Trip to Macclesfield / Congleton 06-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6015	Macclesfield BS	Congleton BS	38	D&G Bus
504	Congleton BS	Middlewich, Waters Edge Medical	42	D&G Bus
574	Middlewich, British Legion	Sandbach, Common	37	D&G Bus
56	Sandbach, Common	Middlewich, British Legion	37	D&G Bus
576	Middlewich, British Legion	Sandbach, Common	37	D&G Bus
6014	Sandbach, Military Arms PH	Macclesfield BS	38	D&G Bus

Today we decided to re-visit Macclesfield. We checked the available bus tickets for High Peak, D&G Bus and even Bee Network should we go further afield. We also looked at places to eat and where to park. The weather was forecast for warm, mainly dry and with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:30 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 12:00 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 into Meir. We turned left onto the A520 and right onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto Westwood Road and right onto Stansmore Road. We ran to the end and we stopped outside a cafe. We went in and ordered food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating Matthew used the toilet and we got back into the car. We set off along Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto the A520 and we ran through Cellarhead, and hrough Wetley Rocks. As we approached Cheddleton we saw that the van was getting ready to leave for the day. We continued North through Cheddleton and Leek Brook and into the cente of Leek. We ran forwards onto St Edwards Street and we turned left onto the A523 and we past the site of the new Tim Hortons. We continued Northwards through Rushton Spencer and into Macclesfield. On the edge of town we ran forwards onto the A536 and we followed the road to the left. We turned right onto Churchill Way and we turned right onto Stanley Street and we parked jup in the multi-storey car park. We bought a ticket and we said goodbye to mum before setting off down the stairs and onto Stanley Street. We turned left onto Churchill Way and left onto Castle Street. We turned right onto Mill Street ans we headed towards the bus station. On the way we stopped to look at the Ian Curtis mural on the side of the Express Mini Market. We stood in the viewing area and Matthew got a picture of High Peak 294 which was parked up in the bus station.

High Peak 294 in Macclesfield bus station

We walked into the bus station and we looked for a bus we could catch. There were only 2 buses in service in the bus station. As we got closer to one of them we saw it was D&G Bus 6015 on a #38 to Crewe,

D&G Bus 6015 in Macclesfield bus station

We got on the bus and we bought D&G Network Day tickets at £6.90 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Mill Street. We ran forwards onto Park Green and we turned left onto the A536. We ran past Macclesfield college and we follwed the A536 to the left. We ran out of town through Gawsworth and Eaton. We ran to the edge of town and we joined the Southbound A34. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto the A54. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 6015 before it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 6015 in Congleton bus station

Once off the bus we throught about what we might do next. There were a couple of buses on layover. We saw D&G Bus 795 on layover in between runs on the #94 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 795 in Congleton bus station

We decided that we would do the #42 when it was due off at 15:00. We saw it was D&G Bus 504 on a #42 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 504 in Congleton bus station

Whilst we waited for it to be readied for service, we walked into town to go to the pub. We set off along the A54 and we turned right onto Kinsey Street. We turned right onto Market Square and we walked past the Congleton Museum. We crossed over the High Street and we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we crossed over High Street and we went forwards onto Market Square. On the way back we found a short cut. We walked down the side of the library and down a walkway into the bus station. Whilst we waited for our bus to be readied for service. we sat down on a bench. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 5014 on a town circular service.

D&G Bus 5014 in Congleton bus station

A few minutes later D&G Bus 504 pulled onto the stand. We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 504 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G Bus 504

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A54. We turned left onto Mill Street and we continued onto Swan Bank. We turned right onto West Street. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we crossed the roundabout onto the A54. We ran out of town throught Somerton and Brereton Heath and into Holmes Chapel. There was a diversion and due to roadworks we did not call at every stop in town. We ran out of town and we crossed over the M6 at junction 18. We ran through Sproston Green and at the edge of Middlewich we turned right onto Centurion Way. We turned left onto King Street ans we headed Southwards towards the centre of Middlewich. We turned right to re-join the A54 and we crossed over the canal before turning left onto the A533 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 504 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 504 in Middlewich

We got off the bus and we saw D&G Bus 33 on a #42 to Congleton. We decided to check out the canal. We went under the A54, and we turned around again because we walked along the canal to the next stop. We walked past 3 locks and up to the next road bridge where we left the canal and walked onto the A533. We had about 10 minutes to wait for a bus towards Sandbach. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 574 on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Middlewich

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A533 and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A533. We ran alongside of the canal and into Sandbach through Elworth. We turned left Hightown and at the next roundabout we ran forwards on Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 574 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Sandbach

Once off the bus we headed into the shop and we bought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. Matthew indicated that he needed the toilet so we headed to the toilet by the market. We headed back to the bus stop and we saw D&G Bus 3011 on a #317 to Alsager.

D&G Bus 3011 in Sandbach

We waited for the bus towards Northwich. A short time we saw the bus appear on the other side of the common. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 56 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 56 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the common and we joined the Northbound A533. We ran out of town past the railway station towards Elworth. We turned left onto Cross Lane and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned right Long Lane South. We turned right and we re-joined the Northbound A533. We ran alongside the canal and into Middlewich. We got up and got off the bus. We had just over 10 minutes for the bus back South, so we crossed the road and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwadrs Matthew had a small glass of Coke. After we had finished we went outside to catch the bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 576 on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 576 in Middlewich

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A533 and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A533. We ran alongside of the canal and into Sandbach through Elworth. We turned left Hightown and at the next roundabout we ran forwards on Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 576 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 576 in Sandbach

On the other side of the common our next bus was already at the stop. As we got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6014 on a #38 to Macclesfield.

D&G Bus 6014 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. After a short wait we got back onto the A54 and we headed Westwards. We turned right onto the Northbound A34 and at the edge of town we turned right onto the A536. We ran through Eaton and Gawsworth and into Macclesfield. We continued along A536 and we ran into Sutherland Street. We turned left into Waters Green and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed out of the bus station. Matthew got another picture of D&G Bus 6014 before working a #38 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 6014 in Macclesfield bus station

We set off on foot to go and meet up with mum. We turned right onto Mill Street and right onto Queen Victoria Street. We continued onto Waters Green and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar. Matthew had a small glass of Coke. After we had finished we met up with uncle Dave and we continued on foot towards mum. We continued along Waters Green and we walked forwards onto Gas Road. We went under the A523 and we walked along a footpath next to the River Bollin. We crossed the B5470 and we headed into the car park at Tesco. We met up with mum and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can of Cherry Coke. We set off out of the car park onto Black Lane and we turned right onto the B5470. We turned left and we headed Southwards down the A523. We turned right onto the A536 and we turned left to follow the A536 out of town. We ran past Macclefield College and we turned left to continue following the A536. We ran through Gawsworth and Rodeheath and through Eaton. As we approached Lower Heath we went past the chip shop we suposed to stop at! We turned around at Giantswood Lane to go back to the chip shop. Whilst waiting to get back onto the A536 we saw grey minicoach JA58 BUS and white coach YH67 XSM. We stopped at the chip shop and I went inside to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and we also bought a can of Dandelion & Burdock for later on. When I had finished eating we set off onto the A536 and we joined the Southbound A34. We ran down into the valley and we turned right onto the A534. We continued through Medhurst Green and Arclid. As we approached the M6 we passed D&G Bus 135 on #38 to Congleton. We joined the Southbound M6 and as we travelled through Cheshire we saw an unidentified Anthony Travel and an unidentified white green and blue double decker (Kaz's Crusaders?). We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Whieldon Road past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Fanta. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now 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 we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:40. 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 Youtube and we got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Winsford / Sandbach 20-04-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
766	Adderley Green, First bus depot	Ford's of Winsford	Charter	PMT
2612	Winsford, Town Bridge	Middlewich, St Michael's Way	37A	Arriva NW&W
3159	Middlewich, Croxton Lane	Sandbach, o/s Common	37A	Arriva NW&W
2611	Sandbach, o/s Common	Haslington opp Oakland Avenue	37	Arriva NW&W
67648	Haslington nr Oakland Avenue	Kidsgrove, Gloucester Road	3	First Potteries
65732	Kidsgrove, Adj St Johns RC Primary School	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
67633	Hanley BS	Adderley Green, First bus depot	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and we were going to take him out for the day. Matthew had expressed a wish to go and see POPS double decker 766 at Winsford for it's booked attendance at the Ford's of Winsford 60th anniversary event. I contacted a senior member off POPS and asked if it would be possible for us to travel up on the bus and they agreed that we could. Matthew got up around 06:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. I came to pick him up just before 07:30 as the booked departure time from the bus garage was 07:50. Matthew got ready and we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we saw D&G Bus 27 running out of service. We ran forwards onto King Street and through Foley into Longton. We went under the the railway line into Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We went up the hill and down the other side into Adderley Green. We turned left by the bus garage and at the next roundabout we turned left and headed into the estate. We parked up next to the publice footpath and we walked up the the back end of the bus garage. We saw new arrival First Potteries 65692 parked up at the back of the garage. We walked along the path at the side of the garage and to the bus stop on the A5272 outside the front of the garage. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching, and as expected it was preserved PMT 766.

PMT 766 in Adderley Green

We got on the bus and we were greeted by the senior POPS member. The bus was empty except for him and the driver so we were able to sit where we wanted to. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside PMT 766.

Inside PMT 766

We set off along the A5272 and we headed into Bentilee. We passed Free Spirits FJ55 PVY parked up at the side of the road. We continued forwards into Bucknall. We joined the A52 and we ran up to Limekiln traffic lights. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and we followed it to the left and through Northwood. We continued through Birches Head and Sneyd Green. We stopped briefly by Central Forest Park and we continued up to Smallthorne roundabouts. We ran forwards onto High Lane and we ran to the end. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A527. We ran through Turnhurst and Pitshill down to the North end of Tunstall. We turned right onto the A50 and we headed through Sandyford into Kidsgrove. We crossed the A34 and we ran up to Church Lawton. We followed the A50 to the right and we veered left onto the A533. We ran through Rode Heath and we crossed over the M6 near to the Sandbach Services. We ran around the South Side of Sandbach town centre and continued along the A533 through Elworth Past Sandbach railway station. We ran alongside the canal into Middlewich town centre and we turned left onto the A54. We ran through the town centre and around the one-way system. and Westwards along the A54 out of town. We crossed over the railway line by Winsford railway station and we continued to the bottom of town. At the main roundabout we went forwards onto New Road. It must have been a wrong turning because after about 1/2 the driver turned the bus around. There was not a great deal along this road except a few industrial units and what appeared to be a virtual rock salt quarry. We returned to the big roundabout and we turned left onto the A5018. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Weaver Valley Road. We arrived at the Ford garage and there were thousands of cars! A representative of the garage came out and guided the driver backwards through a very narrow gate. We reverse up to the main building and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of PMT 766.

PMT 766 in Winsford

Once off the bus we had a look around at the other cars and Matthew used the toilet. We made arrangement with the POPS member that we would either hang around for 8 hours until the end of the day or we would make our own way back and message him if we no longer required to return on the bus. We got a POPS membership form and we had a look around at the other vehicles there were on display. These included a few cars from the 1980's and older, a fire engine, the original Ghost Busters car and a F1 racing car. Once we had seen the other vehicles on display we set off out of the garage onto Weaver Valley Road. just past the garage was the entrance to a park. We decided to walk through the park. Just inside the park was a large rock and we decided to sit and have a sausage roll. Matthew also had a drink of Irn Bru. When we had finished eating we carried on through the park. We continued down the path and we came out very near to the main roundabout in town. We crossed the roundabout and over the River Weaver and we walked up onto High Street. We cut across onto the A54 and we waited at the bus stop for the next Southbound bus. Whilst we were at the bus stop we saw Arriva NW&W double decker 4164 on a #29 and Arriva NW&W 3159 on a #31 to Northwich. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Arriva NW&W 2612 on a #37A to Sandbach.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Winsford

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW&W Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A34 and across the main roundabout onto the Southbound A54. We veered left onto Station Road and we ran along the narrow street towards Middlewich. At the roundabout we ran forwards into Wisford railway station. We did a lap of the car park and back out onto the main road. We turned right onto the A54 and we crossed over the railway line. We continued East for around 2 miles and we came into the West end of Middlewich. We ran around the one-way system and left onto the A54 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2612 as it continued towards Sandbach.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Middlewich

Once the bus had gone we walked up At Michaels way onto Newton Bank. As we got to the food van by the Golden Lion Matthew decided he wanted to go the the toilet. We went to the pub but as it was still early the pub was still closed. We crossed over the road and we went to the Morrison's store. When Matthew had finished we attempted to but a bottle of pop but they hadn't got any bottle in the fridge by the cigarette counter that Matthew would actually drink! We crossed back over the road and we sat down at the food van in the pub car park. Matthew had a bacon bap washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked onto the A54 on the Western edge of town. We found the bus stop using Google Maps is there was an actual physical stop on either side of the road. We looked at google for the next bus departure and we had around 20 minutes to wait. Matthew sat of the grass verge in the sunshine and chilled whilst we waited for the bus. Around 20 minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 3159 on a #37A to Sandbach.

Arriva NW&W 3159 in Middlewich

We got on the bus and we Flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto A530 and we ranaround the one-way system before turning left onto the A54. After a brief stop at the main bis stop we turned right onto the A533. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A533. We ran alongside of the canal and into Sandbach through Elworth. We turned left Hightown and at the next roundabout we ran forwards on Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3159 before it returned to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 3159 in Sandbach

Matthew went to the toilet and on the way back we visited McColls. He brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars as well as a drumstick lolly. We came out off the shop and back to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 4490 on a #38 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4490 in Sandbach

We let this Crewe bus go and we found a shady spot in which to sit. Matthew had a bottle of Fanta orange and ate his drumstick lolly. Whilst we waited for the next bus to Crewe we saw Arriva NW&W 4489 on a #38 to Macclesfield. I nipped to the toilet and we sat in the shade until just before the bus was due. A few minutes later we saw the bus drive around the common. It was dud Arriva NW&W 2611 on a #37 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 2611 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and we Flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the common and we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2611 as it continued towards Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 2611 in Haslington

Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the stop opposite to wait for the next #3 towards Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 4490 on a #38 to Macclesfield. A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67648 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67648 in Haslington

We got on the bus and we booked a First Potteries Network Day ticket at £7. We also brought a single to the the Staffordshire border which cost an astonishing £5. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along Crewe Road. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran forwards onto the B5077. We continued through Radway Green into Alsager and we continued along the B5077. We crossed over the A34 and we ran down the A50 towards Kidsgrove. Once we crossed into Staffordshire we got up and got off the bus. We watched the bus continue Southwards and we walked towards Kidsgrove town centre. As we headed towards the railway bridge uncle Dave pointed out the canal tavern which uncle Dave had taken a picture of on a previous occasion. This prompted Matthew to decided he wanted to visit the pub. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we got a glass of Coke and we sat outside on a bench by the canal. Once we had finished the drinks we returned the glasses to the bar and we set off along the canal towards Kidsgrove. We came off the canal onto the car park at Kidsgrove railway station and we walked onto the A50. We turned We walked to the junction and we turned right onto The Avenue. We decided we would catch a 4A to Hanley. There was a bus due in a few minutes so we chilled out at the bus stop until it turned up. A short while later we saw the bus come around the corner and it was First Potteries 65732 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 65732 in Kidsgrove

We got on the bus and place the First Potteries Newtwork Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along The Avenue. We turned left onto Lower Ash Road and right onto Mitchell Avenue. We turned left onto Harecastle Avenue and we turned left onto The A34. We ran up to the traffic lights and we crossed over the junction on Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto Swan Bank and we turned left onto Chester Road. We ran around the estate and we Ashenough Road. We turned left onto Monument Road and left onto High Street. We ran down to the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Talke Road. We ran through Red Street and we saw a few minibuses at the community centre including FN08 AXK. We continued down Crackley Bank to Dragon Square and into Chesterton. We ran down the High Street and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we joined the Southbound A34. We ran through Milehouse and as we headed towards Newcastle we were passed by Abbott's of Leeming coach XL13 AOL. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and we entered Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we set off onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran into Hanley and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went down to the appropriate stop to wait for a bus to Adderley Green. Matthew had a can of Coke and a chocolate bar whilst we waited for the next bus. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67633 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67633 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the First Potteries Network Day ticket under the scanner for the final time for today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and down the hill past the car park. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we walked down the side of the depot. At the back of the depot was First Potteries 67647.

First Potteries 67647 in Adderley Green

Also in the depot was First Potteries 32635 with a damaged bumper and no destination blind.

First Potteries 32635 in Adderley Green

We walked along the footpath behind the housing estate and back to the car. Once at the car we set off through the housing estate and past Lidl onto the A5272. We ran past the bus garage and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up and over the hill and down into Longton. We turned left onto Market Street and we followed the one-way system around onto Commerce Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto The Strand and we ran through Longton and under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew decided he wanted to go to the shop when we got out of the car so he brought a can of Coke and a Milky Way. We returned to the residential unit and we went upstairs to his room. We said goodbye and Matthew chilled out on his computer. For tea Matthew had chicken nuggets and chips followed by a Manchester Tart. Later on Matthew went out. We went downstairs and he got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street amd we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield Street and the taxi stopped near to the bus station. We set off on foot up Lichfield Street and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Trinity Street and we turned right onto Foundry Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a drink of Coke and spent an hour or two listening to music and dancing. When it was time to go home we walked along Foundry Street. We turned left onto Trinity Street and right onto Stafford Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and we called for a taxi. We were picked up by an Intercity taxi. We ran along Birch Terrace and forwards onto Charles Street. We turned right onto Old Hall Street and we turned right onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran forwards onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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 Northwich 30-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2616	Northwich Interchange	Northwich, Iron Bridge (SW-bound)	1	Arriva NW&W
2610	Northwich, Iron Bridge (NE-bound)	Northwich Interchange	1	Arriva NW&W
2515	Northwich Interchange	Wharton, nr Wharton Gardens	31	Arriva NW&W
4040	Wharton, opp Wharton Gardens	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W
3346	Northwich Interchange	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	37	Arriva NW&W
2516	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Northwich to try and ride on the last 2 Olympians that we hadn't been on before they are withdrawn from service. We checked the weather the night before and it was for cool cloudy weather around 6'. Matthew got up around 11:00 and he had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:15 and we headed to heron cross passing Lightning travel FD53 UNX on our way. We got onto the A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. When we reached the motorway it was a little slow so we decided to come off at the next junction and drive through Sandbach. This also gave us chance to see some buses on the #37 service as we went. Between Sandbach and Middlewich we passed one of the Ex Runcorn Cadets. It was Arriva NW&W 2516 on a Sandbach Short #37. We stopped at the country Kitchen food van for dinner and whilst we were there I saw a unidentified double decker heading to Crewe on a #37. I did consider waiting for the next northbound bus to come passed but I worked out it was going to be 2516 anyhow. We carried on up the A533 into Northwich and parked up. There were required Centros on the #37 and #29A but Matthew didn't fancy them. We also saw Network Warrington 60 on the #45 service.

Network Warrington 60 in Northwich

Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a look what was about to work. Unusually, there was also a Centro on the #1. It was unrequired Arriva NW&W 2616, but Matthew decided he wanted to do this anyway so he got a picture of 2616 before we boarded to bus.

Arriva NW&W 2616 in Northwich

We booked our Arriva Daysavers and sat down near the back. This is a bus we first had back in January when we had it around Leftwich on the #29A. We did the bus to the iron bridge as we do when we catch the #1 and we got off and got another picture.

Arriva NW&W 2616 by the iron bridge

We crossed the road to wait for the next inbound #1. We only had to wait a couple of minutes and required Arriva 2610 made an appearance. We got on and sat down near the back. The bus was nearly empty and the journey back was swift. When we reached Northwich Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2610

We got off and he also got a picture of the bus of the outside too.

Arriva NW&W 2610 in Northwich

We had a short wait for the next batch of services. We knew 2516 was on it's way up and was going to work an #29A soon. W then saw another ex Runcorn Cadet 2515 on the #31 service so we decided to do this. We also saw GHA YJ04 BVB on a #82 to Chester.

GHA YJ04 BVB in Northwich

After we got a picture of the GHA bus we got a picture of Arriva 2515 and then got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2515 in Northwich

We got on and as the bus was lightly loaded Matthew photographed the inside of the bus too

Inside Arriva NW&W 2515

We sat near the back and we set off at 14:15. The bus seemed really nice for a 55 reg bus. It was better than the 54 reg Cadets and better than the centros too. As we passed by Davenham we saw an as yet unidentified Northern Counties double decker. We thought that there was a 50% chance of being 3346 (forgetting there were 3 of these type) so we knew we had head back to Northwich. We carried on to Wharton Gardens where we knew both the #31 and #37 go along. We got off and then matthew got anothr picture of this fine bus.

Arriva NW&W 2515 near Wharton Gardens

We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. There was a #31 at 14:50 and the was a #37 at 15:01. We had a little picnic at the bus stop. We shared a Galaxy caramel and Matthew had a small bottle of cherryade. As we waited we saw a Pegasus Coaches coach J941 JWP which was on its way to Everton for the football match and it stopped in the distance. After a short while it approached and Matthew got a picture of it.

Pegasus Coaches J941 JWP near Wharton Gardens

14:50 came and went. There was a driver waiting for a driver change so we knew the bus was imminent. The bus arrived at 1458 and it was dud. As we waited to get on the bus we spotted a double decker in the distance. We thougt that it was proabably going to be on the #37 so we decided to turn down 2501. It turned out to be a good move as the bus was ALX400 DAF 4040. It was a bus that we had only done once before back in May 2012 to Nantwich. Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus as it was empty behind us when we got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4040

The run up to Northwich was swift, and as we pulled around the corner we could see a double decker waiting. The gamble had paid off, it was required Arriva 3346. We got off and then got a picture of 4040.

Arriva NW&W 4040 in Northwich

I asked the driver of 3346 if he was due off at 1530 and he was. This gave us 10 minutes to go to the toilet before coming back and getting a picture of 3346.

Arriva NW&W 3346 in Northwich

We got on and went upstairs. The driver said that these buses have around 2 weeks left before they were being replaced. Matthew also got his inside bus picture too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3346

We set off South and I asked Matthew where he wanted to end the day Sandbach or Northwich. Matthew chose Northwich so we decided to go just South of Middlewich on 3346 and then catch a bus back. We passed Olympian 3334 on a Northbound #31 and then we passed 4156 between Winsford and Middlewich. At this point we knew we would be returning on required Cadet 2516. We passed around the back of Middlewhich as there are still diversions on around town due to roadworks. As soon as we got back on route and to a place with stops both sides of the road we got of to wait for 2516. We only ad to wait about 2 minutes and 2516 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2516 South of Middlewich

The bus was empty when we got on and so Matthew got a picture inside too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2516

We set off north and in Winsford we saw 2608 on a #31, which means it must have swapped with 3334. Sure enough we passed 3334 just outside Winsford. We also passed 4040 coming south around the Brighton Belle pub. We got to Northwich a little after 17:10 and matthew got another picture of 2516.

Arriva NW&W 2516 in Northwich

We then walked back to car and we drove to the nearby Co-operative food store. We went around the shop and Matthew brought some Coca Cola and some Milky Ways and a chocolate Gateau. After paying for the shopping Matthew visited the toilet before we got back in the car. We drove home listening to the Everton Stoke game and Matthew ate a sausage roll. Everton took the lead after Mirales went passed a couple of stoke player and then beat Begovic! We traveled along the A556 and then onto the Southbound M6. We did this down to the A500 and to Longton on the A50. At Z carz tonight there were quite a few vehicles. At the back was LDV minibus YN03 HJC. First on the front row was coach V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Then was Iveco HX51 HRU.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

Next was minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row where there was a VW transporter DX55 WGE.

Z Carz DX55 WGE in Longton

We ten headed home down Longton Hall Road. We passed First Potteries 40015 on a #22 and in Blurton we saw First Potteries 53830 on a #23A.

First Potteries 53830 in Blurton

We got home around 19:00 and Matthew had a late a of battered burger and chips. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime around 12:00...Mark