Trip to Wigan / Platt Bridge 26-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4643	Wigan BS	Pemberton, Major Street	385	Arriva NW&W
4118	Pemberton, Enfield Street	Wigan BS	604	Go North West
2967	Wigan BS	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	320	Arriva NW&W
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West
3495	Wigan BS	Westhoughton, (Stop D)	607	Go North West
30656	Westhoughton, Stop E	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	559	Rotala Diamond
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go during the week and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. We joined the M6 and it was mving well today. After a short while we saw we got on the M6 we saw Little's E4 heading Notyhwards.

Little's E4 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw 2 x Options, grey tri axle coach, an unidentified Robinson's coach, grey minibus MC74 XTP, white minibus AE56 HCJ. We pulled into Knutsford Services as we had a fault on the car. we stopped and restarted and the fault cleared. On the services we saw silver minibus EF19 JKE and Prospect PR15 JAK. We re-joined the M6 and as we travelled Northwards we saw Alfa 105.

Alfa 105 on the M6

We continued up the M6 and we came off at junction 24. We joined the Northbound A49 and we ran towards Wigan. We continued up the A577 and we went past the retail park. We crossed under a railway line closed to Wigan Pier we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We parked up and we went to the Frexh Cafe. Matthew used the toilet and mum went to order the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. When we had finished eating we went to the counter an bought a slice of cake. We headed back to the car and as we drove inti town Matthew ate the cake. We set off along Wilcock Street and we turned left onto Miry Lane. We turned right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and right onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Richmond Street and continued onto Hallgate. There was nowhere to stop so we turned right Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and left onto Crawford Street. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. We walked onto Hallgate and we headed into the bus station. We stopped at the top end and Matthew used the toilet. We saw Go North West 4115 on a #601 to Hatfield Grange.

Go North West 4115 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it came on stand we sw that it was Arriva NW&W 4643 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought an system one anybus day ticket at £5 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street West and we turned right onto Wallgate. We passed the 2 railway stations and we ran under the railway line and onto the A577. We ran to the Wigan Pier and at the big rounsabout we continued onto the A577 through Newton and into Pemberton. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4643 as it continued towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Pemberton

After the bus had gone we crossed over the road and we walked back 1 stop to give us more choice of buses we could do back into Wigan. After a few minutes we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4118 on a #604 Kitt Green circular.

Go North West 4118 in Pemberton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the road and we ran the last 2 miles or so to the edge of town and we went over the big roundabout and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We ran past Wigan Pier and we ran forwards onto Wallgate and under the West Coast Main Line. We past the 2 railway stations and we turned left onto King Street West. We turned right onto Dorning Street and we crossed Hallgate and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom end to take a few pictures. we saw Go North West 5201 on a #639 to Worsley Hill.

Go North West 5201 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and we decided to catch another Arriva Bus. As we got to the stand we saw that it was Arriva NW&W 2967 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One busonly day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto Mesnes Street. We ran forwards onto Compton Street and we crossed over the A49 onto the A573. We ran out of the town and we past Lidl and we crossed over the A577. We continued Southwards down the A573 and we crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We ran through Ince-in-Makerfield and we continued through Spring View and into Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2967 as it continued towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Platt Bridge

Once of the bus we decided to have a quick look at the nearby scrapyard theat has a few buses in it. Of Note was Stagecoach 40649. We crossed over the road and we went into the Co-op. Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars. We went to the Northbound bus stop and Matthew ate a Twirl. We walked Northwards up to the Burger King. Matthew went to the toilet and I order him a cup of Coke. When we collected the order we walked back towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4614 on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4614 in Platt Bridge

We got to the bus stop and Matthew finished off his drink. We waited for the next bus to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom to take a few pictures. We saw Holmeswood YX25 OEP on a #110 to Preston.

Holmeswood YX25 OEP in Wigan bus station

We decided tha we would go to Westhoughton as there was a #607 due. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3495 on a #607 to Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto and we ran out of town. We travelled along Darlington Street East and we joined onto Manchester Road for the run into Hindley. We climbed up towards Castle Hill and we headed into the housing estate. We headed towards Hindley Green before turning and going past Greenbank industrial estate. We went North Eastwards towards Daisy Hill passing Orrell's NH14 HBH. We went through another housing estate before coming out on Market Street in Westhougton. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 3495 as it continued towards Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterqards we went to the bar and we ordered drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat down and we finished off our drinks then went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Once outside we saw Rotala Diamond 30650 on a #516 to Horwich.

Rotala Diamond 30650 in Westhoughton

We went to the bus stop and we looked for the next bus. We saw there was a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield due in a few minutes. Almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 30656 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. We went through the centre Hindley and we continued Eastwards through Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30656 as it continued towards Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Platt Bridge

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus up to Wigan. Whilst we waited we saw Bestway YJ68 CCX heading Southwards through PLatt Brdige.

Bestway YJ68 CCX in Platt Bridge

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the bus station and we saw Go North West on layover.

Go North West 4024 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 4037 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Go North West 4037 in Wigan bus station

We walked around the corner onto Hallgate and we waited for mum to arrive. Mum pulled up and we jumped into the car. We set off up Hallgate and we turned right onto dorning Street. We stopped at the bottom of the hill and uncle Dave jumped out quickly to photograph the uncle Joe's mintball factory. They have repainted this recently in a lighter shade of red than used to be there. We continued along Dorning Street and we turned left onto Frog Lane. We went under the railway bridge and we turned left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around Wigan Pier before headed Southwards. We went under the Ormskirk line and at the big roundabout we veered left onto the B5386. We ran forwards onto the A49 and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. After I had finished eating we continued South down the A49. We stopped at the petrol station and topped up with petrol. At thr roundabout we turned right to follow the A49 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw silver minibus RX16 AVF and an unidentified Anthoy's Travel coach. We travelled Southwards through Cheshire and we came off the M6 at junction 16. We ran Southwards down the A500 through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran forwards onto Whieldon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew used the toilet and had some of uncle Rob's orange Fanta. We update the calendar and we got back in the car. We set off up Whieldon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross 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 had just been re-surfaced. It was very dusty and very rough! We got back home just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and we updated the Blog and wrote and e-mail. Matthew had a slice of cake and a cup of raspberry lemonade. We went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Appley Bridge 02-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4102	Wigan BS	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	635	Go North West
4022	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	Wigan BS	635	Go North West
4133	Wigan BS	Horwich, (Stop D)	575	Go North West
15295	Horwich, (Stop A	Bolton BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
3500	Bolton BS	Westhoughton, Stop D	7	Go North West
3498	Westhoughton, Stop D	Wigan BS	7	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. I had checked the weather for the day and it said there would be sunshine and showers, with the better weather being in the North West. I asked Matthew where he wanted to go and he chose Wigan. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medicatiom. He got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set of just before 12:00 to go and pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we went uo the A500 we saw JKT GT19 JKT and blue minibus YR64 LRJ. We ran to the Barthomley Interchange and we got on the Northbound M6. Going up the M6 were an unidentified white tri-axle coach, an unidentified blue coach, an unidentified Centurian coach, An unidentified Traveller's Choice coach, silver minibus MK10 WGF and taxi minibus HA61 HHH. We came off the M6 at junction 24 and we ran along the A49 link road until we got to the A49. Just South of the town we jan forwards onto the B5386 which used to be the A49 before it was diverted around the town centre. We ran under the railway line to Kirkby and at the big roundabout we joined the A577. We crossed over the Leeds and Liverpool canal and we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the West Coast main line we turned right into Dorning Street and we parked up in the Mona Street car park. We walked up to the Post Office sorting office and we saw Go North West L4566 parked up on layover.

Go North West L4566 in Wigan

We continued onto Hallgate and we walked through the bus station and through onto Market Street. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed back past the shopping centre which has now been demolished. We went into the bus station and went went down to the bottom end to take pictures whilst we decided what to catch. We saw Go North West 4114 on a #3 Kitt Green circular service.

Go North West 4114 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5101 on a #630 to Platt Bridge,

Go North West 5101 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2929 on a #360 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2929 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4570 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4570 in Wigan bus station

At this point we headed into the bus station. I thought Matthew wanted to catch the Arriva double decker, but he continued to the top end of the bus station and decided to catch Go North West 4102 on a #635 to Apply Bridge.

Go North West 4102 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought System one bus at only tickets at £5 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto the B5375. We ran through Springfield, Standish Lower and Standish. As we travelled through we saw Go North West 4030 on a #635 to Wigan. We ran through Crooke to Shevington and we turned left onto the B5206. We turned right onto the B5375 under the M6 and into Shevington Vale. We turned right onto Back Lane and we turned right onto Woodnook Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4102 at it continued towards the end of the run.

Go North West 4102 in Appley Bridge

Once off the bus we headed to the nearby Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars and a millionaires shortbread. We stayed under the canopy and Matthew ate the millionaires shortbread and drank the Dr Pepper. We walked back to the stop and we waited for the next bus. It wasn't showing up on the map so we kept our fingers crossed that it was run but without the transponder on. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4022 on a #635 to Wigan.

Go North West 4022 in Appley Bridge

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Go North West 4022 before we sat down.

Inside Go North West 4022

We set of along Woodnook Road and we turned right onto the B5375. We turned onto left the B5206 and we continued through Shevington and we turned right onto Old Lane. We turned onto left the B5375 and we ran through Standish, Standish Lower and Springfield. We turned left onto New Market Street and we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off and Matthew went to the toilet. When he came out I asked Matthew if he wanted to go towards Horwich and he said yes. We saw Arriva NW&W 2971 on a #320 to St Helens. We looked on Stand and we saw it was Go North West 4133 on a #575 to Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of this well filled bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Markert Street We ran around the town clockwise and we went via Greenhough Street onto Scholes. As we ran out of town Scholes became Whelley. They don't have have some strange street names in these here parts... We continued North Eastwards through New Springs and we went forwards onto Wigan Road. On the Eastern Edge of Aspull we turned left onto Holly Road and left again onto St David's Crescent. At the end we turned right onto the B5239 and we ran ran Southwards into the centre of Aspull. We turned left onto Scot lane and we ran Eastwards out of town. We came to T junction and we turned left onto the B5408. To the left of us we could see a large transmitter on top of a hill. A little research revealed it is Winter Hill, the main TV transmitter for the North West. We travelled North through the village of Blackrod, and then when we got to the other side of the village we went South down the A6. At the next big crossroads we turned left onto Station Road and we passed Blackrod railway station and then went under the M61. We climbed the hill into Horwich and when the bus turned right into Chorley New Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4133 as it continued Northwards towards Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Horwich

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Crown. Matthew used the toilet and then we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat at a table for a few minutes whilst Mathew had his drink. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stagecoach Lancashire 11633 on the #125 to Sharoe Green. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for a Stagecoach bus towards Bolton. Whilst we waied we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 on a #125 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 in Horwich

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 on a #125 Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only ticket before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lee Lane and we went through the centre of Horwich. We continued Eastwards through Bottom O' Th' Moor and down the hill through Monserrat and Doffcocker. We crossed the ring road and continued along St George's Street and we turned right onto Knowsley Street going past the Market Place Shopping Centre. We turned right onto Deansgate and and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Moor Lane past the old bus station. We turned left onto Ormrod Street and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned right onto Newport Street and we entered the bus station. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. Afterwards we went outside to take a few pictures. We saw Go North West 4129 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Go North West 4129 in Bolton Interchange

We headed in the bus station to wait for a bus heading towards Westhoughton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Cadburys Snack. We saw Rotala Diamond 30675 on a #574 to Middlebrook. A sort time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3500 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Bolton Interchange

We flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto Newport Street. We turned left onto Great Moor Lane and we went forwards onto Deane Road. We past the site where there used to be an old double decker bus. This was now part of an aeroplane fuselage and call Steaks on a Plane. We ran about 3 miles out of town and we crossed under the M61. Chequerbent roundabout we saw an unidentified Grayways coach parked up at the side of the road. At the Chequerbent roundabout we turned right onto the A6 and we turned left onto Bolton Road and we ran down towards Westhoughton. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran through the town centre of Westhoughton. At the Western end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took anothr picture of Go North West 3500 as it continued towards Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we went into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we fought our way to the bar in a very busy and noisey pub and Matthew had a glass of coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and crossed the road to the bus stop. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Rotala Diamond 30156 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. We saw it was Go North West 3498 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3498 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. At the corner in the road we turned left into Southfield Drive and we worked our way across to the B5235. We went South past daisy Hill railway station and we turned right into Lower Leigh Road. We turned left onto Hindley Road and we ran through to Hindley via Swan Lane. We turned right onto Green Lane and we headed through the estate between Hindley Green and Hindley and we joined the A58 and we ran down int Hindley centre where we turned right onto the A577. We crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked around the bus station and we saw Go North West 4111 on layover. We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Fanta Orange and a sausage roll for tea. Whilst we were parked up preserved North West LDB 796 and GM Buses 3253 appeared on the Wigan Beer Festival shuttle service. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we turned right into Shell and stopped at the petrol station. After filling up we re-joined the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw ABC coach hire BA19 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate some carrot cake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Bolton 26-11-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2904	Wigan BS	Bamfurlong, Bryn Hall	320	Arriva NW&W
3057	Bamfurlong, Bryn Hall	Platt Bridge, Millers lane	320	Arriva NW&W
1031	Platt Bridge, Millers lane	Bolton BS	559	Vision Travel
19410	Bolton BS	Westhoughton, Stop E	7	Stagecoach Manchester
40746	Westhoughton, Stop D	Daisy Hill, Stop B	516	Rotala Diamond
27231	Daisy Hill, Furze Avenue	Wigan BS	7	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. Matthew chose Wigan in the week and very little research was done, other than to check where to park and to check the weather, which was for dull and wet weather. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 12:00. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw a white and blue Megabus on a Northbound M11 service. Traffic was moving quite slowly as we headed up to the M6. AS we travlled Northwards we saw Flixbus 019 (023) and Lucky Seven KN12 NBF. We joined the Northbound M6 at juntion 16 and we headed through Cheshire into Greater manchester. On the M6 were an unidentified grey coach, Globus YN22 ??? , ABC coach hire BA19 ???, an unidentified JH Coaches coach, an unidentified MacPhails Coaches coach and an unidentified AC Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at junction and we joined the A49. We followed the road to the edge of town and we ran forwards onto the A577. We crossed the big roundabout and we crossed ovrt the Leeds and LIverpool canal before turning left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the railway bridge. We turned right into Deanery Court and left into Richmond Street. We turned left into the car park and we parked up. We walked up Hallgate and past the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36799 0n a #4 Kitt Green circular service.

Stagecoach Manchester 36799 in Wigan bus station

We walked up the passageway onto Hallgate and we saw the cafe that we sometimes go to was closed. We continued onto Hallgate and we saw the Mr Chips had closed down! Mum suggested a cafe around the corner, so we continued up Hallgate and we turned left onto Market Street. We stopped at The new Chippery. Matthe went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbyue to mum and we walked along Market Street and turned left into the entrance of the bus station. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19481 on a #10 to Leigh. I'd asked Matthew where he had wanted to go and he said he would like to go to Bolton. We had just missed a #575 and there was a #7 on stand but it left empty. We walked back up to the other end and we saw Arriva NW&W 2904 on a #320 to St Helens which we decided to do.

Arriva NW&W 2904 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought System one bus at only tickets at £5 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto Mesnes Street. We ran forwards onto Compton Street and we crossed over the A49 onto the A573. We ran out of the town and we past Lidl and we crossed over the A577. We continued Southwards down the A573 and we crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We ran through Ince-in-Makerfield and we continued through Spring View and into Platt Bridge. We had seen a #559 bus which runs from Ashton-in-Makerfield to Bolton. The service is hourly, so we though we could get off the bus we were on and catch another bus back to Platt Bridge and wait for it there. We worked out we could intercept a Northbound #320 if we got off before Ashton-in-Makerfield. We continued Southwards through Bryn Gates and Bamfurlong and we spotted 2 bus stops opposite each other with bus shelters so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2904 as it continued towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2904 in Bamfurlong

We crossed over the road and we waited at the bus stop opposite to the Bryn Hall pub. We didn't have to wait too long for the Northbound service. A short time later as the bus approached we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3057 on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 3057 in Bamfurlong

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards out of Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates. We crossed over the railway line and the Leigh branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and we came into Platt Bridge. When we got to the centre of town we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we visited the Co-op. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars, as well as some cornflake cakes. We went back to the stop and we waited for the #559 to Bolton. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2695 on a #360 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2695 in Platt Bridge

Whilst we were waiting we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19481 on a #10 to Wigan. A short time later saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Vision Travel 1031 on a #559 to Bolton as expected.

Vision Travel 1031 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver. The bus was empty so Mathew took a oicture inside of Vision Travel 1031 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Vision Travel 1031

We set off Northwards out of Platt Bridge and we turned right to continue along the A58. We turned right again at the roundabout following the A58 North Eastwards through to Hindley. In the centre of Hindley we turned left onto the A577 and we turned right onto Cross Street. We re-jined the A58 and we headed Eastwards out of Hindley crossing over Borsdane Brook. We ran through Hart Common and Dobb Brow and we crossed over the railway line before heading into Westhoughton. We ran forwards onto the B5236 and we turned right into Market Street and into the centre of Weshoughton. After a brief stop we ran out of town and re-joined the A58. At the Checkerbent roundabout we joined the Eastbound A6. We ran up to Four Lane Ends and we turned left onto the Northbound A579. We crossed over the M61 and the road looked familiar. It was the same route the #582 which we had done to the edge of Bolton many years ago back in March 2013. We ran into Daubhill and we turned left onto Deane Church Lane and we turned right onto Willow Lane. We turned right onto Venice Street and we turned left to re-join the A579. We ran into Bolton and we turned left onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Great Moor Street. We turned right onto Newport Street and we entered the bus station. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. Afrerwards we went outside to get a few pictures before we decided what to catch. We saw Rotala Diamond 40843 on a #524 to Bury.

Rotala Diamond 40843 in Bolton Interchange

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2684 which was running out of service.

Arriva NW&W 2684 in Bolton Interchange

Originally we had spotted a #520 to Westhoughton, which we throught about doing, but it wasn't sue off for a while. Onan adjacent stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19410 on a #7 to Wigan. We decided to do this bus so we got on and we flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto Newport Street. We turned left onto Great Moor Lane and we went forwards onto Deane Road. We past the site where there used to be an old double decker bus. This was now part of an aeroplane fuselage and call Steaks on a Plane. We ran about 3 miles out of town and we crossed under the M61. Chequerbent roundabout we saw an unidentified Grayways coach parked up at the side of the road. At the Chequerbent roundabout we turned right onto the A6 and we saw a giant illuminated xmas tree sign at the Mercury service station. We turned left onto Bolton Road and we ran down towards Westhoughton. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran through the town centre of Westhoughton. At the Western end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took anothr picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19410 as it continued towards Wigan.

Stagecoach Manchester 19410 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we went into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we fought our way to the bar in a very busy and noisey pub and Matthew had a glass of coke. When we had finished our drinks we crossed over the road to wait for a bus towards Wigan. Whilst we waited we saw Rotala Diamond 33004 on a #516 to Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 33004 in Westhoughton

A few minutes later we saw Rotala Diamond 40746 on a #516 to Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 40746 in Westhoughton

We realised that we could do this bus down to Daisy Hill and get an extra bus in so we crossed the road and got on the bus. We placed the System One ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Market Street and we turned right onto Mill Street. We turnd right onto the Westbound A58 and we followed the road the the left and headed Southwards. We turned left onto Southfield Drive and at the roundabout we followed the road to the left and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Washacre and we turned right onto the B5235. We passed Daisy Hill railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 40746 as it continued towards Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 40746 in Daisy Hill

It was trying to rain and there was no shelter at the bus stop. We decided to walk back up the B5235. We crossed over the road and we turned left into Washacre. The next bus stop didn't have a shelter either, so we continued al little further along Washacre. Still no bus stop, but we decided not to go any further in case we missed the next bus. Matthew sat down and ate a chocolate bar. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 27231 on a #7 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Manchester 27231 in Daisy Hill

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day tiacket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of along Washacre and we turned right onto the B5235. We passed Daisy Hill railway station and we turne right onto Lower Leigh Road. We ran forwards onto Hindley Road and we continued forwards onto Swann Lane. We turned right onto Green Lane and left onto Crossdale Road through Hindley Green. We turned right onto Long Lane and left onto Alder Lane. We turned left onto Broadway and we turned right onto Lancaster Road. We ran forwards onto the Westbound A58 and we ran into the centre of Hindley. We turned right onto the A577 and we ran the last coupke of mile into Wigan. Once off the bus Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards, we had a walk around to see what pictures we could get before we left. We saw Arriva NW&W 2970 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 2970 in Wigan bus station

We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we stopped at a chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a piece of chocolate cheescake. After we had eaten our food we set off along the A49 and we turned right into Sainsburys and stopped at the petrol station. After filling up we re-joined the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw ABC coach hire BA19 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a peice of millionaire's shortbread and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark