Trip to Leyland / Preston 16-01-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27155	Leyland, Gables Hotel	Frenchwood, Queen Street	109	Stagecoach Lancashire
15681	Preston BS	Lancaster (Stop C)	40	Stagecoach Lancashire
10031	Lancaster (Stop A)	Catterall, Stubbins Lane	40	Stagecoach Lancashire
15699	Catterall, Stubbins Lane	Lancaster (Stop C)	40	Stagecoach Lancashire
10553	Lancaster BS	Kendal, Lumley Road	555	Stagecoach Lancashire
36416	Kendal BS	Kendal, Helsfell Hall	508	Stagecoach Lancashire
36417	Kendal, Hellsfell	Kendal BS	508	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. we decided to re-visit Leyland. 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

Out of the other window we saw City Centre Central DT15 GVR.

City Centre Central DT15 GVR in Fenton

we went downstairs and we set off on foot onto City Road. we crossed over onto Manor Street and we stopped at the green space on the corner of William Street. we stopped at the playground. We got in the car set off onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new housoing development. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned left onto Etruria Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto the Westbound along the Westbound A53. In Etruria we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We travelled North to the M6 and we hit a little bit of traffic. As we got on the M6 As we travelled North. We decided to come of the M6 at junction 28 to see if we could find somewhere to eat in Leyland. We headed West along the B5256. We came to a set of two mini roundabout and we ran forwards onto the B5254. We turned into the car park by the Lancashire FA and we decided to turn around and get to the cafe. We headed along the B5254. We headed along Hough Lane. We continued along the road to the cafe. Matthew had a can of Coke. Afterwards he had a sausage chips and gravy. Matthew went to the toilet. After we had finished we walked we set off onto Hough Lane and we turned left onto Towngate by the Asda is a new side entrance Costa Coffee that is currently being built. We walked up to Hough Lane. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 27155 on a #109 to Preston. We got on the bus and we booked Stagecoach Preston Dayrider tickets at £4.70 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Hough Lane. We turned right onto the B5254 and we turned left onto the B526. We continued through Clayton-le-Woods and we turned left onto the A49. We ran through Cuerden. We turned left onto the A5083 and we ran through Farington. We crossed the B5254 and we ran through Lostock Hall. We turned right onto Brownedge Road and we turned left onto Todd Lane North. We continued into Walton Park. We turned left onto Millwood Road and left onto Carrwood Road. We ran forwards onto the A6. We ran through Walton-le-Dale and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 on a #125 to Bolton. We headed towards Frenchwood. and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up the A6 and we turned left onto Queen Street where we saw Transdev Blackburn 2766 on a #152 to Burnley. We continued down Preston and we turned right onto Grimshaw Street. We walked through Church Street ans we turned right onto Derby Street. We turned left onto Lords Walk and once in the bus station. We headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. We continued walking around the bus station and we saw Rotala Preston Bus 40411 on layover. We visited the newsagent shop around the corner. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of bars of chocolate. We spotted required Stagecoach Lancashire 15681 on a #40 to Lancaster. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down bus station onto Tithebarn Street. We turned right onto Old Vicarage and right again onto Lancaster Road. We crossed the A59 and we went North up the A6. We passed the Withy Trees. We travelled through Fulwood and over Broughton. We went through Barton and at North Planks. As we travelled down to Bilsborrow. We crossed over Brock and we continued through Catterall. We turned right onto the B6430. We ran up the hill and into Bowgreave. We ran down the hill into Bonds and to Garstang. We travelled through Cabus. We turned right and we ran down the A6. We travelled through Forton and over Bay Horse up to Hampson Green. We ran down Galgate. We turned left to run through Lancaster University. We joined the A6 and we headed down the Bailrigg. We ran through Scotforth. We ran up the hill into Lancaster and we turned right onto Common Garden Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. Once in Leek we waited for the next bus to Catterall. A few minutes later we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 10031 on a #40 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Common Garden Street. We turned left onto the A49 After running the hill through Scotforth we continued onto Scotforth Road. We turned left to run through Lancaster University. We joined the A6 We continued through Galgate. We continued Scorton. We ran through Preston Lancaster Road. We ran through Hollins Lane. We continued Cabus. We turned and forwards onto Lancaster Road and left onto Bonds Lane. We continued Through Bowgreave. We continued into Garstang. We continued into Garstang. We continued into Catterall and we got up and got off the bus by the Brockholes Arms Pub. Matthew decided he wanted to use the toilet. We went into the crown and used the facilities Matthew then had a drink of Coke before we went outside where uncle Dave was waiting. Whilst we were in the pub uncle Dave had been keeping an eye out on the buses and next #40. We got to the stop and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15699 on a #40 to Lancaster. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down B6430. We ran up the hill and into Bowgreave. We ran down the hill into Bonds and to Garstang. We travelled through Cabus. We turned right and we ran down the A6. We travelled through Forton and over Bay Horse up to Hampson Green. We ran down Galgate. We turned left to run through Lancaster University. We joined the A6 and we headed down the Bailrigg. We ran through Scotforth. We ran up the hill into Lancaster and we turned right onto Common Garden Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Brock Street and we went left onto Penny Street forwards onto Cheapside. We walked onto North Road forwards Damside Street and back to the bus station. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 10553 on a #555 to Kendal. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Damside Street. We turned right onto China Street. We turned left onto the A6. We continued through Skerton. We ran through Beaumont and Slyne-with-Hest. We continued Bolton-le-Sands and down to Detron Gate. We ran down to Crag Bank. We ran up to Carnforth. We turned left onto Haws Hill and we turned right onto Market Street and we turned left onto the A6. We turned right onto the Esso Carnforth and turned right onto A6070. We ran through Tewitfield and into Burton-in-Kendal and to Clawthorpe. We turned left onto the B6384 under the M6 and into Holme. We followed the road to up Ackenthwaite and we continued straight up into Milnthorpe. We turned right onto the A6. We ran to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto Princess Way and we ran up to Heversham. We continued forwards onto Woodhouse Lane and we forwards onto Heversham. We ran through Leasgill and turned right onto the A6. We travelled through Levens Bridge. We turned right onto the A590. We ran up to Brettargh Holt and we turned left onto the A591. We ran uop through Prizet. We came off the A6 and we ran up to Kendal and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up A6 and we went to the bus station. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 36416 on a #508 to Windermere. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A6. We turned right onto the A5284 and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road which was really busy and it took quite a while. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 36417 on a #508 to Kendal. We got on the bus and we flashed the Lakes Day Ranger ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up A5284. We turned left onto the A6 and into the bus station and we got up and got off Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15923 on a X5 to Workington. We walked up the stairs and we headed along the path to the car in the car park. Mum had brought sausage rolls and can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park onto A6 and we turned left onto Stramongate. We turned right onto the A65 and we turned left onto the A6 and we continued onto the Southbound A591. We ran through Sizergh and into Milnthorpe. We joined the Southbound M6. We barrelled Southwards through Lancashire. We continued into Cheshire and we left the M6. and we ran down to junction 16. We went Southwards down the A500 and we ran through Shelton and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. For tea had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Chorley / Leyland 07-05-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
47335	Chorley TI	Towngate, Tesco (Stand F)	109	Stagecoach Lancashire
34782	Towngate (Leyland), Tesco (Stop A)	Chorley TI	109A	Stagecoach Lancashire
15240	Chorley TI	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop A)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15227	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop B)	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15226	Chorley TI	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanapamp)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15232	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanatwta)	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today we decided to re-visit Chorley. It had been over a year since our last visit, and in that time Fishwicks had stopped trading and Stagecoach had introduced new 'Gold' buses on their flagship #125 Preston - Bolton route. We checked the weather for today and it was for fine sunny weather turning cloudy with showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the Midlands. We gave Matthew a list of places,ost of which were in the North West and from the list he chose Chorley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 13:30 onto Beaconsfield Drive and through Blurton. We turned left onto Church Road and and left again onto Blurton Road. After running through Blurton at Heron Cross we got on the Westbound A50. We ran down to Sideway and we took the Northbound A500. As we traveled North up the A500 we saw preserved PMT 860 & Roseville BG07 XCN. As we approached the M6 we caught up with a Mercedes Minicoach. We followed the coach onto the North bound M6 any we saw that it was Goldstar PIB 2095. The traffic was moving well but as it is the start of the coach day trip season as well as the end of the football season we saw plenty of coaches coming the other way. Going North we saw 4 happy Als coaches, ABC Supreme NM08 WKT, an unidentified Gailsway Travel minibus, an unidentified A&C Coaches (Motherwell) coach, an unidentified Vision coach and Bestway Mercedes minibus BN52 GPF. We came off the M6 at Junction 27 and we ran into Standish along the A5209. In the town centre we turned left onto the A49 and we ran north towards Euxton. As we travel North we passed Grayway Mercedes minicoach YN60 BZW. As I had navigated to Chorley based on what I remembered from last time and instinct we ended up coming into Chroley from the North West. We drove past Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station along the A581 and past the Tesco superstore. before running Chorley. We went along Union Street past the Flat Iron car park that we would be on later and we turned right onto the A6 and past the transport interchange. We turned right onto George Street and forwards onto Pall Mall were we saw the Big lamp Chippy where we were going for dinner. We parked around the corner in Fleet street and we headed over the road to the cafe. We got there about 13:20 just before we though the cafe part closed. Having a conversation with the staff revealed that the cafe is now open until 6PM. Matthew used the toilets and then we ordered sausage chips & gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we finished eating we returned to the car and we spotted Buckleys YN53 EXC in the Fleet Street car park. We headed back onto the A6 and past the Interchange and we turned into Union Street and the Flat Iron car park. We eventually found a parking spot and we said goodbye to mum before we headed over to the Interchange. Once in there we grabbed a #109 & #125 timetable from the information desk and we looked up the time of the next #109 to Leyland. It wasn't due for another 15 minutes so we had a short wait. In the bus station already was Holmeswood YJ08 PKV.

Holmeswood YJ08 PKV in Chorley interchange

As we had some time we decided to have a walk around the outside of the Interchange to get a few pictures. As we set off we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1096 arrive on a #24 to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 1096 in Chorley interchange

We walked clockwise around the outside of the Interchange onto the A6 outside. Whilst there we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 47081 on a #7 to Croston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47081 in Chorley interchange

We decided to go back into the Interchange and on the way in we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 on a Preston bound #125 service.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 in Chorley interchange

We turned to see required Stagecoach Lancashire Solo 47335 on a #109 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 in Chorley interchange

We headed back into the interchange and we waited for the driver to returned to the bus. Matthew promised to behave and not honk the horn as he often does when riding on Optare Solos! Before the driver returned Matthew decided he wanted to go and use the toilet. The disabled toilet was out of order, so Matthew used the Gents. After he had finished we went outside to see that the bus was already loading. We got on the bus and we booked Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets at £4.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Matthew did behave and sat down without trying to honk the horn. The bus set off out off the Interchange and onto the A6. we turned at the next roundabout into Union Street and we stopped again outside Booths. At the end we turned left and we followed the A581 around to the right and out of town. We passed Tesco Chorley Extra and we continued West and past Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station before we turned right onto the A49. At Euxton lane we turned right and we headed towards Buckshaw Village, a new build housing estate built on a the site of a former MOD munitions factory. We turned left onto Main Street and as the rear of the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47335.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47335

We continued North up to Dawson lane and we passed the 'Wicker Man' style wooden statue. I don't think that they burn people inside the belly of the statue whilst dancing around naked here, or at least I hope that they don't... We traveled West along the B5248, over the M6 and the West coast main line. They was a family fun day being held at Balshaw High School, and the large crowds and the bouncy castle were a real head turned for Matthew. We entered Leyland from the East and near to Tesco we saw a Stagecoach Enviro200, something that we have seen in these parts before. We turned right onto St Andrews Way and we got u and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 before it carried on it's way to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 in Leyland

Almost immediately we saw the the Enviro200 we saw around the corner... It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 36185 on a #111 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 36185 in Leyland

We set off around the outside of Tesco Church Road. At the church across the road there was a wedding going on a a wedding photographer was taken candid pictures from across the road. Matthew decided the he was going to have a go and he took a picture of his own. We turned the corner right into the pedestrianised area and we visited Matthews favourite shop. We went to Ice Dreams and Coffee Beans for our usual ice cream. Matthew visited the toilet before having a vanilla cornet. Once we had finished we headed out onto North View to wait for the bus back to Chorley. We considered doing a #111 service but for some reason we could not download a bus map from the mobile Stagecoach website. Apparently people who use there website on a mobile phone don't need maps and can't access them! Whilst we considered what to do we saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 on a #109B to Clayton-le-Woods.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 in Leyland

We then saw a Dart approaching down Towngate. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Lancashire 34744 on a #113 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34744 in Leyland

We did consider doing this bus, but as we couldn't download the route map from the mobile website, we decided to not to take a risk doing this. We saw another Dart approaching so we decided to have a look at that and where it was going. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 34782 on a #109A to Chorley.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34782 in Leyland

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver. As the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 34782.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 34782

Doing a #109A was a new experience for us, so we were curious to see what route it would take... We set off along North View and onto the B5248. We traveled Eastwards out of town past the family fum day at Balshaw High School and over the West coast main line and the M6. We went South down Central Avenue past the 'wicker man' statue, and then we turned left and went into the Buckshaw Village estate, After we whizzed around the estate we headed down to Buckshaw Parkway railway station and then back onto Main Street. At the end of the road we turned left instead of right as we would have done on the #109 service. We ran along Euxton lane to the Hospital, and then we returned towards Astley Village. We returned to the A581 and we went into the Chorley Tesco extra Store and to a bus stop outside the shop. Running a Dennis Dart around the car pask of Tesco is no mean feat! We returned onto the A581 and we traveled East into Chorley. We went onto Union Street and the A6 before circling around the Interchange and in from the East end. Once off the bus we decided to wait for a #125 to Horwich. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1100 on a #24 to Blackburn. We also saw the coach that we had seen earlier on Fleet Street car park, Buckleys YN53 EXC come into the interchnage to load up with daytrippers. We decided to go around the outside of the Interchange to get a picture of this Doncaster based coach as it isn't something we recall seeing before ever!

Buckleys YN53 EXC in Chorley interchange

We walked back into the Interchange and we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 on a #125 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 in Chorley interchange

To be fair they are all required in this batch as they were delivered new since our last visit! We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange and onto the Southbound A6. We went out of town and up the hill past Frederick's ice cream parlour and the we went down the hill towards the junction with Chorley Road. Last time we had done this service the junction had been closed and there was a diversion through Addlington and along Railway Road to Anderton. Today with the road open, we left onto Chorley Road and through Heath Charnock. We continued South into Anderton and we passed Stagecoach Lancashire 15236/15226 running Northwards together. We departed Anderton Southwards an we passed under the M61. The seats opposite to us were empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 as we passed Rivington Reservoir.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15240

We ran the last mile or so into Horwich and we crossed the roundabout onto the B6226 where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 before it carried on towards Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 in Horwich

As we had approached town, we had seen a coach on Chorley New Road. We crossed the road and cut through the car park of The Crown pub to see Howards double decker coach F19 HOW unloading on the opposite side of the road whilst doing some private hire work.

Howards F19 HOW in Horwich

As we walked around the outside of the crown pub to get back onto Lee Lane, Matthew decided he wanted to use the toilet. We went into the crown and used the facilities Matthew then had a drink of Coke before we went outside where uncle Dave was waiting. Whilst we were in the pub uncle Dave had been keeping an eye out on the buses and we hadn't missed a #125. We got to the stop and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 on a #125 to Chorley.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off over the roundabout and onto the A673. We passed Rivington Reservoir and under the M61 and we entered Anderton from the South. We continued North into the adjacent town of Heath Charnock before we joined the A6. At the top of the hill we passed Frederick's ice cream parlour and there was a queue outside of around 30-40 people outside. All I can say is it must be really good ice cream! We entered Chorley up the A6 and we turned into Clifford Street. We circled the interchange and we entered from the South. When the bus stop it emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15227.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15227

As we came into the Interchange we spotter another Gold bus at the far end on the stand for Preston. We got off Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 walked over to the other bus which was Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 on a #125 to Preston, which we had seen in Anderton earlier.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 in Chorley interchange

We decided to do this bus as it was another required one, so we got on and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange onto the Northbound A6 and we turned left at the next roundabout onto Union Street. After stopping outside Brooks we turned right onto the A581, rejoining the A6 further up the road. We past the out of town retail units and went towards the hospital. At the junction outside the hospital we were caught up by Alfa Mercedes coach 97 which turned left. We continued North in Whittle-le-Woods and further North Still into Clayton Green. Matthew then decided to take a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15226

We passed the point which was the furthest we had previously traveled on a #125 service, and we turned right onto Westwood Road. We turned left onto Clayton Brook Road passing quite close to the M61. We turned left onto Great Greens Lane and it looked like we were approaching some shops, so we decided would be a good place to get up and get off the bus. On off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 before it carried on towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 in Clayton Brook

We has spotted a McColls as the bus pulled up at the stop so we headed over there. Matthew brought a can and a bottle of Coke and a few chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed over to the stop on the opposite side of the road where Matthew ate a Cadbury's Flake. A few minutes later we saw another Stagecoach Gold bus approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15232.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15232 in Clayton Brook

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver for the last time today before we went upstairs and sat down.The bus set off along Great Greens lane and we circled around to the South and joined the A6. As we traveled South Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15232.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15232

We continued South down through Clayton Green and Whittle-le-Woods. We passed the hospital and the retail Park and we turned right onto the A581. After running into Chorley Town Centre we turned left onto Union Street and we rejoined the A6 outside the Interchange. We turned right into Clifford Street and circled around the interchange before entering it from the South. When we got back into the Interchange we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around the outside of the to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. On one of the top stands was Rotala Preston Bus 20811 about to work a #114 to Preston.

Rotala Preston Bus 20811 in Chorley interchange

Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, so as we walked back around the the Interchange we saw Holmeswood YJ56 AUF on a #347 to Southport.

Holmeswood YJ56 AUF in Chorley interchange

Aftwe Matthew had used the toilet we walked back to the Flat Iron car park to meet up with mum. At the car Matthew tucked into a Greggs sausage roll and washed it down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and onto the Southbound A6. As we passed the B5252 we saw Howards double decker coach F19 HOW again. We turned right by Fredericks ice cream parlour and this time there wasn't a long queue! We went along the A5106 and then turned right onto B5239. We came out in Standish and we went straight across onto A5209. We followed the road to the right and we joined the M6 at Junction 27. As we headed South we passed a few coaches. We passed Croston minibus YK05 EWH, a couple of Tyrers coaches, and a London Transport Arriva Wright Gemini double decker! At Junction 15 we left the M6 and joined the Eastbound A500. As we went towards Stoke-on-Trent we passed Stanton's of Stoke CC04 MAL & Roseville DK06 UDH. We left the A500 at Sideway as we took the Eastbound A50 up towards Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the front row we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

The closest bus in the row was Z Carz white LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

The closest bus to the road was Z Carz Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a couple of buses towards the back pf the compound. Nearest bus to the gate was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over onto Baths Road and into Tesco Petrol station. We topped up with diesel and we got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. At Heron Cross we turned left onto Blurton Road and we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. We carried onto into Blurton and up the hill, turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white Iveco minibus NX03 BFP. We got home around 18:30 For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Chorley / Leyland 07-02-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
15583	Chorley TI	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop A)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15571	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop B)	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
47326	Chorley TI	Towngate, Tesco (Stand F)	109	Stagecoach Lancashire
47333	Towngate (Leyland), Tesco (Stop B)	Chorley TI	109	Stagecoach Lancashire
15570	Chorley TI	Adlington, o/s Library	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15573	Adlington, By Church Street	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today we decided to re-visit Chorley. The weather was forecast for cold and cloudy in all directions, so we could choose to go wherever we wanted to within reason. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We gave Matthew a list of places to go and he chose Chorley. research consisted of looking at Google Maps to look at directions and a quick check of past Blog posts to see what ticket we need to buy. we set off just before 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we passed D&G Solo 134 on the Blurton Plumline. We carried on down until we reached the A50 and we went West to the A500. Once we got to the A500 we went North. On the way North we passed coach WNF 26 going the other way. We got on the Northbound M6 and we saw Clayton Cunningham Travel minibus V938 ECU. We carried on North and we came off the M6 at Junction 27. In standish the Road to the North was Blocked so we travelled East to the A6. We came into town along the A6. On the edge of town we turned into Fleet Street car park so that we could go eat in Big Lamp chippy. Matthew had sausage egg and chips and a can of Coke. After we had finisged eat we drove into town and attempted to park in the square car park adjacent to the bus station. It was full, so we decided to leave mum with the car whilst she went shopping elsewhere. We said goodbye and we set off on foot to the bus station. On the way we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 34745 on the #109 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34745 in Chorley interchange

As we got into the bus station Transdev Lancashire Untied 567 arrived on the #24 from Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 567 in Chorley Interchange

There was Nothing else in the bus station so we decided to have a walk around the bus station and have a look at the coaches on rail replacement. We also saw Stagecoach Lancashire Dart 34743 which was on layover.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34743 in Chorley interchange

Across the road on rail replacement work was Brethertons BC05 JVU.

Brethertons BC05 JVU in Chorley

The bus station had now filled up a little. On a #125 to Bolton was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15579.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15579 in Chorley interchange

On a #362 to Wigan was required Arriva NW&W 2687.

Arriva NW&W 2687 in Chorley interchange

On a #1 service to Coppull was dud Stagecoach Lancashire Solo 47331.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47331 in Chorley interchange

We headed back to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 47327 on a #7 to Croston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47327 in Chorley interchange

Back in the bus station we were considering doing the #109 to Leyland, but when it came in it was dud Stagecoach Lancashire 34620.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34620 in Chorley interchange

We then saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 on a #125 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 in Chorley interchange

We decided to do Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 as we had only been to Horwich once before from this direction. This is a bus that we first had back in June 2013 from the other end of Horwich to Bolton. We got on the bus and we booked Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets at £4.50. We went upstairs and as the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15583

The bus set off out of the bus station and we headed South on the A6. A few miles South of town the bus usually takes the A673 Bolton Road, but the road is currently closed. We continued South along the A6 adjacent to the canal and we came into Adlington, where there is also roadworks. We turned left onto Railway Road and then we turned right onto the A673 in Anderton. We continued South on the A673 and we crossed under the M61. We passed the bottom end of Rivington Reservoir and then we headed into Horwich. The ticket is only valid to the pub at the north end of town so as we approached the roundabout we got up and then got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 before it carried on South to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15583 in Horwich

We crossed the road to wait for the next bus. According to the timetable there are 5 #125 an hour to Chorley and a single #517. There was a #517 due first before the next #125 at 14:46. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw a few First and Arriva buses on the roundabout including First Manchester Volvo B10 66194 on the #575 which was in the new 'Olympia' livery. We then saw South Lancs Travel Dart 7 on the #517 to Blackrod. A few minutes later a bus arrived and it was dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15571. We got on the bus and flashed the Dayrider tickets before going upstairs. Two dud buses out of two so far... This was a bus that we first had from Walton-le-Dale to Preston back in October 2013. which is a little unlucky. We realised that if we got back to Chorley for 15:10 we would make the next #109 service. The bus set off across the roundabout and up the A673. We passed the reservoir and under the M61 and we came into Anderton. We turned left and went towards Adlington before turning right onto the A6. We climbed the hill and went past Frederick ice cream parlour an made the final run into town. We got into the bus station around 15:05 and we saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47326 on the #109.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47326 in Chorley interchange

We also had the choice of doing required Stagecoach Lancashire 15584 which was on a #125, but we fancied going to Leyland for ice cream. So we turned it down and got on dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47326. We flashed the tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the Northbound A6. We turned into left into Union Street. The bus started to load so Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite him in case he didn't get another opportunity.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47326

Stagecoach Lancashire 47326 is a bus we first had from Leyland to Chorley back in February 2014. The bus carried on West along the A581 and we passed Tesco and saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47329 on a #2 to Coppull. We crossed he railway line and we turned North onto the A49. In Euxton we turned East on Euxton Lane and we headed out towards Buckshaw village. Going North though the village we turned West to head into Leyland. We crossed the M6 and the railway and we headed into town along St Andrew's Way where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 47326 as it carried towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47326 in Leyland

We walked around the back of Tesco's and we saw coule of buses on Towngate. We spotted Fishwicks 28 on a #111 to Preston

Fishwick's 28 in Leyland

This was followed by required Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 on a #109 to Chorley.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 in Leyland

We went to Ice Dreams and Coffee Beans for our usual ice cream. Matthew visited the toilet before having a vanilla cornet (£1.60). Once we had finished we headed out onto Towngate to wait for the bus back to Chorley. We headed ack onto Towngate to wait for the next Chorley bus. Stagecoach Lancashire 34620 turned up and we got on it, not realising it was on a #113 to Wigan! We got back off to wait for the #109 and when it turned up it was dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47333.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 in Leyland

We got on the bus and we flashed our Dayrider Tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 was a bus that we last had in August 2014 from Chorley to Leyland. The bus set off towards and through Buckshaw Village before heading through Euxton. We turned onto the A581 and we headed into town. When we got into the bus station we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47333.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47333

We needed to catch something quickly if we were going to get another couple of buses in before we went home. Matthew went to the toilet and when he came out we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1302 on the #24 to Blackburn. Matthew wanted to do this but we didn't have the right bus tickets. On local service #2 to Coppull was Stagecoach Lancashire 47332.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 in Chorley Interchange

We considered what to catch next... Two bus came in that were both Bolton bound. Required Stagecoach Lancashire 15580 came in first followed by dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15570.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15570 in Chorley interchange

Stagecoach Lancashire 15580 must have been late because it dropped off passengers only and went straight out. We were left with Stagecoach Lancashire 15570. We decided to do this dud bus as we were running out of time. We got on the bus and we flashed the tickets before going upstairs. there were people front and back on this bus so he didn't take a picture inside. As we waited to go required Stagecoach Lancashire 34783 pulled in alongside us on the #109 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34783 in Chorley interchange

We set off and we went South on the A6. We ha decided that we were going to go to Adlington and get a bus back. We passed the closed A673 and we followed the canal before coming into Adlington. We were stopped at the lights in the roadworks and a bus went past going the other way. We turned the corner and crossed the railway and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15570 as it climbed the hill towards Anderton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15570 in Adlington

We decided to walk back into toan and visit the Co-op there. We crossed over the road and we saw a coach at the traffic lights. We decided to walk up to and get a picture of Redline Coaches Volvo coach 17 RED

Redling 17 RED in Adlington

We went to the Co-operative food store and we brought a can of Coke, a double Milky Way and a Kinder Egg. We walked up to the stop on Westhoughton Road opposite a church converted into an Indian Restaurant. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw a bus approaching. It got closer and we saw it was dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15573.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15573 in Adlington

We got on the bus and we flashed the tickets for the last time. We actually managed to do it. We had six buses and non of them were required... And that with a 130 mile round trip to get to the buses in the first place. I think that is the first time that has happened when we have been on short local trips. We went upstairs and Matthew got a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15573 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15573

This was a bus that we had been on before from Horwich to Bolton back in August 2013. In fact we did Stagecoach Lancashire 15570 for Stagecoach Lancashire 15573 on that day too. It's the third bus that we have previously done from that date today! The bus set off North up the A6 along side the canal. We past the closed junction with the A673 and we headed up the hill into town. When we got there we got up and got off the bus. We set off on foot to the car and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 34602 on the #115 to Preston. Back at the car mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls.We set off South down the A6 and we turned at Wigan Road. We briefly stop at the end of the road to get some pop out of the boot before continuing to Standish. We too a different route back to the M6 along the A5209 before getting on the motorway at junction 27. We headed South and it was now completely dark. The motorway was clear and we had a good fast run down to junction 16 with the exception of the roadworks near to Sandbach. We got onto the Southbound A500 and we came off at the A50. We did the A50 to Longton and we came off to see what was at Z Carz tonight. by the A5035 we saw First Potteries 60193 on the #22 from Dresden to Newcastle. There was one minibus on the spare ground near to the depot. This was Z carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there was omly on bus in the compound. We headed back onto the A5 and we came off at Heron Cross. In Blurton we passed First Potteries 60073 on the #22 to Dresden before we turned into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by coconut cake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 03:00... Mark