Trip to Wigan / Standish 26-10-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4107	Wigan BS	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	605	Go North West
4020	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	Wigan BS	606	Go North West
4109	Wigan BS	Standish Police Station	632	Go North West
4105	Standish Police Station	Wigan BS	632	Go North West
40761	Wigan BS	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	132	Rotala Diamond
40728	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	Hindley, Waverley Road	132	Rotala Diamond
3408	Hindley, Council Offices	Wigan BS	607	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go on Friday night and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton 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. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. Traffic was moving quite slowly as we headed up to the M6. As we got on the M6 we saw Excelsior 14 carrying Southampton fans to their away fixture at Man City.

Excelsior 14 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw an unidentified Keepings midicoach, an unidentified Chandlers coach, an unidentified Masons coach, an unidentified Whittle coach, an unidentified Just Go! coach, unidentified National Express liveried coaches on #121 and #540 and an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus on a M82 service. We came off the M6 at junction and we joined the A49. We followed the road to the edge of town and we ran forwards onto the A577. We crossed the big roundabout and we crossed ovrt the Leeds and LIverpool canal before turning left onto Wilcock Street. We stopped for dinner and we headed into a cafe. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had an English Breakfast washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished we went to the counter and Matthew had a slice of Bakewell cake to take away. We got in the car and Matthew started to eat his cake. We set off along Wilcocks Streetand we turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the railway bridge. We turned right into Deanery Court and left into Richmond Street. We turned left into the car park and we could not find a space. We came out of the car park and we turned left onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Ricmond Street and right onto Hallgate. We parked up and we put an hour on the car. We said goodbye to mum and we saw Go North West 4030 on layover.

Go North West 4030 in Wigan

We walked into the bus station and we took a few pictures, We saw Go North West 4107 on a #605 Beech Hill circular.

Go North West 4107 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. When he had finished he came out and we decided to do Go North West 4107 on the #605 Beech Hillcircular service. We got on the bus and we purchased Bee Network any bus day tickets at £5.00 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Northern end of the bus station and we turned left onto Frog Lane and we turned left onto the B5375. We travelled Northwards for a while and turned left onto Springfield Road. We turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue and we turned right onto Shaftesbury Street we ran forwards onto Acacia Crescent and we turned right onto Gidlow Lane and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into The Shop. Matthew had a bottle of Coke and a flake. We went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for the bus. Matthew ate his flake whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Go North West 4020 on a #606 Beech Circular.

Go North West 4020 in Beech Hill

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This was a bus that we last had on the #53 from Ordsall to Salford back in March 2023. The bus set off along Gillow Lane and we turned left onto Acacia Crescent. We ran forwards onto Shaftsbury Street and we turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue. We turned right onto Springfield Road past new school. We turned left onto Woodhouse Lane and we crossed over Frog Lane. We turned right and entered the bus station from the Northern end and got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to the end to take a few pictures whilst we decided what to catch next. We saw Arriva NW&W 4587 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4587 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 30673 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre

Rotala Diamond 30673 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Go North West 4109 on a #632 to Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus so we headed ibnto the bus station. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Market Street and we ran forwards onto the B5375. We turned right onto Mesnes Street and we ran forwards onto Crompton Street. We turned left onto the A49. We ran down through Swinley and into Marylebone. We continued down through to Lower Standish. We ran through Standish and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4109 as it continued towards Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Standish

There were a couple of pubs near to where we got off, we decided to cross over the road and visit The Globe. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we had a 1/2 of Coke each and Matthew made friends with the bar staff. We sat at a table and had our drinks. When we had finished we said goodbye and we headed outside to uncle Dave. The bus stpop was a short walk away so we headed to the bus stop. There were a few people waiting so we knew there was a bus due. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Go North West 4105 on a #632 to Wigan.

Go North West 4105 in Standish

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down the A49 we ran through Lower Standish and down the hill towards Marylebone. We ran up the hill into Swinley and we continued up to Wigan. We turned right into Crompton Street and we ran forwards onto Mesnes Street. We turned left onto the B5375 ans we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off the bus. We headed outside again to take a few more pictures. We saw Go North West 3435 on a #610 to Leigh.

Go North West 3435 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4600 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4600 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station whilst we decided what to catch. We saw a bus on stand on the #132. As we got closer we saw it was required Rotala Diamond 40761 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street. We turned left into Wallgate and then right into Library Street. We turned Left onto Millgate and we crossed over the A49 before turning left onto Warrington Lane. We passed Lidl and we turned left onto Darlington Street East. We headed through Ince and we carried on into Hindley. We paused at the main stop for a minute or so before we along Atherton Road. We headed into Hindley Green where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40761 before it continued on towards The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Hindley Green

We crossed over the road and we got to Tesco and Matthew sat down on the wall. He wanted to go inside so we headed into the shop and Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a twirl duo. We walked along the road to the bus stop and Matthew ate the Twirl. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Rotala Diamond 40728 on a #132 to Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley Green

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. This was a bus we first had on a #8 from Bolton to Salford back in september 2021. We set and the bus went West along Atherton Road and through Hindley. We decided to break the journey to get another bus in so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40728 before it continued on towards Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley

Once off the bus we walked back a stop to the centre of Hindley. We waited for a bus back to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bua approaching from around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3408 on a #607 to Wigan.

Go North West 3408 in Hindley

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off along the A577 and we crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took a few pictures whilst we waited for mum to appear. We saw Arriva NW&W 4585 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4585 in Wigan bus station

We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. I accidentally turned left onto King Street West so I followed the one-way system onto Crawford Street and back around onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we stopped at a chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Cherry Coke. After we had eaten our food we set off along the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Malbank minibus, an unidentified Brethertons coach and an unidentified Just Go! coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Bury / Bolton 22-05-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69178	Bury TI	Bolton Interchange	511	Rotala Diamond
69156	Bolton Interchange	Farnworth, Church Road	22	Rotala Diamond
40758	Farnworth, Church Road	Walkden, Manchester Road	37	Rotala Diamond
40744	Walkden, Manchester Road	Bolton Interchange	36	Rotala Diamond
2680	Bolton Interchange	Wigan BS	575	Arriva NW&W
2680	Wigan BS	Standish, Police Station	362	Arriva NW&W
2688	Standish, Preston Road	Wigan, Standishgate	362	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to we decided to re-visit Bury and Bolton. We checked the weather and it was forecast for sunny weather. 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 RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go to Bury. we saw blue minibus G186 LUG going towards Longton.

G186 LUG in Fenton

Whilst in his room we saw white minibus PF08 ONB going towards Stoke.

PF08 ONB in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60 and we ran around a few junctions to the M66 where we went North. Just to the East of Bury we got onto the A58 and we ran Westwards into and around town. We turned right into Haymarket Street and we parked up in a side street near to Bolton Street. The had planned in eating at the Two Tons, We walked across the sqaure to the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Mum look at the menu which was limited and expensive. We walked around in a circle along The Rock and right into Crompton Street former RBS bank which has now closed down. we went through the Mill Gate shopping centre and we came out on Haymarket Street. We decided to eat at a place called Your Burger. Matthew had a beefburger with fries washed down with a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating we went onto Haymarket Street and we said goodbye to mum. On the way to the bus station we saw Rotala Diamond 40729 on a #471 to Rochdale. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 69178 on a #511 to Bolton. We got on the day and we booked System One bus only tickets at £6.00 each to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the interchange and we turned right into Haymarket Street where we saw Rotala Diamond 30851 on a #472 Ramsbottom circular service. At going along Moss Street and Silver Street we turned left onto Bolton Street. We forwards onto the A58. We turned right onto the B6213. We crossed over into Elton and we turned left into Walshaw Road. We ran up the hill and into Woodhill. We ran forwards onto Walshaw. We turned left onto High Street and we continued up Lowercroft Road. We ran through Starling and we crossed over turned right onto the BB6196. We continued to Ainsworth and we ran forwards onto the Bury Old Road and we went under the Red Lane into Breightmet. We turned right onto Deepdale Road and left onto Kentmere Road. We turned left onto Newby Road and at the the roundabout we turned right onto Red Lane. We turned left onto Rochester Ave and left into Winchester Way. We turned right onto Withins Lane. We ran through Roscow Fold. We ran Westwards along Stephens Street and forwards onto the Empire Road. We continued through Breightmet over the A58 and turned right into Somerton Road. We came off the Brodick Drive and forwards onto Blenheim Road at Leverhulme Park and we turned right onto the Long Lane. We ran through Darcy Lever. We continued up Raikes Road. We turned right onto Snow Hill Road and left onto Radcliffe Road. We turned left onto Wheatfield Street and right onto Bromwich Street. We ran up to Haulgh. We turned left onto the A579. We continued southwards into Bolton. We turned right onto the A575. We turned left into Great Moor Street and left into Newport Street before entering the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We saw Arriva NW&W 2680 on a #575 to Wigan. We went into the interchange and Matthew visited the toilet. One of the first bus that we saw Transdev Rosso 616 on a #480 to Bury. We went back inside and we walked down the stands. We saw required Rotala Diamond 69156 on a #22 to Trafford Centre. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15246 on a #125 to Preston. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto Newport Street. We crossed over the A579 and we continued Southwards along Thynne Street. We ran through Willows. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street and we continued up to Rose Hill and we continued onto Crescent Road and we went up to Great Lever. We headed up through Harper Green and we turned left onto Lavender Road and we continued onto Campbell Street. We ran forwards onto Lorne Street and we turned left onto the A575 and we turned right onto A6053. We ran through Farnworth and we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40758 on a #37 to Manchester. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off along the A6053. We turned right onto Long Causeway. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A575 under the M61 and into Walkden North. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Hill Top. We ran in Walkden. We turned left onto the A6 where we got up and got off the bus. We walked onto A6 and right onto Memorial Road past the old RBS Bank which is going to be re-used soon. Once we had finished we walked along Memorial Road. We turned right onto the A6. We walked across a big car park and into the Spar shop and we brought can of Coke and a bottle of Fanta, and Matthew also brought a few chocolate bars. We decided to walk up to the main road to see if there was a #36 bus due. After a short while we saw the bus come around the corner and it was Rotala Diamond 40744 on a #36 to Bolton. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off along the A6. We continued Westwards out of Wakden along the A6 and we turned left into Hilton Lane. We turned right onto Hulton Avenue and we continued forwards onto Madams Wood Road. We crossed the A5082 and we ran forwards onto Kenyon Way. We ran through the estate and we reappeared on the A6. We headed Eastwards for a short distance and we turned left onto the A5082. We crossed over the M61 and we turned left onto Tennyson Road. We ran forwards onto George Street across Highfield Road and forwards onto Laburnam Road. We crossed the B6199 and we ran North up Harper Green Road. We turned left onto Lavender Road and right onto Bradford Road. We crossed Green Lane and we continued north towards Bolton. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street and forwards onto Thynne Street. We turned left onto the A579 and right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Great Moor Street and right into Newport Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed through the bus station towards the toilets. We walked down the bottom end of the bus station to wait for the next #575 to Wigan. We saw Rotala Preston Bus 69157 on a #561 to Withins. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching the stand. It was dud Arriva NW&W 2680 on a #575 to Wigan. We got on the bus and we we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. we set off of the interchange and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto the B6205 and we crossed the ring road onto the B6226. We veered left onto the A673 and we ran Westwards out of town. AS we travelled Northwards. We ran through Heaton and Lostock and into Horwich. As we travelled through town. We turned left onto the B5238. We went under the M61 and past Blackrod railway station. At the end of the Road we turned right onto the A6 and we headed Northwards. We turned left onto the B5408 and Southwards through Blackrod. At the Southern end of Blackrod we turned Scot Lane and we ran into Aspull. We went around the triangle in the centre and we stopped briefly at the bus stop. We headed North up the B5239 and we turned left onto Saint David's Crescent. We turned right onto Holly Road and right onto the B5238. We ran Southwards through New Springs and Whelley and we turned right onto the A573. We crossed the A49 onto Crompton Street and we ran forwards onto Mesnes Street. We turned left onto the B5375 ans we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off the bus we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27233 on a #7 to Leigh. It was time to get to Standish so we decided to go straight back on Arriva NW&W 2680. Once the bus was ready for service we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Market Street and we ran forwards onto the B5375. We turned right onto Mesnes Street and we ran forwards onto Crompton Street. We turned left onto the A49. We ran down through Swinley and into Marylebone. We continued down through to Lower Standish. We ran through Standish and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the A49. Matthew went to Betfred to use the toilet. We walked back onto A49. We crossed the road and we waited for the bus back to Wigan at the stop outside Lidl. Matthew ate a Milky way and drank a can of orange Fanta. The time past quickly and before we knew it required Arriva NW&W 2688 on the #362 to Wigan. We got on the bus and we flashed the the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down the A49 we ran through Lower Standish and down the hill towards Marylebone. We ran up the hill into Swinley and we continued up to Wigan. We turned right into Crompton Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Crompton Street and we turned left onto Standishgate and we went forwards onto Market Place. We turned right onto Market Street and back to the bus station. Once out of the bus station we walked down to the layover area. We continued through the layover area and we cam out onto Frog Lane and we walked over to the car. Mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We got into the car and we set off towards home. We set off onto Frog Lane and we turned left onto Prescot Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right into Herbert Street. We joined the Northbound A49 by Wigan Pier and we followed the one way system onto the Southbound A49. We ran around the other side of the Pier and we ran Southwards out of town through Marus Bridge and onto the M6. As we ran Southwards through Cheshire we saw Prestige Private Hire T1 PPH & Exeter Chiefs C11 EFS. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we ran Southwards down the A500. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We ran under the railway bridge and up the bridge into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. For tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by a jam filled sponge. Matthew had a haircut. 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 Wigan / Leigh 24-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22304	Wigan BS	Leigh BS	598	Stagecoach Manchester
27823	Leigh BS	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	658	Stagecoach Manchester
2579	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	Wigan BS	360	Arriva NW&W
4581	Wigan BS	Orrell, opp Orrell Road/The Mount	385	Arriva NW&W
2968	Orrell, o/s Orrell Road/The Mount	Wigan BS	352	Arriva NW&W
47332	Wigan BS	Standish, adj Preston Road/Avondale Street	113	Stagecoach Lancashire
2685	Standish, before Preston Road/Avondale Street	Wigan BS	362	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We had checked the weather and there was going to be rain up until around 13:00 with brighter spells moving in from the West. Had we not been to Chester last week we probably would have gone there instead. The weather in Bromsgrove was predicted for rain until around 16:00. We gave Matthew a choice of destinations in the North West and from the list Matthew chose Wigan. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 12:00 We set off through Blurton along Church Road and it was raining. We went forwards onto Blurton Road and we stopped at mum's friends to drop off some of the Christmas Cake that Matthew had helped to make the night before. At Heron Cross we joined the Westbound A50 and we went Northwards onto the A500. We passed S&S Travel Services R400 STL, Stanton's of Stoke 815 DYE, luck Seven FM04 NPK & Holmeswood Coaches PN08 CNF. When we got to the M6 there was some traffic which slowed our progress. AS we went North we saw Silver minibus EK55 XWS, A Maghull Coaches Mercedes minibus, a BBC local radio non PSV converted from an East Lancashire Mylenium single decker and Days Rented silver minibus CU15 PPZ. As we got to the A49 junction to head towards Wigan there were blue skies and sunshine. We ran the last few mile up the A49 and we passed Wigan Pier before going past the railway stations and Parking in Dorning Street. We ate at Mr Chips again and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had had a breakfast with a few of mum's chips as well as a bottle of Coke. When it was time to leabe we said goodbye to Mr Chips and we walked down the road to the bus station. On layover adjacent to Hallgate was required Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Wigan bus station

Also on layover between service was dud Stagecoach Manchester 19521, which was about to work a #32 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19521 in Wigan bus station

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 19522 about to work a #32 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Wigan bus station

On the other side of that block of bus stands was required Stagecoach Manchester 22304 which was bout to work a #598 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 22304 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We left the bus station out of the West end and around Morrison's before passing through the town centre. We went into Darling East Street and we carried on onto Manchester Road. The #598 serves the area to the North of Manchester Road into an area called Belle Green. We turned left onto Belle Green Lane and we went around a few street before returning to the main road via Makerfield Way. We turned left onto the main road and we passed through Hindley and Hindley Green before we turned right onto A578. We headed south through Tamar & Westleigh and we headed into Leigh via Railway Road and King Street. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22304.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22304

We got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We had spotted a giant cartoon hot dog display next to the food truck that we usually eat in when we visit Leigh, so after Matthew had been to the toilet he had a picture done of himself next to the hot dog. We then went to the other end of the bus station to take a few pictures whilst we decided what bus to do next. We saw Rotala Diamond 20720 on a #694 Leigh Atherton circular service.

Rotala Diamond 20720 in Leigh bus station

We also saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 19525 on a X34 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19525 in Leigh bus station

A minute or so later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27823 on a #658 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Leigh bus station

We decided to do Stagecoach Manchester 27823 so we walked up the bus station and we saw Jim Stones BUS 1S on the way, which was on a #593 to Wigan.

Jim Stones BUS 1S in Leigh bus station

We got on the Stagecoach bus, and we flashed the System One bus ticket to the driver before we sast down near to the back of the bus. A quick check of the buses I have travelled on page revealed that Stagecoach Manchester 27823 was a dud one. We had been on this bus before from Westhoughton to Daisy Hill back in January 2013. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went Westwards along the A578. We followed the A578 right as it became Wigan Road and we ran up to Tamar. At Tamar we turned left onto the B5237 to travel through Bickershaw. Tyhe bus emptied out in front of us so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Manchester 27823.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27823

The bus carried on Westwards to Abram and then we turned right onto the A573. We were then in Platt Bridge... I had forgotten that the #658 went through Platt Bridge. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off here and he said yes, so we got up and got off the bus as we approached the centre of town. Matthew then took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27823.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Platt Bridge

As we approached the stop we saw the Blakeleys Recycling scrap yard opposite and there appeared to be a new addition or two to the buses we had seen previously. We crossed the road and walked over to the yard where we saw former First Potteries vehicles 40007/40179/61239, First West Yorkshire 50282 & First Glasgow 41301. There was also a Mercedes minibus T134 ARE and an unidentified coach. After we had been to look at the scrapyard we crossed back over the road and we visited the Co-operative Food store. Matthew had a can of Coke for later and picked a few chocolate bars to stock up the trip bag. After we paid we went to the bus stop and Matthew at a Toffee Crisp. As bus came up the road and as it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2579.

Arriva NW&W 2579 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards and we passed through Spring View along Warrington Road. We came into Wigan and we came into the bus station along King Street and King Street West. When we got to the bus station we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2579.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2579

We decided to visit the toilet whilst we were here and we saw Manchester Ring & Ride bus BU08 GXY which was on the adjacent Ring & Ride stand.

Ring & Ride BU08 GXY in Wigan bus station

We had seen an Arriva double decker on the #385 to Southport. On the way across the other side of the bus station to check it out we saw Rotala Diamond 30508 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Rotala Diamond 30508 in Wigan bus station

When we got to the other side of the bus station we saw that the Southport bus was required Arriva NW&W 4580.

Arriva NW&W 4580 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do the double decker so we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus left the bus station and we went along King Street West before turning right to go past the railway stations. Outside Wigan North Western station were B&N Coaches A12 BXN & Finches Y311 HUA on rail replacement work. We went South down the A49 and around Wigan Pier and at the big roundabout we joined the A577 Ormskirk Road. We climbed the hill past Halfway and today we decided to go a bit further than usual through Pemberton and over the M6. Just after the motorway we decided to get up and get off before we dropped off the Western edge of Manchester. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4580 as it carried on towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4580 in Orrell

We crossed the road and we stood at the stop outside The Mount pub to wait for the return bus. We didn't have to wait long before we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2968 coming up the hill. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. This was a bus we first had back in July 2015 from Platt Bridge to Wigan on the #360 service. We crossed the M6 and we went down the hill through Pemberton. We stopped near to Halfway and somebody how was in the street decided to mock and then moon Matthew! We carried on past the big roundabout and we swiftly went up the hill past the Pier and the railway stations before travelling into the bus station via King Street West. Matthew waited the bus to empty and took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2968.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2968

We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2968.

Arriva NW&W 2968 in Wigan bus station

As we came into the bus station we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 47332. We decided to do this bus so we walked up to the top end of the bus station.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went onto A49 and North past the hospital. We crossed over the West coast main line at Lower Standish and we carried on Northwards for another mile or so into the centre of Standish and and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew said hello to a lady on the bus and kissed her hand being the cheeky monkey that he is! We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 as it carried on towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 in Standish

We crossed the road and we waited for the bus back to Wigan at the stop outside Lidl. Matthew ate a Milky way and drank a can of orange Fanta as we had just missed a bus and the next one was in just less that 15 minutes. As we waited we saw Alfa coach 57 going Northwards.

Alfa 57 in Standish

The time past quickly and before we knew it required Arriva NW&W 2685 approached from the North on the #362 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2685 in Standish

We got on the bus and we flashed the the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down the A49 and through the centre of Standish before running the three miles or so into Wigan. When we got back into the bus station we let the bus empty before we got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2685.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2685

We got off the bus and we went up towards the toilet. On the way we took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27823 which we had been on earlier in the day.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Wigan bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet a coach arrived into the bus station. It was The Travellers Choice PO12 GWP in National Express livery on the #571 to Whitehaven.

The Travellers Choice PO12 GWP in Wigan bus station

We decided to take a few pictures of buses on the way back to the car. At the bottom of the bus station was dud Stagecoach Manchester 22354 on a #600 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 22354 in Wigan bus station

At the bottom corner of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2980 on a #352 to Orrell.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Wigan bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4581 on a #375 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4581 in Wigan bus station

On layover was Rotala Diamond Scania 30541 still in South Lancs Travel colours.

Rotala Diamond 30541 in Wigan bus station

We came out of the bus station and onto Hallgate and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27232 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 27232 in Wigan

We got into the car opposite and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll was down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off towards Wigan Pier via Frog Lane and under the railway lines, and we went around the Pier onto the Southbound A49. We carried on Southwards out of town and we joined the link road before going onto the Southbound M6. It was now going dark and we made good time we went South passed the M62 and M56 and we came off the M6 at junction 16. We went down the A500 and when we got to Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. At Longton we came off the A50 and we went to check out what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. Once again there were two rows. In the first row was Z Carz Ford Minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz green minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Nearest bus in the second row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We turned the corner into Willow Row and there was a Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP as well as Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross before going onto Blurton Road. We continued onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark