Trip to Warrington / Great Sankey 31-08-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
220	Warrington Interchange	Winwick, B&Q	19	Warrington's Own Buses
1005	Winwick, B&Q	Warrington Interchange	19	Warrington's Own Buses
249	Warrington Interchange	Great Sankey, Butcher's Arms	14	Warrington's Own Buses
243	Great Sankey, Park Road	Warrington Interchange	15	Warrington's Own Buses
84	Warrington Interchange	Orford, Chiltern Road	20	Warrington's Own Buses
1009	Orford, Chiltern Road	Warrington Interchange	21	Warrington's Own Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Warrington. Research consisted of looking at where we ate when we last visited in 2021, and to check the weather. Which was for warm dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off just before 11:50. We set off 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 passing silver minibus Y661 TNS. 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 silver minibus PY17 OFP. We ran up to Bathomley Interchnage and we joined the Northbound M6. Seen on the M6 was an unidentified Sky Coaches coach, An unidentified Goward coach. white minibus VK70 OGF, grey minibus VO64 GER / LV70 RXC, an unidentified Megabus coach(unnamed) and Inline Travel RHZ 2157. We came off the M6 at junction 20 and we joined the Northbound A50. We ran through Grappenhall and we crossed over the Manchester Ship Canal. We ran under the railway line and we crossed over the A5061 onto Grange Avenue and we turned right onto Westy Lane. We stopped opposite to the cafe and we parked up. We went into the cafe and Matthew had a full English Breakfast washed down can of Coke. When we had finished we crossed over the road and we got back into the car. We set off along Westy Lane and we turned left onto Kingsway South. We turned left onto the A57 and we ran into town. We crossed over the roundabout and we turned into the car park. After we parked up we went down the stairs and we walked through the Golden Square Shopping Centre. We went down into the Interchange. We went to use the toilets and the toilets were closed. We walked though the interchnage and we went to the pub by the shopping centre. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we met up with uncle Dave and we walked along Winwick Street. We crossed over the road and we walked along the other side of the Interchange. We saw Warrington's Own Buses 235 parked up on layover.

Warrington's Own Buses 235 in Warrington Interchange

We continued to the other end and we saw Warrington's Own Buses 1021 on a #32 to Widnes.

Warrington's Own Buses 1021 in Warrington Interchange

We had a walk around and we tried to decide on a bus to catch. We spotted a bus heading Northwards up towaeds Winwick on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Warrington's Own Buses 220 on a #19 to Leigh.

Warrington's Own Buses 220 in Warrington Interchange

We got on the bus and we bought Adult Day Network tickets at £5.90 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the bus station and turned around to head back onto Winwick Street. We went under the railway line past Warrington Central station. At the roundabout we veered right onto Pinners Brow. We turned left onto the A49 and we headed Northwards. We travelled Northwards through Orford and we crossed over the M62 into Winwick where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Warrington's Own Buses 220 as it continued Northwards towards Leigh.

Warrington's Own Buses 220 in Winwick

Once off the bus we walked over to Burger King and Matthew had a cup of Dr Pepper. When we had finished we walked outside to meet uncle Dave and we crossed over the A49 to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. We had about 10 minutes to wait for thw bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Warrington's Own Buses 1005 on a #19 to Warrington.

Warrington's Own Buses 1005 in Winwick

We got on the bus and we placed the Adult Day Network tickets under the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards down the A49 and we crossed over the M62. As we travelled South I we passed the Winwick Quays Hotel which is having a restaurant added to it. We travelled down the A49 through Orford and into the North end of Warrington. We followed the A49 to the left and we turned right into Pinners Row. We turned left into Winwick Street. We ran past the railway station under the railway line and we entered the Interchange. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Warrington's Own Buses 94 on a #16A to Dallam.

Warrington's Own Buses 94 in Warrington Interchange

We walked back into the bus station and we saw a bus on stand. As it got closer we saw it was Warrington's Own Buses 249 on a #14 Great Sankey circular.

Warrington's Own Buses 249 in Warrington Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the Adult Day Network tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out bus station and through the tunnel under the shopping centre before turning left onto Leigh Street. We turned right onto Sankey Street and we ran forwards onto Liverpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we turned left at the roundabout onto Old Liverpool Road. We ran for around 1/2 mile through Sankey Bridges and we turned left onto the A562. We turned right onto the A574 and we turned left onto Canons Road and we ran forwards onto Hood Lane North and we turned left into Dorchester Road. We turned right onto Sycamore Lane and we turned left into Tankersley Grove. We turned left onto the A5281 and we turned right into the A57. We turned left onto St Mary's Road and right onto Meeting Lane. We turned right onto Stocks Lane and left onto the A57 and right onto Lingley Road. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Warrington's Own Buses 249 as it continued back towards Warrington.

Warrington's Own Buses 249 in Great Sankey

Once off the bus we set off along Lingley Road and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We turned left onto Lingley Road and we crossed over to the opposite stop. We had some time before the bus was due and there was no seat at the bus stop, so we continued up Lingley Road to the green and the next stop with had a bench next to it. About 10 miutes later the bus appeared. As it got closer we saw it was Warrington's Own Buses 243 on a #15 to Warrington.

Warrington's Own Buses 243 in Great Sankey

We got on the bus and we placed the Adult Day Network tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lingley Road and we turned left onto the A57. We turned right onto Stocks Lane and we turned left onto Meeting Lane and we turned left onto St Mary's Road and right onto the A57. We turned left onto the A5281 and we turned right onto Tankersley Grove. We turned right onto Sycamore Lane and we turned left onto Hood Lane North and we ran onto forwards Canons Road. We turned right onto the A574 and we turned left onto the A57. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A5061. We crossed over the railway line just North of Warrington Bank Quay railway station, and we ran forwards onto Sankey Street. We turned left onto Legh Street and we turned right under the shopping centre and through the tunnel into the interchange. Once we got off the bus we visted the shop. Matthew bought a bottle of Coke and some chocolate bars. We went to the end of the bus station to take a few pictures. We saw Warrington's Own Buses 242 on a #16A to Dallam.

Warrington's Own Buses 242 in Warrington Interchange

Another vehicle seen was Warrington's Own Buses 322 on a #17 to Westy.

Warrington's Own Buses 322 in Warrington Interchange

Afterwards we saw Arriva NW&W 3060 on a #7 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3060 in Warrington Interchange

We walked back into the bus station to see what else we might catch. We saw one of the older Volvo sibngle deckers so we decied to have a look what it was. As we got closer we saw it was Warrington's Own Buses 84 on a #20 Orford circular.

Warrington's Own Buses 84 in Warrington Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the bus station and turned around to head back onto Winwick Street. We went under the railway line past Warrington Central station. At the roundabout we veered right onto Pinners Brow. We crossed over the A49 onto Orford Lane. We continued Northwards to Jubilee Way and we ran down to The Orford Centre. After passing the bus stop we returned to the A49. We turned right nto the A49. We turned right ono Long Lane and left onto Northway. We turned left ono Sandy Lane and we ran forwards onto Cotswold Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the opposite bus stop. We went into the bag and Matthew had the double milky Way that we had bought att he shop earlier. We waited for a few minites for the next bus to appear. After a short wait we saw an electric bus come around the corner. It was Warrington's Own Buses 1009 on a #21 to Warrington.

Warrington's Own Buses 1009 in Orford

We got on the bus and we flashed the the Adult Day Network tickets under the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran forwards onto Sandy Lane and at the next roundabout we turned right onto Northway. At the end of Northwards we turned right onto the A50 and then left onto the A49. We continued Southwards to Jubilee Way and we ran down to The Orford Centre. After passing the bus stop we returned to the A49. We turned left onto Pinners Brow and Left onto Winwick Street. We ran under the railway line and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the Interchnge to take a few more pictures. We saw Omega Busways V23 HOW on a #47 to Statham Massey.

Omega Busways V23 HOW in Warrington Interchange

We walk alongside the A57 and around the corner to the other entrance to the shopping centre. We headed to the lift and we went up to the car. We met with mum and Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke. We set off out of the car park and we headed Westwards along the A57. We turned right and headed Northwards towards the M62. After a brief discussion we decided to fing a chip shop to have something to eat. We turned left onto Westbrook Way and we ran forwards onto White Avenue. We turned left onto the A57 and we headed back towards to town. We stopped at a chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eat we set of along the A57 and we went forwards onto Froghall Lane and we turned left onto the B5210. We took a rong turn onto Bewsey street so we turned around and rejoined the B5210. We headed along Pinners Brow and we tirned right onto the A49. We joined the Eastboud A57 and we turned right onto the A50. We crossed over the River Mersey and we continued over the Manchester Ship Canal. We joined the M6 at Junction 20 and we headed Southwards. Seen on the M6 were white minibus FP67 HZA and Brookline BC20 BLC which past us enabling Matthew to get a picture of Brookline BC20 BLC.

Brookline BC20 BLC on the M6

We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we ran though Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Matthew also took a can of Irn Bru into the house to drink in front of Uncle Rob who no longer drinks pop. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub 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 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 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hinckley / Earl Shilton 27-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1008	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Earl Shilton, Almeys Lane	1	Arriva Midlands
3807	Earl Shilton, Almeys Lane	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	158	Arriva Midlands
1005	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Barwell, Willowdene Way	2	Arriva Midlands
3808	Barwell, The Square	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	158	Arriva Midlands
3799	Hinckley, The Cresent BS	Nuneaton BS	158	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Hinckley. We discussed the possibility of going to Hinckley and Matthew said yes. Research consisted of checking the weather, which was for cold weather with light rain showers brightening up later in the afternoon. We also checked AA roadwatch to see if the roads were clear and we downloaded a map of the Arriva services around Hinckley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We got onto the high Level A500 and we turned right at the next roundabout onto baths Road and into the Tesco petrol station. Once we had filled up we got onto the Westbound A50 and we ran up to Sideway. We got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran down to junction 12. As we travelled South we passed Shearing Holidays 140, Abbey Coaches CE02 YRZ and an unidentified BBC East Lancs Myllenium single decker bus. We came of the M6 onto the eastbound A5 and we saw Linburg BF16 XPJ. Just before we reached Cannock we stopped at the Trucker Rest cafe. As soon as we got inside Matthew visited the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we continued Eastwards along the A5 we saw B&N coaches A20 BXN. Passing close to Lichfield and Tamworth, we came off the A5 near to Nuneaton and we went Eastwards up the B4666. We came into the town centre and we turned right into Rigby Road and we parked up in the Trinity Lane East car park. We said goodbye to mum, and we set off towards the new bus station. This is the first time we have visited Hinckley since the completion of The Crescent Bus Station. AS we walked into the bus station we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36752 on a #10 to Grove Farm.

Stagecoach Midlands 36752 in Hinckley bus station

A short while later we saw Arriva Midlands 2570 on a #7 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 2570 in Hinckley bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 2410 on a #7 to Burbage.

Arriva Midlands 2410 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to do something Northbound so we waited at the end stop for a #1 or #158. Whilst we waited we were surprised to see Arriva Midlands 1005 on a #2 to Burbage.

Arriva Midlands 1005 in Hinckley bus station

A few minutes later we saw another another approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 1008 on a #1 to Earl Shilton.

Arriva Midlands 1008 in Hinckley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Zone two tickets at £4.20 each before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Regent Street, stopping at the stop from where the services used to start. We ran forwards onto the B590 and we headed out of town. We crossed the A47 and we turned right Elmesthorpe Lane. We then ran through the estates to the East of town after travelling for over a mile we came into the North end of Earl Shilton. We travelled in along Mill Lane, Church Street and onto the High Street. A couple of stops down we got up and got off the bus. As we had got off the bus we had spotted a shop so we walked up the road to the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a can of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We returned to the stop from where we had got off in order to wait for a bus back to Hinckley. Whilst we were waiting there was a flurry of activity. We saw Arriva Midlands 3808 going towards Leicester. We also saw Stagecoach Midlands 26220 going towards Coventry.

Stagecoach Midlands 26220 in Earl Shilton

Right behind the Stagecoach Midlands bus was dud Arriva Midlands 3807 on a #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Earl Shilton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran through the centre of Earl Shilton and we continued on down to Hinckley Road and we turned right onto Shilton Road. A couple of minutes later we were in the centre of Barwell. We ran onto High Street and we continued onto Mill Street. We ran forwards onto Hinckley Road and at the junction we turned left onto Ashby Road and we ran Southwards. Due to an incident on the junction of Ashby Road and he A47, We got about 1/4 mile down the road and we had to turn around. We headed back North up Ashby Road and by now a police car had turned up to stop traffic going Southwards. We turned left onto Rogue Lane and it was quite difficult for the large bus to pass cars coming the other way. At the end of the lane we turned left onto Stoke Road. We crossed the A47 by Morrison's and the road here had been blocked off by police too. We continued into town and we ran forwards onto Hollycroft. We ran onto the B4667 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Coventry Road and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3807 before it continued towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Hinckley bus station

As we came into the bus station we spotted required Arriva Midlands 1005 on a #2 to Barwell. We headed up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 1005.

Arriva Midlands 1005 in Hinckley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Regent Street. We stopped on the bus top were the service used to start and we continued Northwards out of town. We veered left onto Hollycroft and we turned right into Stanley Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto Tudor Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 1008 coming the other way. We continued onto Netherley Road and we crossed over Ashby Road onto Barwell Lane. We turned right onto Stoneygate Drive and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Leicester Road and we crossed over the A47 onto The Common. We ran into Barwell and we got up to get off. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 1005 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 1005

When we got off the bus we crossed over the road and we visited the toilets. When we had finished we waited at the stop for the next Southbound bus. Even though in theory there was one due in 15 minutes, the display at the bus stop said the next bus wasn't for 30 minutes. We waited for the bus to appear and things were delayed due to the incident on Ashby Road. Going the other way we saw required Arriva Midlands 3803 on a #158 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3803 in Barwell

Around 16:40 the bus came around the corner and it was dud Arriva Midlands 3808. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Zone two tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the High Street and we ran forwards onto Mill Street. We continued onto Hinckley Road and at the end we turned left onto Ashby Road. We crossed over the A47 and we ran into town. Whatever had happened on the road had now been cleared up. We ran into town from the North along the B4667. We turned left onto Coventry Road and right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3808 before it continued on towards Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Hinckley bus station

Mum had messaged us to say that there was a cafe at Nuneaton bus station and there was cake waiting with Matthews name on it! Parked up in the bus station was required Arriva Midlands 2002 on layover in between working on the #66 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 2002 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to catch the next bus to Nuneaton to meet up with mum, which in theory was a #7. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 3799 on a #158 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3799 in Hinckley bus station

We decided to do this bus so we could get back to Nuneaton quicker. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zone two Day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. After a short wait the bus set off out of the bus station and we turned B4666. We ran the two or so miles down to the A5 and after a short run along the A5 we continued down the A47 into Nuneaton. As we approached the town centre we passed required Arriva Midlands 2403 on a #7A to Sketchley Brook. We crossed over the railway line and we joined the ring road before entering the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3799 before it continued towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 3799 in Nuneaton bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we met up with mum in Jenny's Cafe. We all had burgers and fries and Matthew washed his down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished Matthew went to the toilet in the cafe and we brought Matthew some cake as promised. We decided to have a walk around the bus station to take a few pictures before we return to the car. On layover was Stagecoach Midlands 36167 between working on the #18 to Ansley.

Stagecoach Midlands 36167 in Nuneaton bus station

Around the other side of the bus station we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36746 on layover.

Stagecoach Midlands 36746 in Nuneaton bus station

We walked over to the multi-storey car park and we got in the car. Mum arrived at the car shortly afterwards and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and we crossed over the ring road into Asda where we filled up with petrol. We got back onto the ring road and we ran around the one-way system near to the railway station. We turned left onto the A444 and we ran over the railway and out of town. A few miles out of town we got onto the Westbound A5. We ran North near to Tamworth and Lichfield and we ran through Brownhills to the Eastern end of Cannock. We joined the Westbound A460 and we ran up to the motorway. At junction 11 we got onto the Northbound M6. It was now fully dark. As we travelled Northwards vehicles that we passed were an unidentified New Adventure Travel coach, an unidentified Edwards coach and an unidentified Gwyn Jones coach. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we came off the A500 and we got onto the Eastbound A50. As we climbed up the hill we passed unidentified red Pats Coaches tri-axle coach. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z carz to see if there was anything we could see. There was nothing on the spare ground and unusually there was nothing visible at the entrance of the compound on Willow Row either. We ran Westwards along the A50 and we cam of at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. We had already had tea at Nuneaton, so later on as a snack we had the Greggs sausage rolls. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.