Trip to Leicester / Oadby 30-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4109	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, adj Alexandra Court	31	Arriva Midlands
37045	Oadby, Adj Lidl	Leicester Haymarket BS	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
63364	Leicester Haymarket BS	Rushey Mead, adj Braemer Drive	4	First Leicester
2939	Rushey Mead, Adj Sainsbury's	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
26204	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Lidl	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4202	Oadby, adj The Wheel Inn	Leicester Haymarket BS	31	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We made the choice earlier in the week based on the availability of a multi-operator tickets and lower rates over Covid in recent times. We checked the weather and it was for dry and unseaonably warm weather for the time of year. What I hadn't researched was the fact the Leicester were at home to Arsenal in the 12:30 kick off! We got up around 10:30 and we had tost for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 11:30 to pick up uncle Dave. 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 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. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blutron Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we turned left onto Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco to fill up with diesel and we re-joined the A50. Just before we went down the slip road we saw D&G Bus 50 on a #24 to Hanley. We ran Eastwards up towards Blyth bridge and we follwed the A50 to the right. We ran past Uttoxter and towards the M1. As we travelled Eastwards we saw silver taxi minibus MD17 ???, Flixbus FX25(023),Emenence Travel BV70 UAL and Global Travel T5 XLA. A couple of miles short of the M1 the car started making a noise from the back and the handling started to changed. I quickly realised that we had a rear puncture and we found somewhere safe to pull over on the exit of the gravel quarries. Everyone got out of the car and I changed the tyre. Whilst I was changing the tyre City Cabs DG55 FLK go past. The tyre change was straight forwards so we got going again in around 20 minutes. We got back underway and we joined the Southbound M1. As we travelled Southwards we saw Skills (NX) BX16 CHG(#450). We came off the M1 and we joined the A50. We ran into town and on the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We did a u-turn and we ran up towards the bus station and into the car park. We parked up and we walked through the shopping centre to the bus station. We went tuse the toilets in the bus station but these are currently closed. So we headed back into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilets there. After we had used the toilets we said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. Matthew took a few bus pictures whilst I get the burgers from the food place outside the bus station. We saw Arrive Midlands 2954 on a #6 to Thurmaston.

Arriva Midlands 2954 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was First Leicester 35152 on a #14A to Beaumont Leys.

First Leicester 35152 in Leicester bus station

Afterwards we saw Centebus 253 on a #22A to Birstall.

Centebus 253 in Leicester bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva Midlands 3107 on a #44A to South Wigston.

Arriva Midlands 3107 in Leicester bus station

Once the burger were ready we stood at the end of the bus station and ate our burgers. We walked through bus station to see what we could catch. Matthew took an interest in Arriva Midlands double decker 4109 that was about to work a #31 to Oadby. It was not due off for another few minutes so we walked down to the bottom end of the bus station to be outside in the fresh air. Whilst outside we saw Arriva Midlands 4505 on a #49 to Fleckney.

Arriva Midlands 4505 in Leicester bus station

We walked back into the bus station and the driver was getting Arriva Midlands 4109 ready for service, so Matthew took a picture before we got onboard.

Arriva Midlands 4109 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Flexi Day tickets at £4.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down before the bus pulled ou of the bus station. We turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles before turning The Parade. We continued onto Leiceter Road and just on the other side of the roundabout on London Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up New Street and headed up to the A6. We walked past the supermarket, which used to be a Wiatrose before it closed on our last visit. It is now re=opened as a Starbucks and Lidl. We waited at the stop outside of Lidl for the next bus towards Leicester. We checked on the map and saw Stagecoach Midlands Enviro200 37045 was about 15 minutes away to the South of us. We decided to have a drink whilst we waited. We had a can of Coke each, and we also saw Arriva Midlands 26207 on a X7 service to Market Harborough. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Midlands 37045 on a X7 to Leicester as expected.

Stagecoach Midlands 37045 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. before entering the bus station before we got up and got off the bus. We want to catch something quickly, and we decided to have a walk up and down to see what we could do. As we walked up the stand, Matthew saw First Leicester 63364 on a #4 Rushey Mead circular which we decided to do.

First Leicester 63364 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which had lights in place ready for Diwali. As we travelled Northwards we passed Central coaches P25 GJR and NIB 8179 coming the other way. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Gipsy Lane. As we turned left to follow Gipsy Lane we went past the rather impressive Hindu temple. We ran forwards onto Barkby Road and just before the railway bridge we turned left onto Wyvern Avenue. I decided to research what we could do to get beck to leicester. We could come back on another #4 or we could walk over to the A607 and catch either a #5 or #6 back to town. We ran forwards onto Gleneagle Avenue and as we approached Troon Way we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Leicester 63364 at it continued towards the end of the run.

First Leicester 63364 in Rushey Mead

On the other side of the road we saw First Leicester 63365 on another #4 followed by Centrebus 314 on a #40 city circular service. We decided to walk over to the A607 and catch something Arriva back into town. We set off along Gleneagles Avenue and we turned left onto Nicklaus Road. We turned left onto Troon Way and we followed the wide pedestrian pathway alongside this main road. We walked past Sainsbury's and when we got to the A607 we crossed over Troon way to get to the Southbound bus stop. We waited at the stop and we had a look on the map. In the distance we saw an Arrive double decker approaching. It was due in around 10 minutes. A few minutes later we were surprised by an Arriva single decker that wasn't showing on the map. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the approaching bus and he said yes. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 2939 on a #6 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2939 in Rushey Mead

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off down the A607 and we ran back through the bustling Golden Mile area of Leicester. We passed the big whell and we ran into the centre of Leicester. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw there was a X7 to Northampton due ain a few minutes and we could see a bus on layover further up the bus station. A few minutes later the bus approached the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a X7 to Northampton.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Lidl. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew had wanted to go further on the bus, but with us starting out a bit late and the car having a flat tyre, this would not be practicle to do today. We crossed over the A6 and we decided to visit the Lidl Store. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brough a couple of small bottles of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. We decided to catch a #31 back towards Leicester, which in hindsight might not have been the best idea. The route of the #31 has changed since the last time we did the bus South of Oadby! We walked down New Street onto London Road and we crossed over to look at the bus towards Leicester. The first stop we found said stop out of use, and we concluded the route must have changed so that the entire run to the South of Oadby town centre was a large circular end. We decided to cross over and go Southwards around the loop. We waited outside THe Wheel Inn pub and we saw there was a bus due at 17:20. We could not see what the bus was going to be as I guess the route data is not on bustimes.org. Whilst we waited Matthew had one of the Crunchie bars from the bag. A few minutes later the bus turn up and it was dud Arriva Midlands 4202 on a #31 to Leicster.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus ran Southwards down London Road and we turned left onto the Northbound A6. We turned right onto Uplands Road and left into Launde Road. We turned right onto Copse Close and forwards onto Severn Road. We ran forwards onto Ullswater Drive and left onto Hunters Way. We turned left onto Beaufort Way and right onto Florence Wragg Way. We turned right onto the A6 and we ran North for around 1/3 mile. As we ran up the A6 we were passed by Grey minicoach LN17 LKJ. We turned left onto Ash Tree Road. We turned left onto Glen Way and right onto Park Crescent. We turned left onto Coombe Rise and we ran around a loop and left onto Ridge Way. We Headed Westwards and forwards onto Howdon Road. We turned right onto Briar Walk and at the end we turned left onto Rosemead Drive. We crossed the B582 and ran onto Brabazon Road. We turned right onto Chestnut Avenue and into the centre of Oadby. We turned left onto The Parade and we paused for a short while before continuing North to the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street and into Haymarket Bus Station. We got up and got off the bus and we met up with mum. Matthew decided he wanted to visit the arcade for a short time. We then took a few more bus pictures before going back towards the car. We saw Arriva Midlands 4107 parked up in the layover spaces.

Arriva Midlands 4107 in Leicester bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and we went to use the toilet but it had been taken out of use for cleaning. We met up with mum and uncle Dave and we went back to the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We paid for the parking and we set off out of the carpark onto Belgrave Gate. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto the Northbound A6. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the Northbound A50. As we have done before we missed the junction where the road veers to the right so we ended uo on Fosse Road North heading Southwards! We veered right onto Henley Road and we turned right onto Aikman Avenue. We decided to follow a different Sat Nav, and that also took us back to the A50 via a chip shop! We turned right onto Pinder Road and we ran down to the roundabout where the chip shop was situated. We parked up and I fetch the chips and Matt and mum went to the Londis next door. Matthew had a chocolate bar and a bottle of Coke. I came back with the chips. Matthew sat in the car and ate sausage, chips and gravy washed down with the bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating onto Stephenson Drive and we ran down to the end. We turned left onto Fosse Road North and we turned left onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through the darkness. As we headed West we saw blue minibus NV67 MUY and an unidentified Flixbus on the #023 service. We continued through Meir and Longton an 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. 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 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 Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 20:45. 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 Leicester / Thurmaston 28-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2528	Leicester Haymarket BS	Thurmaston, Asda	6	Arriva Midlands
2938	Thurmaston, Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
28629	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4502	Oadby, Opp Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands
63379	Leicester Haymarket BS	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	26	First Leicester
32646	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	Leicester Haymarket BS	26	First Leicester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Leicester. We hope that this bus was going to be First South Yorkshire 63379 which is currently on loan to Leicester. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw First Potteries 67665 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67665 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran Eastwards for around 40 miles and we got onto the Southbound M1. junction and we ran the final 8 miles or so into Leicester. On the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Road and right onto Ravensbridge Drive. We joined St Margaret's Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. As we passed the bus station we saw Kinch Bus 649 on a #2 to Loughborough. We turned right onto Abbey Street and left into Gardens Street. We went into the Abbey Street car park and we found a space and parked up. Once we had parked we went down to the ground floor and onto Abbey Street. We turned right onto Belgrave Gate and we crossed over the road. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26225 on a #48 to Coventry. Once in the bus station we headed to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. Mum queued up at the food counter by Holland Park Amusements and Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw First Leicester 66841 on a #18 to Bruanstone. Once the food was ready we took it in to the bus station and sat down to eat it. Matthew had a bacon and sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we looked for a bus to catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2528 on a #6 to Thurmaston. We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which still had most of the lights still in place from Diwali. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto Silverdale Drive and we followed the road to the right. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Beacon Avenue. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we followed the road around. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and left onto Highway Road. We turned left onto Barkby Thorpe Lane and we got up and got off the bus outside the Thurmaston shopping centre. Once off the bus Matthew expressed a wish to visit a toilet. There was a nearby Marks & Spencers foodhall so we visited there. After Matthew had been the toilet we brought some caterpillar sweets which had been reduced as they were for Halloween and a bottle of Coke. After we had paid for the good we returned to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The bus does a u-turn at the roundabout and afterwards stops on the opposite side of the road from where we got off. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew ate a few of the caterpillars. We saw a bus approaching and we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 2938 a #6 to Leicester Haymarket. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Barkby Thorpe Lane and we turned right onto Highway Road. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and we followed it around to the end. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we headed Southwards. At the end of Sandiacre Drive we turned right onto Beacon Avenue. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Silverdale Drive. We followed the road Southwards and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto the A607 and we headed Southwards through the Golden Mile. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw First Leicester 66805 on a #38A to Thurnby Lodge. A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 28629 on a X7 to Market Harborough. We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we noticed a sign to say that Waitrose. We looked at the bus stop and the next X3 wasn't due for another 25 minutes. We decided to walk into Oadby to see if we could possibly catch another bus. As we walked away from the stop we saw Centrebus 315 on a #40 circular service. We walked down the B582 and we turned right onto The Parade. we turned right Wigston Road and Brabazon Road. We continued along The Parade through the festivities and we stopped at the Post Office. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had paid foe everything we continued along the Parade until we reached the A6. Ww decided to wait for the X3 which was now due in a few minutes time we looked on the bustime.org live bus map and we could see a bus approaching. The bus appeared a few minutes and as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4502 on a X3 to Leicester St Margarets. We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. we set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street We saw First Leicester 69303 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the bus station and we met up with mum. We told her we were doing one more quick round trip. We spotted required First Leicester 63379 on a #26 to the Beaumont centre. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We turned left onto Abbey Park Road. We ran forwards on to Blackbird we turned right onto Parker Drive. We turned left onto Somerset Drive and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Cheltenham Road and left onto Heacham Drive. After a long run through the estate we ran forwards onto Strasbourg Drive. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Orwell Drive. At the roundabout we turned right onto Rutherford Rood an we stopped at the Beaumont Centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the local pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Matthew expressed a wish to catch a #25 back to Leicester. Whilst we waited we saw First Leicester 66965 on a #74 to Leicester. As we waited we spotted First Leicester double decker 32646 on a #26 to Leicester. We decided to do the double decker so we legged it over to the other stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs. The bus set off along Rutherford Road and we turned left onto Beaumont Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Benion Road. We turned left onto Astill Lodge Road and we ran through the Beaumont estate. We re-joined Benion Road and we turned right onto Knights Road. We turned left onto Madeline Road and we ran past the back of the Walkers Crisps factory. We turned right onto Beaumont Leys Road and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto Belmont Boulevards and left onto Holderness Road. We ran forwards onto Border Drive and we turned left onto Red Hill Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Halifax Road and we turned left onto Thurcaston Road. We crossed over the A6 and we continued along Thurcaston Road. We ran into Belgrave and we stopped at the lights. We turned right onto Loughborough Road and we headed Southward towards the Golden Mile. We turned right onto the A607 and we headed into the city centre. At the roundabout we went under the flyover and forwards onto Belgrave Gate. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 35182 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre. We crossed over Belgrave Gate and we crossed over Abbey Street. We went into the entrance of the car park and we paid for the parking. We got the lift up to the appropriate floor and we got in the car. Mum had brought sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station onto Garden Street and we turned right onto Abbey Street. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto St Margaret's Way. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and we turned left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through. As we headed West. As we came through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Leicester / Oadby 09-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2538	Leicester Haymarket BS	Thurmaston, Asda	6	Arriva Midlands
2525	Thurmaston, Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
27685	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4518	Oadby, Opp Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands
63352	Leicester Haymarket BS	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	26	First Leicester
32645	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	Leicester Haymarket BS	26	First Leicester

Today we had planned on going to Sheffield. Due to the recent bad weather and flooding in the Sheffield area, we decided to go to Leicester instead. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Meir. As we ran the 40 or so miles to the M1 we saw silver minibus PIB 272, grey minibus DA68 ZXX, blue minibus FN55 KTD / FX57 OCW, welfare bus BD11 WSY, 3 unidentified Solus Coaches, an unidentified Drews coach, Birmingham International BJ15 TWD, Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU and Magnum PF64 RJJ. We ran to the end and we joined the Southbound M1. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified white minibus, Skills YN18 AUP & Parks of Hamilton (NX) LSK 832 (#540). We came off the M1 at junction and we ran the final 8 miles or so into Leicester. On the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Road and right onto Ravensbridge Drive. We joined St Margaret's Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. As we passed the bus station we saw Chalfont BV19 XPR. We turned right onto Abbey Street and left into Gardens Street. We went into the Abbey Street car park and we found a space and parked up. Once we had parked we went down to the ground floor and onto Abbey Street. We turned right onto Belgrave Gate and we crossed over the road. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26203 on a #48 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26203 in Leicester bus station

Once in the bus station we headed to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. Mum queued up at the food counter by Holland Park Amusements and Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw First Leicester 69440 on a #18 to Bruanstone.

First Leicester 69440 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was Roberts BU16 UWM on a #303 Birstall Park & Ride service.

Roberts BU16 UWM in Leicester bus station

Once the food was ready we took it in to the bus station and sat down to eat it. Matthew had a bacon and sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we looked for a bus to catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2538 on a #6 to Thurmaston.

Arriva Midlands 2538 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which still had most of the lights still in place from Diwali. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto Silverdale Drive and we followed the road to the right. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Beacon Avenue. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we followed the road around. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and left onto Highway Road. We turned left onto Barkby Thorpe Lane and we got up and got off the bus outside the Thurmaston shopping centre. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2538 before it returned on a #6 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2538 in Thurmaston

Once off the bus Matthew expressed a wish to visit a toilet. There was a nearby Marks & Spencers foodhall so we visited there. After Matthew had been the toilet we brought some caterpillar sweets which had been reduced as they were for Halloween and a bottle of Coke. After we had paid for the good we returned to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The bus does a u-turn at the roundabout and afterwards stops on the opposite side of the road from where we got off. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew ate a few of the caterpillars. We saw a bus approaching and we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 2525. The bus did a u-turn at the roundabout and Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 2525 on a #6 to Leicester Haymarket.

Arriva Midlands 2525 in Thurmaston

We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2525 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2525

We set off along Barkby Thorpe Lane and we turned right onto Highway Road. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and we followed it around to the end. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we headed Southwards. At the end of Sandiacre Drive we turned right onto Beacon Avenue. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Silverdale Drive. We followed the road Southwards and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto the A607 and we headed Southwards through the Golden Mile. We passed the big whell and we ran into the centre of Leicester. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw First Leicester 63106, a recent arrival from Manchester on a #38A to Thurnby Lodge.

First Leicester 63106 in Leicester bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 27685 on a X7 to Market Harborough.

Stagecoach Midlands 27685 in Leicester bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 27685 before it continued South on the towards Milton Keynes.

Stagecoach Midlands 27685 in Oadby

We crossed over the road and we noticed a sign to say that Waitrose had closed permanently on November 3rd. We looked at the bus stop and the next X3 wasn't due for another 25 minutes. We decided to walk into Oadby to see if we could possibly catch another bus. As we walked away from the stop we saw Centrebus 315 on a #40 circular service. We walked down the B582 and we turned right onto The Parade. Due to an event for the switching on of the towns lights. The Parade was closed to all traffic the buses divert down Wigston Road and Brabazon Road. We continued along The Parade through the festivities and we stopped at the Post Office. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had paid foe everything we continued along the Parade until we reached the A6. Ww decided to wait for the X3 which was now due in a few minutes time we looked on the bustime.org live bus map and we could see a bus approaching. The bus appeared a few minutes and as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4518 on a X3 to Leicester St Margarets.

Arriva Midlands 4518 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. we set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the bus station and we met up with mum. We told her we were doing one more quick round trip. We spotted required First Leicester 63352 on a #26 to the Beaumont centre.

First Leicester 63352 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Leicester 63352 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Leicester 63352

We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We turned left onto Abbey Park Road we saw Sihota Coaches FJ06 ZKV parked at the side of the road. We ran forwards on to Blackbird we turned right onto Parker Drive. We turned left onto Somerset Drive and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Cheltenham Road and left onto Heacham Drive. After a long run through the estate we ran forwards onto Strasbourg Drive. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Orwell Drive. At the roundabout we turned right onto Rutherford Rood an we stopped at the Beaumont Centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Leicester 63352 before it returned to Leicester on the #26.

First Leicester 63352 in Beaumont Centre

Once off the bus we walked to the local pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Matthew expressed a wish to catch a #25 back to Leicester. Whilst we waited we saw First Leicester 66962 on a #74 to Leicester.

First Leicester 66962 in Beaumont Centre

As we waited we spotted First Leicester double decker 32645 on a #26 to Leicester.

First Leicester 32645 in Beaumont Centre

We decided to do the double decker so we legged it over to the other stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs. The bus set off along Rutherford Road and we turned left onto Beaumont Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Benion Road. We turned left onto Astill Lodge Road and we ran through the Beaumont estate. We re-joined Benion Road and we turned right onto Knights Road. We turned left onto Madeline Road and we ran past the back of the Walkers Crisps factory. We turned right onto Beaumont Leys Road and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto Belmont Boulevards and left onto Holderness Road. We ran forwards onto Border Drive and we turned left onto Red Hill Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Halifax Road and we turned left onto Thurcaston Road. We crossed over the A6 and we continued along Thurcaston Road. We ran into Belgrave and we stopped at the lights. The bus in front of us was now empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Leicester 32645.

Inside First Leicester 32645

We turned right onto Loughborough Road and we headed Southward towards the Golden Mile. We turned right onto the A607 and we headed into the city centre. At the roundabout we went under the flyover and forwards onto Belgrave Gate. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 35184 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre.

First Leicester 35184 in Leicester bus station

We walked through the bus station towards Belgrave Gate. At the North end we saw Arriva Midlands 3765 on a #14 to New Parks.

Arriva Midlands 3765 in Leicester

We crossed over Belgrave Gate and we crossed over Abbey Street. We went into the entrance of the car park and we paid for the parking. We got the lift up to the appropriate floor and we got in the car. Mum had brought sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station onto Garden Street and we turned right onto Abbey Street. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto St Margaret's Way. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and we turned left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through the darkness. As we headed West we saw an Afford rent-a-car YO19 AZC, 3 unidentified Solus Coaches, 2 unidentified Silverdale coaches, blue minibus FL04 WXJ. As we came through Meir we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 797 at the depot. We came off the A50 and Longton and we went to the Z Carz depot. We passed the Lucky Seven depot and we saw Lucky Seven SJ16 EOV. We turned left onto Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW.

Z Carz LJ07 PXW in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:06. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark.

Trip to Leicester / South Wigston 13-04-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4202	Leicester Haymarket BS	South Wigston, South Leicestershire College	47	Arriva Midlands
4203	South Wigston, South Leicestershire College	Leicester Haymarket BS	44	Arriva Midlands
66963	Leicester Haymarket BS	Braunstone, Hallam Crescent East	18	First Leicester
66974	Braunstone, Caldecote Road	Leicester Haymarket BS	18	First Leicester
28624	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4209	Oadby, Adj Waitrose	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We wanted somewhere a little further afield now that we are on BST and that we hadn't been very often. We gave Matthew a list place to choose from and from the list he chose Leicester. Research for the trip consisted of checking the name of the multi-operator ticket and downloading the area map. Matthew got up around 10:30 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off in the car around 12:00 we saw The Lambourne white minibus NC57 TXH. We ran down to the A5035 and we headed through Dresden into Longton. We Crossed over the A50 and we joined the Eastbound carriageway. We travelled up through Meir and we saw a Copelands Tours unidentified white Van Hool & MIB 302. We continued Eastwards towards Uttoxeter and we saw Parrs FJ10 EZO, Barratt's P50 BCL on an Eastbound day trip. We continued past Uttoxeter and close to Burton. As we travelled Eastwards we saw Sharpe's EX18 SON, silver minibus SF19 KFG, Silverdale MV12 ODY, Tiger European SF06 VXE, ex London T105 and Paul S Winson XX66 PSW. Web ran to the end of the A50 and we joined the South M1. Seen on the M1 were Hammonds NH07 HAM and an unidentified white minibus. We left the M1 at junction 22 to resume the journey along the A50. Seen on the A50 was Z Carz PY08 KDX stopped at a roadside food truck. We ran into Leicester town centre over frog Island and we ran forwards onto St Margaret's Way. We joined the clockwise inner ring road and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We ran into the Haymarket shopping centre car park and we parked up. Mum put 4 hours on the car and we walked through the shopping centre to the bus station. we saw First Leicester 66845 parked up on layover.

First Leicester 66845 in Leicester bus station

We grabbed some seats at the food stop at the bus stop and Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a burger and we shared a few fries. He washed it down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eaten we said goodbye to mum and we walked down the stands to see what we could catch. We spotted required Arriva Midlands 4202 on a #47 to South Wigston and we decided to do this bus.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4202 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4202

The bus set off out of the bus station we saw First Leicester 66965 on layover in its heritage Leicester bus livery. We set off ouf of the bus station and we turned right onto Charles Street. We turned right onto Rutland Street and we ran forwards onto Belvoir Street. We turned left onto the A594 and we ran past the prison. We ran past the Leicester Tigers rugby ground and we ran forwards onto Counting House Road. We ran past Morrison and the retail park and we turned left onto the A426. At the junction we turned left onto the B5366. We travelled through Aylestone Park and past a empty shop. We continued Southwards and We Crossed the Pork Pie roundabout onto Saffron Road. We ran past South Wigston railway station and we turned left onto Blaby Road. A couple of stops up the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 4202 before it returned to Leicester on the #47.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in South Wigston

As we got off the bus we saw required Arriva NW&W on a #44 from Leicester. The driver changed the display to a #44 to Leicester. We decided to crossed over the road and catch a bus going back the other way. We crossed over Station Street and we crossed over Blaby Street at the crossing. We stood at the bus stop and we saw required Arriva Midlands 4203 had turned around at the roundabout and coming back up Blaby Road in the opposite direction on a #44 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4203 in South Wigston

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Blaby Road and we turned right onto Saffron Road. We Turned right into Gloucester Crescent and we ran though an estate. There were a few industrial premises on the right hand side and further up the road we passed Wood coaches garage. We continued onto Glenborne Road and we turned right onto the B5418. We turned left onto Shackerdale Road and we ran along side the A563. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Aberdale Road. We crossed the A5199 and we ran forwards onto Overdale Road. We turned right onto Meadvale Road and left onto Carisbrooke Road. We turned left onto Knighton Road and right onto Queens Road. We ran through Clarendon Park and we turned right onto Victoria Park Road. We ran alongside the park up to the A6 and we came into familiar territory. At the roundabout we turned left onto London Road and we saw Royale OY67 DXJ. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street and into Haymarket Bus Station. Once off the bus we spotted Stagecoach Midlands 27685 on a X7 to Milton Keynes.

Stagecoach Midlands 27685 in Leicester bus station

On an adjacent stand was First Leicester 66963 on a #18 to Braunstone.

First Leicester 66963 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we put the Flexi multi-operator day tickets before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station. We turned left into Belgrave Gate and we turned right into Church Gate . We turned left into Mansfield Street and right into East Bond Street. We turned left onto Causeway Lane and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We joined the Westbound A47 and we crossed over the River Soar. We travelled out of town along the A47 for around a mile, through the Western Park area of town. We turned left onto Cort Crescent and into Braunstone. We ran alongside we ran alongside Braunstone and over a large green filled roundabout. We continued along Cort Crescent and forwards onto Hallam Crescent East. We ran to the large grassy roundabout in the centre of the estate and the bus terminate at the stop there where we got up and off the bus. Once off the bus we took a picture of First Leicester 66963 before it returned on the #18 to Leicester.

First Leicester 66963 in Braunstone

Once we had taken the picture we walked back along Hallam Crescent East as we had spotted a Co-operative food store as we went past on the bus. We went in the shop and we brought a bottle of Cherry Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back towards the terminus as few yard to the nearest bus stop and we waited for the next #18 whilst we waited for the bus we saw a couple of Arriva double decker in the distance go past on Waltham Avenue on the #104 to Fosse Park. We saw the bus go up to the terminus and it was required First Leicester 66974. After a few minutes the bus returned and was as expected First Leicester 66974 on the #18 to Leicester.

First Leicester 66974 in Braunstone

We got on the bus and we put the Flexi multi-operator day tickets before we sat down towards the back of the bus. we set off off along Hallam Crescent East and we crossed over Waltham Avenue. We continued onto Cort Crescent and we ran past the entire length of Braunstone Park. At the end we turned right onto the Eastbound A47. We ran for around a mile into town and we crossed over the River Soar. We joined the clockwise ring road and we ran around to the North West corner of town passing Skills National Express liveried coach BD65 JFJ on a #440 to Derby. We past John Lewis and we turned right into Abbey Street. We ran past the end of St Maragrets Bus station and we turned right into Belgrave Street before entering the Haymarket bus station from the North end. We pulled onto stand B and in the adjacent stand was Stagecoach Midlands 28624 about to depart on the X7 to Milton Keynes. Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus and got straight off First Leicester 66974 and straight onto Stagecoach Midlands 28624. We checked with the driver that we were valid on the bus and how far we could do it. We decided we could go to Oadby so we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 we saw Ausden Clark YT61 FDU. We travelled out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 28624 before it continued South on the towards Milton Keynes.

Stagecoach Midlands 28624 in Oadby

Once off the bus we headed into Waitrose and Matthew used the toilet. We went around the shop and Matthew brought a small can of Coke. We paid for the can and we went outside onto the A6 to wait for a Leicester bound bus. Opposite we saw Arriva Midlands 4208 on a X3 to Market Harborough.

Arriva Midlands 4208 in Oadby

Whilst we waited Matthew had a double Milky Way and me and uncle Dave shared a Bounty. A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching in the distance. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 4209 on a X3 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4209 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs. We noticed that the X3 service terminated at the St Maragrets bus station. The Bus set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 4209 before it continued to the St Maragrets bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4209 in Leicester

Another bus seen was Arriva Midlands 2955 on a #58A to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2955 in Leicester

We walked into Haymarket Bus Station and we went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a final walk around the Haymarket Street bus station area taking pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 63352 on a #25 to Mowmacre Hill.

First Leicester 63352 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3717 on a #56 to Thurnby.

Arriva Midlands 3717 in Leicester bus station

afterwards we saw First Leicester 66964 on a #18 to Braunstone.

First Leicester 66964 in Leicester bus station

We walked back up the the North entrance to the bus station and we saw First Leicester 35190 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre.

First Leicester 35190 in Leicester bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva Midlands 2523 on a #6 to Thurmaston Asda.

Arriva Midlands 2523 in Leicester bus station

A short while later we saw Arriva Midlands 4206 on a #31A to Oadby.

Arriva Midlands 4206 in Leicester bus station

We walked back into the shopping centre and up the stairs to the car park level. Mum was waiting at the car with Morrisons sausage rolls and a large can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the shopping centre onto Belgrave gate and we ran Northwards to the end and turned left onto the ring road and we saw Edwards National Express liveried coach BV17 GUX on a #339 to Grimsby. We turned right onto St Margarets Way and we ran forwards onto Frog Island. Instead of continuing along the A50 we turned left onto Fosse Road North. We turned right onto Glenfield Road. We turned right onto Sandhurst Road and left onto Aikman Avenue. We ran through the estate to the end and we turned right onto New Parks Way. At the next roundabout we turned left by the hospital and we re-joined the A50. We ran the last few mile North Westward and we joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22. Seen on the M1 was an unidentified Belle Coaches coach, Collingtree Coaches AE55 ??? and an unidentified Woods coach. We came off the M1 at junction 23A and we ran parrallel to the motorway along the A453 to the big roundabout by junction 24. We ran near to the roundabout and straight onto the A50. As we travelled Westwards into the evening sun we saw Orion Travel 8201 VC, an unidentified Sharpes coach, an unidentified Travel Wright coach, Barratts P50 BCL, an unidentified white Van Hool Copeland's Tours coach and Tiger European SF06 VXE. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z Carz to see what was at their depot. The spare ground was empty as you would expect these days so we turned into Willow Row. Outside the depot on the road was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

Inside the compound we saw Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus YE52 UZX which is currently not in use.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

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. we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a small lemon meringue pie. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.