Trip to Meadowhall / Rotherham 09-07-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63119	Meadowhall Interchange	Rotherham Interchange	137	First South Yorkshire
37098	Rotherham Interchange	Swinton, Church Street	218A	Stagecoach Yorkshire
26030	Swinton, Station Street	Rotherham Interchange	221	Stagecoach Yorkshire
36250	Rotherham Interchange	Wath-upon-Dearne BS	22C	First South Yorkshire
36250	Wath-upon-Dearne BS	Parkgate, Aldwarke Road	22A	First South Yorkshire
37090	Parkgate, Aldwarke Road	Rotherham, Bridge Street	221	Stagecoach Yorkshire
35101	Rotherham Interchange	Meadowhall Interchange	X1	First South Yorkshire

Today we decided to re-visit Meadowhall. We wanted to go somewhere we had been before but not very often, so we had a look around the map and we chose Meadowhall. Research for the trip consisted of looking where we ate, where we parked up and what ticket we used to travel around the area. We also checked the weather which was for warm sunny weather. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had a slight delay setting off, setting off just after 12:00. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white minibus CV11 BBK parked up. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, turned into FWB to turn around! We ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we filled up with Petrol before re-joining the Eastbound A50. We ran through Meir and we saw Plants P19 NTM coming the other way. We reached the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we continued along the A50 Eastwards. We headed up the hill over the river Dove and we overtook Powys area taxi minibus EB19 GMU. We had already decided that we were going to have diner at The Saltbox Cafe, so we came off the A50 and joined the Eastbound A511. We continued the 2 miles or so to junction and we stopped at the cafe. Once at the cafe Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 19 on a #401 to Uttoxeter and Midland Classic 27 on a #401 to Burton-on-Trent. Once we had finished we turned right onto Derby Road and we ran through Halton and under the A50 before joining the Northbound A516. We joined the Northbound A38 and as we ran Northwards we saw grey minibus OY10 UEX Trent Barton 742(X38), an unidentified Paul S Winson coach, and an unidentified tri-axle red Roberts coach. We joined the Northbound M1 and around junction 18 we came to a stop as there were two lanes closed for resurfacing. As we crawled Northwards towards the affected area we were passed by Clarkes of London (NX) BV69 KTE on a #561 to Bradford.

Clarkes of London BV69 KTE on the M1

We passed through the section of roadworks and we got back up to speed. As we continued Northwards we saw Dodsworth FJ21 DYC, an unidnetified JKT coach, Hodgson SJ22 HDG. Another coach passed us just before we left the M1 at juncrion 34. It was Weardale OO16 WMS.

Weardale OO16 WMS on the M1

We continued Northwards Copeland's Tours MIB 978 before coming off the M1. We turned left onto the A6178. and we rananti-clockwise around Meadowhall Shopping Centre until we came to the Interchange. We parked up in the car park and we went up the stairs and over the bridge, crossing the railway line and the tram line. As we walked over the interchange we saw First South Yorkshire 36246 on a #95A to Walkley. We went down the steps into the interchange and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to see what buses we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36992 on a #65 to Tideswell.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 36992 in Meadowhall Interchange

On the other side of the bus station we saw a First bus on a service towards Rotherham. It was First South Yorkshire 63119 on a #137 to Rotherham.

First South Yorkshire 63119 in Meadowhall Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked SYConnect Day tickets at £7.40 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the interchange and we joined the Northbound A6109. We turned left onto Blackburn Road and we turned right onto New Droppingwell Road. We turned left onto Baring Road and we ran forwards onto Thundercliffe Road. We turned right onto Barber Wood Road and we headed back towards Baring Road. We crossed over New Droppingwell Road and we headed up West Hill. This was a very steep bank the bus crawled up it at walking pace. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Richmond Park Avenue. We turned left onto Meadowhall Road past the Jantree Saloon which is being refurbished. We turned right onto Church Street and we continued down the hill. We continued onto Kimberworth Road and we turned right onto the A6109. We turned left onto Psalter Lane and left onto Ferham Road. We ran forwards onto Coronation Bridge and forwards onto Masbrough Street and past the old Rotherham United ground. We crossed the A630 an we ran forwards onto Main Street. We turned left onto Westgate and left onto Market Place. We ran forwards onto Corporation Street and we ran into the Interchange. Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw First South Yorkshire 37265 on a #26 to Whiston.

First South Yorkshire 37265 in Rotherham Interchange

Also seen was First South Yorkshire 33714 on a X10 to Maltby.

First South Yorkshire 33714 in Rotherham Interchange

A short time later we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 37098 on a #218A to Barnsley.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 37098 in Rotherham Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned left onto Centenary Way and we turned right onto the A6123. The bus was diverted for some unknown reason. We followed the A6123 and we turned right. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran through Parkgate. We continued up the hill to Rawmarsh and we stopped outside the Stagecoach garage. I checked the timetable and I realised that with a journey time of nearly 2 hours it wouldn't be possible. It was nearly 16:00 and it would be very late by the time we got home. I decided that maybe we should try and go towards Doncaster. We carried on Dale Street and onto Warren Vale. We turned right onto Wentworth Road and we turned left Celandine Rise and we at the end we turned left and rejoined Wentworth Road. We decided to go to Swinton and carch a #221 forwards. We turned left onto Highthorn Road and we headed Northwards. We ran forwards onto Fitzwilliam Street and we turned left onto Piccadilly Road. We turned right onto Valley Road and we turned right onto Broadway. We ran forwards onto Rookery Road and we turned right onto Church Street. In the centre of town we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Yorkshire 37098 before it continued towards Barnsley.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 37098 in Swinton

Once off the bus we sat on a wall by the bus stop and we saw Stagecoach 37100 on a #218 on a to Rotherham and 26024 on a #221 to Rotherham. Matthew had a can of Fanta whilst we waited for the #221. As the bus was approaching we realised that even though the #221 timetable ws dislpayed on the bus stop the bus didn't stop there. The bus turned the corner and we put a hand out but the bus went past. So it was decided that we wouldn't have time to get to Doncaster today. We had about 15 minutes before the next bus towards Rotherham. So we crossed over the road and we set off Eastwards towards the next stop. We got to the stop and we had a few minutes to spare. We checked the map and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Yorkshire 26030 on #221 to Rotherham as expected.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 26030 in Swinton

We got on the bus and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and we turned right onto Racecourse Road. We turned sharp left onto Wath Wood Road. We ran forwards onto Sandygate and at the roundabout we veered right onto Warren Vale. We crossed the roundabout at Wentworth Road with the topiary direction signs. We ran into Rawmarsh and we stopped outside the Stagecoach depot which I didn't notice going in the other direction. There was a quick driver change and we set off Southwards. We turned right onto Hugh Road and left onto Greasbrough Lane. We turned left onto Cinder Bridge Road and we ran through Greasbrough. We ran down Carr Hill under the railway line and into the North end of Rotherham. At the roundabout we turned left onto Bridge Street and we ran past Rotherham Central railway station. We ran into Rotherham Interchange from the South end and we got up and got off the bus. We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach East Midlands 18054 on a #19A to Worksop.

Stagecoach East Midlands 18054 in Rotherham Interchange

We walked into the adjacent shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we considered what we might catch. We saw First South Yorkshire 63122 on a #136 to Hoyland.

First South Yorkshire 63122 in Rotherham Interchange

We considered catching the First bus so we headed up to stand B4. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach East Midlands 15178 which was about to work a #19 to Worksop.

Stagecoach East Midlands 15178 in Rotherham Interchange

A short time later we saw adouble decker pull in on the stan opposite. We saw it was First South Yorkshire 36250 on a #22C to Wath-upon-Dearne.

First South Yorkshire 36250 in Rotherham Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First South Yorkshire 36250 before we sat down.

Inside First South Yorkshire 36250

We set off out off the interchange and we turned left onto Drummond Street and we turned right onto the A630. At the roundabout we turned left onto St Ann's Road. We travelled Northwards crossing over the rivers and railway line and past the Parkgate retail park. We continued Northwards past Burger King and we continued onto Broad Street. We continued up Rawmarsh Hill onto High Street and forwards onto Blythe Avenue. We continued onto Dale Road, past the Stagecoach depot and onto Warren Vale. We turned right onto Rockingham Road and left onto Raccourse Road. We turned right onto the A633 and we continued Northwards. We turned left onto Quarry Hill Road and we turned right onto Cemetery Road. We turned right onto Stump Cross Road and forwards onto Festival Road. We ran forwards onto Burman Road and we headed Northwards. We turned left onto the B6097 ans we turned left into Montgomery Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First South Yorkshire 36250 as it got ready to work a return service to Rotherham.

First South Yorkshire 36250 in Wath-upon-Dearne bus station

I worked out that if Matthew wanted to stop and go to a pub we would have to catch the First bus out of Wath again and get off somewhere on the way to Rotherham. We had about 5 minutes before the bus was due to depart. We saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 26087 on a #226 to Barnsley.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 26087 in Wath-upon-Dearne bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Yorkshire 37451 on a #72 to Manvers.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 37451 in Wath-upon-Dearne bus station

We got back on the bus and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. A few minutes later we set off out of the bus station along Mongomery Road and we turned right onto the B6097. We turned right onto Burman Road and we crossed the A633 and onto Festival Road. We ran forwards onto Stump Cross Road and we turned left onto Cemetery Road. We turned left onto Quarry Hill Road and left onto the Southbound A633. We turned left onto Racecourse Road and at the en we turned right onto Rockingham Road. WE continued Southwards down the A633 through Rawmarsh and past the Stagecoach depot. We continued int Parkgate and as we got towards the bottom end we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First South Yorkshire 36250 as it continued towards Rotherham.

First South Yorkshire 36250 in Parkgate

Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Hollybush Street and we visit The Alex pub. matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto Hollybush Street and we turned onto Broad Street and back to the bus stop to wait for the next bus. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 37090 on a #221 to Rotherham.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 37090 in Parkgate

We got back on the bus and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Broad Street and we ran past the Parkgate Shopping Park. We ran under the railway line and we turned right onto the A630. We ran past Tesco and the interchange and we veered left onto Greasborough Road. Uncle dave spotted a ghost sign so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew toko another picture of Stagecoach Yorkshire 37090 as it continued towards the Interchange.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 37090 in Rotherham

Once off the bus we set off along Greasborough Road and we turned left onto Bridge Street. We crossed over the river Don and we walked into the South end of the Interchange. We looked for something that we could catch back to Meadowhall. We saw First South Yorkshire 36262 on a X78 to Doncaster.

First South Yorkshire 36262 in Rotherham Interchange

Also seen was TM Travel 1202 which was about to work a #29A to Harthill.

TM Travel 1202 in Rotherham Interchange

We waited for on of the X1/X10 services going towards Sheffield. A short time later we saw First South Yorkshire 35101 on a X1 to Sheffield.

First South Yorkshire 35101 in Rotherham Interchange

We got on and we flashed the SYConnect ticket to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the Interchange onto Corporation Street and we veered right onto Westgate. We turned right onto Sheffield Street and at the roundabout onto the A6178. We headed through Ickles and into Templeborough. We continued towards the motorway and we turned right onto Blackburn Meadows Way. We ran under the motorway and we turned right onto Meadowhall Way we crossed over the river Don and we entered Meadowhall Interchange. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took an other picture of First South Yorkshire 35101 before it continued towards Sheffield.

First South Yorkshire 35101 in Meadowhall Interchange

Once off the bus we walked into the Interchange and Matthew used the toilet. We walked past the former Subway and up the stairs to the bridge. We crossed over the tramline and the railway and we went down the steps to the car park. On the way back to the car we saw grey minibus M67 JCD.

M67 JCD in Meadowhall

Once we got back to the car Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We looked on Google maps for a nearby chip shop. We set off out of the car park and we veered left onto Barrow Road. We turned right onto the B6082 and at the junction we turned left onto Fife Street. We turned left onto Merton Lane and we parked up. I went to the shop to get some pop suitable ofr uncle Dave and afterwards I went to the chip shop. I asked for sausage chips and gravy for Matthew, but for some reason they seemed to give him cheesey pasta on chips!. He seemed to enjoy it though... Whgen we had finished eating we ran to the end of Merton Lane and we turned left onto Chapman Street. We turned right onto the B6082 and at the big junction we turned right onto Fife Street. We went under the railway line and at the end we turned right onto Blackburn Road, which we had been along on the first bus of the day. We ran up the the roundabout and we turned right onto the lower deck of the Tinsley Viaduct. At the next roundabout we ran forwards onto the Southbound M1. We saw European Travel DK64 NCA, Dodsworth FJ21 DYC and TNS YN66 WFA. We ran down to junction 28 and we joined the Southbound A38. We ran through Derby and down the A50. On the A50 we saw an unidentified Linburg coach (rail replacement), an unidentified JKT coach and blue minibus NV63 HHR. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark