Trip to Burton-upon-Trent / Swadlincote 04-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 9)	Swadlincote bus park	21	Midland Classic
56	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Hill Street	9	Midland Classic
56	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Hill Street	Swadlincote bus park	9	Midland Classic
42	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Medical Centre	9	Midland Classic
42	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	Swadlincote bus park	9	Midland Classic
111	Swadlincote bus park	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 4)	8	Midland Classic

Today we decided to re-visit Burton-upon-Trent. We had checked the weather for today and then best weather appeared to be to the East of the area. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Burton. Research for the trip consisted of going to the Midland Classic website and downloading a route map onto the phone. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we ran down to the A5035. We had to pick up a parcel from the Meir sorting office, so we ran to Dresden and we turned right onto Belgrave Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we caught up with First Potteries sole surviving ALX400 double decker 32081 which was on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We stopped at the sorting office and we noticed there was some traffic on the Eastbound A50. We ran returned onto Belgrave Road and we went forwards onto Meir Road. We passed the Premier Travel depot and we saw FY07 VHK was parked up there. We followed the road round onto Grosvenor Road and Waterhead Road and we turned left onto the A520. At the roundabout we turned right and joined the A50. We passed the Copeland's Tours depot at Meir and we could see orange coach MIB 116 parked up there. We continued East to Blythe Bridge and followed the road to the right and we saw Compass Travel R24 COM / YJ14 BXR / R25 COM / K33 CRT, Sleafordian HCT 990, Blackwood Travel TUI 5949 & Skills SIL 7030. We passed the outskirts of Uttoxter and Midland Classic single decker 76 followed us on to the A50 on the #401 to Burton. A few miles East of Uttoxeter we veered left onto the A511 and we ran the 2 miles into Hatton to the Salt Box cafe where we stopped for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast as well as eating some of mum's cheese on toast. This was washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 88 on a #401 to Uttoxeter. When we had finished we got in the car and we continued along the A511. As we travelled towards Tutbury we saw Trent Barton 657 on a V1 Villager service to Derby. We followed the road towards into beam Hill and as we passed The Beacon Hotel we saw Fletchers E689 LBT & P555 TCC. We cotinued into town along the A511 and we crossed the railway line. We turned right into Guild Street and at the crossroad at the end we turned left into Station Street. We turned right into the car park and we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked along the passage into New Street. The first bus we saw was former Arriva Midlands 3716, which is now dud Midland Classic 116 following the takeover last August.

Midland Classic 116 in Burton upon Trent

The former Arriva Midlands single decker was working a #3 to Winshill. Further up the road we spotted a double decker. As we got closer we saw that it was required Midland Classic 53 on a #21 to Swadlincote.

Midland Classic 53 in Burton upon Trent

We decided to do this bus so we quickly walked up to the stop before boarding. We brought a Midland Classic Duo + which cost just £7 for 2 people to travel. We went upstairs and the rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 53.

Inside Midland Classic 53

A few minutes later we set of along New Street and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to the A5189 and we turned right to cross over the river Trent. The river was high and the field were flooded. As we crossed over the river we passed Midland Classic 32 on a #22 to Burton. Once we crossed the river we turned right at the roundabout and into Main Street. We went forwards onto Rolliston Street and we passed Midland Classic 7 on a #2 service to Burton. We turned left onto Brackenwood Road and left again onto Sycamore Road. We turned right onto the A444 and we ran fast down to Castle Gresley where we crossed over the Burton to Coalville railway line. We ran down Linton Road and into Linton before we turned left into Main Street. We turned left onto Linton Heath and we ran down to the A444. After a short run North up the A444 we veered left onto Mount Pleasant Road. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran up Castle Road into Church Gresley past the mothballed garage which still has 3 old cars from the 1980s stored in it. We veered left onto Market Street by the Maurice Lea Memorial Park. At the end we turned left onto York Road and we ran down to George Street where we turned right. We continued onto Gresley Wood Road and we turned right onto Hearthcote Road past an industrial part of town. We ran down to the roundabout and we turned right onto the A514. A few hundred yard along we turned right into Swadlincote bus park. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 53.

Midland Classic 53 in Swadlincote

We had a quick look around to see what was about. At the top end of the bus park Arriva Midlands 3575 was on layover in between workings on the #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3575 in Swadlincote

Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet so we went to the library like we had done last time we had been. We went inside and were told that there wasn't a public toilet in the library. The was however a public toilet block almost opposite to the library so we went over there. After Matthew had used the facilities was walked back to the bus park. We sat on a bench and Matthew ate a double Milky Way. A few minutes later a double decker came in on the #9 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. As it got closer we saw that it was required Midland Classic 56.

Midland Classic 56 in Swadlincote

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off onto the A514 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We travelled for around a mile past the Swadlincote Woodlands & Park and we arrived at a 5 way roundabout. We carried on across along the A514. We ran down the hill for about a 1/3 of a mile and then we turned right into an housing estate. We ran past a small shop along Goseley Avenue and then we turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We turned left onto the A511 we we ran through Woodville. As we travelled towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch I had a quick look at the timetables for the #9 and #19. I didn't look at the exact time but it looked like the bus was due in Ashby at 10 past the hour and the return bus was due off Ashby at 5 past the hour. I surmised that the #9 and #19 inter-worked at Ashby to compensate for the differing journey times. We travelled about 2 miles to the Leicestershire border and we turned right onto Ashby Road by the Alpaca farm. We ran for around another 2 miles and at about 15:05 we decided to get up and get off at the next convenient stop. Someone else rang the bell and we spotted two bus stops that were virtually opposite to each other so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 56 as it carried on towards the centre of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Midland Classic 56 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Once of the bus we crossed over the road to wait for the return service. I was now able to study the time table a little better... There was no 15:05 #9 departure! The return bus was 10 minutes later at 15:15. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw a Solo approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was MacPherson MX07 JPJ.

MacPherson MX07 JPJ in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was Midland Classic 56 again!

Midland Classic 56 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We got on the bus and we Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 56.

Inside Midland Classic 56

We set off along Ashby Road and we ran the 2 miles or so up to the A511. We ran a further 2 miles through Woodville and we turned sharp right onto the A514. We ran down to the Goseley estate and we ran around the circle along Goseley Avenue. We turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued along the A514 for around a mile into town before we entered Swadlincote bus park. We got off the bus and we saw Midland Classic 57 departing on a #21 to Burton.

Midland Classic 57 in Swadlincote

There were a few buses in the bus station at this time. We saw Arriva Midlands 3571 about to depart on a #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3571 in Swadlincote

On the North side of the bus station we saw dud Midland Classic 46 on layover. On the East side of the bus station we also saw required Midland Classic 45 on layover in between working on the #21 to Burton.

Midland Classic 45 in Swadlincote

Matthew didn't want to do this bus, but a short while later that next #9 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch turned up and it was required Midland Classic 42.

Midland Classic 42 in Swadlincote

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus. He was determined to get to the centre of Ashby-de-la-Zouch! We got on it and Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 42.

Inside Midland Classic 42

The bus set off onto the A514 and we ran Eastwards out of town. As we left we saw Arriva Midlands 3773 on a #29 and Midland Classic 79 on a #19 to Burton. We travelled for around a mile past the Swadlincote Woodlands & Park and we arrived at the roundabout. We carried on across along the A514. We ran down the hill for about a 1/3 of a mile and then we turned right into an housing estate. We saw Arriva Midlands 3771 on a #29A to Burton. We ran past a small shop along Goseley Avenue and then we turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We turned left onto the A511 we we ran through Woodville. This time I was able to check the timetable properly and it seemed that this bus arrived around 16:15 and came back out again at 16:20. We travelled about 2 miles to the Leicestershire border and we turned right onto Ashby Road. We the ran into town past the previous furthest reach point and we ran into town. It was perhaps only a further 1/4 than we had been before. We stopped by a small open space next to a medical centre and it seemed to be the end of the run. We asked the driver if this was the stop from where that bus left town and he told us that the bus left from Market Street in a few minutes. As the bus set off around the end of the loop Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 42.

Midland Classic 42 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Once we watched the bus set off up the road we walked onto Brook Street and we turned the corner onto Market Street. As we got to the crossing we saw Midland Classic 42 pull up at the stop ready to return back to Burton. We confirmed with the driver that we had 5 minutes before we had to returned to the bus which was due to depart at 16:20. Matthew decided he wanted to to go to the toilet so we raced up Market Street to the nearest pub which was The lamb Inn. We raced straight to the back of the pub and and Matthew used the facilities. On the way back out we managed to get the barkeepers attention and we asked for a can or something to take away. We ended up buying a Fruit Shoot which cost us an astonishing £1.70! We got outside and we met up with uncle Dave again, before we got back onto the bus. After a quick conversation with the driver he advised us if we found ourselves in a similar situation again that we should take Matthew to the bookies across the road. We flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off along Market Street before we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned left onto Burton Road and we ran the 2 or so miles up to the A511 on the Leicestershire border. We ran through Woodville to the roundabout and we turned sharp right onto the A514. We ran down to the Goseley estate and we ran around the circle along Goseley Avenue. We turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued along the A514 for around a mile into town before we entered Swadlincote bus park. When we got off the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3574 about to depart on a #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3574 in Swadlincote

There were a couple of buses due to go back towards Burton. We saw Midland Classic 54 arrive with what was going to be the next #21 back to Burton. Matthew didn't seem keen to do it, so we decided to take him to the shop to see he changed his mind by the time we got back. We walked out of the bus park past Wetherspoons onto the High Street where we spotted a Nisa store. Matthew had a Can of Coke and a small bottle of pasnda pop as well a s a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back to the bus park and we had a choice of two buses. Required Midland Classic 54 was still in on the #21 to Burton via Castle Gresley and dud Midland Classic 111 which was on the #8 to Burton via Winhill.

Midland Classic 111 in Swadlincote

Matthew chose to do the single decker for some reason. It was a bus that we had done previously from Uttoxeter to Sudbury back in April 2014. We got on the bus and we flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A514 and we went West. We turned right onto Darklands Road and at the top we turned right onto Newhall Road. We turned left onto Sringfield Road and as we got close to the A511 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach go by. We turned left onto Limetree Avenue and we ran through the estate down to the high Street in Newhall. The bus in front of us emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 111.

Inside Midland Classic 111

We turned right onto Bretby Road and we continued onto Wood Lane. As we travelled North we passed Midland Classic Solo 31 on a #8 to Swadlincote. We turned left onto the A511 and we saw Arriva Midlands 3778 on a #29A to Coalville. Further down the road we passed Midland Classic 81 on a #19 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. After travelling West for around a mile we turned right onto Bretby Lane. We ran through the Winshill estate along Melbourne Avenue and Vancouver Drive before turning left onto Hawfield Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Church Hill Street. We continued onto Bearwood Road and we travelled west for around a 1/3 of a mile before we re-joined the A511. We crossed over the river Trent and we turned left into the High Street. In the centre of town we turned right New Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 111 before it carried on towards Horninglow.

Midland Classic 111 in Burton upon Trent

As we had spent much time in Burton-upon-Trent today We decided to have a quick walk around and take a few bus pictures before we returned to the car. Across the road we saw Midland Classic 21 on a X12 service to Lichfield.

Midland Classic 21 in Burton upon Trent

At the side of the Octagon Shopping Centre we saw Arriva Midlands 3803 about to work a #29A to Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3803 in Burton upon Trent

Once we had finished taking bus pictures we walked through the alleyway onto the car park of the Copper square shopping centre where mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru and a few Arrowroot Thin biscuits. We set off onto Union Street and we went straight across onto Guild Street. At the end we turned left onto the A511 and we ran out of town through Beam Hill. We continued up towards Tutbury and we followed the road through into Hatton. We followed the road around the corner and we ran the last couple of miles to the A50. It was now dark as we ran Westwards. Travelling back towards Stoke we saw an unidentified pink & white coach, Glovers AIG 1346 and Tynedale TGT 889. We came off the A50 at Longton to check out was was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the front row we saw Z Carz minibus LV10 OTM.

Z Carz LV10 OTM in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Nearest bus in the front row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. We saw Z Carz minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We also saw Z Carz minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

In the road we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned around and we headed back onto the A50. We crossed over to Tesco and we filled up at the petrol station. We got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards. At Heron Cross we came off the A50 before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by millionaires shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark