We ran to the North end of the A500 and we turned right onto the Northbound M6. As we travelled NOrhwards on the M6 we saw Flixbus FX28, Selwyn's (NX) 250 (#121), white minibus NJ04 LRU, white coach reg like WA53 ???, red minibus WX64 YNL, Happy Al's MA14 ALS, Hollinshead DH13 HOL, preserved Routemaster RM887 and an unidentified silver minibus. We left the M6 at junction 22 onto Winwick lane and we travelled North to Lowton. We turned right onto Newton Road and we crossed over the A580. Newton Road became St Helens Road and we continued North over the A579 and into Leigh town centre. We turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way and we ran around onto gas Street and onto the main car park. We parked up and Matthew sued the toilet in the block outside the shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and when we got to the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet. We walked back to the food van for dinner. Matthew had a bacon and egg with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we headed to the bus station. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Network Warrington 223 on a #28 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 223 in Leigh bus station

Matthew wanted to do the Warrington bus, but it was going in the wrong direction so we decided not to do it. We walked around the bus station and a few minutes later we saw Tyrers 143 on a #594 Tyldesley circular service.

Tyrer's 143 in Leigh bus station

The bus was not ready for service so we stood at the end of the bus station for 10 minutes watching other buses coming and going. We walked back to the stand and the driver got on the bus. Once the bus was ready we got on the bus and and we purchased System One bus only tickets at £6.00 each. The lower saloon ws empty so Matthew took a picture inside Tyrer's 143.

Inside Tyrer's 143

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the top deck of Tyrer's 143 before we sat down.

Inside Tyrer's 143

We set off out off the bus station onto the B5215 and we headed Northwards. We turned right into The Avenue and we ran East before turning right onto the B5215. We turned left onto the A572 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We traveled around 1/2 a mile to the Canal Turn pub and we followed the road around the corner to the left onto Manchester Road. Another few hundred yards at the mini roundabout we followed Manchester Road to the right. We crossed the roundabout onto the A5082 and we turned left onto Stour Road. We ran past the Co-op and we turned right onto Bodmin Road. We turned left onto Hough Lane we crossed over the guided busway and turned left onto the A577. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Tyrer's 143 before it continued on it's journey.

Tyrer's 143 in Tyldesley

We had a look on the bustimes.org map to see what services were due. We saw that there was a #129 to Farnworth due in a few minutes across the road. Whilst we waited for the bus we spotted a few intereesting bricks in the wall by the bus stop. We also looked at the map to see what bus was approaching. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Vision Travel 1033 on the #129 to Farnworth.

Vision Travel 1033 in Tyldesley

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Eastwards along the A577 and we headed down to Mosley Common. We turned left onto Thornton Road and right onto Lindale Road. We turned right onto Kendall Road and we completed the square by turning right onto Garrett Hall Road. We re-joined the A577 and we crossed over the A580. We continued Southwards and we ran forwards onto the A577. We turned left onto Ellenbrook Road and we crossed back over the A580. We ran Northwards up the B5232 for a mile or so and into the centre of Walkden. We turned left onto the A6 and we ran North Westwards for a while. We turned right onto Eastham Way and we ran through a housing estate. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A5082. We turned right onto old Lane and right onto Newcome Drive. We turned left onto Anchor Lane and we crossed over the M61. We turned left onto Starling Drive and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Windermere Road. We turned right onto Highfield Road and left onto Wildman Lane. We turned right onto Plodder Land and we ran forwards onto Glynne Street. We turned right onto the Southbound A575 and left onto King Street. At the end of the road we turned right into the bus station. Where we got up and got off the bus. We decided to have a bit of a walk around before we caught the next bus. As we set off towards Market Street we saw Rotala Diamond 40746 on a #501 to Higher Folds.

Rotala Diamond 40746 in Farnworth

We walked past the former RBS bank which is currently to let. We walked past Home of Bargainz and to the main Northbound bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Rotala Diamond 40801 on a #37 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40801 in Farnworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 40801.

Inside Rotala Diamond 40801

The bus set off Northwards up the A6053 and we went past Moses Gate railway station before running alongside the A666. We continued onto B6536 and We ran Northwards into Bolton. We ran forwards onto the A575 and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned left onto Newport Street and we turned left into Bolton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew used the facilities and then we had a walk around to see what we could catch. We saw Rotala Diamond 30857 on layover.

Rotala Diamond 30857 in Bolton Interchange

We walked up to the exit of the bus station to take a few bus pictures. We saw Rotala Diamond 30977 on the Employee Staff Bus.

Rotala Diamond 30977 in Bolton Interchange

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 40744 on a #582 to Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 40744 in Bolton Interchange

Another vehicle seen was Rotala Diamond 40728 on a #8 to Manchester.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Bolton Interchange

We decided to catch this bus so we walked into the bus station and waited for the bus to be readied for service. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 40728.

Inside Rotala Diamond 40728

We set off out of the bus station and onto Great Moor Street and we turned right onto the A575. We headed Southwards past the railway station and we ran fowards onto the B6536. We ran through Burnden then along side the A666 before going forwards onto the A6053. We ran through Farnworth and we crossed the Kearsley Spur of the M61 and forwards onto the A666. We ran through Kearsley and Clifton and we crossed over the M60. We ran through Newton and Pendlebury and we crossed over the A6. We ran alongside the A6 for a short while before turning right onto Langworthy Road. We turned left onto the A576 and we went under the A6 and onto the roundabout at Pendleton. We turned right by the police station and we ran towards Salford Shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40728 before it continued on towards Manchester.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Salford

Once off the bus we needed to head back Northwards to meet up with mum. We decided to do a bus back towards Bolton. Whilst we waited we took a few bus pictures. We saw Go North West 3254 on a #67 to Cadishead.

Go North West 3254 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw Go North West 6152 on a #53 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 6152 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40815 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40815 in Salford

We decided to do this bus as far as Farnworth then to get off and to catch a following bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out off the shopping centre area and onto the Westbound high level A6. We veered left onto the A576 and we turned right onto Langworthy Road. We ran along side the A6 towards Irlam O' Th' Heights. We crossed over the A6 onto the A666 and we ran Northwards through Pendlebury and Newton. We crossed the M60 and we ran through Clifton and Kearsley. We crossed the Kearsley Spur of the M61 and we ran forwards onto the A6053. We ran into Farnworth and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 40815 before it continued on towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40815 in Farnworth

Within in minute or so the following #8 appeared. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40813 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40813 in Farnworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Northwards up the A6053 and we went past Moses Gate railway station before running alongside the A666. We continued onto B6536 and We ran Northwards into Bolton. We ran forwards onto the A575 and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned left onto Newport Street and we turned left into Bolton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus to Horwich. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15236 on a #125 to Preston. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 2683 on a #575 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2683 in Bolton Interchange

We flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto the B6205 and we crossed the ring road onto the B6226. We veered left onto the A673 and we ran Westwards out of town. We ran through Heaton and Lostock and we continued Northwards for the last couple of miles. When we got to the North end of town in familiar territory, we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2683 as it continued towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2683 in Horwich

We crossed over the road and we visited the pub whilst we waited for mum to come and pick us up. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. We went outside and mum arrived a few minutes later. We got in the car and we headed Southwards down Chorley New Road and we turned right onto De Havilland Way. We turned right and joined the Northbound M61 and we saw York Pullman BU14 EGY. We came off the M61 at junction 8 and we joined the Westbound A674. We joined the Southbound A6 before turning right onto Euxton Lane and running past Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. We ran into Euxton and we turned left onto Wigan Road. We ran Southwards through Charnock Green and we turned right onto Mill Lane. We continued onto Park Hall Road. We turned right into the hotel grounds and we parked up near reception. Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and mum collected the key to the room. We couldn't park any closer so we dragged the suitcase through the hotel grounds to our allocated room. We settle in the room and we got the laptop out. Matthew used the computer whilst I drove down to Coppull to get chips for tea. I returned a short time later with sausage chips and gravy for Matthew. After a late tea will chilled out in the room. Matthew watched TV and we did some work on the Blog. Later Matthew had a shower and then got into his pyjamas before settling to bed around 11:30... Mark

Trip to Bolton / Darwen 14-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
15244	Bolton Interchange	Horwich, The Crown (Stop B)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
2998	Horwich, The Crown (Stop D)	Bolton Interchange	575	Arriva NW&W
511	Bolton Interchange	Darwen, Circus	1	Transdev Blackburn
510	Darwen, Town Centre(stand 1)	Bolton Interchange	1	Transdev Blackburn
33033	Bolton Interchange	Farnworth BS	501	Rotala Diamond
69148	Farnworth BS	Bolton Interchange	501	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to re-visit Bolton. Originally Matthew had requested going to Gainsborough, but we felt that both of these destination were to far away for this time of the year. We ask Matthew to pick somewhere a little closer and he chose Bolton. research consisted of looking at Parkopedia to see where we could park and looking to see where we could eat i loved it. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:0 and we stop onto Beaconsfield Drive to pick up mum's friend. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the roadworks and past the BP garage which has been knocked down and is being re-built. We ran up the hill to Heron Cross and we turned left on to the Westbound A50. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Hanford to Hanchurch where we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 15. As we ran Northwards we saw an unidentified Anthony's Travel coach, an unidentified Megabus coach (Cardiff), white minibus NJ65 ABU / M28 JAF. As we passed past Keele services we were overtaken by M N E Transport coach BU16 GZD.

MNE Transport BU16 GZD on the M6

We continued Northwards and we saw Parks of Hamilton BV67 JYY (#570) / LSK 807(#540), 3 unidentified white coaches, City Cabs ND58 EDJ, an unidentified grey VIP coach, an unidentified Sky Coaches coach, blue minibus YY69 CVR, an unidentified Andrew's Plaxton Cheetah and Go NW 39210(#100) passing over the top. We continued up to junction 21A and we joined the Eastbound M62. Seen on the M62 were an unidentified white Mercedes minibus, an unidentified Megabus (Liverpool) and former PSV Dart burger van Y671 NLO. We continued onto the Eastbound M60 and a couple of junctions on we joined the Northbound M61. We continued onto the A666 and we ran towards Bolton. We came off at the A579 and we headed Westwards around the bottom end of Bolton. We turned right onto Black Horse Street and right onto Great Moor Street. We were trying to get to Back Cheapside but we couldn't go straight on at the next junction. We turned right onto Newport Street and we went around the block again. This time we decided to park at Morrisons instead. We turned right onto the A579 and we turned right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Morrisons and we parked up. We went into the supermarket and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the cafe and we had dinner. Matthew had a sausage bap with extra sausage washed down with a cup of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and her friend and we cut through onto Newport Street. On the way to the interchange we saw Rotala Diamond 69169 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 69169 in Bolton

We went into the interchange and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 on a #125 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and we brought System One Bus Only Day tickets from the driver at £6 each before going upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We headed up through Brownlow Fold and up over Montserrat Brow. As we travelled up we saw Vision SL15 ZGP on a #502 to Bolton. We headed down the hill into Horwich and through to the top end of town by the Crown pub where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 as it continued Northwards towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 in Horwich

Once off the bus we set off around the corner and into the pub. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Chorley New Road to the bus stop and we waited for the next bus towards Bolton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2998 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2998 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Chorley New Road and we ran through the centre of Horwich and we headed South. We ran for about 5 miles along the A673 to the edge of Bolton. We crossed the ring road onto the B6205 and we turned right onto the B6204. We followed the road around onto the A676 and we turned right onto Black Horse Street past the old bus station. We followed the road to the left onto Great Moor Street and we turned right into Newport Street where we entered the bus station. We got up and as the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2998 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2998

Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards, we had a look around to see what we could catch next. we spotted Transdev Blackburn 511 on a #1 to Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 511 in Bolton Interchange

We got on the bus and We purchased a Lancashire Duo ticket for £8. to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange onto Great Moor Street past and we ran North up the A575 and we turned left into Deansgate. We turned right into Bridge Street and we ran out of town over the ring road. We continued North onto Blackburn Road and we went up to Astley Bridge. We ran Northwards up the A666 through Egerton. We ran Northwards into the More and we continued up towards Darwen. In the centre of town we ran forwards onto Market Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Transdev Blackburn 511 before it continued onto Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 511 in Darwen

Once of the bus Matthew spotted a cafe and that there was a toilet in the back. We went into the cafe and we disappeared through the back and along a long corridor to a toilet. After Matthew had used the facilities we walked back along the corridor and we nearly made a wrong turn and ended up in a butchers shop next door, We returned to the cafe and Matthew had a a piece of millionaires shortbread washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went outside and we saw Transdev Blackburn 502 on a #1 to Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 502 in Darwen

We went in the shop next door and we brought a couple of cans and some chocolate bars. We paid for the goods and we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. We set off along Market Street and we turned left onto Croft Street. We turned right into Parliament street and we waited at the bus stop for a bus back to Bolton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Fanta and a small Curly Wurly. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was Transdev Blackburn 510 on a #1 to Bolton.

Transdev Blackburn 510 in Darwen

We got on the bus and we flashed the Lancashire Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Parliament Street and we turned right onto Church Street and we turned left onto the Southbound A666. We ran Southwards out of town and we headed through the moors to the edge of Great Manchester. We continued into Egerton and we continued Southwards through Astley Bridge. We continued down Blackburn Road and we travelled the mile or so into the town centre. We ran down Bridge Street and we turned right into St George's Road. We turned left into Knowsely Street and we passed the Market Place Shopping Centre before going into the bus station via Deansgate and Moor Lane. Once back at the Interchange Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went outside to take a few bus pictures. We saw Rotala Diamond 33752 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 33752 in Bolton Interchange

We headed back into the bus station and we decided to wait for the next #501 to Farnworth. A short time later we saw required Rotala Diamond 33033 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 33033 in Bolton Interchange

We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto Newport Street. We crossed over the A579 and we continued Southwards along Thynne Street. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street and we continued onto Crescent Road. We turned right onto Green Lane and we turned right onto Bishops Road. We turned left onto Bradford Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Minerva Road and we ran forwards onto Redgate Way. We turned right onto Plodder Lane and we turned sharp left onto Highfield Road. We continued onto Harrowby Street and we turned left onto the Northbound A575. We turned right onto onto the Southbound AS6053 and we ran into the centre of Farnworth. We turned right into King Street and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 33033 as it headed back towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 33033 in Farnworth bus station

Once off the bus we had a quick walk around town. Matthew indicated he required the toilet so we turned right onto the A6053 and he spotted a bookies. After using the toilet we headed back towards the bus station, passing the former RBS branch on the corner. We walked to the bus station and we saw Tyrer's SJ54 GDE on a #513 to Bury.

Tyrer's SJ54 GDE in Farnworth bus station

We waited at the relevant bus stop in the bus station for the next bus back towards Bolton. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 69148 on a #501 to Johnson Fold.

Rotala Diamond 69148 in Farnworth bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the system One bus ticket to the driver for the final time today. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 69148 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Rotala Diamond 69148

The bus set off along King Street and we turned right onto Albert Road. We turned left onto Harrowby Street and we headed Westwards. At the roundabout we continued Eastwards onto Highfield Road. We continued Westards for around 10 stops before turned right onto Plodder lane. We headed Eastwards before turning left onto Redgate Way. We ran Northwards and we followed the road Eastwards and we ran forwards onto Minerva Road. We turned left onto Bradford Road and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Green lane and we headed Eastwards. We turned left onto Crescent Road and we headed towards Bolton. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street. We continued Morthwards onto Thynne Street and we turnd left onto the A579 and right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Great Moor Street before entering the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a final walk around the bus station to take bus pictures. We saw Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBO on a #540 to Colne.

Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBO in Bolton Interchange

Once we had finished taking pictures we walked onto Newport Street and mum was waiting for us in the car near to the old entrance to the railway station. Mum was waiting with a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Newport Street and we turned left onto the A579. We headed Eastwards out of town an we joined the Southbound A666. As we travelled Southwards we saw Tyrer's VDL coach and an unidentified Arriva NW&W Pulsar II running out of service. We merged onto the M61 and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. After a couple of junctions we joined the Westbound M62. Seen on the M62 were an unidentified grey Llew Jones coach, Selwyn's 299(#060), an unidentified Stanley Coaches coach and an unidentified silver minibus. We joined the M6 and we headed Southwards towards junction 15. Seen on the M6 was an unidentified Furlongs minibus. We joined the Southbound A519 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We turned right onto the A34 and at the big roundabout in Trentham we turned left onto the A5035. We continued through Blurton and Dresden and we ran into Longton. We went to see what was at Z carz this evening. In the compound was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW parked up.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way and we turned left onto the A5035. We got home around 19:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash and carrots followed by a cream filled sponge cake. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. Later on we went to take uncle Dave home and Matthew came with me. We set off onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned right onto the Eastbound and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left into Grove Road and we dropped uncle Dave off at home. Having adjusted uncle Dave's calendar we set off back home. We ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at the next junction and we joined Stanley Matthews Way. We ran to the other end and we turned left onto the A5035. We got home around 22:45. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark