Sunday, 10 May 2026

Trip to Potteries Apedale Running day 10-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



SL805Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
766Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT
MMM120Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
SL805Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT
801Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
801Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT


Today Matthew was going to the Potteries Apedale Running Day. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we went to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off around 10:45. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue, right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the road works and up the hill to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we turned left at the traffic lights onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Afterwards we set off down Wheildon Road and forwards onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around the one-way system. We turned right onto Campbell Place and left onto Hartshill Road. We ran to the edge of Newcastle and we ran down George Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and right onto the Northbound A34 to Chesterton. We turned left onto London Road and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road. We ran to the end of Loomer Road and into Apedale Country park. We parked up near to the visitors centre. We loaded the reip bag with some snacks from the boot and we walked down to the bottom field to have a look at the bus. We saw Wirral Pennsula 1070 parked up with it's sales stand.


Wirral Pennsula 1070 in Apedale Light Railway
We carried on to the other side of the field and we saw the main row of buses and coaches. In this row we saw Chase 2 parked up between runs.


Chase 2 in Apedale Light Railway
Further up the row there were 3 buses fron D&G present. The first was recent arrival, Adderley Greemn based D&G Bus 5025.


D&G Bus 5025 in Apedale Light Railway
Also present were Crewe allocated D&G Bus 56 and 31 both looking really clean. The was also a First bus on site. We saw First Potteries 67180.


First Potteries 67180 in Apedale Light Railway
We walked up to the top and we waited for the next departure. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT SL805 in Apedale Light Railway
We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto London Road pat a site which now sells cabins. We turned right onto Holditch Road and left onto Bymbo Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of PMT SL805.


PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station
We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63178 in Newcastle bus station
We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. A short time later we saw the next bus approaching. It turned the corner and we saw it was PMT L9766 on a special to Apeldale.


PMT L9766 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the sat down towards the back of the bus. Once everyone was on board we set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT L9766 before it ran down to the bottom field.


PMT L9766 in Apedale Light Railway
We sat down on the bench and Matthew ate some cocktail sausages and a scotch egg. We went down to the bottom field and we saw that the minilink was getting ready to come up the hill. We walked back up to the entrance and we saw the bus turn the corner. it was, as expected PMT MMM120 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT MMM120 in Apedale Light Railway
We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we at the roundabout we went forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We crossed over the the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the old bus garage. We continued to the East of Newcastle town centre and we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned left onto Hassall Street and onto Stubbs Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT MMM120 before it ran down to the bottom field.


PMT MMM120 in Newcastle bus station
Once off the bus we walked up Castle Walk and we went into the Costa coffee. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a millionaires Shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we headed back down Castle Walk to the bus station. We waited for another shuttle to Apedale. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station
A short time later we saw the bus come up Barracks Road. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 again!


PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we sat down near to the back. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto london Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the edge of the site. Matthew and uncle Dave waited by the gate and I went eating we went to get the sandwiches from the car. When I came back Matthew had a bacon, chicken and cheese sandwich. When we had finished back to the stop to waited for the next bus to Newcastle. It came around the corner and we saw it was PMT 801 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT 801 in Apedale Light Railway
We asked the driver if he was going to Newcastle and he said he was going one way only, so we would have to come back on one of the other buses. We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We got a picture of PMT 801 and we got back on the bus.


PMT 801 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we sat downstairs. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside of PMT 801.


Inside PMT 801
We went down to the bottom field and we took some more pictures before we left. We got another picture of Western Welsh ABO 145B now that the sun was in a better position!


Western Welsh ABO 145B in Apedale Light Railway
We walked back to the stalls and Matthew bought a bus book for £2. We continued to the the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We turned around and we set off onto Loomer Road. We turned right onto London Road and we ran past the site of a new Lidl. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. We ran to the end and we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. After dropping off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross we turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street and we turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. For tea Matthew had pizza and a can of Cherry Rubicon. After tea matthew watched some YouTube and we continued writing the Blog. He had a bath and afterwards gad cheesecake for supper. We went to bedtime at 23:48... Mark.

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Trip to Wrexham / Ruthin 09-05-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



4480Wrexham BSRuthin, Co-opT51Arriva NW&W
YJ64 DXORuthin, War MemorialCorwen BST8M&H Coaches
BV24 LMMCorwen BSLlangollen, Parade StreetT3Lloyds Coaches
1011Llangollen, Parade StreetJohnstown, o/s Co-op5Arriva NW&W
702Johnstown, after Co-opCefn Mawr, opp Tesco2CArriva NW&W
709Cefn Mawr, o/s TescoWrexham BS2CArriva NW&W


Today We decided to re-visit Wrexham. Reseach for the trip consisted of looking at the 1 bws ticket, looking at where we ate on our previous visits to Wrexham and checking the weather. The weather was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off just after 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we ran along 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 and 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 travelled up the A500 we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ54 BUZ. We continued past the M6 and over the West coact main line. I wasn't concentrating so I turned left onto the A531. We ran to the next roundabout, did a u-turn and we re-joined the Westbound A500. We turned right onto the B5071 and we ran around the block. We turned left onto Laura Street and right onto Barker Street and right onto St Clair Street. We re-joined the Southbound B5071 and parked outside the YMCA facing South We went into the cafe. Matthew had a full English Breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We left the YMCA and we got in the. We went back South B5071 and we joined the Westbound A500. We continued for a further 3 miles or so and we turned right onto the Nantwich bypass, past the new road under construction and we ran around the North side of Nantwich before joining the Westbound A534. We travelled west for around 4 miles and we crossed over the A49. We crossed over the A41 at Croxton and we continued to the eastern edge of Wrexham. We continued onto Holt Street and we ran into the centre of town. We veered right onto Chester Street and we turned left into the library car park and parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked onto Rhosddu Road. We continued to the bus station and we turned left onto Trinity Street walking past the buses on layover. In the layover area we saw GM Buses RO71 KUW parked up.


GM Buses RO71 KUW in Wrexham bus station
Also parked up was Arriva NW&W 2152 on layover in between runs on the #27 to Mold.


Arriva NW&W 2152 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2156 coming into the layover area after working in on a #11 to Minera.


Arriva NW&W 2156 in Wrexham bus station
We gave Matthew a few choices and he chose to go on the T51. A short time later the bus came around from the other side of the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4480 on a T51 service to Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Wrexham bus station
We got on the bus and we bought 1 bws tickets at £7.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Trinity Street and we followed the one way system around onto King Street. We joined the A5152 and we crossed over the A525. We ran through Coedpoeth and Gegin and we entered into Bwlchgwyn and Four Crosses. We veered right onto the A5104 and left onto Allt Yr Efail we ran into Llandegla. The bus turned in the road and we continued along Allt Yr Efail and we turned right onto the A5104. We turned right into the A525 and we ran through Llysfasi. We continued through Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd ran up through Ruthin and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4480 as it continued towards Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Ruthin
Once off the bus we were met by a friendly local who gave us a map of the town. We past a car park and we saw white minibus parked up near to the Co-op. We turned left onto Market Street and we walk up the hill to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small glass of Coke. We sat down in a little snug area to have our drinks. When we had fisnished we went back out onto Market Street and we a quick look in the market. There was nothing that we wanyted to buy so we went to uncle Dave. We were unsure where we needed to go to catch the bus so we walked up Market Street to the roundabout. We worked out the bus was going from around the corner on Wynnstay Road, so we walked back down Market Street and around the corner onto Wynnstay Road. We waited for a bus towards Corwen. A short time later the bus came around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO on a T8 to Corwen.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Ruthin
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Wynnstay Road and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran forwards onto the A5254 and we headed Southwards for a couple of miles into Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd. We turned right onto Bron Y Clywd and we turned left onto the Southbound A494. We ran Southwards through Pwllglas and Gwyddelwern and we passed M&H Coaches SK18 TKD going the other way. We turned left onto the B5437 and we passed the Ifor William factory. We turned right onto Green Lane and we ran into Corwen. We turned left by the railway station and we entered the bus station area. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO before it went on layover.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Corwen bus station
There was a small layover area in front of Corwen railway station. Parked in this area was Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 waiting for passenger of the incoming training.


Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 in Corwen bus station
We went onto the railway station and Matthew used the toilet. We came back through the shop and we bought a can of Coke. A few minutes later another bus arrived. It was Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN on a T3C to Llanwchllyn.


Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN in Corwen bus station
We sat down by the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dandelion & Burdock. A few minutes pater we saw Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMO on a T3 to Barmouth. A few minutes later our bus arrived. We saw it was Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM on a T3 to Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Corwen bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we satdown towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A5. We headed Eastwards through Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy. We continued through Pen Y Bryn and Berwyn and we ran into the West end of Llangollen. We turned left onto Market Street and left onto Parade Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM as it continued towards Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Llangollen
We walked back along Parade Street and we turned left onto East Street and into the car park. There were a few buses and coaches parked up here. Of particular interest to us was Staffordshire Moorlands operotor Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG parked up.


Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG in Llangollen
We crossed Market Street and we bought an ice cream. We walked along Greenfields and we sat on a bench near to the bus stop and Matthew ate the ice cream. We were now starting to make our way back towards the car whilst still getting in a few more buses. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 1011 on a #5 to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Llangollen
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat donwn towards the back of the bus. We decided we wouod do this as far as Johnstown to get some supplies from the Co-op. We set off along Parade Street and we turned left onto Castle Street. We crossed over the river and we turned right onto the Eastbound A539. We ran through Trevor and Acrefair. At the big roundabout we veered left onto the Northbound B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown and we got up and got off by the big Co-op. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 1011 as it continued Northwards towards Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Johnstown
We headed into the Co-op and Matthew bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolate bar. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus towards Cefn Mawr. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 702 on a #2c to Cefn Mawr.


Arriva NW&W 702 in Johnstown
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5605 and we went under the railway line. We turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we continued Westwards through Acrefair and we turned left onto Abernant Road. We turned right to contimnued along Abernant road and we ran forwards onto Queen Street. We turned right onto Dolydd Road and we continued onto Cae Gwilym Lane. We turned left onto Coronation Street and left onto Plas Kynaston Lane. We turned right onto Hill Street and we continued onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into Tesco. We bought some pop and a chocolate bar and we went back to the bus stop. We waited for a #2 service. The service bypassed the area, and we were told by a local that this was due to roadworks and a diversion. So we had longer to wait for the next #2C. Whilst we waityed we shared a kitkat that we had in the trip bag. A short time later the bus appeared. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 709 on a #2C to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Cefn Mawr
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Oxford Street and we ran forwards onto Hill Street. We continued onto Queen Street and we ran forwards onto Abernant Road. We joined the Eastbound A539 and we headed towards Plas Madoc. We turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we headed Eastwards again. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown. We continued into Rhostyllen and we ran under the A483. We ran up the A5152 the last two miles or so into the cente of Wrexham and past Wreham General railway station. We turned right into Regent Street and left into King Street. We turned left into Lord Street and we stopped outside the bus station. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 709. Before it went off back to the depot.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Wrexham bus station
We had messaged mum, and she said she would pick us up at the car park where we were dropped off. We headed past the bus layover area and we saw Arriva NW&W 2154 in between runs on the #21 to Summerhill.


Arriva NW&W 2154 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 704 awaiting it's next turn on the #33 to Llay.


Arriva NW&W 704 in Wrexham bus station
We set off along Trinity Street and we turned right onto Rhosddu Road. We walkd past the Police station and library and we turned left onto Llwyn Isaf. We walked past the marquee where there was a music festival going on. We waited in the car park as mum had got lost and took a while to get back to us. A few minutes later mum got in the car and we set off Northwards up Chester Road. We turned right onto the A5152 and we ran past Lidl. We turned right onto Holt Street and left onto Market Street and we parked up near to the chip shop. I went to fetch the food, and when I returned, Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of dandelion & burdock. After I had finished eating we set off along Market Street and we turned left onto St George's Crescent. We ran forwards onto Holt Street and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the A483 and at the next roundabout we joined the Eastbound A534. We ran up to Nantwich crossing the A41 and A49. We joined the A51 and we passed the site of a new Shell petrol station where work has statrted. We continued Nantwich by-pass and we ran around the North side of town and we joined the A500. We crossed under the M6 and we continued through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We ran up Wheildon road and we dropped off uncle Dave. After we dropped off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran 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. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Friday, 8 May 2026

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 08-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67155Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
63176Hanley BSFenton, Victoria Place6AFirst Potteries
67145Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11First Potteries
35685Newcastle BSNewcastle, O/s The Cherry Tree PH25First Potteries


Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, going to the pub and then going to Blurton, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. For breakfast Matthew had crumpets and toast. Matthew chilled in his room until it was time to go out. Matthew went downstairs onto Temple Street and cut through onto City Road. We walked to the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 6009 on a #1 to Park Site.


D&G Bus 6009 in Fenton
A short time later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67155 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street and we continued onto Tontine Street. We went into the shopping centre and we visited Harvest Deli and Lovisa. We visited the market, Three and Primark. When we had finished we headed back through upper Market Square onto Tontine Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and across the ring road. We headed to the chippy, but the chippy was closed. We headed back along Lichfield Street and Right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Parliament Row and we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew a glass of Coke. for dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. For dessert, Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we set off onto Parliament Road and we turned right onto Percy Street. We turned left onto Tontine Street and we went forwards onto Lichfield Street and into the bus station. We waited for a bus back to fenton. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 5220 on layover. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. We saw it was First Potteries 63176 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.


First Potteries 63176 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63176 before we sat down.


Inside First Potteries 63176
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Whilst Matthew waited he had a can of Coke. just after 15:00 we came to pick Matthew up. Matthew came downstairs and we put his medication in the car and said goodbye to mum. We cut through onto City Road and we headed to the bus stop by the flats. The traffic was moving slowly and we had to wait about 20 minutes for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67145 on a #11X to Newcastle.


First Potteries 67145 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 through the road works. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill past the new shop. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle passing Leons 254 parked outside the swimming baths. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we sat at the bottom of the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Grandma's. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35685 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35685 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35685 as it continued towards Hanley.


First Potteries 35685 in Newcastle
We walked along the A34 and we walked up to the hill towards grandma's. We continued up the hill and into grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63346 on a #101 to Stafford and D&G Bus 110 on a #22 to Longton. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. Later on Matthew had a Twix and a can of Irn Bru. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Thursday, 7 May 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 07-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67178Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11XFirst Potteries
63116Newcastle BSKidsgrove, St Johns RC38First Potteries
67156Kidsgrove, Queen StreetPackmoor, Lorraine Street7First Potteries
111Packmoor, Lorraine StreetTunstall, adj stop B96D&G Bus
63356Tunstall, adj stop BBurslem, Swan Bank103First Potteries
63354Burslem, Swan BankHanley, stop S738AFirst Potteries
63111Hanley BSNewcastle BS38First Potteries
67147Newcastle BSLongton Interchange22First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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 we saw First Potteries 63360 on a #11 to Hanley. Matthew got ready to go to Newcastle. When it was time to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned cut through onto City Road and we headed towards the bus stop. The traffic was unusually busy and the bus was a little late. Whilst we waited we saw Safeguard WU68 KHZ heading towards Stoke. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 67178 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 67178 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. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a back to Talke Pits. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63116 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63116 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Talke Pits before sitting down towards the back of the bus. set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran Northwards past the bus garage and we ran through Milehouse. We ran Northwards to the McDonald roundabout and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Chesterton High Street. We turned right onto Crackley Bank and we ran through Crackley and Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Talke High Street. We turned right somewhere and left onto Chester Road. We re-joined the road and we ran forwards onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto the A34 and up towards somewhere where we turned right onto the B5371. We turned right onto Mitchell Avenue and we turned left onto Lower Ash Road. We turned right onto First Avenue and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5371 we walked onto the A50 and onto Heathcote Street and Matthew visited the toilet. As we walked through the King Street and Matthew then magcally teleported to the other side of town to wait for the #7 to Hanley. A short time later the bus arrived and it was First Potteries 67156 on a #7 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. We set off onto King Street and we turned left Heathcote Street and we ran forwards onto Attwood Street. We ran forwards onto Whitehill Road and we turned left onto Whitehill Road. We turned left onto Galleys Bank and right onto Newchapel Road. We crossed the roundabout onto Pennyfields Road and we turned right onto High Street. We ran through Packmoor and wwe continued onto Turnhurst Road. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around to wait a bus to Hanley today. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 111 on a #96 to Middleport. We got on the bus and we booked to Tunstall before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Turnhurst Road and we turned right onto Silverstone Crescent. We re-joined the Turnhurst Road. We turned right onto the A527 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Carsington Drive past a new development site. We turned right onto Essington Way and we ran forwards onto Carsington Drive and we crossed the roundabout and we veered right onto Furlong Road. At the end we turned left onto Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down the Tower Square and passing the former pub on the corner. After we had finished eating we went next door Wrights shop we and Matthew bought some boots. We walked along and we set off onto onto the Tower Square and we walked onto High Street and we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus towards Burslem. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. It was First Potteries 63356 on a #103 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We got up and got off the bus at Swan Bank. Once off the bus we walked along Queen Street. They are current refurbishing Burslem Market to bring it back into use. We walked back to Swan Bank and we waited for s bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63354 on a #38A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the Swan Bank and we ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and we continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Stafford Street. We got up and got off the bus. We continued along Stafford Street and we walked up Piccadilly into Tontine Square. We continued along Tontine Street. Once we had finished we went to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with can of Irn Bru. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we walked down Tontine Square. We went into Stafford Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63111 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63111 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Festival Park before we sat down. The bus set off onto John Street and we ran down the hill before we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over Broad Street and we continued onto Marsh Street. At the lights we turned left onto Etruria Road past former Sainsbury's supermarket. We went under the A53 and we went forwards onto Festival We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford and we ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. A short time later we saw it was First Potteries 67147 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 67147 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. 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 turned left onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and left onto Beaconsfield Drive. After a short wait we continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we ran through the estate to the other end. We turned left onto Church Road and at the the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Once off we saw blue minibus SG22 TPZ. We walked over to Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went outside to we waited for the taxi to Fenton. When it arrived we saw it was an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Baths Road towards Longton and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We headed for the A50. We traveled Westward to Heron Cross and we turned right onto the A50 link road. We turned left onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North uo through Etruria and Longport and we joined the Eastbound A527. We ran up the hill to the top end of Tunstall and we turned left onto Chatterley Lane. We turned right onto Hollywall lane and at the end we turned left onto the A50. We stopped at the Goldenhill Community Centre and we went to a fun day. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had chicken nuggets and chips for tea. Matthew had a can of Coke. For dessert Matthew had some cake. When we had finished we got back into the car and we set off onto the A50. We ran North into Kidsgrove and we turned right onto Mount Road. We continued onto Pennyfield Road and we ran up through Harriseahead and towards Mow Cop. We continued up to the Edge of Biddulph and we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford and we followed the road through Knypersley and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. We continued along the A527 through Pits Hill and Sandyford and down to the A500. We ran Southwards through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran up the A52 under the railway line and we ran forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right into Manor Street and left into Victoria Road and we continued onto Victoria Road and we stopped at Buzz Bingo. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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.