Trip to Burnley / Nelson 04-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41316	Burnley BS	Brunshaw, by Bronte Avenue	517	First West Yorkshire
254	Brunshaw, by Bronte Avenue	Worsthorne, o/s Church Square	2	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
254	Worsthorne, o/s Church Square	Burnley BS	2	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1043	Burnley BS	Whitegate, by Cowley Crescent	23	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1855	Whitegate, by Whitegate	Burnley BS	23	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
2768	Burnley BS	Nelson Interchange	X43	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1863	Nelson Interchange	Burnley BS	25	Transdev Burnley & Pendle

Today we decided to visit Burnley. We had only passed through Burnley once before back in November last year. Research for the trip consisted of looking at the Transdev fares and timetables. We also looked at the #517 to Halifax although I thought it would be unlikely we would be there at the right time. The weather was predicted for a fine afternoon although the morning weather was fairly gloomy. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Today we set off around 11:30 going onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. As we passed the Britannia Stadium we saw Atlantic Travel XIB 1494 arriving with Stewards for the Stoke City - Leicester City FA Cup tie. We headed on to the A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. At Shelton we diverted off the A500 and to get some LPG before carrying on North. We got on the Northbound M6 and then onto the Eastbound M62. We headed clockwise around the M60 and then onto the M66. We did the M66 into Rawtenstall and then dropped into Burnley on the A682. We parked on a car park on the opposite side of Red Lion Street to the bus station and then walked across. After visiting the toilets, we ate at the cafe in the bus station where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. It was around 13:45 when we finished eating so we decided to have a walk around the bus station and take a few bus pictures. We walked past the taxi's outside the bus station and onto the A682. On the top stand was Transdev Burnley & Pendle 266 on the #2 to Worsthorne.

'Starship' 266 in Burnley bus station

Leaving the bus station on the #483 to Bury was Rossendale Transport 218.

'Rosso' 218 in Burnley bus station

First West Yorkshire 32520 had just arrived on the #592 from Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 32520 in Burnley bus station

We then saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 709 on the #1 to Pike Hill.

'Starship' 709 in Burnley bus station

We headed back around the bus station as we had just seen a X43 to Nelson arrive. It was required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2778.

'Witch Way' 2778 in Burnley bus station

It was 14:00 and we were considering doing 2778 when the #517 to Halifax arrived and it was required First West Yorkshire 41316.

First West Yorkshire 41316 in Burnley bus station

We got on the bus and booked to Pike Hill as I knew I could get a Transdev service back from here. We sat down near the back of the bus and the bus set off through town. We had missed getting 41316 back in September when we had seen it pass us on the #517 as we headed out of Halifax. We headed out of town and we passed Turf Moor. There was a large picture of 'Stokie' Martin Patterson on the cladding outside the stadium who also played for Burnley for a few seasons. We carried on east and we passed dud First West Yorkshire 41281 on the inbound #589 from Rochdale. The bus emptied out a little as we headed out of town and Matthew got a picture inside 41316 facing forwards.

Inside First West Yorkshire 41316

The bus went up a very steep hill and we assumed that we had reached Pike Hill. We also saw a Starship Versa turn a corner ahead of us, so we decided that this would be the place to get off. We got to the top of the hill and Matthew got another picture of the fine Marshall Dart 41316.

First West Yorkshire 41316 in Brunshaw

We got off and we crossed the road. Checking the timetable their wasn't a bus due for nearly another thirty minutes! The #2 from this stop was due at 14:41. We crossed back over and the #2 from the opposite side was due at 14:31. There was also the #589 due at 14:28. We had a bit of a walk around to pass some od the time and we thought about getting a picture of 41281 as it climbed up the hill. We could wait on the corner and trot to the bus stop just in case the #2 came first. The #2 did come first so we made our way to the stop. It was required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 254. We booked our silver day tickets and we headed into Worsthorne. We came straight back on the bus and we headed back passed Bronte Avenue on what would have been the 14:41. When we got off Matthew got a picture of 'Starship' 254 through the glass of the bus station.

'Starship' 254 in Burnley bus station

We wanted to keep moving so we had a look around at what we could do. We let required Lancashire United 1100 on the #152 to Preston. We saw required Burnley & Pendle 'Mainline' 1043 on the #23 to Accrington so we decided to do this service part way.

'Mainline' 1043 in Burnley bus station

When the bus was ready for service we got on and sat down near the back. There were some empty seats at the back at this point so mathew got his picture there.

Inside 'Mainline' 1043

The bus filled up a little more before departure and then it picked up some more passengers at it went through the town centre. We crossed the M65 and headed up towards Padiham. When we had travelled another mile or so we decided to get off. We got off and we got pictures of 'Mainline' 1043 as it headed Westward.

'Mainline' 1043 in Whitegate

We crossed the road and we waited for the next bus into town. We were approached by a coupe of Jehovahs Witnesses who tried to convert us! It is usually Matthew who approaches stranger to say hello. Before we could be converted, we saw a bus approaching and we got on it. It was required 'Mainline' 1855.

'Mainline' 1855 in Whitegate

The bus was quite well filled and we got on and sat near the back. Matthew didn't get a picture inside the bus as it then became the #25 to Keighley! We got of and it was around 15:30. There was a X43 at 15:37 so we decided to do this to Nelson so we could see a new place.Matthew visited the toilet and said hello to a few people before we got a picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 'Witch Way' bus 2768.

'Witch Way' 2768 in Burnley bus station

We got on and and went upstairs. The bus set off bang on time and we headed out of town and along the A682. On the edge of town we passed Transdev Burnley and Pendle decker 2750, which is now in Mainline colours. We passed through Reedley and Brierfield and the sun came out just before it was about to go dark. We passed a war memorial and a quite impressive mosque just off the main road as we headed into Nelson. I had looked on the timetable and the journey time was 15 minutes. We had also noticed that it was an interchange so we knew we would turn towards the railway line to the South of us. We waited for the bus to empty behind us, so he got a picture inside 'Witch Way' 2768.

Inside 'Witch Way' 2768

We got off the bus and we decided to have a walk around the bus station. Matthew visited the toilet and then we walked around the outside of the bus station As we were there, we saw our first Pennine bus. It was Dennis Dart KX51 UDE otherwise know as D5

Pennine D5 in Nelson interchange

We carried on around the bus station an we saw Tyrer YJ05 WCE in the Nelson sunset,

Tyrer YJ05 WCE in Nelson interchange

back in the bus station we visited the shop where Matthew purchased Munchman flapjacks, chocolate and a can of Coke. We let one Mainline bus go as he was still eating his flapjack when it arrived. The next one was only eight minutes later and it was required 'mainline' 1863.

'Mainline' 1863 in Nelson interchange (Mark)

We got on and sat down near the back. The bus set off back towards Burnley. It was now getting dark. The monument was lit up with light that change colours. We paused outside it for a minute or so and we saw the lights slowly changing. We also noticed Santa's Pizza and some interesting looking cake shops! We called mum to tell her we were on our way and when we got to the bus station Matthew let the bus empty before getting a picture inside.

Inside 'Mainline' 1863

We then walked out of the bus station towards the car park. On Red Lion Street was 'Starship' 262 stabled between duties.

'Starship' 262 outside Burnley bus station

We got back to the car where sausage rolls and pop were waiting for us. We set off back onto the A682 towards Rawtenstall were we saw Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ. We carried on out of town and then onto the M66. We carried on South onto the anti-clockwise M60 and then onto the Westbound M62. We then went south on the M6 and onto the Southbound A500. At Sideway we headed East on the A50 where we saw Z Carz M420 UEH. We got off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were 5 buses parked up on the spare ground tonight. First it was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Then there was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then there was former Alton Towers coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to the was former Phil Smiths Travel Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Last but not least was Blackwood liveried coach B12 PWS displaying 420 in the window.

Z Carz B12 PWS in Longton

We turned onto Willow Row and we saw SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX in the compound. We headed back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross where We headed through Blurton on Blurton Road and we through the estate and got home around 18:30. For a let tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by cheesecake. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:30...Mark

Trip to Accrington 14-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
L310 YDU	Accrington BS	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	19	M&M Coaches
L310 YDU	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	Accrington BS	19	M&M Coaches
N617 VSS	Accrington BS	West End, opp Percy Street	46	M&M Coaches
P350 NKH	West End, by Percy Street	Accrington BS	46	M&M Coaches
401	Accrington BS	West End, by Percy Street	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
405	West End, opp Percy Street	Accrington BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
1831	Accrington BS	Knuzden Brook, opp Old Mother Redcap	6	Transdev Lancashire United
1828	Knuzden Brook, by Old Mother Redcap	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. We didn't decided to go to Accrington until the night before so we didn't do any research for this trip except to check the weather. The weather was forecast for mild temperatures (9'), and heavy rain! Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off at 11:30 as we had to pick uncle Dave up on the way. We turned onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We then headed East into Heron Cross and then into Fenton. We picked uncle Dave up and then headed onto the A500. We did the A500 up to Shelton new road where we came off to get LPG. At the LPG place was a Roseville taxi. Matthew used to have Roseville as his school transport some time around 2002. We then headed West on the A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. We headed onto the Northbound M6 which was busy but moving quite well. There was a little congestion on the Eastbound M62 up to junction 11 as there were some roadworks. After this it was plain sailing. We headed onto the clockwise M60 and then North on the M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 becomes the A56 and we did this up to the A680. We did the A680 for the last few miles into Accrington and then we found a parking space after a bit of driving around town. The town was busier than we have seen before but not too busy. We started to walk to the bus stop cafe on Peel Street. When we got to the corner of Peel Street we saw Transdev Lancashire United 202, which used to be a Norwich park & ride bus many years ago.

Transdev Lancashire United 202 in Accrington

We walked down the street and we spotted required M&M Coaches N617 VSS on the #46 to Blackburn. After visiting the toilet on Peel Street we went to the cafe where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum before heading up onto Bridge Street to see what other M&M Coaches buses were about. Unusually there were 3 Pilkington Bus buses on Bridge Street. R846 VEC, P729 RYL and Boomerang liveried S451 WAT were all doing local services.

Boomerang S451 WAT in Bridge Street Accrington

With there being no M&M Coaches bus in Bridge Street we started to walk back onto Peel Street when we saw our first Transdev Optare Solo. Starship 1256 was on the #9 to Burnley.

Starship 1256 in Infant Street Accrington

We saw the next #46, which was dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH and then we saw required M&M Coaches L310 YDU heading towards Bridge Street. We followed the bus up there and Matthew got a picture of this fine Mercedes minibus.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Bridge Street Accrington

We checked the time and then checked the timetable to see that L310 YDU was about to work a #19 Barnfield circular. The bus was loading up and we got on the bus and booked up to Barnfields. We sat down and waited for the bus to go. The bus set off through town and into an estate of terraced housing. The bus went up a hill for about half a mile before heading across the street and then back down into town. When the bus got back into Peel Street we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside L310 YDU which appears to have been re-upholstered with a more modern Stagecoach moquette that would have been originally on this bus before it was sold on for further use with M&M Coaches.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU

We walked up to the next stop originally with the intention of getting another picture of L310 YDU. As we were about to take the picture, required M&M Coaches re-appeared from its trip up to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches N617 VSS in Accrington bus station

We got on the bus and Matthew was able to get a picture of N617 VSS empty before we sat down.

Inside M&M Coaches N617 VSS

We booked a return to the West End and sat down near the back. Whilst we waited for the bus to depart we saw the 4th M&M Coaches turn which was dud N125 YHH on the #1. When it was the time the bus left town under the railway and headed along Blackburn Road. We joined the A679 and we headed up the hill towards the M65. We got off at the top off the hill by the West end business park. We crossed the road and looked a cross and we noticed a white coach in the business park that was just too far away to see what it was. It was starting to look like st was going to rain now as we waited for the return #46. A few minutes later as expect we saw dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH approaching from up the road.

M&M Coaches P350 NKH on Blackburn Road

We got on and we sat down near the back of the bus. We chilled out as we ran back along the A679 and then along Blackburn Road and under the railway into Accrington town centre. When the bus emptied out Matthew got a picture inside P350 NKH.

Inside M&M Coaches P350 NKH

Now we had covered all of the M&M Coaches turns, I asked Matthew if he wanted to get a Pilkington Bus ticket or a Transdev Ticket. Matthew chose Transdev, although this was probably because required Transdev Lancashire United 401 was sitting on the stand in front of us on a X41 to Blackburn. We got on and booked local day tickets before going upstairs. The bus had people on it front and back upstairs so Matthew took a picture of a few empty seats that were opposite us.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 401

The bus took the same route as the #46, out under the railway line and onto Blackburn Road passing required Transdev Lancashire United 573 on a #7A. We then joined the A679 about a mile out of town. We decided to get off a few stops earlier that we did on the #46 so we could try and get the X41 going back the other way. When we got off Matthew took a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 401 as it went off into the distance on it's journey to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 401 in West End

We crossed the road and we spotted the X41 coming down the hill so we trotted down to the stop whilst flagging the bus down. It turned out to be required Transdev Lancashire United 405. We got on the bus and flashed our day tickets before going upstairs. The bus was empty behind us so Matthew got a picture inside empty Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 405

The bus went down the A679 and the into town along Blackburn Road and under the railway bridge. We passed the end of Peel Street and then went around town so the the bus could face the other way and get onto (Stand O). When the bus stopped we got off and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Transdev Lancashire United 405 in Accrington bus station

We decided to have a quick break before doing the last couple of buses. We headed to the newsagents on Peel Street to get some food. On the way we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 402 heading North on the X41.

Transdev Lancashire United 402 in Accrington bus station

We went to the papershop where Matthew purchased a can of Coke and Irn Bru, as well as a few chocolate bars. He also spotted an iced cake which we brought too. Matthew ate the cake and drank the Irn Bru. Whilst he ate we saw Required Pilkington Bus double decker X591 USC on a #20 service, another bus we can perhaps do on a future trip. After eating we headed up to the toilets. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1088 on a #7 Blackburn circular.

Transdev Lancashire United 1088 in Accrington bus station

Matthew wen to the toilet and by the time he had finished the bus had gone. We went to the other end of Peel Street as we could see a #6 Blackburn circular. It was required Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Transdev Lancashire United 1831 in Accrington bus station

We decided to do this bus. Matthew wanted to do it to Blackburn, but it was getting dark and it was raining so We got on the bus and we booked to Knuzden before sitting down near the back. The bus was quite full as it was getting to the busy time of the evening. The bus set off up the Blackburn Road, but unlike the #46 of X41 the bus goes through Oswaldtwistle. The bus went through Oswaldtwistle we seem to take twicw as long as when the bus goes straight up the A679. We eventually joined the A679 in the West End and then bus headed under the M65. The bus had emptied a little and Matthew took a picture of the view forwards Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1831

We saw there were shelters on both sides of the road on the other side of the M65, so we decided to get off there. We got of the bus and watched 1831 disappear into the distance. We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. According to the Firstbus App (which is useful anywhere with all bus companies) there was a #7 around 15:57 and a X41 at 16:05. We saw a bus approaching in the distance and it turned. This must have been a #7A service. Around 15:57 the bus came up the hill and we saw that it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1828. We got and sat down near the back. This bus was even fuller than the last one as it was coming out of the busier town of Blackburn. We headed along the A679 before turning right and running through Oswaldtwistle. We joined back on the A679 further up and then we went onto to Blackburn Road. Th e bus emptied a little as we approached Accrington but it did not empty completely as it is a circular service. Matthew got a picture of a few seats in the bus just before we got off.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1828

We got in Peel Street and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1828.

Transdev Lancashire United 1828 in Accrington bus station

We saw an unidentified Rossendale bus on the #464 to Rochdale as we walked back towards the car. Matthew decided to visit The Commercial Hotel pub to go to the toilet and say hello to a few people. We walked back to the car which mum had moved across the road where we had sausage rolls waiting for us. We drove out of town along the A679 Burnley Road. We stopped briefly to get some Irn Bru out of the boot for Matthew before carrying on up to the A56. The rain was now lashing down and it was quite windy too. We them headed South towards the M66. We accidentally turn onto the A680 towards Haslingden and we turned around and got back onto the A56. We headed South onto the M66 and then onto the anti-clockwise M60. Stoke were playing in the late kickoff of the day and we were able to listen to the first half of the commentary as we headed home. We Headed West on the M62 and then onto the Southbound M6. We headed South passing the A556 and then down onto the A500. The rain had eased a little as we headed South and the weather much better in Staffordshire. We headed down the the A50 which we did to Longton. At Z Carz tonight there were only 3 buses parked up and they were all poorly positioned for getting photographs. At the very back of the land were Mercedes minibus S952 VMY and LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz S952 VMY & M420 UEH in Longton

At the front was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN parked behind 2 cars! We turned into Willow Row and LDV minibus T408 JUX was still parked at the back of the yard SORN. We headed back onto the A50 to Heron Cross and back through Blurton. We went onto the A5035 where we passed First Potteries 40028 on a #23A to Newstead. We arrived home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a toffee cheesecake. Matthew Chilled out on his computer before going to bed around 00:45...Mark