Showing posts with label Walsall Community Transport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walsall Community Transport. Show all posts

Saturday, 11 July 2026

Trip to Walsall / Bloxwich 11-07-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



4860Walsall BSAldridge, Stop AD7NX West Midlands
21Aldridge, Stop ADBloxwich, Stafford Road25Walsall Community Transport
2145Bloxwich, High StreetWalsall BS31NX West Midlands
2013Walsall BSNew Invention, Square69NX West Midlands
2025New Invention, SquareWalsall, Sainsbury's69NX West Midlands
2135Walsall, Sainsbury'sWalsall BS70NX West Midlands
6729Walsall BSBloxwich, Leamore LaneX51NX West Midlands


Today we decided to revisit Walsall. Matthew originally asked to go to Matlock, but mum needed to go somewhere that had more of a town today, so we vowed to go to Matlock some time in the near future. Research consisted of looking at where to park and checking the weather. The weather was for dry sunny and vey hot weather. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had crumpets. Later on Matthew had a small bottle of Irn Bru. After getting ready we got in the car and set off just before 12:00. We set off thr 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 turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the motorway we saw an unidentified white coach, an unidentified Jones coach, an unidentified Vale Travel coach, unidentified 2 x Loch Lomond coach, an unidentified the coachtravel group coach and an 2 unidentified Les Holland coach. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5 and we crossed the M6 Toll and joined the southbound A34. We ran through Landywood and Newtown and through Bloxwich past the former Royal Exchange pub which is going to be a convenience store. After going through the town centre we continued down the A34 and we crossed over the ring road in to Walsall. We ran onto Green Lane and we stopped at the council car park. We said goodbye to mum and we walked across the car park onto Stafford Street. We continued onto St Paul's Street and we saw National Express West Midlands 2139


NX West Midlands 2139 in Walsall
We carried on towards the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands E1141 on a #529 to Wolverhampton.


NX West Midlands E1141 in Walsall
We got to the edge of the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4870 on a #31 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 4870 in Walsall bus station
Also see was National Express West Midlands 6719 on a X51 to Birmingham.


NX West Midlands 6719 in Walsall bus station
We walked through the bus station and the middle section of the bus station was closed. Matthew seemed to know about this and he continued along St Paul's Street to the stands further in town as this seems to be where the buses were using from the middle stands. We saw Chaserider 538 on a #36 to Lichfield.


Chaserider 538 in Walsall bus station
Further down St Paul's Street we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4860 on a #7 to Castlefort.


NX West Midlands 4860 in Walsall bus station
We waited for the bus to be readied for service. Whilst we waited Matthew made a friend. We got on the bus and we purchased a nBus Day ticket for £5.50 before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4860 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.


Inside NX West Midlands 4860
When it was departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and on to Hatherton Street and forwards onto Hatherton Road.We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over the roundabout. We continued up Lichfield Street and at the next roundabout we turned right onto Mellish Road. We ran forwards onto Aldridge Road and we ran out of town along a fast rural section of Road. We veered slight left onto Walsall Road and we ran North Eastwards through Pool Green. At the edge of the by-pass we turned right onto Portland Road and left onto Anchor Road. At the North end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4860 as it continued towards Castlefort.


NX West Midlands 4860 in Aldridge
We got off a stop earlier than usual so that we could go to a different pub. We headed into the pub and we order drinks at the bar. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat at a table. When we had finished our drinks we headed out of the door and back to the same bus stop. We waited for the next bus. We had a chice of going to Bloxwich or Sutton Coldfield. We saw a minibus and I asked Matthew if he wanted to the bus and he said yes. As it got closer we saw it was Walsall Community Transport 21 on a #25 to Bloxwich.


Walsall Community Transport 21 in Aldridge
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before sitting down in the middle of this minibus. We set off Northwards up Anchor Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto the A454. We headed Westwards we ran through Stubber's Green into Shelfield. We crossed over the A461 and we ran forwards onto Mill Street. We turned right onto Broad Street and left onto Harrison Road. We turned right onto Spring Lane and left onto Church Way. We turned left onto Field Lane and we turned right to re-join Mill Road. We continued onto Fordbrook Lane and we followed the road around onto Vicarage Road. We turned right onto the B4154 and we ran into Pelsall. After a brief stop in the centre of Pelsall we continued Northwards up the B4154. We turned right onto Smithy Drive and left onto Gilpin Crescent. We turned right onto Lothians Road and left onto St Johns Road. We turned right onto St Pauls Crescent and we ran to the end. We turned left onto St Andrews Avenue and we an forwards onto Ryders Hayes Lane. We rejoined the Southbound B4154 and we ran into Pelsall before turning right onto the High Street. We turned left onto Highfield Road and we turned left onto the A4124. We turned left onto Shortlands Lane and right onto Paradise Lane. We turned right onto Mouse Lane and left onto Allenys lane. We headed towards Heath End and we turned right onto Goscote Road. We crossed over Rough Brook and we ran forwards onto Slacky Lane. We turned left onto Goscote Lane and we turned right onto Harden Road at the roundabout. We turned right onto Broadstone Avenue and left onto Chantry Avenue. We turned left onto Pinfold and we turned right onto Bloxwich High Street. I did not look at the Bustimes map so I did not look where the service terminated. We headed up the High Street and I expected the bus to terminate somewhere. When the bus left the centre of Bloxwich and we continued Northwards up the A34 I started to wonder where we would end up. We turned right onto Sanstone Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Walsall Community Transport 21 before it continued towards Kingstanding.


Walsall Community Transport 21 in Bloxwich
We headed back to the A34 and we walked Southwards. We crossed over the road to keep in the shade of the tall trees at the side of the road. We walked past the former pubs and we continued Southwards into the town centre. As we got into town we saw Walsall Community Transport 21 come past us heading Southwards. We went into a shop and we bought drinks and a chocolate bar. After we had left the shop we crossed the road and went into the Prominade Garden. We sat on a step and Matthew had his chocolate bar and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we walked back onto the High Street and waited for a bus Southwards into Walsall. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it turned the corner we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2145 on a #31 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 2145 in Bloxwich
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall. We crossed over the A4148 and we saw an unidentified TNS minubs go past. We ran down onto St Pauls Street and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we looked around for something to catch. A short time later we saw National Express West Midlands E1112 on a #529 to Wolverhampton.


NX West Midlands E1112 in Walsall bus station
There were a couple of buses on the top island so we went over to investigate. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2013 on a #69 to Wolvrhampton.


NX West Midlands 2013 in Walsall bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out off the bus station and we ran along St Pauls Street. At the roundabout we ran onto Green Lane and we crossed over the ring road. We ran North for around a 1/2 mile and then we turned left onto Stephenson Avenue. We entered the Reedswood retail Park and we stopped outside Sainsbury's before we returned back onto the main road. We ran North along Stephenson Avenue and around the Beechdale housing estate. We turned left onto Stephenson Square and we ran do to Eddison Road. At the end we turned right onto Cavendish Road and we ran past a pub. We ran forwards onto Bentley lane and we crossed over the M6 and into New Invention and we got and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 2013 as it carried on towards Wolverhampton.


NX West Midlands 2013 in New Invention
We crossed the road and we saw National Express West Midlands 2124 on a #41 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 2124 in New Invention
We headed into the Co-op and we bought more drinks. We went outside and Matthew had a flapjack that we had brought with us in the trip bag. He also had some water. We headed to the bus stop to wait for another bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2025 on a #69 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 2025 in New Invention
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A4124 past a site under development. We also past a garage that seemed to special in old trucks. We turned right onto Pooles Lane and we turned right onto Bloxwich Road North. We turned left onto High Road and we crossed over the Wyrley and Essington Canal before turning left onto Bentley Lane. We passed a development on the right hand side before crossing over the M6 motorway. We crossed over Bloxwich Lane and we an forwards onto Cavendish Road. We turned left onto Edison Road and we turned left onto Stephenson Square. We turned right onto Stephenson Avenue and we headed South into the Reedswood Retail Park where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of National Express West Midlands 2025 as it continued on a #69 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 2025 in Walsall
Once off the bus we headed into Sainsbury's. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went into the shop and we bought a meal deal and a bottle of water. We went outside and before Matthew could start his chocolate bar we saw a bus come around the corner. As it go closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2135 on a #70 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 2135 in Walsall
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the retail park and we went Eastbound along Stephonson Avenue. We turned right onto the Sourtbound A34 and we headed towards Walsall. On the way into town I got in touch with mum and she had moved to a Farmfoods on the way to Bloxwich. We crossed over the ring Road and we continued along Green Lane. We ran onto St Pauls Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for a bus towards Bloxwich. I looked at the stand for the #31 & #32 and it was empty. Matthew reminded me that we could always do a X51. We turned to see a bus on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6729 on a X51 to Cannock.


NX West Midlands 6729 in Walsall bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out bus station and we headed Northwards up St Pauls Street. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we crossed over the ring road. We ran forwards onto the B4210. We crossed over the Wyrley and Essington Canal and over the railway line. Just after Leamore Lane we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto the car park at Farmfoods and we got in the car. Matthew had a chocolate ice cream sandwich. We set off onto the A34 and we turned right onto Leamore Lane. We stopped in the car park and I went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of Vimto. When I had finished eating we set off onto Leamore Lane and we turned left onto the B4210. We crossed the A34 and we continued up the B4210 avoiding Bloxwich High Street. We ran through Mossley and Springhill and we turned right onto the A462. We continued Northwards for about a mile and we joined the Northbound M6. We ran Northwards into Staffordshire. As we travelled Northwards we saw x2 unidentified Major Coachways coaches and x2 unidentified Johnsons (Henley-in-Arden) coaches. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Hanford and Sideway and we came off at Stoke. We turned right onto City Road and right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's and we dropped him off. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off to Blurton. we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub. 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 we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we saw Stanton's of Stoke 784 RBF. We got back around 19:00. Matthew had cake and custard and we worked on the Blog. Later on Matthew had a Cherry Coke and an ice pop. We sent an E-mail and edited some photos. Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime at 00:30... Mark

Saturday, 10 December 2022

Trip to Walsall / Bloxwich 10-12-2022









BusFromToServiceOperator



3301Walsall St Pauls BSWalsall Wood, Occupation Road10National Express West Midlands
4125Walsall Wood, Occupation RoadWalsall St Pauls BS10National Express West Midlands
30923Walsall St Pauls BSBloxwich, Wolverhampton Road High Street31Rotala Diamond
11Bloxwich, Bloxwich Park (Stop BC)Brownhills, High St23Walsall Community Transport
4348Brownhills, Raven's CourtWest Brownhills, Howdle's Lane10National Express West Midlands
4125West Brownhills, Howdle's LaneRushall, Rosedene Close10National Express West Midlands
32258Rushall, Rosedene CloseWalsall St Pauls BS35ARotala Diamond


Today we decided to stay reasonably close to home. I suggested to Matthew that we went to Walsall and he agreed. Research consisted of checking the weather. It was for a cold dry day, with a small chance of a snow shower. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr 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 turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the motorway we saw 2 unidentified Edwards coaches, 3 unidentified Turners coaches, 2 unidentified Lakeland coaches, an unidentified Laser Travel coach, an unidentified Keeplings Travel, white minibus DP17 TBY and grey minibus SH69 EOU. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. We headed Eastward to the other end of Cannock. We stopped at the petrol station on the corner of th A4601 and we put in a small amout of petrol. We got back onto the A5 and we crossed the M6 Toll and joined the southbound A34. We ran through Landywood and Newtown and through Bloxwich. We continued along the A34 right to the edge of town and we joined the Eastbound A4148. We turned right onto Stafford Street and we ran forwards onto St Pauls Street. We hoped to use the Hatherton Road short stay car park. We ended up doing a few circuits of that part of town. Hatherston Street, Albert Street, Wisemore and back onto St Pauls Street. We did another circuit and we stopped at the car park by McDonalds. We said goodbye to mum and we walked along Wisemore and we turned left onto St Pauls Street. Before we got to the bus station we saw Diamond BT20 ZPW parked near to the bus station.


Diamond BT20 ZPW in Walsall
We continued around the corber onto Hatherston Road to see what was parked up on layover. As we headed up to a distant double decker we saw National Express West Midlands 4125 depart on a #10 to Brownhills West. A few yards up the road we saw National Express West Midlands 4573 on ayover in between runs on the #10 to Brownhills West.


NX West Midlands 4573 in Walsall
We walked back along Hatherston Road past Rotala Diamond 21238 which was on layover in between runs on the #74 to Gillity Village. we walked into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 2123 on a #8 to Lichfield.


NX West Midlands 2123 in Walsall bus station
A few moments later we saw Rotala Diamond 30880 on a #35A to Druid's Heath.


Rotala Diamond 30880 in Walsall bus station
Initially we waited at the stop in the centre platform, but there was a broken down double decker blocking the way. When National Express West Midlands 3301 came into the bus station the bus and the passenger were directed over to Stand B where the #31 usually departs from. We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.20 each before going upstairs and sitting down. When it was departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and on to Hatherton Street and forwards onto Hatherton Road.We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left at the roundabout. We ran Northwards along Lichfield Road and we ran through Rushall. We continued into Shelfield and we Northwards into Walsall Wood and we turned left onto the B4152. We got up and get off the bus in order to intercept the ancient Trident. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 3301 as it continued towards Brownhills West.


NX West Midlands 3301 in Walsall Wood
We crossed over the road and we waited for the next Southbound service. We know from the map which bus it was going to be. It appeared that we could have made to the South end of Brownhills High Street but at least we were sure that we hadn't missed it. Whilst we waited we saw another of the ALX400 Tridents. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4360 on a #10 to Brownhills West.


NX West Midlands 4360 in Walsall Wood
A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #10 to Walsall as expected.


NX West Midlands 4125 in Walsall Wood
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down We set off along the B4152 and we turned right on to Lichfield Road. We ran Southwards through Shelfield and Rushall and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Bridge Street and into the centre of town and we ran around the South side of the bus station and entered the bus station from the West side. We got up and got off the bus. We had a wander around whilst we decided what to do next. We saw Rotala Diamond 30170 on a #31 to Mossley.


Rotala Diamond 30170 in Walsall bus station
We walked out of the bus station and onto Bridge Street. We saw National Express West Midlands on a #934 to Birmingham.


NX West Midlands 6722 in Walsall bus station
We walked back to the bus station and we saw Rotala Diamond 30923 on a #31 to Mossley.


Rotala Diamond 30923 in Walsall bus station
The bus was ready to go so we had another walk around. We returned to Bridge Street and we saw Walsall Community Transport SF16 JBZ on a #22 Paddock Circular service.


Walsall Community Transport SF16 JBZ in Walsall bus station
We walked back into the bus station and we decided to head up towards Bloxwich. We saw a bus on stand. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 30923 on a #31 to Mossley. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards he back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto St Pauls Road. We continued onto Stafford Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the B4210. We continued Northwards for around 2 miles and we veered right onto A34. We ran along the high street and as we were about to turn left onto Wolverhampton Road we saw National Express West Midlands 4348 on a #70 to Walsall. We continued onto Sand Bank and we turned left onto Bell Lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30923 as it continued towards Mossley.


Rotala Diamond 30923 in Bloxwich
We walked around the corner onto High Street and we spotted that the Little Dessert Shop was closed until 16:00. We decided to go to a nearby pub for a drink. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke. Whilst we drank our drinks we saw some of the Morroco vs Portugal game and we saw Morroce score their goal. When we had finished we headed outside to look for something to catch. We saw Walsall Community Transport 9 on a #25 to Catshill. As we approached the stop it pulled off. Afterwards we saw Walsall Community Transport 11 on a #23 to Brownhills West.


Walsall Community Transport 11 in Bloxwich
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before sitting down. The last time we had done this service in the opposite direction it was operated by Arriva and was a Dart! We set off Northwards up Park Road before going around the park and head Southwards down the High Street. We turned left onto Victoria Avenue and we crossed over Field Road and we saw a distant Southbound #29 service. We continued along Vallet Road before turning left onto Valley Road. At the end we turned right onto Abbots Street and left onto Green Rock Lane. We turne left onto Livingstone Road before turning left onto Mallory Crescent. We re-joined Livingstone Road and we turned right onto Wolverhampton Road. We continued Northwards onto Lichfield Road and we ran for about 3 miles until we came into Brownhills from the Northern end past the mirrored miner statue. We crossed the roundbout onto High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the roas as we knew there was another required Trident on it's way Northwards. About 5 minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4348 on a #10 to Brownhills West as expected.


NX West Midlands 4348 in Brownhills
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We ran along Brownhills High Street past McDonalds and the giant mirrored miner statue and we headed past Brownhills Common where we could see deer in the woods. At the big roundabout we turned right onto the Eastbound A5. We waited at the stop for a few minutes before continuing Eastwards along the A5. We ran Eastwards for about 3/4 of a mile and a further 2 stops and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4348 as it continued back towards Walsall.


NX West Midlands 4348 in Brownhills
Once we had got off the bus we headed to the shops on Howdle's Lane and we Matthew brough a can of Cherry Coke, a 29p shops own can of cola and a chcolate bar. We walked back to the bus stop and Matthew drank his can of shops own cola. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #10 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 4125 in Brownhills
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A5 and we turned right onto Chase Road. We turned right onto the B4155 and we ran towards the roundabout with the mirrored miner statue. We turned left on the A452 and onto the High Street. We continued down the High Street and over the canal and we turned right onto the B4152. We ran to into Walsall Wood and we turned right on to Lichfield Road. We ran Southwards through Shelfield and Rushall where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4125 as it continued towards Walsall.


NX West Midlands 4125 in Rushall
Once off the bus we waited for something else running towards Walsall. A quick look at the timetable and we saw there was a #35A due in a few minutes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approach from the side street. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 32258 on a #35A to Walsall.


Rotala Diamond 32258 in Rushall
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lichfield Street and we headed Southwards. We crossed over the ring road and we turned right onto Hatherton Street and we ran to the Eastern edge of the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 32258.


Inside Rotala Diamond 32258
We continued into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 2115 on layover.


NX West Midlands 2115 in Walsall bus station
We continued around the South side of the bus station and up the other side. As we headed back towards where we were going to meet mum we saw NX West Midlands 1841 on a #29 to Bloxwich.


NX West Midlands 1841 in Walsall bus station
We walked up St Pauls Street and we turned right onto Wisemore. We turned right onto Little Albert Street and we stopped by the Tesco Petrol station to wait for mum to arrive who had driven out of town to do some shopping. Mum arriver at the perol station and we filled up with petrol and got in the car. We set off onto Little Albert Street and we turned left onto the A4148. We turned right onto the B4210 and we headed Northwards and we headed towards Bloxwich. On the way Northwards and we stopped at the lights by Leamore Lane and we spotted a chip shop in a small retail area. We parked up and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When we had finished eating We rejoined the B4210 and we ran Northwards. We ran past Bloxwich North railway station and we ran up to Springhill. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran Northwards for a few miles. We joined the Northbound M6 and we ran through Stffordshire. Returning home up the M6 we saw taxi minibus YY64 UFL, an unidentified Megabus coach, an unidentified Birmingham International coach and silver minibus SF72 ZSZ. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500 We ran through Hanford and into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we headed back South and onto Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's to Drop him off and Matthew drank some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and used the toilet. We 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. Matthew ate a peice of millionaire's shortbread and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Saturday, 5 January 2019

Trip to Walsall / Aldridge 05-01-2019









BusFromToServiceOperator



4608Walsall St Pauls BSBloxwich, High St (Stop BA)89National Express West Midlands
1841Bloxwich, High St (Stop BC)Walsall St Pauls BS29National Express West Midlands
SJ66 SYOWalsall St Pauls BSPleck, Manor Hospital637Walsall Community Transport
5415Pleck, Pargeter StWalsall St Pauls BS529National Express West Midlands
4353Walsall St Pauls BSAldridge, Shopping Centre6National Express West Midlands
4155Aldridge, Shopping CentreWalsall St Pauls BS7ANational Express West Midlands


Today we decided to re-visit Walsall. As it is the depths of winter and light is poor, we wanted somewhere quite close by that we hadn't been often and offered us plenty of scope to go somewhere new. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cloudy cloudy and grey weather. We asked Matthew straight if he wanted to go to Walsall and he agreed to it. Other than checking the weather and local football teams we did no research. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We had ordered dome things online at the Stoke City shop so we stopped at the BET365 stadium to pick the stuff up. As we approached the shop we saw some familiar faces... It was Grandma and Grandad who happen to be buying stuff from the shop too. After picking up our stuff we said goodbye and we continued our journey. We set off onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. At Sideway we got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Hanford to Hanchurch. We got on the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. As we travelled Southwards down the M6 we saw Traveling down the M6 we saw an unidentified NAT coach, an unidentified Berrys Coaches coach, Several unidentified National Express coaches (Including one with a Scottish Flag rear quarter), white coach PO16 HTK and a couple of unidentified Ridley coaches. We travelled down to Junction 12 and we came off on to the Eastbound A5. We stopped at the truckers Rest cafe as planned and we saw Rentruck minibus AV62 AHM outside the cafe. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a breakfast washed odwn with a can of Coke. He also helped mum to drink her can of Cherry Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off onto the Eastbound A5. We turned right at the roundabout and we joined the Southbound A4601. We got onto the A460 and we ran down to the motorway. We joined the Southbound M6 at junction 11 and we ran down to junction 10. Once off the motorway we ran Eastwards along the A454. We ran forwards onto the A4148 and we turned right onto Stafford Street. At the roundabout we veered left on to St Pauls Street and we entered the Hatherton Street car park. Once we had parked up we walked out onto St Paul's Street and we said goodbye to mum before walking into the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 2373 on a #3 to Cannock.


Arriva Midlands 2373 in Walsall bus station
Also seen was National Express West Midlands 4607 on a #8 to Pelsall.


NX West Midlands 4607 in Walsall bus station
We headed into the bus station and we saw iGo 2106 on a #19 to Bloxwich.


iGo 2106 in Walsall bus station
We saw an interesting looking bus which turned out to be a required one. National Express West Midlands 4602 was about to work a #7A to Castlefort.


NX West Midlands 4602 in Walsall bus station
We waited for the bus to be readied for service. Come departure time the driver just left empty and went on layover onto Hatherton Street. We decided to another bus. National Express West Midlands 4608 came on stand about to work a #89 to Wolverhampton via Bloxwich.


NX West Midlands 4608 in Walsall bus station
We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.60 each before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck of the bus was empty we Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4608 before sat down towards the back of the bus.


Inside NX West Midlands 4608
We set off out of the bus station onto Hatherton Street and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road. At the next junction we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We ran North for around a mile and we passed through Rushall. We continued to Shelfield and then we turned left into Mill Road. We followed the road into Pelsall Common and we turned right into the centre of Pelsall. We decided to continued onto to Bloxwich. We set off Northwards up to Wolverhampton Road and we turned left. We ran down around the estate and and then we continued South. We ran forwards onto Lichfield Road and we passed the Walsall Community Transport depot and National Express West Midlands 2112 which was on a #32 service to Lower Farm. We turned left onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus. At the bus stop was iGo YJ18 CZX on a #326 to Bilston.


iGo YJ18 CZX in Bloxwich
On the other side of the park we saw required Rotala Diamond 21212 which was about to work a #23 to White Horse Road.


Rotala Diamond 21212 in Bloxwich
In front of the that was National Express West Midlands on a #89 to Walsall which pulled off as we went to catch it. We decided to visit the Newsagents to buy some stuff. We brought a couple of cans and a couple of chocolate bars. As we went to cross back over we saw Ring & Ride bus BX65 FTY parked up at the Southbound bus stop.


Ring & Ride BX65 FTY in Bloxwich
Also seen was Ring & Ride bus SJ67 SSU running Northwards up the High Street.


Ring & Ride SJ67 SSU in Bloxwich
We crossed over the road and Matthew spotted a dessert shop. We went in and Matthew went to the toilet. Once he had finished there we ordered a red velvet cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Matthew ate his dessert and afterwards we went outside to uncle Dave who was having a slightly less fun time as he had been pooped on by a pigeon! We cleaned up uncle Dave a little bit and we headed to the bus stop. We just missed the #19 to Walsall but there was a #29 to Walsall a few minutes later. We waited a few minutes for the bus and it appeared. It was National Express West Midlands 1841 on a #29 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 1841 in Bloxwich
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards along Park Road. We turned right onto Lichfield Road. We turned right on to Field Road and left onto Ingram Road. We ran to the end of the road to a turning circle and we picked up passengers. We continued onto Walker Road and we turned left onto Harden Road. We turned right onto Ross Road and we ran forwards onto Coalpool Lane. We turned left onto the B4210 and we crossed the A4148 onto Stafford Street. We veered slight left onto St Paul's Street and we entered the bus station from the North End. We got off the bus and Matthew headed to the toilet. Once Matthew had used the facilities we looked for another bus to catch. We spotted required Walsall Community Transport SJ66 SYO on a #637 to the Manor Hospital.


Walsall Community Transport SJ66 SYO in Walsall bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we did a u-turn onto Hatherton Street. We continued onto Hatherton Road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. We followed the road around onto Bridge Street and we ran forwards onto Ablewell Street. We ran forwards onto Springhill Road and we turned right into the Highgate housing estate. We ran through the estate and onto Delves Road. We passed Walsall Rugby club and we turned right onto Tame Street East. We crossed West Bromwich Road onto Tame Street and we turned left onto Weston Street passing Rotala Diamond 30412 on a #4 to Walsall. We turned right onto Broadway West and we crossed over Bescot Crescent and forwards onto Wallows Lane. We turned right onto Bescot Road and we turned left onto Slater Lane. We turned right onto Gower Street and right onto the A4038. We turned left onto Old Pleck Road and we ran for around 1/2 mile before we turned left into Manor Hospital. We got up to get off the bus and as the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Walsall Community Transport SJ66 SYO.


Inside Walsall Community Transport SJ66 SYO
Once off the bus we watched it set off back towards the depot as it was the last run of the day. We walked across the car park onto Pleck Road and we crossed over the A454 and walked to the bus stop to wait for the next #529 to Walsall. We waited at the bus stop for a good 10 minutes and eventually we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 5415 on a #529 to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 5415 in Pleck
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A454 and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus we looked for a bus we could do quickly as we had just over an hour left on the parking. We spotted required National Express West Midlands 4353 on a #6 to Sutton Coldfield, so we thought we could do this up to Aldridge.


NX West Midlands 4353 in Walsall bus station
We waited for the bus to be readied for service and when the door were opened we got on. We flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4353 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.


Inside NX West Midlands 4353
When it was departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and on to Hatherton Street and forwards onto Hatherton Road.We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over the roundabout, passing Walsall Community Transport YX10 AXC for the second time in the same place today on the #22 Butts Paddock circular service. We continued up Lichfield Street and at the next roundabout we turned right onto Mellish Road. We ran forwards onto Aldridge Road and we ran out of town along a fast rural section of Road. We veered slight left onto Walsall Road and we ran North Eastwards through Pool Green. At the edge of the by-pass we turned right onto Portland Road and left onto Anchor Road. At the North end we got up and got off the bus. Also at the bus stop was National Express West Midlands 4870 on a #937 to Brownhills West.


NX West Midlands 4870 in Aldridge
Matthew spotted a pub across the road and insisted in going in. He used the toilet and afterwards we had a small glass of Pepsi Cola each and we sat near to the door so that we could watch buses on the main road. Whilst we drank we saw National Express West Midlands 4601 in a heritage Walsall Corporation blue livery heading Northwards. When we had finished our drink we went outside and met back up with uncle Dave. As we were approaching the stop we saw iGo Dennis Dart KU52 RXR on a #25 to Kingstanding.


iGo KU52 RXR in Aldridge
In front of the Dart was National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #7A to Walsall.


NX West Midlands 4155 in Aldridge
We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4155 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.


Inside NX West Midlands 4155
We set off along Anchor Road and we ran forwards onto Portland Road. We turned left onto the A454 and we ran South-Westwards towards Walsall. It had now gone dark and was hard to see the passing buses. After a couple of miles we turned left onto the A461 and we headed Southwards. We crossed the A4148 and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Bridge Street and into the centre of town and we ran around the South side of the bus station and entered the bus station from the West side. When we got into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We had a last walk around and we took a few bus pictures before we returned to the car. We saw National Express West Midlands 1756 which had arrived on stand and was going back to the depot not in service.


NX West Midlands 1756 in Walsall bus station
We walked along Hatherton Street to see what vehicles were parked up on layover. We saw Arriva Midlands 3743 on layover in between working services to Cannock.


Arriva Midlands 3743 in Walsall
Further down Hatherton Street we saw Travel de Courcey coach MD30 which was on the #415 to London.


Travel de Courcey MD30 in Walsall
We returned back to wards the bus station and car park and we saw National Express West Midlands 4599 on a #6 to Sutton Coldfield.


NX West Midlands 4599 in Walsall bus station
We returned to the car and we met up with mum who had brought sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park onto Hatherton Street and and we ran up to the A4148. We turned left and we ran forwards onto the A454. When we got to the motorway we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 10. Travelling home up the M6 we saw an unidentified National Express liveried coach on a #590 to London, Street Cars MA14 AOU, black minibus EJ12 HHZ & Parks of Hamilton LSK 825 on a #540 to London. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we ran Northwards up the A500 to Sideway. We turned right at the roundabout and we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we ran up to Z Carz to see what we could see. There was nothing on the spare ground as expected so we turned left onto Willow Row. Unusually there was also nothing viewable in the compound either. We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:00. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.