Trip to Stafford / Uttoxeter 14-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63363	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
67145	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67142	Newcastle BS	Fenton	11	First Potteries
65	Uttoxeter BS	Weston, Old School Close	841	Chaserider
499	Weston, Old School Close	Uttoxeter BS	841	Chaserider
736	Uttoxeter BS	Derby BS	SW	Trent Barton

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus to Hanley arrive on stand. It was First Potteries 63363 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63363 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Wolverhampton Council minibus WX56 WWB. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We continued onto Stafford Street and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street. We continued through the Market Square and forwards onto Greengate Street. We crossed over the roundabout onto Bridge Street and we saw Laser Travel YS62 EHR.

Laser Travel YS62 EHR in Stafford

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 5202 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 5202 in Stafford

We crossed over the bridge. We stopped at a pub and Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a chocolate fudge cake and custard. when we had finished we walked down Bridge Street and forwards onto Greengate Street and forwards through Market Square onto Gaolgate Street. At the top end we turned right and into the bus station. We saw Chaserider 610 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 610 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 670 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 670 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 180 on a #826 to Rugeley.

Chaserider 180 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 5 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 5 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Select Bus 10 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 10 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 498 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 498 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Select Bus 31 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 31 in Stafford bus station

We waited for the next bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 16 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 16 in Stafford bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67145 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67145 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63102 on a #38A to Crackley.

First Potteries 63102 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67142 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67142 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed the A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran towards Blythe Bridge and we continued towards Uttoxeter. We turned right onto Ashbourne Road and we turned left onto the A522 and at the main roundabout we entered the bus station. A short time later the bus appeared and it was Chaserider 65 on a #841 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to Weston before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Bradley Street. We turned right onto the A522 and we turned left onto Heath Road. We turned left onto Holly Road and turned right onto onto Byrd's Lane. We turned right onto the B5027 and we ran up the hill and into Bramshall. We turned left onto Loxley Lane and turned right onto onto the A518. We ran through Lower Loxley to Grindley and we turned left onto Station Road. We ran down the hill to Stowe and and we went forwards on Stowe Lane and left onto Back Lane. We continued North through Hixon and we ran through High Street and we went forwards onto Smithy Lane and we turned right onto Martins Way. We turned left onto New Road and we ran up the hill and into Shirleywich and we turned right onto the A51 and we ran up the hill and into Weston. We turned left onto the A518 end we got up and got off the bus. We returned to the bus stop. Back at the bus stop Matthew shared a Crunchie with me and uncle Dave and afterwards had a can of Orange Fanta. As short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As expected it was Chaserider 499 on a #841 to Uttoxeter. We got on the bus and placed the Knot ticket on the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A518 and we headed the Westwards A51 and we ran up the hill and into Shirleywich and we turned left onto New Road and we turned right onto Martins Way and we turned left onto Smithy Lane and we went forwards onto High Street and we turned left onto Back Lane. We turned right on Stowe Lane and we went forwards Station Road. We ran through Grindley to Lower Loxley and we turned right onto onto the A518. We turned left onto Loxley Lane and we ran up the hill and into Bramshall. We turned right onto onto the B5027 and turned left onto onto Byrd's Lane we turned left onto Holly Road. We turned left onto Heath Road and we continued towards Uttoxeter. We turned right onto the A522 and at the main roundabout we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Chaserider 73 on a #63 to Cannock. A short time kater Trent Barton 736 appeared on a Swift service to Derby. We got on the bus and we booked our a Zig-Zag duo ticket at £11 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the bakery before forking right and crossing the A50 by MacDonalds. We headed out of town towards Rocester and we turned into town. We came out of the other side of Rocester and then we headed into the B5030 and we turned right onto Ashbourne Road. We turned right onto the B5030 and we turned left onto the B5031. We turned left onto College Road and we turned right onto Alton Road. We turned right onto Alton Road and we turned right onto the B5032. We ran up the hill and into Quixhill and we ran up the hill and into Ellastone. We ran up the hill and into Mayfield and we turned right onto the A52. We ran Northwards up the A515 through Ashbourne. We turned left onto the A515 and we turned left into King Edward Street and we turned left into Station Road. We turned left onto the A515 and we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned right onto Springfield Ave and we turned right onto Old Derby Road. We turned left onto Wyaston Road and we turned left onto Willow Meadow Road. We turned right onto Old Derby Road and we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran into Commonside. We turned into Brailsford Green and we turned into Kirk Langley. We turned into Markeaton and we turned onto the A52. As we went along Friar Gate and we ran up the hill and into Derby and we turned left into Cheapside. We turned left into Bold Lane and we continued onto Jury Street and forwards onto Cathedral Road. We crossed over onto Full Street and we turned the roundabout into Morledge and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road to head back to the car park. We met mum at the bottom of the stairs and we went to the second floor to pay the car parking. We continued in the lift the the 4th floor and we got into the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Fanta orange. We set off out of the car park and onto the inner ring Road. We wen Southwards down the A6 over the site of the old railway works and near to Derby County's new ground. We got onto the outer ring road and we went clockwise around to the A38. We travelled along the A38 for a short while and we got onto the Southbound A516. We ran out of town and we joined the Westbound A50. Travelling back along the A50. We continued Westwards near to Uttoxeter. We stopped at the McDonalds. Matthew ate burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the B5030 and turned right onto the Westbound and Blythe Bridge and we came off the A50 and Longton an we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Stafford / Weston 17-02-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63173	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Hanford, Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
47520	Hanford, Mayne Street	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
40	Stafford BS	Weston, Old School Close	841	Chaserider
40	Weston, Old School Close	Stafford BS	841	Chaserider
625	Stafford BS	Pottall Pool, Broadhurst Green Road	74	Chaserider
99	Pottall Pool, Broadhurst Green Road	Stafford BS	74	Chaserider
9	Stafford BS	Trinity Fields, Crab Lane	8	Select Bus
35932	Trinity Fields, Crab Lane	Trent Vale, Riverside Road	101	First Potteries
63173	Trent Vale, Riverside Road	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we were going to stay reasonably local. Mum was working so we had no support vehicle, so we decided to heade towards Stafford on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. He got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 10:50. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 past the former Regent which is now an Indian Restaurant. 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. We got back around 11:20 and we set off and walked to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road, Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63357 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63357 in Blurton

A sort time later we saw our bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked Knot Day ticket at £7. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane where we passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road and left onto Church Lane. When we got to the bottom of Church Lane we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63173 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanford

We waited for the next bus towards Stafford. We didn't have to wait too long. Whilst we waited we saw silver minibus EY13 AFN heading Southwards.

EY13 AFN in Hanford

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 47520 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 47520 in Hanford

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner befoer we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 47520 as it contineued around Stafford.

First Potteries 47520 in Stafford

We set off past the old Wilko (now Poundland) and we stopped at the toilet block. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we continued into the Guildhall market. We walked to the back corner to the cafe. Matthew and uncle Dave find a table and I ordered the food. Matthew had an English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set off out of the market onto Chapel Street. We went forwards onto Broad Street and we turned right onto Stafford Street. We turned left nonto Prince Street and left onto Hunters Row. We turned left onto Gaolgate Streetand we turned right at the end and into the bus station. We originally plnned to go to Cannock but Matthew had other ideas. He was looking at the map and he was tracking Chaserider 40 on the Bustimes.org which was coming down from Uttoxeter to Stafford on a #841. We had a quite a wait before it arrived. In the meanwhile we saw Chaserider 704 which came into the bus station and afterwards went out of service.

Chaserider 704 in Stafford bus station

We had been on that Chaserider bus on one of our last visits to Stafford when we did 704 from Stafford to Rugeley on a #828 Lichfield service. Another vehicle see whilst we waited was Arriva Midlands 3784 on a #5A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3784 in Stafford bus station

On the main road we saw a couple of coaches go by including Coachleasing CEC 629 which was going Northwards.

Coachleasing CEC 629 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 40 on a #841 to Hixon as expected.

Chaserider 40 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Chaserider 40 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Chaserider 40

We set off out of the bus station and we joined the A34 and we turned left onto Chell Road. After a brief stop we continued onto Tenterbanks and we headed onto Bridge Street. We ran through the town centre and we crossed over the A34 onto the Northbound A518. We ran out of town for around a mile and we entered the hospital grounds. We returned to the A518 and we turned right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto Tixall Road and left onto Blackheath Lane. We turned right onto the A518 and we ran past the county shiwgriund and out of town. We ran into Weston and we stopped just short of the A51. We decided to get up and get off the bus here. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 40 as it contimnued towards Hixon.

Chaserider 40 in Weston

We crossed the road and we worked out that we would be going back into town on the same bus. We had a quick walk up to the main road to have a look arond and afterwards we returned to the bus stop. Back at the bus stop Matthew shared a Crunchie with me and uncle Dave and afterwards had a can of Orange Fanta. As short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As expected it was Chaserider 40 on a #841 to Stafford.

Chaserider 40 in Weston

We got on the bus and placed the Knot ticket on the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A518 and we headed Westwards towards the town. We passed the county showground and we turned left onto Blackheath Lane. We turned right onto Tixall Road and right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto the A518 and we continued into town. We turned right into the hospital grounds and after running around the car park we exited the hospital and turned right onto the A518. We ran to the edge of town and we crossed over the A34 onto South Walls. We turned right onto Cope Street and left onto Eastgate Street. We passed the buses on layover and we turned right onto Salter Street. We turned left onto North Walls and we entered the bus station from the East end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted to go to a pub. We turned left onto Gaolgate Street and as The Butler's Bell was now closed, we went to Hogarth's. We went in the pub and we went upstairs. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar. We had a glass of coke each and we sat down to drink the drinks. When we had finished we set off onto Gaolgate Street and as we got to the main road we saw Arriva Midlands 3311 on a #5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3311 in Stafford

We got into the bus station and Matthew spotted another former Firstbus vehicle. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 625 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 625 in Stafford bus station

We got on and flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This used to be First Manchester 69200 which passed to Go North West when they sold the business. The bus left town vbia Chell Road and Earl Street and we went onto the Lichfield Road Gyrator before going down the A34 as we got close to the edge of town the driver realised that this service should of called at the railway station too, so he went back around via Riverway, the A518, the A34 Chell Road and back to the station. we didn't pick anyone up the, but we picked up a passenger by Newport Road that we would have missed. We went around the big roundabout and down the A34 and past the site of the new Burger King. We ran down the hill into Bednall Head and we continued into Pottall Pool and We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Chaserider 625 before it returned towards Cannock.

Chaserider 625 in Pottall Pool

We crossed over the road and we walked along the very soft verge to the opposite bus stop. We didn't have to wait too long before we saw the bus approaching from the roundabout. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 99 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 99 in Pottall Pool

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A34 and we ran through Bednall Head and Brocton. We ran down Radford Bank and past the Queens retail Park and over the railway line. We ran into the town past the Hough Retail Park where there are plans to make a new Burger King. We reached the big roundabout at the South end of town and we went onto the A518. We turned right onto Bridge Street and we turned right onto South Walls. We turmned left onto Cope Srteet an left onto Eastgate Street. We continued onto Salter Street and we turned left onto North Walls and entered the bus station from the East. The bus stoppped in the bus station and we got up sna got off the bus. Also in the bus station was Select Bus 25 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 25 in Stafford bus station

We decided it was time to head North back towards Stoke. We saw First Potteries 47520 on a #101 to Hanley. We knew we had about 25 minutes to wait for the next bus. We thought about catch a #8 whilst we waited. There was one on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Select Bus 9 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 9 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we saw First Potteries 35945 on a #101 to Stafford. We ran Northwards to the edge of town. We turned left into Holmcroft Road and we turned right into Second Avenue. We turned left into Holmcroft Road and we turned right into Second Avenue. We turned right into Woodlands Road and we turned left into First Avenue. We turned right into Crab Lane and we turned left into the A34 and we got up and got off the bus. When we got off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet. I wasn't sure where we could go so I thought we coild head to the A34 link road as I was sure there was a pub there. We walked up to the roundbout and we turned left onto the A34 link road. As we waited to cross the road we saw Phillips Travel PT73 PHL headeding towards the motorway.

Phillips Travel PT73 PHL in Trinity Fields

We crossed over the link road and we saw that The Shire Horse was closed for refurbishment. We crossed Mustang Drive and we walked along the link road until we saw a gap we could walk through. We were originally heading for the Brewers Fayre pub but this estate was not design to arrive by foot. In the car park of the pub we saw Alfa 118 parked up.

Alfa 118 in Trinity Fields

We went into Starbucks and Matthew used the toilet. When he came out Matthew had a caramel shortbread and a bottle of cloudy lemonade. Matthew sat down and had the food and drink and afterwards we went outside to uncle Dave. We set off along the link road and we crossed over Mustang Drive We headed back to the same stop that we had got off the bus. The next #101 bus was due at 17:08 b ut it was not showing up on the map. In theory it should be First Potteries 35932 that we had seen earlier on. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 22 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 22 in Trinity Fields

The time was approaching and we kept our fingers crossed that the bus was running and not just missing from the map. A few minute later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35932 on a #101 as expected.

First Potteries 35932 in Trinity Fields

We got on the bus and we laced the Knot ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards and over the roundabout. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. It was raining hard now. We had planned to get off at Hanford and cross over by Oh India to get the #22 to Blurton, but we decided we needed to have a bus shelter to stand under whilst we waited. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we got up and got off the bus. once off the bus bus we walked to the crossing and we crossed over the A34 and walked back to the bus stop. We only had a few minutes to wait. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #21 to Trentham. A few minutes later the bus appeared. We saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #22 to Newstead.

First Potteries 63173 in Trent Vale

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we stopped by the layby at the end of Magdalen Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63173 before it ran empty towards the depot.

First Potteries 63173 in Blurton

We set off along the A5035 and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We headed back to the house. Once we had settled in I went to the chip shop and got some food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Ornage Fanta. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Street. We veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's to Drop him off and Matthew drank some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We update his calendar. We got back in the car and we went up Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is now an Indian Restaurant. 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 shared a bottle of Cherry Coke. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 02-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5015	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	500	Arriva NW&W
2642	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
2540	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
5001	Runcorn BS	Weston, The Cross	3C	Arriva NW&W
5001	Weston, The Cross	Runcorn BS	3C	Arriva NW&W
5012	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	500	Arriva NW&W
5007	Murdisham Central	Halton Lea South	1	Arriva NW&W
49	Halton Lea South	Widnes, Green Oaks	62	Halton Transport

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. It had snowed in the week and the weather wasn't the best so we decided to do a medium distance trip. We gave Matthew a choice of nearby destinations in the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 12:00 on the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We ran to the Northern end past a new building that is appearing next to the Audi garage. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. At the roundabout we joined the Northbound A500. Traffic was light and we made good progress. We joined the M6 at junction 16 and we ran Northwards. As we travelled North we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BU18 OTL on a #528 to Haverfordwest, an unidentified KT Coaches coach and an unidentified gold coloured coach. When we got to Thelwall Viaduct we could see the snow on top of Winter hill to the North side of Bolton. At junction 21A we turned left and we joined the Westbound M62. We came off at junction 7 and we headed Southwards down the A557. After a few miles we did the designated u turn onto the Northbound side of the A557 and we veered left onto Watkinson Way. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and after the bus station entrance we turned left into the car park. As we were parking up the car we saw a Stagecoach coach approaching. Once out of the car we headed over to the bus station to see Stagecoach Merseyside 53290 on a X5 to Liverpoool One.

Stagecoach Merseyside 53290 in Widnes

Also in the bus station was Halton Transport Dart 3 on a #17 to St Helens.

Halton Transport 3 in Widnes

Mum caught up with and we headed over to the market. On the way was saw Dial a Ride minibus DK66 CKJ parked up near to Morrisons.

Dial a Ride DK66 CKJ in Widnes

We headed into the market and Matthew used the toilet. We had dinner at the nearby Widnes market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We stopped on the way at a sweet stall and Matthew had a few eggs and a couple of jelly snakes. We asked which buses Matthew wanted to do and he chose Arriva. We decided to head over the river first so we stood on the North side of the bus station. Whilst we waited we saw Halton Transport 92 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 92 in Widnes

Matthew considered changing his mind as we saw Halton Transport 6 on a #61 to Halton Hospital.

Halton Transport 6 in Widnes

Across the way was Arriva NW&W 719 on a #17 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 719 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #500 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5015 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW&W daysaver tickets at £5.50 each. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 5015.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5015

We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5015 as it continued towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5015 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to go forwards towards Halton Lea on the next bus. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2642 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2642 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. There was an old lady who was struggling to get to the shopping centre due to there being an elevated walkway and her being quite afraid of heights. I helped her to the lift and I also guided he out of the lift into the shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2552 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service which Matthew decided to turn down.

Arriva NW&W 2552 in Halton Lea

We waited for the next bus back to Runcorn. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 2540 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2540 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2540 before it continued of towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2540 in Runcorn bus station

Once we had seen the bus depart towards Warrington Matthew want a short break away from the buses. He walked to the bottom end of the bus station and played with the ice on the wall, clearing much of it away. On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2536 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2536 in Runcorn bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 5003 on a #500 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5003 in Runcorn bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 5001 on a #3C Weston circular.

Arriva NW&W 5001 in Runcorn bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus, which seemed a little surprising. It turned out we had never done the Weston section of the #3C circular, so it was quite an interesting journey. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the High Street. We went past 'The Archers' and over the A557. We went under the A533 and past the railway station. We continued along Picow Farm Road and we turned left into Penn Lane. We turned right onto Holloway and right onto Weston Road. As we travelled around Weston as the bus climbed up a little there were great views of the Mersey and the chemical plant below. As we got to a tur in the road we noticed the Selwyns coach depot in front of us. In the gate was Selwyns double decker SN16 OGW. We followed the road to the left and we got another view of the depot and saw Selwyns midicoach FJ65 XRW. We turned right onto Rocksavage Way and under the A557. We ran adjacent to the chemical plant and into the Weston Point area. We ran forwards onto Bankes' Lane and forwards again onto Lydgate Lane. We turned right onto South Parade and left into Sandy Lane. We crossed back under the A557 and we turned left onto Russell Road. We turned right onto Westfield Road and at the end we turned left onto Holloway. We turned left onto Penn Lane and Right onto Picow Farm Road. We ran past the railway station and under the A533. We crossed over the A557 and forwards onto High Street and into the bus station. We got off the bus and it was at this point Matthew decided to go to the pub across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we re-joined uncle Dave who waited outside and we went back up to the bus station. We decided to go to Murdishaw and back to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 5012 on a #500 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5012 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we travelled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we had reached the end of the run. We got up and we got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures off the footbridge we went into the Co-operative food store. Mathew had a bottle of Coke. He also had some Milky Way and a Flake. Once we had done our shopping we went to the till. Whilst we waited to catch an Arriva bus we saw Halton Transport 63 on a #14A to Liverpool One.

Halton Transport 63 in Murdishaw

We had seen required Arriva NW&W 5013 which was going to work the next #500 to Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw dud Arriva NW&W 5007 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service.

Arriva NW&W 5007 in Murdishaw

We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the turning circle and onto the Southbound busway we ran through the Palacefields area and past Halton Hospital. We continued down to the Halton Lea shopping centre and we got up. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 5007 before we got off the bus station.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5007

Once off the bus we saw Halton Transport 49 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 49 in Halton Lea

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2535 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Halton Lea

Matthew decided to do Halton Transport 49 so we got on the bus and booked the final bus journey of today to Widnes. We set off onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. After a brief stop we set off up the High Street We turned right to go onto the Leiria Way.joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey on the new bridge. we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture Halton Transport 49 before it carried on towards Halebank.

Halton Transport 49 in Widnes

We took a few bus pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Halton Transport 46 on a #62 to Murdishaw.

Halton Transport 46 in Widnes

We walked back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards. We turned left at the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 miles or so up to the M62 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travlled down the M6 we saw Intercity SF07 DHU, an unidentified GDS Travel minibus, and Pod Tre? MC14 BYR. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 was an unidentified National express liveried coach (#325). At Sideway we left the A500 and got onto the Eastbound A50. Seen on the A50 was an unidentified A1 Travel minibus. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty so we went to Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW in the compound.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

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. As we got home we saw Afford rent-a-car WX18 WKF. We got home just before 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.