Trip to Solihull / Coventry 13-09-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6909	Longbridge, Railway station	Solihull, Railway station Stop G	49	NX West Midlands
36757	Solihull Interchange	Coventry Pool Meadow BS	82	Stagecoach Midlands
36755	Coventry Pool Meadow BS	Knowle. Wilson Arms	87	Stagecoach Midlands
66	Knowle. Wilson Arms	Solihull. Stop	A8	LandFlight
1925	Solihull, Stop SM	Yardley Wood,	27	NX West Midlands
E259	Yardley Wood,	King's Norton,	18	NX West Midlands
6906	Kings Norton, CA	Rubery, Great Parks	49	NX West Midlands
4721	Rubery, Great Parks	Longbridge, Railway station	49	NX West Midlands
4722	Longbridge, Railway station	Rubery,	49	NX West Midlands

Today was the second day of our short break in the West Midlands. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:00 and got dressed. Around 09:30 we went to the bar and we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a full Englishs Breakfast. After we had finished we returned to the room. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke and afterwards used the toilet. We grabbed the trip bag and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We crossed Longbridge Lane and we waited at the bus stop. A short few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6909 on a #49 to Solihull.

NX West Midlands 6909 in Longbridge

We got on the bus and we booked a nBus Group Day ticket at £9.20 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down along Longbridge Lane and we turned left onto Cofton Road. We continued onto Lilley Lane and we ran forwards onto Rednal Road. We turned left onto Vardon Way and we turned left onto The Fairway. We turned right onto Wychall Lane and left onto Westhill Road. We turned right onto Camp Lane and left onto the A441, We stopped at Kings Norton railway station and we did a u-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards down the A441. We turned left onto Foyle Road and we turned left onto Shannon Road. We crossed over Primrose Hill and we continued onto Sisefield Road. We turned left onto Hillmeads Road and turned left onto Walkers Heath Road. We continued onto Harbinger Road and we turned left onto Bells Lane. We continued Eastwards onto Druids Lane and we crossed over the A435 onto Maypole Lane. We continued onto High Street and we turned right onto Aqueduct Road. We ran forwards onto Green Lane and we turned left onto Haslucks Green Road. We entered the station at Shirley and we re-joined Haslucks Green Road. We turned right onto the Southbound A34 and we ran into Shirley town centre. We turned left onto Solihull Road and we turned right onto Danford Lane. We turned left onto the B4102 and we headed towards Solihull. As we approached the railway station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6909 before it continued to Solihull town centre.

NX West Midlands 6909 in Solihull

We walked around the corner onto Station Approach and towards the Interchange. We saw National Express West Midlands 6708 on a #4A to Solihull.

NX West Midlands 6708 in Solihull Interchange

Also seen was LandFlight 68 on a #601 Solihull town circular service.

LandFlight 68 in Solihull Interchange

We crossed over the road to wait for our next bus. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 6132 on a #4 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6132 in Solihull Interchange

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Midlands 36757 on a #82 to Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 36757 in Solihull Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned left onto the B4102. We ran into the town centre and we re-joined the B4102. We ran out of town and we crossed over the A41. We ran through Catherine-de-Barnes and we continued into Hampton-in Arden. We past the railway station and we past a HS2 building site before crossing over the A452 and running into Meriden. We turned right onto the B4104 and we ran to the end of the bypass before headed back Westwards and then joining the Eastbound A45. We came off the A45 at the edge of Coventry and we headed West into Allesley Green along Parkhill Drive. We did a u-turn at a roundabout and we turned left onto Rye Hill. We turned right onto Birmingham Road and we ran into Coventry along the A4114. On the edge of the City Centre we turned left onto the A4053 ring road and we turned right onto Upper Well Street. We turned left onto Corporation Street and we ran forwards onto Hales Street. We ran past Coventry Transport Museum and Swanswell Gate before we enetered Pool Meadow bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a few pictures. We saw Chalfont coach YT24 BUV on layover.

Chalfont YT24 BUV in Coventry bus station

We walked aruind the outside of the bus station and onto Pool Meadow to get a few bus pictures. We saw National Express Coventry on a #12X to the University of Warwick.

NX Coventry E234 in Coventry bus station

After taking a few picture we walk back to the outside corner of the bus station and we stopped at the bus station cafe for something to eat. Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by chocolate fudge cake and custard washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we walked back to wher we got off the bus and we waited for something back towards Solihull. A few minutes laterwe saw a bus come on stand. It was Stagecoach Midlands 36755 on a #87 to Solihull.

Stagecoach Midlands 36755 in Coventry bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Fairfax Street and we turned left onto Trinity Street. We turned right onto Ironmonger Row and right onto The Burges. We turned left onto Corporation Street and we ran forwards onto Queen Victoria Road. We ran forward onto Greyfriars Road and we turned right onto the B4544. We crossed the ring road and we headed Southwards down the A429. As we passed the railway station we saw an unidentified Coachleasing.com Northern Counties double decker on a service to the CBS Arena. We ran out of the city centre and we turned right onto the A45. We veered left onto Charter Avenue and we saw an unidentified Catteralls of Southam coach on the main road. We turned left onto Sir Henry Parkes Road and we ran around the Cannon Park Shopping Centre. We continued through the Campus onto Gibbet Hill Road and into the University bus station! After a brief stop we ran back Northwards up Gibbet Hill Road and we turned left onto Westwood Heath Road. We turned left onto Cromwell Lane and right onto Hodgetts Lane. We turned left onto the B4101 and we headed Eastwards. We turned right onto The A452 and we ran inti Balsall Common. We turned left onto Station Road and we re-joined the Westbound B4101. We ran through Temple Balsaal and we continued Westwards into Knowle where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 36755 as it continued towards Solihull.

Stagecoach Midlands 36755 in Knowle

We crossed over the road and we went into the Wilson Arms. Matthew used the toilet and we headed to the bar. We attempted to get served, but the bar staff completely ignored us and there seemed to be a weird and unfriendly atmosphere so we left with spending our money. We crossed back over the road and and we waited for next bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was LandFlight 66 on a A8 Solihull circular service.

LandFlight 66 in Knowle

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the A4141 and we crossed over the M42 at junction 5. We ran forwards onto the A41 and we came off on the sliproad towards Solihull. We joined the Northbound B4025 and we ran forwards onto the B4102. We Turned left onto Poplar Road and we entered the town centre where we got up to get off the bus. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside LandFlight 66 before we got off.

Inside LandFlight 66

Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of LandFlight 66 as it continued on the A8 service.

LandFlight 66 in Solihull

We walked around the corner onto Station Road and we went to the pub across the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the road. We were waiting for a bus back West towards Longbridge. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 4731 on a #49 to Longbridge.

NX West Midlands 4731 in Solihull

Also seen was National Express West Midlands E231, on layover in between runs on the #6 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands E231 in Solihull

A few minutes later we saw an interesting bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1925 on a #27 to Rubery.

NX West Midlands 1925 in Solihull

We got on the bus and we flashed to nBus Group Day ticket. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1925 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 1925

We set off along Station Road and we turned left onto Princes Way. We turned right onto Monkspath Hall Road and we headed Southwards. We turned left onto Alderminster Road and we turned right onto Widney Lane. We ran forwards onto Longmore Road. We turned right onto Blenhelm Road and left onto Lawnswood Avenue. We turned left onto Radbourne Road and left onto Solihull Road. We turned rigth onto the A34 into Shirley and we travelled Nortwards. We turned left onto Haslucks Green Road and right onto Delrene Road. We veered bright onto Acheson Road and we ran forwards onto Barton Lodge Road. We turned left onto Scriders Lane and we turned right on Tixall Road. We turned left onto Highfield Road and we ran past Yardley Wood railway station. We turned left onto Priory Road and right onto School Road. We turned right onto Glastonbury Road and right onto Pandeen Road. We turned left onto Yardley Wood Road and we got up and got off the bus opposite to Yardley Wood bus garage. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1925 before it continued to Rubery.

NX West Midlands 1925 in Yardley Wood

Once off the bus we worked out which side the road we needed to be to continue Westwards. We crossed over the road and we waited for the bus. A few minutes later a bus that had been parked outside the bus garage moved forwards. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands E259 on a #18 to Bartley Green.

NX West Midlands E259 in Yardley Wood

We got on the bus and we flashed to nBus Group Day ticket. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands E259 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside NX West Midlands E259

We set off up Yardley Wood Road and we turned left onto Haunch Lane. We turned left onto Taylor Road and we crossed over the A435. We ran forwards onto Woodthorpe Road and we turned left onto Brandwood Road. We continued onto Monyhull Hall Road and forwards onto Parson's Hill. We continued onto Wharf Road and we turned right onto the Northbound A441. We ran into King's Norton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Kev's 203 on a #19 to Northfield.

Kev's 203 in King's Norton

Matthew indicated that he needed the toilet so we walked around to look for a suitable place. We followed th A441 around and we saw a Subway. This had just shut so we ended up going to a bookies. After Matthew had used the toilet we returned back along the A441 and we waited at the bus stops outside of the railway station. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6906 on a #49 to Rubery Great Park.

NX West Midlands 6906 in King's Norton

We got on the bus and we flashed to nBus Group Day ticket before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down the A441 and we turned right onto Camp Lane. We turned left onto Westhill Road and right onto Wychall Lane. We turned left onto The Fairway and right onto Vardon Way. We turned right onto Rednall Road and we continued onto Lilley Lane. We ran forwards onto Cofton Road and we turned right onto Longbridge Lane. We ran past the railway station and we turned left onto the A38. We followed the A38 to the right and we ran past McDonalds. We turned right onto Park Way and we followed the road to the right at the roundabout. At the other end of the retail park the bus terminated and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6906 before it ran empty back to the depot.

NX West Midlands 6906 in Rubery

We decided to got for a drink as we had 20 or so minutes for the next bus. We went into Hollywood Bowl and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we headed to the bar and Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We crossed the road and waited for next bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4721 on a #49 to Solihull.

NX West Midlands 4721 in Rubery

We got on the bus and we flashed to nBus Group Day ticket before we went upstairs and sat down. We spoke to mum and we decided to do this bus to Longbridge and then do another bus back were to meet mum at Morrisons. The bus set off out of Great Park and we turned left onto the A38. We ran Eastwards for around 1/2 a mile and we turned left to follow the A38. We turned right onto Longbridge Lane and when we got to the railway station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of National Express West Midlands 4721 before it carried on to Solihull.

NX West Midlands 4721 in Longbridge

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back to Great Park. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4722 on a #49 to Rubery.

NX West Midlands 4722 in Longbridge

We got on the bus and we flashed to nBus Group Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Longbridge Lane and we turned left onto the A38. We followed the A38 to the right and we headed Westwards. We turned right onto Park Way and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4722 as it continued to the terminus.

NX West Midlands 4722 in Rubery

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we headed to the car. We dropped the bag in the car and we went into Morrisons to meet mum. Afterpaying for the shopping we headed to the car. We set off out of Morrisons onto Park Way and we turned left onto the A38. We followed the A38 to the left and we turned right onto Longbridge Lane. We stopped at the hotel and we went inside with the snacks. Matthew chilled out on the computer and I walked around the corner to the chip shop. When I came back Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter. Matthew had his medication. Later on Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake. We did the Blog, uploaded pictures from the day and wrote an e-mail. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Northampton / Rectory Farm 15-04-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37041	Northampton, Marriot Street	Northampton BS	14	Stagecoach Midlands
15844	Northampton BS	Rectory Farm, Fellmead Road	2	Stagecoach Midlands
10731	Rectory Farm, Fellmead Road	Northampton BS	1	Stagecoach Midlands
18152	Northampton BS	Northampton, Marriot Street	4	Stagecoach Midlands

Today Matthew was coming out of the residential unit for the weekend and we were going to Northampton. Research for the trip iincluded downloading a local Stagecoah Northampton bus map, checking out tickets we were going to use over the next two days and checking the weather, which was for warm sunny weather for both days. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room in the morning and waited for us to come to collect him. Whilst waiting we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ outside. Mum and I appeared around 12:00 and Matthew went downsrairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 onto Church Street. We followed the one-way system arouns Stoke and we turned left onto London Road. We stopped at Sainsbury's for diesel before continuing along London Road through Oakhill to Trent Vale. We stopped at the pub and we had dinner. Matthew had 2 sausage chips egg and beans with bacon and oatcakes washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters he had toffeee sponge pudding in ice cream. Highlights of the bus sighting included First Potteries 69151 on a #22 to Longton and 65030 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off to pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 and we turned right onto the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We continued along the A50 through Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter. We continued Eastwards to the M1 and we got onto the Southbound M1. We ehaded South through Leicesterxhire and into Northamptonshire. As we travelled Southwards we saw Flixbus BV19 LLW, Alfa 91, white minibus CN20 DYJ and National Express 325(A1). A few miles before we got to Northampton I was feeling a little tired so we stopped at Watford Gap services. Matthew went to use the facilities and on the way back to the car we saw. Longmarsh Van Hire minibus WA18 CZN.

Longmarsh Van Hire WA18 CZN in Watford Gap

Another vehicle seen was silver minibus YP12 MMF

YP12 MMF in Watford Gap

We had a quick drink and a snak in the car before setting off and rejoining the Southbound M1. We came off the M1 at junction 16 and we joined the Eastbound A4500. As we travelled Eastwards we saw patient tramport minibus YJ21 GPV and Stagecoach Midlands 15667 on a D3 to Daventry. We continued into the edge of the town and we turned left onto the Eastbound A428. We crossed over the railway line North of the station and we turned left onto the A5095. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 18152 on a #4 to Sunnyside. We travlled for about 1/4 mile and we reached the hotel. We turned down a tiny back alley and we headed to the car park at the back of the hotel. Once we had parked up mum went to sort out booking in and the rest of us chilled in the car before going up to our rooms. We set up the computer and we had a rest for around an hour before going out to do a few buses. We went onto Barracks Road and we walked to the nearest bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a Stagecoach bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Midlands 37041 on a #14 to Northampton.

Stagecoach Midlands 37041 in Northampton

We got on the bus and we booked Northampton Day Rider tickets at £4.20 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Barrack Road and we rode the 1/2 mile or so to the edge of town. We ran forwards onto Broad Street and we turned right onto Lady's Lane. We turned sharp right onto Greyfriars and we entered the bus station from the North end where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what could be see. Whilt taking picture of the buses inside the bus station is difficult, buses can be photographed from either end of the bus station. We walked onto King Street and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 15405 on a #10 to Kettering.

Stagecoach Midlands 15405 in Northampton bus station

We walked back into the bus station to see what we might be able to catch. We saw Stagecoach Midlands 15844 on a #2 to Rectory Farm.

Stagecoach Midlands 15844 in Northampton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Northampton Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Midlands 15844 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Midlands 15844

We set off out of the bus station onto Bradshaw Street and we turned left onto Sheep Street. We ran onto Lady's Lane and we saw Chalfont Coaches (NX) BV67 JZA parked up on a nearby Street. We turned right onto Lower Miounts and left onto the A4500. We veered left onto the A5123 and we ran past The Racecourse and The White Elephant. We ran past Morrisons and up Spinney Hill to The Lumbertubs pub where we turned right onto Lumbertubs Lane. We turned right onto the A43 and left onto Billing Brook Lane. We turned left onto Crestwood Lane and we ran through a large housing estate. We turned left onto Lings Way and right onto Goldling Road past PeeJay Cocktails Fruits which is temporarily closed. We turned left onto Blackthorn Road and left onto the Northbound A5076. We ran up to the roundabout and we retirned back South before turned left onto Rectory Farm Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Mattehw took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 15844 before it returned on a #2 to Northampton

Stagecoach Midlands 15844 in Rectory Farm

Once off the bus we didn't have to wai for very long before another bus appeared. It was Stagecoach Midlands 10731 on a #1 to Northampton.

Stagecoach Midlands 10731 in Rectory Farm

We got on the bus and we flashed the Northampton Day Rider ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Midlands 10731 before we went upstairs.

Inside Stagecoach Midlands 10731

The top deck was also empty so Matthew took another picture inside of Stagecoach Midlands 10731 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Midlands 10731

We set off along Rectory Farm Road and we at the end we turned right onto the A5076. We turned left onto Blackthorn road and we turned left onto Goldling Road. We turned left onto Lings Way and right onto Crestwood Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Billing Brook Road. We crossed over the BIlling Brook and we went down the back of the Weston Pavell retail park to a small bus interchange where we saw Stagecoach Midlands 18127 on a #5 to Southfields and 18149 on a #1 to Rectory Farm. Wew turned right onto the A4500 and we ran Westwards. We ran for about 2 miles or so to the edge of Northampton and we veered right onto Lower Mounts. We veered left onto Wellington Street and we ran forwards onto Greyfriars. We past the Mayorhold car park and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look what we could do to get back to the hotel. We spotted Stagecoach Midlands 28629 which was on a X7 to Market Harborough.

Stagecoach Midlands 28629 in Northampton bus station

The Market Harborough service wasn't due to go for quite a will, so we had a walk around. We saw Stagecoach Midlands 10727 on a #7 to Moulton Park.

Stagecoach Midlands 10727 in Northampton bus station

A few minutes later we saw Stagecoach Midlands 18152 come into the bus station on a #4. We walked into the bus station and Matthew got a picture of Stagecoach Midlands 18152.

Stagecoach Midlands 18152 in Northampton bus station

This was another service we could do Northwards past the hotel, so we decided to catch this bus instead. We got on the bus and we flashed the Northampton Day Rider ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Bradshaw Street. We turned left onto Sheep Street and left onto Greyfriars. We turned right onto Horse Market and we ran forwards onto Broad Street. We continued onto Barracks Road and we ran for about 1/2 mile where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Midlands 18152 as it continued towards Sunnyside.

Stagecoach Midlands 18152 in Northampton

Before we crossed over the road, we spotted Stagecoach Midlands 28624 on a X7 to Northmapton.

Stagecoach Midlands 28624 in Northampton

We crossed over the road and we headed into the hotel. We went up to the room for a few minutes, then we decided to go out and get some supper. We had spotted a decent looking chip shop whilst out on the bus so we decided to drive up to there. We got in the car and we headed out of the car park onto Barracks Road. We veered left onto Campbell Street and through Campbell Square. We continued onto Upper Mounts and we veered left onto At Michael's Road. We turned left onto the A5123 and we headed North Eastwards out of town. We ran to the top of the hill and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and we ate the chips in the car. This was the first location that I have seen Starship food delivery robots. Once we had finished eating we decided to do some food shopping for the trip out tomorrow. We set off onto the A5123 and we ran down the hill towards Northampton town centre. We travelled for about 600 metres and we turned right into Morrisons. We parked up and we went in the shop. We brought sandwich meal deals for tomorrow as well as a few other bits and pieces. We got back in the car and we set off down the A5123. At The White Elephant we turned right onto the A5095 and we turned left onto Barracks Road and back to the hotel. After parking up around the back we went up to the rooms to settle down. We had a chocolate bar and a drink of Fanta Orange, and Matthew chose a Toffee Crisp. We wrote an e-mail and did some work on this Blog, before settling down to bed around 00:30... Mark

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