Trip to Northwich / Winsford 30-08-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
574	Northwich Interchange	Winsford, Library	31	D&G Bus
55	Winsford, Guildhall	Winsford, Industrial Estate Roundabout	37	D&G Bus
576	Winsford, Industrial Estate Roundabout	Northwich Interchange	31	D&G Bus
58	Northwich Interchange	Tarvin, Hockenhull Lane	82	D&G Bus
577	Tarvin, Park Close	Northwich, Castle Court	82	D&G Bus
582	Greenbank, Greenbabk Hotel	Northwich Interchange	49	D&G Bus

Today we decided to re-visit Northwich. Matthew had originally chosen another destination, but we decided to use that for our trip in 2 weeks time. Matthew chose again and he chose Northwich. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 11:30. 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 headed Northwards through Etruria and Longport. AS we travelled up the A500 we saw YP74 XBN, Stanton's of Stoke 82 HBC, red minibus YJ22 FZF, First Potteries 63103(#501), Llew Jones LJ72 LLJ, taxi minibus GJ23 YNX and Burland Coaches YN07 OZE. We joined the Northbound M6 headed up to the A54. As we travelled North we saw an unidentified Eavesway coach. We came off at junction 18 and we headed into Middlewich. We headed arund the one-way system and we stopped at the food truck. Matthew had a burger washed down with a can of dandelion & burdock. When we had finished eat we set off onto the A530 and we ran forwards onto the A54. We ran out of town for around 1/3 of a mile and we turned right onto the A533. we turned left onto Brick Kiln Lane and we turned right onto the A533. We continued Northwards on the A533 to the edge of town. We ran forwards onto London Road and we turned right onto Watling Street. We turned left onto Crum Hill and we turned left into the car park. After parking up we said goodbye to mum and we walked onto Watliong Street. We walk past the Interchange and we saw D&G Bus 57 on layover in between runs on the #82 to Chester.

D&G Bus 57 in Northwich Interchange

Matthew decided he want ed a cake so we walked into the town centre past the hanging witch and we turned right into the pedestrian area. We walked towards Asda and we stopped at The Coffee House. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a slice of caramel shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we went back through the town and we met up with uncle Dave. We walked to the Interchange and we saw Warrington's Own Buses 1037 on a N4 service to Barnton.

Warrington's Own Buses 1037 in Northwich Interchange

We considered doing D&G 57 to Chester, but it pulled off before we could get there. D&G 102 pulled into the Interchange and was going to work a #89 to Pickmere in about 25 minutes. We deciedd to wait for the #31 which was heading into town. A short time latter the bus appeared. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 574 on a #31 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Northwich Interchange

We got on the bus and we bought Network Bus Duo ticket at £12 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Watling Street and we turned right onto the ring road. We followed the A533 out of town for about 1/3 of a mile before we veered left onto London Road. We crossed the A533 and we went over the roundabout over the A556. We continued Southwards into Davenham we ran through the village. We turned right onto Jack Lane and we ran through Moulton. We joined the Southbound A533 and we turned right onto Bostock Road. We ran forwards onto the B5355. We ran forwards onto Whaton Road and we crossed over the big roundabout at the bottom of Winsford onto the High Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 574 and it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Winsford

We realised there was a bus back towards Northwich due, so we went under the subway and waited at the bus stop by the Guildhall. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 55 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 55 in Winsford

We got on the bus and we flashed the D&G Network Duo Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the High Street and we ran down the hill towards the big roundabout. We ran forwards onto Wharton Road and we continued Northwards out of Winsford. We ran up the A5018 and we turned right onto the Northbound A533 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 55 as it continued towards Northwich.

D&G Bus 55 in Winsford

Once off the bus we walked over to the new service station on the end of the industrial estate. We crossed over the road and we walked into the service station. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we bought some pop and a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back over the road and onto the A533 to wait for the next Northbound bus. As short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 576 on a #31 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 576 in Winsford

We got on the bus and we placed our Neywork Day Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the fast section of the A533 for around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Jack lane. We ran into Moulton and we followed Jack Lane to the right and towards Mere Heath. We turned left onto London Road and we headed Northwards into Davenham and we crossed over the A556 and A533. We continued through Leftwich before joining the Northound A533. We ran forwards onto Dane Street and we turned right onto Watling Street before stoppping at the interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 576 before it returned on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 576 in Northwich Interchange

Once off the bus we decided to headed to the pub. We went to the bar and we ordered 2 glasses of Coke. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat and watched the latest football scored on the TV. When we had finished we headed back to the Interchange. We saw Warrington's Own Buses 1041 on a #9A to Warrington.

Warrington's Own Buses 1041 in Northwich Interchange

Also seen was D&G Bus 100 on a #49 to Weaverham.

D&G Bus 100 in Northwich Interchange

We decided to do the #82 which had been on layover for a while. We saw it was D&G Bus 58 on a #82 to Chester.

D&G Bus 58 in Northwich Interchange

We got on the bus and we scanned the Network Bus Duo ticket before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Watling Street and then turned right into Chester Way. We crossed over the weaver and we turned left onto the A559. We ran West out of town and as we passed some minibuses parked up off Milner Road adjacent to Greenbank railway station. We continued out past Hartford station and we joined the Westbound A556. We turned right onto Weaverham Road and we ran through the Cuddington housing estate before we joined the Southbound A49. We turned right by the petrol station to re-join the A556 and we carried on Westwards. We then continued on along one of the fast parts of the route through Oakmere until we joined the Westbound A54. We continued for a further 500m and then we turned left into Kelsall village. After running through the village we re-joined the A54. It wsa going to be a dead time in Tarvin village, so we planned to get off at Tarvin Sands... However. there were roadworks where the bus stop is, We spoke to the driver and he said he would drop us at a different stop. We ran inti Tarvin village and as we approached the stop we saw the bus coming the other way! The driver flashed the other driver and told him there passengers coming across. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 58 as it headed towards Chester.

D&G Bus 58 in Tarvin

We crossed the road and we saw the other bus was D&G Bus 577 on a #82 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 577 in Tarvin

We got on the bus and we scanned the Network Bus Duo ticket before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along High Street and we turned right onto the A54. We turned right again to run through Kelsall. We rejoined the A54 and we ran through Oakmere before we veered left onto the A556. At the crossed roads we turned left onto the A49 and we entered the estate in Cuddington along Ash Road. We ran through the estate and we rejoined the A556 and ran East to Harford where we came off and went onto the A559. We ran past Hartford and Greenbank railway stations and we entered Northwich. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 577 as it headed towards Northwich.

D&G Bus 577 in Northwich

Once off the bus we headed into a pub and Matthew went to the toilet. We had a small glass of Coke and afterwards we went out to see uncle Dave. We crossed over the road and as we had a little time we walkd back to the Greenbank Hotel. Matthew took a picture of the large house on the junction which is being redeveloped. We waited at the bus stop and Matthew had a Milky Way. A short time later the bus came around the corner and we saw it was D&G Bus 582 on a #49 to Rudheath.

D&G Bus 582 in Greenbank

We got on the bus and we placed the Network Duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A559 and we headed Eastwards. We joined the A533 on the edge of town and we crossed over the river Weaver and into the Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 582 as it continued towards Rudheath.

D&G Bus 582 in Northwich Interchange

We waited by the Interchange and mum came to pick us up. We got in the car and we set off onto the A533. We continued Southwards out of town and to the edge of Winsford. We followed the A533 left and we joined the A54. We ran into Middlewich and we re-joined the A533 and ran out of town. We turned left onto St Annes Avenue and I parked up. I walked to the chop shop on the main road and fetched some food for everyone. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of dandelion and burdock. When I had finished eating we set off along St Annes Avenue and left onto Sutton Lane. We turned left onto Long Lane South and we re-joined the A533. We ran along side the Trent & Mersey canal, which at this moment seems ton be almost empty. We continued to the edge of Sandbach and through to the motorway. As we apoproached the motorway we saw Keane Coaches YT24 BRF. We joined the Southbound M6 and we ran down to Junction 16. As we travelled Southwards we passed 5 ALS Coaches coaches and 3 Big Coach Company coaches. We went Southwards down the A500. We ran along the high level A500 and onto Wheildon Road. We went into uncle Dave's and Uncle Dav e had his birthday presents from Matthew. Matthew used the toilet and had some of uncle Rob's Fanta orange. After dropping off uncle Dave 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 and right onto the A5035. We got back to the house around 19:00. Matthew had his medication and chilled out on his computer. Matthew did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Later on Matthew had a Flake ice cream. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Northwich / Chester 17-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
708	Northwich Interchange	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	4	Arriva NW&W
708	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	Northwich Interchange	4	Arriva NW&W
4645	Northwich Interchange	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	82	Arriva NW&W
4102	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	Chester, Railway Station (S4)	84	Arriva NW&W
2950	Chester, Argos Stop B (Stop B)	Northwich Interchange	82	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Northwich. As it is mid December and the days are short, we gave Matthew a list of places nearby in the North West and the Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Northwich. Research consisted of looking up the weather, which was forecast for cloudy cold weather and looking at the timetables in the Northwich area. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we drove through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We followed the road to the left onto Blurton Road and we stop at the One Stop Shop for mum to drop something off at the Post Office. We continued down Blurton Road and up and over the hill into Heron Cross. We got onto the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we joined the Northbound A500. Just before we got to the M6 we passed Springfield double decker Y22 HOW plus another red Enviro400 double decker LJ09 OKD. We came off the A500 and we joined the M6. The road was quiet and we made good progress two junctions up the motorway. We passed an unidentified Eiflon's coach and a blue and cream half cab single decker with a covered load on it's roof. We came off the M6 at the A54 and we ran West to Middlewich. We saw an unidentified white Ford minibus and St Luke's Routemaster RM1590. We stopped at the Country Kitchen food wagon for dinner where Matthew had a sausage & egg bap washed down with a small bottle of diet Coke. when we had finished we continued North to Nothwich via the A54 and the A533. We crossed under the A556 and in Leftwich we saw Arriva NW&W 4104 on a #31 to Crewe. We pulled into the town centre and we turned right on Watling Street before turning left into Crum Hill. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. As we walked onto Watling Street there we a couple of buses on stand. Required Arriva NW&W 708 was on the #2 service and required Arriva NW&W 2950 was on the #82 to Chester. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet so we walked across to the market and Matthew used the disabled toilet at the top end. By the time Matthew had finished Arriva NW&W 2950 had already departed to Chester. Matthew came out of the toilet and we saw Club Class minibus ET02 UCN. There was a crowd at stand G so we went over to see what they were waiting for. There was a #37A to Sandbach due at 13:48. Whilst we waited at that stop we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2618 which was on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw a Network Warrington bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Network Warrington 71 on a #45 service to Warrington.

Network Warrington 71 in Northwich Interchange

The #37 turned up eventually and it was dud Arriva NW&W 2608. Matthew didn't fancy doing this and whilst we considered what to do next we saw Arriva NW&W 2612 on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 708 on the #4 to Barnston so we decided to do this.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Northwich Interchange

We got on the bus and we we booked Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket at £5.30 each before we sat down. Matthew resisted the temptation to honk the horn and was very well behaved! The bus set off along Watling Street and we turned right onto Chester Way. We crossed over the Weaver and we turned right onto Castle Street. At the end we turned left onto the A533 and we climbed the hill past the hospital and over the railway line. We ran to the end of the road and then we turned left onto Runcorn Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Manor Road and into the estate. We ran around the estate and we got up and flashed the tickets to the driver aso we could return back into town on the bus. We got back onto the A533 and we ran down the hill, following the road to the right over the Weaver. We ran past the Tat chemical works and back over the railway line before we dropped down into town. At the bottom of the hill we continued onto the one way system and over the Weaver into the town centre. When we got to the Interchange we saw required Arriva NW&W double decker 4645 was waiting on the #82 to Chester. We had around 2 minutes to get off the bus and get on the double decker if we were going to catch it, we we decided to do. We got off Arriva NW&W 708 and we walked briskly back a couple of stands and we got a picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before we jumped on it.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Northwich Interchange

We flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Watling Street and then turned right into Chester Way. We crossed over the weaver and we turned left onto the A559. We ran West out of town and as we passed some minibuses parked up off Milner Road adjacent to Greenbank railway station. We continued out past Hartford station and we joined the Westbound A556. As we continued towards Chester we were now in thick fog. We turned right onto Weaverham Road and we ran through the Cuddington housing estate before we joined the Southbound A49. We turned right by the petrol station to re-join the A556 and we carried on Westwards. We then continued on along one of the fast parts of the route through Oakmere until we joined the Westbound A54. We continued for a further 500m and then we turned left into Kelsall village. The fog was now clearing and it was sunny! After running through the village we re-joined the A54 about a mile further West. Another short run along the A54 and we turned left to go into Tarvin Village. When we got off the bus we decided to get up and get off the bus here. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before it continued on to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Tarvin

Once off the bus we walked down Forge way and we went to the Co-operative Food store where Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a couple of small bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had purchase the stuff we went back to the same bus stop as the #84 to Chester was due 18 minutes after the #82. Matthew had a bottle of Sprite and ate a Bounty. The bus was a few minutes late which was not too surprising with heavy traffic in Chester and Crewe town centres. The bus turned up and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4102.

Arriva NW&W 4102 in Tarvin

We got on the bus flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set of Westwards down the High Street and we re-joined the A54. A few hundred yards down the road the at the next roundabout we joined the Westbound A51 and we ran through Littleton and over the A55 and A41 into Vicars Cross. We crossed the Shropshire Union Canal and we went around the one way system onto Christleton Road. We continued West along the A51 into Broughton and we could see the mist over the River Dee to the left of us. We went around the Square roundabout and we turned sharp right onto City Road and up towards the railway station. At the end of the road the bus terminated and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4102.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4102

When we got off the bus we had around 35 minutes to get 1/4 of a mile across town to foregate Street so that we could catch the #82 back to Northwich. In the meantime we decided it was best to visit the toilet so we set off across the road to the railway station. On the way we stopped to get a picture of Helms Dennis Dart 114 which was on a City Rail Link service.

Helms 114 in Chester

There were also a couple of other buses parked opposite the railway station. The nearest one was Helms Enviro200 121 on layover

Helms 121 in Chester

Also on layover we saw Helms Wright bodied VDL bus 115.

Helms 115 in Chester

We went into the forecourt of the railway station and we located the toilet which was to our delight on the near side of the barrier! Once Matthew had finished using the facilities we set off on foot along City Road and we saw Arriva NW&W 4406/4407 on the #1 to Wrexham and Stagecoach Merseyside 21262 on a a X8 to Liverpool. We went around the big square roundabout and we went under a couple of subways and then we were on the right side of Foregate for us to catch the bus back with around 12 minutes to spare. It was quite busy with both people and buses. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 on a #9 to Piper's Ash.

Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 in Chester

There were plenty of different buses coming and going on the 2 park and ride services that pick up at this stop. To cope with demand extra seemed to have been put on and these were usually older double deckers. Once such example was Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 on a PR2 service to Broughton Heath.

Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 in Chester

In the next few minutes we saw Kee Travel 0008 KEE and National Holidays NH13 DWH as well as Stagecoach Merseyside double decker 18002 on a PR1 service to Wrexham Road. A few minutes later as expected we saw required Arriva NW&W on the #82 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2950 in Chester

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went sat down at the back of the bus. We set off across the bi square roundabout onto the A51 and we travlled eastwards out through Broughton. Where the Road splits away from the A5115, we veered left and we ran up through Vicars Cross and over the A55 & A41. We continued through Littleton and down the hill and then we turned left onto the A54. It was now quite foggy and we couldn't really see where we were going! We turned right into Tarvin High Street before we rejoined the A54 a little further East. After a short run along the A54 we turned right again to run through Kelsall. We rejoined the A54 and we ran through Oakmere before we veered left onto the A556. At the crossed roads we turned left onto the A49 and we entered the estate in Cuddington along Ash Road. We ran through the estate and we rejoined the A556 and ran East to Harford where we came off and went onto the A559. We ran past Hartford and Greenbank railway stations and we entered Northwich from the West end crossing over the Weaver before coming into the interchange on Watling Street. Once we got off the bus we spotted mum parked in the car park, but as it was foggy we decided to take a couple of pictures of the buses in the strange orange fog lit up by the streetlights. We saw Arriva NW&W 2618 on a #29 to Winsford.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

We got in the car and mum was waiting in the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle or Irn Bru. We set off along Watling Street and we travelled east out of town. At the first big roundabout I accidentally took the wrong turn as it was foggy so acfter a quick turn we resumed East on the A559 out of town until we reached the A556. We continued East to the M6 and we saw AAA Travel YLZ 1348 as we went around the roundabout. We went South for a couple of junctions and the fog lifted as we got onto the Southbound A500. As we got to Stoke it was foggy again and at Sideway we went east along the A50 to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. There wasn't many on the spare ground, or at least at the near end. In the first row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

In the two closer buses in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Nearest minibus in the first row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound, and there were one or two parked on the road. The first one we saw was new arrival Z Carz minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

Also in the road was another new arrival, Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the compound was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

From the taxi fleet was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

The final bus we saw was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we left at the next roundabout onto Baths Road so that we could visit Tesco to put some petrol in the car. After filling up we re-joined the westbound A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We went through Blurton along Blurton road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a let tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrot followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Chester 27-02-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1202	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	39	GHA
H119 SAO	Nantwich BS	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	C84	Routemaster Buses
S644 KJU	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	Chester BS	82	GHA
34810	Chester BS	Chester, opp Northgate Avenue	51	Stagecoach Merseyside
5000	Chester BS	Chester, after Newton Lane	X30	Arriva NW&W
5001	Chester, by Hamilton Street	Chester BS	21	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. With GHA starting a #84 service on Monday, we decided to go to Crewe to check it out. Research consisted of checking the weather (which was for cool cloudy weather with sunny intervals) and going on the GHA website to download the timetable and check bus times. We gave Matthew a choice of destination from the North West to visit, but Matthew picked Crewe from the list. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we passed the Britannia stadium where there was already activity ahead of todays clash against Aston Villa. We went West onto the A50 and then North onto the A500. As we joined the A500 we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus YX53 CYZ. As we continued North we saw Tyrers YN65 AXR, City Centre Central SA08 ONW, SS Travel PN57 CUY & SO Coaches T431 KLE. The A500 was blocked West of the M6 so we had to divert around. We went North up the A5078 and we turned left to go towards Barthomley. We went West along a road designated R70 and we went through the villages of Englesea Brook & Weston. We turned right onto Main Road and we joined the old route to Crewe opposite to Crewe Hall. We turned left and we ran up to the A534 where we turned right towards the railway station. Outside Crewe station was Eavesway YJ14 BYG & silver taxi minibus EK60 KMG. We ran along the A534 before turning right onto Edleston Road. As we travelled up into Crewe town centre, we saw a number of buses. Coming the other way we Routemaster Buses H116 SAO on a C84 to Chester, Arriva NW&W 4104 on a #37 to Winsford, D&G 130 on a #85 to Newcastle, Arriva NW&W 2623 on a #84 and First Potteries 66305 on a #3 to Hanley. We went past and around the bus station and we parked up in Asda. For dinner we visited Vernon's Fish Bar. After visiting the toilet, Matthew had sausage chips and beans with a round of bread and butter and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating, we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On the way in we saw D&G 154 which had developed a fault whilst working a #12 service.

D&G 154 in Crewe bus station

When we got in the bus station we had around 5 minutes before the 13:03 GHA #84 to Chester was due. The plan was to do this as far as Tarvin before doing a #82 forwards to Chester. Whilst there we had a look around to see what was in service in Crewe today. Parked up in the bus station, presumably for driver comfort breaks was GHA Mercedes minibus OEZ 2159.

GHA OEZ 2159 in Crewe bus station

Formerly 1421 in the Wardle Transport welfare fleet, this is one of the few buses in the fleet that Matthew hadn't been on around the time of the sale to Stanton's of Stoke. Also parked up on layover was Routemaster Buses East Lancs bodied Dart PL05 PLO.

Routemaster Buses PL05 PLO in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses YJ07 JWD, which was about to work their 13:00 C84 service.

Routemaster Buses YJ07 JWD in Crewe bus station

There was a bit of activity around the hour... Required Arriva NW&W 894 was on a #6 service, required Arriva NW&W 2615 was on a #31A and required Routemaster Buses PL05 PLN was about to work a #9 service.

Routemaster Buses PL05 PLN in Crewe bus station

13:03 came and went and the GHA #84 bus come in. We had noticed the Routemaster Buses 12:00 C84 was running a little late, so we thought it might have been caught in traffic. Across the other end of the bus station we saw required GHA 1202 come in, which was going to work the 13:25 #39 departure to Nantwich.

GHA 1202 in Crewe bus station

The driver had a quick comfort break and then returned to the bus. When the driver got the bus ready for service we boarded the bus and we booked GHA day tickets at £5 each. Matthew honked the horn before he sat down... :( At 13:25 the bu set off out of the bus station and we headed up to the A534 via Delamere Street, Chester Bridge, High Street and Mill Street. After turning left we turned right onto Gresty Road and we were followed by a maroon Gordon's coach. We past the Alexandria Stadium and we went through the housing estate to the North of the Crewe Shrewsbury railway line. We crossed over the railway line on Rope Lane and we turned left onto Gresty Lane. After going eastwards for a while we crossed the A500 and we travelled through Basford before crossing over the West Coast main line. We passed through the villages of Weston, Hough and Shavington before coming into Wybunbury from the North. We traveled down to Walgherton and we joined the A51. We then headed North up the A51. we came into town along the B5074 and we crossed over the Crewe Shrewsbury line for a third time before going around the town centre to the East and into the bus station along Beam Street. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside GHA 1202 before we got off.

Inside GHA 1202

Having taken a very circuitous route from Crewe to Nantwich, the next bus towards Chester was due soon. The Routemaster Buses bus was due at 14:24 and the GHA bus was due at 14:27. Mum had now committed to pick us up from Chester, so we decided to catch the next bus going towards Chester whichever one turned up first. In the meanwhile we had a few minutes to take bus pictures. On layover in the bus station was GHA Solo YJ59 GHB.

GHA YJ59 GHB in Nantwich bus station

We walked over to stand E to wait for the bus and as we got there Routemaster Buses Olympian H119 SAO came into the bus station into the wrong stand!

Routemaster Buses H119 SAO in Nantwich bus station

We walked over to the bus and a few passengers came off the bus. We got on the bus and we found out why the bus came into the wrong side. It was because there was a diversion around town and we had to turn right out of the bus station which isn't possible from stand E. We booked to Tarvin and whilst we were sorting the tickets Matthew took a picture of the empty lower saloon.

Inside Routemaster Buses H119 SAO

After we got the tickets we went upstairs and Matthew took a picture of the inside of the upper saloon too.

Inside Routemaster Buses H119 SAO

We set off out of the bus station onto Beam Street and then we turned left onto Barony Road. We passed silver minibus FN13 EWF. We joined the A51 and we passed Routemaster Buses X616 JCS on the #56A service. We continued West along the A51 and we passed Snugbury's Ice cream and through Wardle. Further West we passed required Routemaster Buses G706 TCD on a Crewe bound C84 service. We joined the A49 and we then we went through Tarporley where we saw Arriva NW&W 4216 on a Crewe bound #84 service. we left Tarporley and we got back onto the A51. We ran around another 5 miles along the A51 before turning off to go into Tarvin village. We went up Tarporley Road and we turned into High Street. When the bus got to Londis we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Routemaster Buses H119 SAO before it carried on towards Chester.

Routemaster Buses H119 SAO in Tarvin

Once off the bus we headed to the Co-operative Food store just off the High Street. In the shop Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of Milky Way twin bars and a pack of Curly Wurlies. Once we finished shopping we paid for the goods and we headed back to the stop where we got off. Going the other way we saw GHA Centro CN57 EFD going towards Northwich on a #82 service. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew share one of his Milky Way twin bars with me and uncle Dave. A few minutes later we saw the Chester bound #82 round the corner on the High Street. As it got closer we saw that it was dud GHA Northern Counties bodied Volvo S644 KJU.

GHA S644 KJU in Tarvin

We got on the bus and we flashed the GHA day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The bus set of down the High Street and we joined onto the Westbound A54. A few hundred yards down the road we joined the A51. We climbed the hill through Littleton and to the M53 where we passed another GHA 57 reg Centro on the #82 to Northwich. We crossed the A41 and we ran into the East end of Chester through Vicars Cross. At thr bottom of foregate Street as we joined the ring road we saw Gold coloured Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 on a #7 service. We went around the northern end of town and we came into the bus station down Northgate and under the City Wall. We turned by the theatre which is in the middle of a major refurbishment and into the bus station. When we got off the bus we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 on a #1 to Blacon.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 in Chester bus station

As we walked down to our usual perch we saw required Arriva NW&W 2649, which has been refurbished up to Sapphire Bus standard on a #11 to Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 2649 in Chester bus station

Matthew went to the toilet under the market by the car park, which has now been fixed albeit the sink is still not working. We then perched in our usual spot to watch the buses go by. Whilst there we saw a couple of lorries coming and going in relation to the theatre refurbishment. The first one we saw was leaving with a large section of We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21273 on a #31 Sealand Road park and ride service.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21273 in Chester bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 which was on a #1 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 in Chester bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5002 on a #21 to Runcorn Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 5002 in Chester bus station

The gold coloured 'Investors in People' bus also made an appearance. Required Arriva NW&W 3047 was on the #2 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3047 in Chester bus station

When then next #82 was due we went over to the stops. Whilst we were waiting we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 34810 on a #51 to Plas Newton.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34810 in Chester bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 again, this time on a #1A to Blacon.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 in Chester bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to go and say hello to someone on the Plas Newton bus. When we got on after saying hello he decided he going to do the bus. Required GHA double decker W469 BCW came into the bus station and Matthew still refused to get off the bus! We let uncle Dave know we were going and we booked to the back of the bus depot. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went down to the ring road and we turned right. We crossed the Liverpool Road and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Merseyside 34810.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 34810

We turned left onto Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. We set off back to the bus station on foot. We walked back onto the ring road and we went under the roundabout onto Northgate Street. On the way back to the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 5000 on the X30 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 5000 in Chester

After we went under the City Wall Matthew went to say hello to someone in a cafe before we carried on past the theatre and into the bus station. We got within about 20 yards of uncle Dave and Matthew decided to jump on another bus! We booked to Hoole Road and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and Matthew waved at uncle Dave as we went past him. We went down to the ring road and we went around to the A56. As we passed the railway station we were along side JAK Travel YN05 VTE. We went over the railway line and we continued North for a short while and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5000 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 5000 in Chester

We saw a coach up the road and we went up to see it. It was a French coach Maury AP 784 TS. We crossed the road and we looked at the timetable on the bus stop. There was a bus to Chester due in a couple of minutes. I thought it would be better to catch a bus back even though it would coast more money, as we might stand a better chance of getting back to uncle Dave without Matthew jumping on another bus. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 5001.

Arriva NW&W 5001 in Chester

We got on the bus and we booked to Chester before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the A56 and we crossed the railway line and went past the railway station. After going around the ring road anti-clockwise we entered the city down Northgate and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 5001.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5001

Once off the bus we met up with uncle Dave again and went over to the toilet. After using the facilities Matthew went to the gent to wash his hands. We then went back to our usual spot to take a few pictures. We saw a white coach enter the bus station. It was Arrowebrook P209 RWR.

Arrowebrook P209 RWR in Chester bus station

We considered doing the 17:20 #82 towards Tarvin. We went over to check it out and it was required GHA Solo YM52 TPX. Matthew didn't fancy doing it for some reason. We went back to the spot and we watched it depart.

GHA YM52 TPX in Chester bus station

A few minutes later Matthew jumped up and dragged us over to the other side of the bus station. Required Routemaster Buses Leyland Olympian G706 TCD had returned from Crewe on the C84 service.

Routemaster Buses G706 TCD in Chester bus station

We did consider doing this bus, and if we had done W469 over to Tarvin, we would have almost certainly come back on this bus. Mum arrived from Ellesmere Port and we decided to call it a day. We went back to the via the shopping centre. Mum hadn't been able to get Greggs from Ellesmere Port as it had closed early. The Greggs in Chester appeared to have shut too. We decided to go back to the car and get some chips on the way home instead. Matthew had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We left the car park and we went around the ring road to the A56. We went North for a round 1/2 mile and we cut through the housing estate to the Kingsway Shopping Centre where we knew there was a chip shop. Mum brought a couple of portions of chips between us to keep us going until we got home and cooked tea. We went back to the A56 and then we joined the Northbound M53. We went up one junction and then we joined the Eastbound M56. It was now dark as we went through Cheshire. We continued over to Lymm and we joined the Southbound M6. We rolled through the roadworks on the M6 and then we came off at junction 16. The westbound A500 was shut and I'm not sure if it had anything to do with the accident earlier. As we went Southdown the A500 we caught up with First Potteries 66838 running out of service. At sideway we went east up the A50 to Longton. We came off the A50 and we went to Z carz to see what was parked up there tonight. There wasn't much on the spare ground this evening. At the front was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Towards the back of the site was Z Carz maroon Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. has it been often recently the compound was packed with minibuses, the closest to the gate being Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We left the A50 and went through Blurton along Blurton Road. We carried on forwards to Church Road and then we turned right onto Beaconsfield Road. As we travelled along we passed First Potteries 67601 on the final Longton bound #22 of the day. We got home shortly after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Caramac Breakaway. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark