Trip to Leicester / Coalville 18-01-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3313	Leicester St Margarets BS	Groby, Stamford Arms	29A	Arriva Midlands
3108	Groby, Stamford Arms	Coalville, Ashby Road	29	Arriva Midlands
3300	Coalville, Memorial Square	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	16	Arriva Midlands
4579	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	Quorn, Station Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4424	Quorn, Station Road	Belgrave, Bath Street	127	Arriva Midlands
4562	Belgrave, Moores Road	Leicester, Stand BG	5	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We did very little research for this trip other than to check the available bus tickets and to chek the weather. The weather was forecast for cold, dry and overcast. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 09:50 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:50 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50. As we travelled Eastwards we saw Stanton's of Stke 80 YCX and Seaward YJ24 AZO / YX19 MLL. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Southbound M1. Whilst travelling down the M1 we saw taxi minibus KO69 MVT and UK20 MTT. We came off the motorway onto the A50 and we headed through Groby into Leicester. On the edge of the city we turned left onto Sanvey Gate anbd right onto the A6. We ran forwards onto Church Gate. We turned left onto Gravel Street and we crossed over Abbey Street onto Garden Street and into the car park. After parking up and we walked onto Garden Street and across to the St Margarets bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the cafe. Matthew had a sausage and bacon bap washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and walked around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 4547 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4547 in Leicester bus station

The double decker wasn't due off for another 30 minutes so we decided to lok at something else. Wesaw another bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3313 on a #29A to Swadlincote via Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3313 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked an East Midlands duo day saver at £13 before we sat down at the front of the bus. A short time later we saw off out of the bus station onto the A594. We turned right onto the A6 and left onto Sanvey Gate. We turned right onto the A50 and we headed Northwards out of the city. We veered left to continue along Groby Road and we crossed over the A46. We turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into the centre of Groby where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3313 as it continued towards Swadlingcote.

Arriva Midlands 3313 in Groby

We headed into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we went outside and met up with uncle Dave again. Whilst we waited Matthew had a couple of angel slices that were in the bag. We crossed over the road and we considered catching a #28 towards Leicester. We were watching the bus on the map and it went in a different direction. We worked out that there must we a road closure and diversion so the bus didn't come into the centre of Groby. We decided to cross back over and catch the next #29. The bus was running a little late, but a short ime later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3108 on a #29 to Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 3108 in Groby

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up Leicester Road and we joined the A50. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into Markfield. We turned left onto Chitterman Way and right onto London Road. We turned right onto Main Street and we ran through the centre of Markfield. We turned left onto Asby Road and we ran northwards. We re-joined the A50 and we crossed over the M1 and we saw a grey former PSV coah conversion heading Southwards. We ran forwards onto the A511 and at the industrial estate we ran forwards onto the B585. We continued onto Beveridge Lane and we turned right onto Regs Way. We rejoined the A511 and we turned right onto Botts Way. We turned right onto Beech Tree Road and left onto Waterworks Road. We continued onto Cropston Drive and left onto Greenhill Road we turned right onto Blackwood and we crossed Meadow Lane onto Hall Lane. We turned left onto City of Dan and left onto Silver Street. We continued onto Hermitage Road and we crossed over the A511 onto Whitwick Road. We turned right onto Hotel Street and we crossed over the railway line. We continued onto High Street and Ashby Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3108 before it continued towards Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 3108 in Coalville

The plan was to find a toilet. We headed towards a ghost sign and after taking a picture we went into Asda. There was no toilet in Asda so we walked back along Ashby Road to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a small glass of Coke. We crossed over Ashby Road and we headed into the small 3 stand Memorial Sqaure bus station. In the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2530 on a #15 to Ibstock.

Arriva Midlands 2530 in Coalville

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3106 on a #28 to Leicester. The bus we weanted was already on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3300 on a #16 to Loughborough.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Coalville

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3300 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3300

When it was time we set off we headed North to the roundabout and then did a 180' turn and headed Southwards. We turned left onto High Street and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards onto Hotel Street and we turned left onto Whitwick Road. We turned left onto Vulcan Way and left onto Comet Way. We turned right Thornborough Road and we crossed over the A511. We continued Northwards onto Brooks Lane and we turned left onto Talbot Street. We continued onto The Grn and forwards onto Loughborough Road. We joined the A512 and we headed Eastwards. We ran to the South side of Shepshed and we turned left onto Charnwood Road. The plan was to go to Shepshead and if the double decker was still at the stop we would get off and get onto that. As we approached the centre of Shepshed we saw the double decker pull off and headed towards loughborough. We decided to stay on the bus and headed the bus off at Loughborough as the 16 takes a more direct route. After a short wait for time, the bus set off onto Kirkhill, and we ran forwards onto Leicester Road. We turned left onto the A512 and we crossed over the M1. We continued along the A512. When we stopped at bus stops the engine shut down. We ran inti the West end of Loughborough and we turned left onto Greenclose Lane. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned righ onto the A6. We ran around the East side of the town past Tesco and when we got to next stop we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3300 as it continued through the town centre back towards Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we had about 15 minutes before the bus was due to depart. Matthew indicated he needed the toilet so we went to a nearby pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a small glass of Coke. We walked back to the bus stop and the bus was already there. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4579 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4579 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the Northbound A6 and we saw Nottingham City Transport 641 on a #1 to Nottingham. We continued Left onto Leicester Road and we ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4579 as it headed Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4579 in Quorn

Once off the bus we walked along Station Road to Bradley's Supermarket. Matthew had a couple of chocolate bars and a bottle of Dr Pepper. We paied for the items and we left the shop. We walked back along Station Road to Loughborough Road amd Matthew sat on a bench near to the bus stop. Matthew had a mint Aero and against advice had a bottle of Cherry Coke from the trip bag. Just before the bus was due we wandered over to the bus stop. Whilst we waited we saw Kinchbus 501 on a #2 to Loughborough.

Kinchbus 501 in Quorn

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4424 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4424 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We turne right onto The Green and we stopped behind the library before continuing onto Rothley Road. We continued onto Moutsorrel Lane and into Rothley. We followed the road to the left onto Halifields Lane and we continued onto Cossington Lane. We joined the Southbound A46 and after crossing the A46 we continued Southwards down the A6 through Birstall. We crossed the A563 and we veered left onto Loughborough Road. As we were heading through Belgrave Matthew wanted to get off the bus so we got up and go off the bus. Matthew let me know he needed the toilet but there wasnt anywhere around we could find. We walked Southwards down Loughborough Road and we turned left onto Windsor Avenue to try and find a busier area where that was a toilet. We got to Melton Road and I spotted a betting shop across the road. We went intio the betting shop and the obne toilet was already occupied. After a short wait Matthew was able to go to the toilet. Phew! When we had finished we went outside and we walked to the nearest bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4562 on a #5 to Leicester Haymarket bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4562 in Belgrave

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Melton Road and we ran the last Mile or so into Leicester. We crossed over the ring road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4562 as it continued towards Haymarket bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4562 in Leicester

Behind us we saw First Leicester 63502 on a #25 Leicester circular service.

First Leicester 63502 in Leicester

We walked down to the main road and we walked around the outside of St Margarets bus station before entering from the other end. We met up with mum. We crossed over Abbey Street and we walked onto Garden Street. We were able to get into the exit we came out of so we walked around the corner onto Abbey Street and into the car park. We paid our fee and got in the car. There were no instruction on how to drive out so we drove to the top of the car park only to get to a dead end! We came back down the spiral ramp and out onto Garden Street. We turned left onto Belgrave gate and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto the Northbound A6 and we turned left onto Sanvey Gate. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city centre. We ran North to the A46 roundabout and we turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into Groby. We turned right onto Newton Linford Lane and we stopped near to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage ships and gravy washed down with 1/2 a small bottle of Cherry Coke. We I had finished eating I turned the car around and we turned right onto Leicester Road. We ran North and re-joined the A50. We headed Northwards up the A50 and we joined the Northbound M1. We came off the M1 and junction and we headed Westwards along the A50. We travelled Westwards along the A50 around Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in to use the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton via the petrol station. We ran down Wheildon Road and we joined the A500. We turned left Church Street and onto the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's petrol station. After filling up we continued along London Road into Trent Vale and we joined the A34. We ran through Hanford and we continued into Trentham We turbned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 21:00. Matthew had his medication and afterwards chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and used the computer. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Leicester / Loughborough 22-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4566	Leicester, (Stop CM)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	84	Arriva Midlands
4432	Leicester, St Margarets BS	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	127	Arriva Midlands
4554	Quorn, Quorndon Fox	Loughborough, stop FA	127	Arriva Midlands
4760	Loughborough, stop FA	Shepshed, Bullring	127	Arriva Midlands
3106	Shepshed, Bullring	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	16	Arriva Midlands
4434	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	Leicester, St Margarets BS	127	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. In the week Matthew had suggested nthat we go to Loughborough, to which I said it might be better to go to Leicester and travel up son that there would be more for mum to do whilst we were on the bus. Matthew agreed to this. Research consisted of looking at the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. We also looked at the Arriva tickets that we could buy. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:20 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:50 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and right onto Emsworth Road. We returned to the house to check the door was locked and afterwards we ran through Blurton and onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we were passed by SAS BT 15 NLE. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. Passing former EWS locomotive 60078 on the back of a Reids Truck parked up in a holding area. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We deciedd to try something new today. We stopped at a cafe called Rascals for dinner. It was quite warm and sunny so we sat outside on a bench. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Southbound M1. Whilst travelling down the M1 we saw Skills (NX) BV73 ZTT(#450), white coach BK15 AJU, blue minibus YR60 LHM, an unidentified RML Routemaster and Travel Xpress RE22 ETT. We came off the motorway onto the A50 and we headed through Groby into Leicester the last 7 or so miles. We turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned we did the flyover and we ran onto St Matthews Way. We turned left onto Humberstone Road and we did a u turn just after the railway bridge. We went back along St Matthews Way and we turned left onto Gelgrave Gate. We ran forwards onto Haymarket and we we went into the car park. After we had parked up we said goodbye to mum and we went down the stairs into the shopping centre. We came out onto Charles Street and we headed into the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we ha a walk around to see what we could see. In the bus station was First Leicester 63567 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell.

First Leicester 63567 in Leicester bus station

We continued down Charles Street to see what was in the bus station. As we walked down Charles Street we saw First Leicester 36615 on a #54 to the Beaumont Leys Centre.

First Leicester 36615 in Leicester bus station

At the other end of the bus station we saw First Leicester 63550 on a #38A Nether Hall circular.

First Leicester 63550 in Leicester bus station

We planned to catch a bus from Charles Street down to the St Margarets bus station. Walking back up Charles Street we saw Centebus 775 on a #20 to Blackmore Drive.

Centebus 775 in Leicester bus station

As we walked up Charles Street we could see a #84 service at the bus stop. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4566 on a #84 to St Margaret's bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4566 in Leicester

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off along Charles Street and we ran through the bus station. We ran forwards onto Abbey Street and we entered the bus station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled onto the stand and we got up and got off the bus. We looked at the departure board and we saw there was a departure in 3 minutes from stand SC at the other end of the bus station. We had a brisk walk and we spotted the bus on stand. As we approached the stand we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4432 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Gravel Street. We turned right on Abbey Street and left onto Belgrave Gate. We crossed over the ring road and we headed North Eastwards up the A607. We started to go along the Golden Mile before we turned left onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards for just under a mile and we crossed over the A563 and joined the Northbound A6. We ran through Birstall where we saw West Yorkshire Travel BX14 OMP. We continued past the park and ride site and we crossed over the A46. We turned left towards a housing estate and we tured right onto Loughborough Road. We ran Northwards into Rothley and we turned left onto Helifields Lane. The road turned leftwards to head North and we ran forwards onto North Street. We continued Northwards onto Mountsorrel Lane and we continued onto Rothley Road. We turned right onto The Green and at the roundabout we turned left onto. Loughborough Road. We passed the Buttermarket we reached the Southernmost point that we reached on out trip to Loughborough back in January 2022. We continued Northwards out of Market Place and we ran Northwards through Quorn. We decided to get off and go to a pub so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4432 before it continued Northwards towards Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4432 in Quorn

Once the bus had departed we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small bottle of Coke with some ice in a glass, When we had finished our drinks we headed out to the bus stop and met up with uncle Dave. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 4400 on a #127 to Leicester. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4554 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the Northbound A6 and we headed into the centre of Loughborough. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right into Baxter Gate. After a brief stop we set off along Baxter Gate and we rejoined the Northbound A6. We ran around town to Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 4554 which sat at the bus stop for a few minutes awaiting time.

Arriva Midlands 4554 in Loughborough

We headed up the step and we spotted a cafe. Matthew had a slice of red velvet cake washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. We met up with uncle Dave and we went back down the step to the bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before the bus appeared. As it approached the stop we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4760 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. After a short wait for time, the bus set off along the A6 and we turned left onto The Rushes and right onto Derby Square. We ran forwads onto the A512 and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the Northbound A6004. We turned left onto Alan Moss Road and right onto Garendon Road. We turned right onto Garendon Gardens and we ran forwards onto Blackbrook Road. We turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Old Ashby Road. We ran to the end and we joined the Westbound A512. We crossed over the M1 and we continued Westwards. We turned right onto Leicester Road and we ran into Shepshed. We went forwards onto Kirkhill and onto the roundabout in the centre of town where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4760 before it returned on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Shepshed

We set off on foot onto Queen Street and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Hall Croft. We visited the Hall Croft Tap and we had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks Matthew used the toilet. We walked back along Hall Croft and we cut through the Co-op car park onto Queen Street. We sat in the space behind the bus stop and Matthew chose and ate a Milky Way. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew made friends with the resident Shepshed Bullring cat. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 4437 arrive on a #127 service and go out of service.

Arriva Midlands 4437 in Shepshed

We chattd to one of the locals and we realised that we could do the #16 to Loughborough and get on the following #127 service. We waited for the bus to appear. As short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3106 on a #16 to Loughborough.

Arriva Midlands 3106 in Shepshed

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait for time, the bus set off onto Kirkhill, and we ran forwards onto Leicester Road. We turned left onto the A512 and we crossed over the M1. We continued along the A512. When we stopped at bus stops the engine shut down. We ran inti the West end of Loughborough and we turned left onto Greenclose Lane. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned righ onto the A6. We ran around the East side of the town past Tesco and when we got to next stop we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Kinchbus 128 on a Skylink service to the Airport.

Kinchbus 128 in Loughborough

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4434 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4434 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner for what turned out to be the fianl time today before we went upstairs and sat down. After a brief stop we continued Left onto Leicester Road. We ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn. We Continued Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We turne right onto The Green and we stopped behind the library before continuing onto Rothley Road. We continued onto Moutsorrel Lane and into Rothley. We followed the road to the left onto Halifields Lane and we continued onto Cossington Lane. WE joined the Southbound A46 and after crossing the A46 we ran past the park and ride site through Birstall. We tookm a diversionary route down the A6 and we passed the First Leicester depot. We turned left onto the B5327 and past Abbey Park before turning right onto the A607. We crossed the roundabout onto Belgrave Gate and we turmed right onto Abbey Street before entering the St Margaret's Bus Station from the South Eastern corner. We pulled into a stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around. Matthew visited the toilet and we walked around the outside of the bus station as there wasn't a bus back to Charles Street for a long time we decided to walk. We walked down to the South West corner and we saw Woods Coaches BX65 WBD on a National Express #230 sercvice to Derby.

Woods Coaches BX65 WBD in Leicester bus station

We did a lap around the bus station and as we got to the junction of Abbey Street and Gravel Street we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a #148 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We walked along Abbey Street and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We continued onto Charles Street and past the Haymarket Bus Station. A the Southern end we saw First Leicester 63563 on layover in between runs on the #16 to the General Hospital.

First Leicester 63563 in Leicester bus station

We walked to the entrance of the shopping centre but the door was closed! We turned right onto Humberstone Gate and right onto Haymarket. There was an entrance by the theatre, but you needed the ticket or had to declare your ticket lost, which I did not want to do. We ended up walking up the ramp to get back into the car park. We walked to where the car was but mum had moved it to by one the pay stations. After paying for parking we set off out of the car park onto Haymarket. We ran forwards onto Belgrave Gate and we turned left onto Burleys Way. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran through Frog Island. We spotted a chip shop on the A50 so we turned left onto Dunton Street and turned around. THe chip shop was closed so we looked up directions to another one. We continued onto the A50 and we did a u turned and turned left onto Buckminster Road. We stopped at Bucks Chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. It created a bit of a stir in the chip shop when I paid, becasue un beknown to me I paid with a couple of the new Charles III £10 notes! We ate the chips in the car and when we were ready we set off onto Buckminster Road. We turned left onto Medina Road and we turned right to re-join the A50. We ran North through Groby and we re-joined the Northbound M1. We came off the M1 and junction and we headed Westwards along the A50. As we travelled along the A50 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach, blue minibus SJ59 UAN, an unidentified Diamond Bus on a #401 to Burton and silver minibus YX09 HFK. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 21:10. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Derby / Loughborough 30-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
157	Derby BS	Loughborough, (Stand LA)	Skylink	Kinchbus
832	Loughborough, (Stand FA)	Thorpe Acre, Morrisons	12	Kinchbus
830	Thorpe Acre, Charteris Close	Loughborough, (Stand SC)	11	Kinchbus
150	Loughborough, (Stand FA)	Kegworth, Church	Skylink	Kinchbus
155	Kegworth, Church	Castle Donnington BS	Skylink	Kinchbus
151	Castle Donnington BS	Derby BS	Skylink	Kinchbus

Today we ended up going to Derby. We had planned to go to Widnes, but this did not work out. I had done no reserch for the trip other than to check the weather, Which was for light rain, getting progressively worse towards teatime. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. Mum got home just before 11:00 and we got ready and set lff just before 12:00. Matthew got in the car and mum gave hima small chocolate cake. We set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We continued 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. After picking up uncle Dave we continued down Wheildon Road. We were struggling to get onto the Northbound A500. Dave said that there had been an accident and that the M6 was slow from junction 18 all the way back to junction 15. We decided to go in another direction. We suggested to Matthew that we go to Derby and he said yes. We turned rihght onto City Road and we joined the Southbound A500. At sideway we joined the Eastbound A50. We continued Eastwards and we ran through Meir. We reached the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we continued along the A50 Eastwards. As we travlled Eastwards we saw Spacebus WSU 812, Ambulance coach J100 STB, Sharpes 7 JXO and another unidentified Sharpes coach. We headed up the hill over the river Dove. We had already decided that we were going to have diner at The Saltbox Cafe, so we came off the A50 and joined the Eastbound A511. We continued the 2 miles or so to junction before we stopped at the cafe. Once at the cafe Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Rotala Diamond 31418 on a #401 to Uttoxeter and Trent Barton 704, 715 and 740 on a Villager services. Once we had finished we turned right onto Derby Road and we ran through Halton and under the A50 before joining the Northbound A516. We joined the A38 briefly before veering left and following the A516 into the town centre. We joined the A601 and we ran clockwisw around the town before turning right onto The Cock Pitt. The car park that we usually use was closed, so we ran through the bus station and we turned right onto Morledge. We pulled up in a loading space and we said goodbye to mum. We walked back along Morledge towards the bus station. On the way we saw Hawkes Coaches YJ51 RCU on a Pride Park Shuttle.

Hawkes Coaches YJ51 RCU in Derby

We went into the bus station which is currently partially closed to support the work being done in Morledge. We stood at the end of the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw Arriva Midlands 3566 on a #20 to Chaddesden.

Arriva Midlands 3566 in Derby bus station

Behind us on Morledge we saw Glovers AIG 8385 go past on it's way to Pride Park. We walked through the bus station to the other end and we took a few more pictures. We came back through the bus station and Matthew stopped at the Skylink stand. As we arrived we saw a bus come on stand. We saw it was Kinchbus 157 on a Skylink service to Leicester.

Kinchbus 157 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a ZigZag Duo Plus ticket at £16.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Morledge. We crossed over the ring road onto Siddals Road. At the end we turned right onto Station Terrace. We stopped at the bus terminal outside the railway station and we turned right onto Midland Road. At the end we turned left onto London Road and we ran South on into Alvaston. We turned right into Shardlow Road. We crossed the Thulston Roundabout onto the B5010. We ran into Thulston and we turned into Shardlow where we saw Kinchbus 151 on a Skylink service to Derby. We travelled through Cavendish Bridge. At the roundabout we turned right into Sawley Jct and we turned into Trent Lane. We turned into Castle Donington and we turned left onto Station Road where we saw Kinchbus 153 on a Skylink service to Derby. We joined into High Street we entered bus Station and into High Street and into Hill Top where we saw Kinchbus 156 on a Skylink service to Derby. We turned left onto the A453 and we went around East Midlands railway station where we saw Kinchbus 152 on a Skylink service to Derby. We turned right into Ambassador Road and we turned right into Viscount Road and we entered the Coach Park where we saw Rotala Diamond East Midlands 30996 on a #9 to Burton. We turned left into Beverley Road and Hunter Road. We turned left onto the A453 and we entered EM Gateway Interchange. We continued into into Kegworth and after a brief stop in Kegworth town centre along Kegworth Bypass. We ran up the hill and into Hathern and we ran down the hill into Loughborough and we joined Derby Road and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of Kinchbus 157 before it continued to Leicester.

Kinchbus 157 in Loughborough

We walked to the traffic lights to cross over the road. As we approached the lights we saw Confidence 15 turned the corner onto the Southbound A6 which doing a shuttle in relation to the bus rally at Quorn.

Confidence 15 in Loughborough

We crossed over the A6 and we walked Northwards around the town. By the bus stop we walked up the steps and we visited Tesco. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we got a meal deal which included a scotch egg and a bottle of Coke. We paid for the food and drink and we headed back to the bus stop to wait for another bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 832 on a #12 to Thorpe Acre.

Kinchbus 832 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the ZigZag Duo Plus ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the A6 and we veered left to follow the road. We crossed the canal and turned right to follow the A6. We ran North Westwards for around a mile and we turned left onto Warwick Way. We turned right onto Barsby Drive and we ran forwards onto Braddon Road. We turned right onto Warwick Way and at the roundabout Maxwell Drive where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another pictore of Kinchbus 832 at it continued back towards Loughborough.

Kinchbus 832 in Thorpe Acre

Once off the bus we went to look for a stop to catch the #11 back to town. I had looked at this area on a Kinchbus newtwwork map and I was under the impression that there was a stop for the #11 areound the corner to the left. I did not appreciate the scale of the map. We set off along Maxwell Drive past Morrisons and The Maxwells pub before crossing over the Black Brook. As we approached the roundabout we saw preserved Crosville TFM 267K presumably linked to the bus rally at Quorn. We turned left onto Warwick Way and we turned left onto Braddon Road. When we got to the bus stop we had less than 5 minutes to wait. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 832 on a #11 service.

Kinchbus 830 in Thorpe Acre

We got on the bus and we placed the ZigZag Duo Plus ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set offlong Braddon Road and we ran around the loop of the housing estat before continuing on to Barsby Drive. We turned left onto Warwick Way and we ran past McDonalds before turning right onto the A6. We headed inti town and we ran forwards onto The Rushes where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Kinchbus 830 before it continued towards Shelthorpe

Kinchbus 830 in Loughborough

Also seen was Centrebus 769 on a #866 service to Sutton Bonnington.

Centrebus 769 in Loughborough

We cut through Clay Pipe Jitty and we went forwards Biggin Street. We turned left onto the A6 and we walked to the stop near to Tesco. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 4760 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Loughborough

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 150 on a Skylink to Derby

Kinchbus 150 in Loughborough

Kinchbus 150 in Kegworth

Kinchbus 155 in Kegworth

Trent Barton 122 in Castle Donnington bus station

Kinchbus 155 in Castle Donnington bus station

Trent Barton 127 in Castle Donnington

Kinchbus 151 in Derby bus station

Selwyns BV19 XSF in Derby bus station

Trent Barton 86 in Derby bus station

Arriva Midlands 3562 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station and e turned left onto Morledge. We walked to where we were dropped off and we waited for mum to appear. When she turned up we got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Morledge and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We turned left onto the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around town. We turned right onto the A516 and we ran out of town. We ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped in the car park near to the chippy and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we re-joined the B5020 and we headed onto the Westbound A516. We ran to the North of Burnaston and Etwall and we joined the Eastbound A50. On the A50. We continued past Blythe Bridge bypass and through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. Matthew also helped uncle Rob finish off some Irn Bru. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. 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 we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark