Trip to Birkenhead / West Kirby 29-02-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4531	Birkenhead BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	437	Arriva NW&W
27776	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	Heswall BS	22	Stagecoach Merseyside
36816	Heswall BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station	22	Stagecoach Merseyside
27898	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	Moreton, Knutsford Road	413	Stagecoach Merseyside
2953	Moreton, Knutsford Road	New Brighton, Marine Promenade Adj Rowson Street	414	Arriva NW&W
2599	New Brighton, Morrisons (Stop B)	Birkenhead BS	411	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Birkenhead. Matthew had originally chosen to go to Southport this weekend, but during the week he changed his mind and decided to go to Birkenhead instead. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around 11:30 We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive a and we stopped to pick up a friend. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran up to Heron Cross. we joined the Westbound A50. We ran up to Sideway and we turned left onto the Southbound A500. As we travelled down the A500 we saw silver minibus BEZ 5791. We got on the M6 at junction 15 and we headed Northwards. Seen on the M6 were A2B B18 MGL, an unidentified Lakeside tri-axle, 2 x unidentified Swans (Chadderton) unbranded on side, white tri-axle coach YT19 ???. We ran past junction 17 and the site of the new petrol station and McDonalds. We continued Northwards up the M6 and we saw Travel De Courcey MD38 (#540), Unidentified black and silver coach 'Beat The ?', Edwards BV67 JYC(#528), unidentified white midi coach with blue roof, an unidentified white coach black roof, and Llew Jones LJ67 LLJ (#375). We came off the M6 at junction 20 and we joined the Westbound M56. Seen on the M56 were an unidentified Selwyn's coach, an unidentified Woodstones coach and biege minibus MK09 CYP. Seen on the M53 were West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ69 ECX / YJ69 ECZ / YJ69 EBX and silver minibus BF15 JYG. We came off the M53 at junction 3 and we turned right onto the A552. We ran up towards town, and we veered left onto Woodchurch Road. We turned right onto Balls Road East and we re-joined the A552. We turned left onto Whetstone Lane and right on to Claughton Road. we ran into the centre of town and we parked up by the bus station. Once out of the car we spotted Arriva NW&W 2908 on a #413 to Seaconmbe.

Arriva NW&W 2908 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked into the market and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked into the indoor part of the market hall and we went to Kev's Cafe. For dinner Matthew had a sausage sandwich washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we waited for the food to be prepared I walked to the travel office in the bus station and I purchased All Area Saveaway tickets at £5.50 each. My old Walrus cards didn't work so they were replaced by new Metro ones. Once we had finished eating we walked into the bus station and we took a few pictures whilst we waited for a bus to West Kirby. We saw Arriva NW&W 4518 on a #407 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4518 in Birkenhead bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 4531 on a #437 to West Kirby.

Arriva NW&W 4531 in Birkenhead bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked down the bus station and got on the bus. We placed the Metro passes on the ticket machine and we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Conway Street. We ran North Westwards out of town and past the end of Dale Street near to Birkenhead Park railway station. We continued onto Laird Street past the Arriva depot and we turned left onto Mallby Street. We turned right onto Park Road North and we ran through Claughton. We continued onto Upton Road and we crossed over the M53 near to Upton railway station. We turned right onto Ford Road and into Upton town centre. We continued out of the other side onto Old Greasby Road and forwards onto the B5139. We turned left onto Greasby Road and we ran through the village before re-joining the B5139. We continued through Frankby and Newtown and we ran forwards onto Greenbank Road. We past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and the bus emptied out. Matthew took a picture inside Inside Arriva NW&W 4531 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4531

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we took a few pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 4520 on a #437 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4520 in West Kirby

We crossed back over the road and we visited the library in order for Matthew to use the toilet. After we had been to the facilities we walked back to the bus stop and we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 on a #22 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 in West Kirby

We got on and we put the Metro cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A540 and we turned left onto Orrysdale Road. We ran forwards onto Anglesey Road and we turned sharp right by West Kirby football club. We ran along Greenbank Road and forwards onto the B5139. We passed through Newton and Frankby and we turned right onto Greasby Road. We ran through Greasby Road and forwards onto Arrow Road. We ran forwards onto Arrowe Brook Road before turning right onto the A551. We turnbed right into Arrowe park hospital and we stopped briefly before continuing South through Thingwall. We continued Southwards through Pensby and into Heswall. We turned left onto the A540 and left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 as it continued towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 in Heswall bus station

As we stood at the bus station we looked to see if there were any buses on the local bus map. We spotted that Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 was on it's way into Heswall on a #22 to West Kirby. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he agreed. As we walked up to the top end of the bus station the bus pull in and came on Stand. Matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 before we got on it.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36816 in Heswall bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the Northbound A540 and we turned right onto the B5138. We ran past the Harvest Mouse with it's windmill and we turned left onto Irby Road. We turned right onto Thingwall Road and left onto Mill Hill Road. We ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we turned left onto Greasby Road. We turned left onto Frankby Road. We continued Westwards along the B5139 and we saw Selwyn's 147 parked up in a school. We continued onto Greenbank Road and we past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the road and we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. We went outside and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 on a #38 to the Croft Retail Park.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 in West Kirby

We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up the Northbound A540 and we continued up to Hoylake. We followed the road through Meols and over the railway line. We continued into Moreton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 before it continued on towards Croft Retail Park.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27898 in Moreton

Once off the bus we visited Tesco Express. Matthew brought a small can of Coke and a few chocolate bars. When we had finished we went out to the bus stop to wait for a bus back Eastwards. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 3180 on a on a #413 to Birkenhead Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 3180 in Moreton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2953 on a #414 to New Brighton. We got on the bus and we placed the Metro tickets on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A553 and we continued to the other end of Moreton. We turned left onto Reeds Lane and we ran past Leasowe railway station. We turned right onto Birket Avenue and left onto Castleway South. We turned right onto Twickenham Drive and we ran forwards onto Gardenside. We turned right onto Leasowe Road and we headed Eastwards. We turned right onto Breck Road and left onto Wallasey Road. We ran into Liscard and we turned left onto Seaview Road. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant Road and left onto Seabank Road. We ran forwards onto Rowson Street and left onto King's Parade where we got up an got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we visited Morrison's. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards went to the cafe. He had a slice of Victoria Sponge washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we walked outside to wait for a bus back towards Birkenhead. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2599 on a #411 to Birkenhead.

Arriva NW&W 2599 in New Brighton

We got on the bus and we place the Metro ticket on the scanner for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along King's Parade and we turned right onto Rowson Street. We ran forwards onto Seabank Road. We continued Southwards and we ran forwards onto King Street. We ran forwards onto Brighton Street and we turned left onto Church Road. We ran into the Seacombe Ferry terminal and we came back out again. We turned left onto Birkenhead Road and we ran Southwards. At the roundabout we turned left onto Canning Street. We continued onto Tower Road and we turned left onto Canning Street. We veered Left onto Hamilton Street and we enter the Birkenhead Woodside terminal. After a brief stop we headed onto Argyle Street. We ran past Hamilton Square and at the roundabout we turned right onto Conway Street. We veered left and we entered Birkenhead bus station. Once off the bus we had a walk around and we took a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 2545 on a #410 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked to the East end of the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 4107 on a #464 to New Ferry.

Arriva NW&W 4107 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked back to the other end of the bus station and we met up with mum and her friend at the car. We got in the car and mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park onto Claughton Road and we turned left onto the A5029. We turned right onto the A552 and we ran Westwards to the motorway. We joined the Southbound M53 and we joined the Eastbound M56. was an unidentified white minibus, Arvonia MX13 XGV and an unidentified silver minibus. Sen on the M6 were Suffolk Norse FJ59 CBU and Travel De Courcey MD27(#325) A500 to the A519. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we joined the Southbound A34. We turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the railway into Blurton and forwards into Dresden. We went to Longton to check out what was parked at Z Carz this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground again and we turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Ford minibus DC12 KNG in the corner of the yard. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Birkenhead 15-09-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4099	Birkenhead BS	Moreton, nr Bermuda Road	407	Arriva North West & Wales
30243	Moreton, nr Bermuda Road	Birkenhead BS	38	First Manchester
3123	Birkenhead BS	King's Parade, New Brighton	410	Arriva North West & Wales
3129	King's Parade, New Brighton	Birkenhead, nr Hamilton Square	410	Arriva North West & Wales

Today we finally got to take a trip to Birkenhead. We had planned to go on the 1st of September, but we decided to cover the last day of Bakerbus operation on the #350 service and we put down Birkenhead on Matthew's planner for today instead. In the 2 weeks that had passed, quite a few changes had taken place in the Wirral. First Manchester had had some step entranced Olympians from South Yorkshire which seem to be for the #38 service, and Arriva had received a new batch of Pulsar 2's which were being loaned out to cover the Olympics. We checked the weather for today and the weather was going to be dry with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:20 and we had planned on leaving around 11:30. It took a little longer than anticipated to get ready and we left home around 12:20. We stopped at Longtport for LPG and then we continued North on the A500. As we travelled North we passed MIB 246 going South presumably on football duties. We got to the top of the A500 and then onto the M6. Traffic was heavy and we made relatively slow progress up to the M56 and then it was plain sailing. We did the M56 west to the M53 and then we did this to Junction 3 and came into Birkenhead from the West side of town. As we went along the A552 we saw Arriva 4097 heading into Liverpool on a #471 service. We saw 4050 going in the opposite direction. We got into town and parked by the bus station a little after 14:00. For dinner we went to the burger van inside the Market by the carousel. After we consumed 2 bacon baps and 1 sausage bap between us we headed off to the bus station. As we approached we saw a First Manchester double decker on stand 1 on a #38 service. As we approached it pulled off and it was one of then new arrivals at Rock Ferry 30243. Matthew said he wanted to do that bus and so we hatched a plan. I went to get the #38 timetable, and Matthew took a few pictures whilst we waited. One such bus was Arriva Gemini 4202.

Arriva NW&W 4202 in Birkenhead bus station

I looked at the Saturday timetable and I saw it was a 30 minute frequency and so it would be quite a wait to follow it up. Arriva Daf 2409 appeared in the bus station.

Arriva NW&W 2409 in Birkenhead bus station

Whilst we were still wondering what we could do about following 30243, required Arriva 4097 appeared on a #407 service To Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4097 in Birkenhead bus station

This was followed by required Arriva 4099 on a Moreton bound #407 service. We decided to do this bus, and if we were lucky, we might make 30243 coming back out of West Kirby. We used our Saveaway scratch cards and boarded the bus. We went upstairs and settled down for the run to Morteon. We had never been on this service before so we didn't know the route so we just had to look out where we were going. The route was familiar for the most part, Straight along A553. As we travelled toward Moreton we passed First Manchester 30839 going towards new Ferry. The bus then does a circle around Moreton. Turning right at the big roundabout, it travels through a housing estate before getting back on the Hoylake Road West of Moreton, now running as a Liverpool service. Matthew got a picture of the near empty top deck of this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4099

When the bus stopped on the Hoylake Road we decided to get off as we should now be on the #38 route.

Arriva NW&W 4099 in Moreton

It was around 15:10 and there was a #38 due at 15:18. There should have been an Avon Mill Park service and also a #423 to Seacombe Ferry. We didn't see either of those whilst we waited, but we did see an Impera Dart 2511 on the #39 New Brighton to West Kirby service, and First Manchester 30246 going the other way on a #38.

First Manchester 30246 in Moreton

Eventually, our bus arrived and it was 30243 that we had missed earlier.

First Manchester 30243 in Moreton

We went upstairs on this bus ans after we sat down we saw a few buses coming the other way. We passed 4038 on a #407 service. And we saw First Manchester 30837 coming the other way. The bus empties out a little as we approached the bus station and Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside First Manchester 30243

We eventually got back to Birkenhead and we had about 5 minutes before the next #38 to West Kirby. Matthew considered catching some other buses such as Arriva 2460 on a Clatterbridge service, and 4421 on a Liverpool service. He also got a picture on First Manchester 60005 on a #41 to Mill Park.

First Manchester 60005 in Birkenhead bus station

The #38 was a Scania and Matthew didn't fancy doing that today. We then saw a new Pulsar on a #410 and he decided he wanted to do that.

Arriva NW&W 3123 approaches Birkenhead bus station

We got on and settled down for the journey. It wasn't very full and it was quite a nice journey on this nearly new bus. We Arrived at New Brighton and Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus. We then got a picture of the outside too before crossing the road to go and visit Morrisons. Weused the facilities and then Matthew had his favourite lemon merringue pie and a cup of Coke in the cafe. After having this quick snack matthew took us a round the supermarket to buy a few things too. We then went outside and sat on a rock whilst we waited for a bus back. Arriva 4421 arrived from Liverpool on a #433 service.

Arriva NW&W 4421 in New Brighton

Arriva 'Golfish bowl' 2451 came in from Birkenhead and then went out of service. Also coming in Liverpool was Arriva 4000, which was on a #432 service.

Arriva NW&W 4000 in New Brighton

Eventually another new Pulsar 2 appeared on a #410 service, which was required 3129.

Arriva NW&W 3129 in New Brighton

We decided to do this bus, and because it was around 17:05 we assumed it was a Clatterbridge service. We stopped at the side of Wilkinson's and then carried on past the bus station as it was on a Woodside service. We got off around the corner near to Hamilton Square.

Arriva NW&W 3129 in Birkenhead

As we walked back we saw Arriva 2453 and then Avon 923.

Avon 923 in Birkenhead

We me back up with mum and then headed to the car. Matthew decided he wanted to got to the toilet, but as the green 'tardis' by the bus station was closed I drove to Conway park station to use the toilets there. We flashed our saveaway tickets to the lady on the barrier and then used the toilet before retuning to the car. We then had our customary sausage rolls in the car. It was now nearly 18:00 as we set off home.We travelled home down the A41, and we we passed Eastham we saw a Helms of Eastham Volvo going the other way and I realised this was 'the' Eastham where Helms are based! We got onto the M53 and then onto the Eastbound M56. As we joined the M6 we soon caught up with a couple of coaches. One of the coaches Bowens XTJ 802 and Matthew got a picture out of the window. The other one was which was a white coach was possible XTJ 817. We got onto the A500 and this time we went straight home as we were a little later than usual returning. We got back in the house around 19:20. After having fish finger sandwiches for supper, we settled down in front of the telly before bedtime...Mark