Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 27-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10573	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	1	Stagecoach Merseyside
26059	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Stagecoach Merseyside
26051	Blacon, Blacon Parade	Chester BS	14	Stagecoach Merseyside
144	Chester BS	Chester, Railway Station	40	Helms
36814	Chester BS	Piper's Ash, Rowan Place	9	Stagecoach Merseyside
36815	Piper's Ash, The Piper	Chester BS	9	Stagecoach Merseyside
3141	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Ellesmere Port. We asked Matthew on Friday where he would like to go today and he chose Ellesmere Port. Research for today consisted of looking at the Stagecoach bus tickets and checking the weather. The weather was forcast for hot and sunny weather with some cloud, slightly cooler than Friday! Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00. For breakfast Matthew had crumpets and orange juice. We set off just before 12:00. We returned to the house to get Matthew's hat and sunglasses! We set off again and we ran along Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we passed the former betting shop. We ran up the hill and we crossed over the A50. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards Wheildon Road. We stopped to pick up uncle Dave and we continued down towards Stoke past the old psychiatric nurse which is now a family contact centre. We joined the Northbound A500 e and we ran through Stoke. We ran North through Etruria and we past the KE Travel garage and North through Longport. We joined the M6 and we ran Nothwards. The oil light came on so we stopped at sandbach Services. We saw white minibus HT25 AYK parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the petrol station to pick up oil. After topping up the oil we continued onto the M6. Travelling Northwards we saw Alfa A152 and minibus SB25 PFD. We joine the Westbound M56 and as we travelled Westwards we were passed by Mario Coaches M121 RYO.

Mario Coaches M121 RYO on the M56

We passed junction 12, near to a new petrol station on the A557. We got onto the Northbound M53. We came off the M53 at junction 9 and we headed Westwards on the A5032. We turned left onto Cromwell Road and we followed the road to the right onto Wellington Road. We turned left onto Cambrdge Road and we went right onto McGarva Way. We turned right onto Grange Road and we parked up near to the Market. We headed into the Market and we ordered the food and sat down. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating, we went to the toilets. We said goodbye to mum an we headed to the bus station. We came out of the market and past The Food Warehouse and The Portal, which sits on the site of the former bus station. We turned the corner onto Civic Way and we waited for a bus. We decided to go towards Chester as usuual. There was a bus due in a few minutes. The bus came around the corner and as it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 10573 on a #1 to Chester railway station.

Stagecoach Merseyside 10573 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets at £5.70 each before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Wellington Road and we turned left onto Stanney Lane and we ran past The Grace Arms, which was a pub we used to eat at back when we first started to visit Ellesmere Port. We continued down the road for around 1/2 mile and then we turned left into the Coliseum Retail Park. We continued into the adjacent Cheshire Oaks designer outlet and we saw , an unidentified Bws Peris coach. We got onto the A5117 and we ran Westwards to the A41. We ran South and where we would normally turn right we went straight on towards Chester Zoo. We turned into the zoo and we saw BX63 BEO parked up. We came back out of the Zoo and continued South down the A41 and we turned right onto Heath Road. We continued onto Mill Street and we joined the Southbound A5116. We ran into Chester and over the ring road onto Northgate. We turned left into Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw D&G Bus 573 on Layover.

D&G Bus 573 in Chester bus station

We headed into the cafe and Matthew had a slice of Victoria Sponge and a can of Coke. After we had finished Matthew went to the toilet. We continued to look for what we might catch. We saw Arriva NW&W 3142 on a #4 to Mold.

Arriva NW&W 3142 in Chester bus station

We headed to the Blacon stops and we saw a bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 on a #14A Blacon circular.

Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Gorse Stacks and we ran onto George Street. At the end we turned right onto Northgate Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the A5116. We veered left on the one-way system and we ran forwards onto the A540. We ran past Chester University and we hit traffic as we got to the edge of town. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blacon Avenue. We travelled Westwards for around a mile and when we got to the shops we got up to get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 as it continued towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 in Blacon

We sat under a tree to keep cool and Matthew had a can of Coke from the trip bag. After we had finished the drink we headed to the bus stop. The bus came around the corner. As it got closer, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 26051 on a #14 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 26051 in Blacon

We got on it and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Blacon Avenue and we had a long run of around 2/3 of a mile down to a roundabout. We crossed the roundabout onto the A540 and we had another run of around 1/2 mile up to Liverpool Road. We ran around the one-way system and passed the former Stagecoach bus depot which is now student accomodation. We continued and into town along Northgate. We crossed over the ring road on Northgate and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Coming into the bus station we spotted a Helms double decker, We headed over to the stand and as we got closer we saw it was Helms 144 on a #40 town circular service.

Helms 144 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the railway station at £2 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Frodsham Street. We turned left onto Foregate Street and we turned left onto St Oswald Way. We ran past the bus station and we turned right onto the A56. We turned right onto Brook Street and we followed the road to the right onto Station Road. We pulled up outside the railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Helms 144 before it returned to the bus station.

Helms 144 in Chester

Across the road we spotted M & H Coaches YJ64 DXR on a T8 service to Corwen.

M & H Coaches YJ64 DXR in Chester

We just missed a Stagecoach Bus heading out of town, so we decided to walk back to the bus station via the pub. We set off along City Road and at The Bars we turned right onto St Oswalds Way. As we walked towards the pub we saw The Travellers Choice YJ25 CVS on a day trip returning to Carnforth.

The Travellers Choice YJ25 CVS in Chester

We continued along St Oswalds Way and we got to Brook Street and headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar. We bought a glass of Coke and we sat down. After we finished our drink we said goodbye to our new friends and we set off out of the pub. We went under the roundabout and we came up on Brookdale Place. We crossed over Frodsham Street and we headed into the bus station. We decided to do something we hadn't done in a very long time, we thought we'd head to Piper's Ash. We spotted a bus on stand and as we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 on a #9 to Piper's Ash.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Merseyside plus Dayrider to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Gorse Stacks. We crossed the roundabout and forwards onto the A56. We crossed over the railway line and we headed into Hoole. We turned right onto Canadian Avenue and left onto Hoole Lane. At th e end of Hoole Lane we turned left onto Pipers Lane. We spotted a pub and and a couple of coaches parked up, so we decided to get off at the next stop. We turned left onto Alder Grove and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 as it continued back towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 in Piper's Ash

Once off the bus we walked back around the corner and closed to the A41 where we could see 2 coaches parked up. The front one of the 2 was Keane's Coaches BX65 WBF parked up in the layby.

Keane's Coaches BX65 WBF in Piper's Ash

To the rear was Keane's Coaches L121 MPR also parked up.

Keane's Coaches L121 MPR in Piper's Ash

We walked along Pipers Lane and we headed into the pub. As we walked through the door we were handed an England flag. We headed to the bar and we bought a glass of Coke. After we had the drink Matthew went to the toilet. We headed out of the pub abd we walked around the corner to the bus stop. It was at this point I realised I had lost my bus ticket! A few minutes later we saw the bus go around the corner. It ran around the end of the route and it came back again. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 on a #9 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 in Piper's Ash

We got on the bus and I bought a Stagecoach Chester Dayrider at £5.60. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36815

The bus set off along Hoole Lane and we ran for about a mile. We crossed over the railway line to the East of the station and we turned right onto the A51. We ran into the town centre and we ran around The Bars onto St Oswalds Way. We ran past the bus station and we turned left to enter the bus station from the North side. We pulled onto the bay and we got up and got off the bus. We had contacted mum and we had arranged to meet her at Blacon. We had a quick look around the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 3011 parked up on layover.

D&G Bus 3011 in Chester bus station

We walked around to the stand and we saw a bus approaching. As it came on stand we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3141 on a #14A Blacon circular.

Arriva NW&W 3141 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Chester Dayrider to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Gorse Stacks and we ran onto George Street. At the end we turned right onto Northgate Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the A5116. We veered left on the one-way system and we ran forwards onto the A540. We ran past Chester University and we hit traffic as we got to the edge of town. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blacon Avenue. We travelled Westwards for around a mile and when we got to the shops we got up to get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3141 as it continued towards Chester.

Arriva NW&W 3141 in Blacon

Once off the bus we headed into the Spar shop. Matthew had a chocolate bar and a bottle of pop. We walked back to the car park and we sat under a tree in the shade. Matthew stayed with uncle dave and I popped back to the shop and bought some bottled water for everyone. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 3014 on a #14 Blacon circular. Mum appeared from the East and when she worked ouked how to get into the car park she pulled up near to us. Matthew got into the car and I went to the chip shop. I returned from the chip shop with food and we sat in the car. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a cup of lemonade with ice. Once I had finished eating we set off out of the car park and we headed Westwards along Blacon Avenue. We ran forwards onto Countess Way and we turned left onto the A41. We ran North for a couple of mile and we turned right onto the A5032. At Backford Cross we turned right onto the A5117 and we ran past Chesire Oaks. We turned right onto the Southbound M53 and we immediatley joined the Eastbound M56. As we travalled Eastwards we followed S-Line SL75 ???. Other vehicles seen was party bus PN03 UGC. We joined the Southband M6 and we saw an unidentified DNH Coaches coach, an unidentified Docherty Midland Coaches coach an unidentified white coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Fanta. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. 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 19:40. 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. Later on Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We watched Youtube and we got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Woverhampton / Codsall 21-06-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5404	Wednesfield, (stop N6)	Wolverhampton BS	59	NX West Midlands
2113	Wolverhampton BS	Wobaston, Upton Green	6	NX West Midlands
2018	Wobaston, Upton Green	Whitmore Reans, Hordern Grove	6	NX West Midlands
671	Whitmore Reans, Hordern Grove	Codsall, Church Road	5	Chaserider
144	Codsall, Church Road	Wolverhampton BS	5	Chaserider
2089	Wolverhampton BS	Ashmore, Fitzmaurice Road	69	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Wolverhampton. We were checking the weatyer as we were expecting thunder storms and it appeared to be slightly better to the South. It was also Dave Day and they were expecting thousands of motorbikes to be heading North up the M6 going towards Barrow for Dave Day. Saturday morning we made a decision to go to Wolverhampton. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. He also had a can of Fanta Orange. We got ready to go out and we set off just after 12:00. We got in the car and we set off onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we saw D&G Bus 781 on a #24 to Hanley. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross avoiding the roadworks on Blurton Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. After we picked up uncle Dave we continued down Whieldon Road and we ran forwards onto the A500. We turned right onto the A52 and right onto the Southbound A500. We ran through hanford to Hanchurch and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified grey tri-axle coach, an unidentified JKT coach and Imperial Coaches BU74 YSK. We accidentially missed junction 12 so we came off at junction 11. We turned left onto the A460 and at the next roundabout we ran forwards onto the A4601. We ran Northwards for around a mile and we turned left onto the A5. We continued for about another 1/4 of a mile and we stopped at the truck stop. As it was hot, we sat on a table outside under the shelter. We ordered the food and Matthew sat outside with uncle Dave. Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet and we bought a Cherry Bakwell for later on. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A5. We turned right onto the A4601 and we ran forwards onto the A460. At the motorway junction we veered left onto the A462. We ran South for a few miles, we crossed over the M6 and we headed South Towards New Invention. We turned right onto the A4124 and we ran around Wednesfield and we entered Bentley Bridge retail park and we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked thrugh the retail park and onto the canal. We walked past the pub and we crossed over the canal onto Wolverhampton Road. AS we waited to cross over New Cross Avenue we saw a bus approaching. As it approached we saw it was National Express West Midlands 5404 on a #59 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 5404 in Wednesfield

We crossed the road and we walked to the bus stop and got on the bus. We booked an nBus day group ticket at £9.60 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Wolverhampton Road past New Cross hospital. We headed West and we turned right onto the A4124. We ran back into town along the dual carriageway and we crossed under the railway line. We crossed the ring road and we ran along the contraflow lane adjacent to the ring road that took us straight to the entrance of the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed out of the bus station to the shop. Matthew bouught a bottle of Coke and some chocolate. When we had finished we headed inside and we and we sat down and contemplated what we would catch next. It was raining. Whilst we thought about what to catch we saw Rotala Diamond 32125 on a #27 to Dudley.

Rotala Diamond 32125 in Wolverhampton bus station

We had a sit down and Matthew shared a pack of Cadbury's Snack biscuits. He also had his bottle of Coke. We saw Woods Coaches 366 arriving on a #210 from Gatwick Airport.

Woods Coaches 366 in Wolverhampton bus station

A short time later we saw a bus come in on the adjacent stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands on a #6 to Wobaston.

NX West Midlands 2113 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A 4150 and we turned left onto Broad Street. We turned left onto Princess Square and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. We ran through Queen Square and we continued onto Darlington Street. We turned right ont Waterloo Road and we crossed over the ring road and we ran forwards onto Waterloo Road. We veered left onto New Hampton Road East and we ran forwards onto New Hampton Road West. We turned right onto Court Road and we turned left onto Hordern Road. We crossed over the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal and under a former railway line. We turned right onto Aldersley Road and we ran through Aldersley. We turned left onto Green Land and we turned right onto Pendeford Avenue. We crossed over the Shrewsbury line and we turned right onto Ryefield. We ran through Dovecotes and we turned right onto the Droveway. We crossed over the Shropshire Union Canal and we turned right onto Blaydon Road. We ran to a small bus terminus and we turned aruound and headed back Northwards up Blaydon Road. We turned right onto Droveway and we continued up to the i54 industrial estate. We turned around at the roundabout and we turned left onto Wobaston Road. We turned right onto Patshull Avenue and the bus pulled into the bus terminus where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 2113 before it returned on a #6 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2113 in Wobaston

Once off the bus we walked down Patshull Avenue and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we saw the #25 and the #3 go past. We headed back to the same stop and as we apporoached we saw a bus at the terminus. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2018 on a #6 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2018 in Wobaston

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of National Express West Midlands 2018 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside NX West Midlands 2018

The bus sat for a few minutes waiting for departure time. A short time later we set off onto Patshull Avenue and we turned left onto Wobaston Road. We turned right into the 154 estate and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We headed Southwards onto The Droveway and we turned left onto to Blaydon Road and we stop at the small bus terminus. We headed back Northwards up Blaydon Road and we turned left onto THe Droveway. We crossed over the canal and we turned left onto Ryefield. We turned left onto Barnhurst Lane and we went over the railway line. We continued onto Pendeford Avenue and we turned left onto Green Lane. We continued onto Aldersley Road and we ran through Aldersley. We turned left onto Hordern Road and we ran under a former railway line and over the canal. We continued into Whitmore Reans and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 2018 as it continued on a #6 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2018 in Whitmore Reans

Once off the bus we crossed the road and checked the timetable. We had 20 minutes for the next bus to Codsall so we walked to the corner shop. We went in the shop and Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a Twirl. We headed back to the bus stop and Matthew sat on the grass. Across the road was a former care home which is going to be re-developed. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 671 on a #5 to Codsall.

Chaserider 671 in Whitmore Reans

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Hornden Road and we went over the canal and under the railway line. We ran forwards onto Lowlands Avenue and we were passed by 2 hills Coaches coaches. We turned right onto Lower Street and we ran forwards onto Codsall Road. We crossed the roundabout and continued along Codsall Road. We comtinued onto Birches Road and we passed Bilbrook Railway station and ran onto Duck Lane. We continued onto Bilbrook Road and we turned left onto Watery Lane. We continued onto Elliotts Lane and we turned right onto Wolverhampton Road. We continued onto Bakers Way and the bus terminated. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 671 before it returned on a #5 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 671 in Codsall

Once off the bus we walked across the green into town and we had a choice of 3 pubs to visit. We went to the Banks' pub as it seemed the best. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar and had a glass of Coke. We had our drink and watched some darts. When we had finished we headed back to the green. We sat on a bench with uncle Dave and Matthew had a Twirl. A short time later we saw the bus arrive at the terminus. We saw it was Chaserider 144 on a #5 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 144 in Codsall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along Bakers Way and we turned around on the bus lane and Headed Eastwards. We ran forwards onto Wolverhampton Road and we turned left onto Elliotts Lane. We continued onto Watery Lane and we turned right onto Bilbrook Road. We continued onto Duck Lane and we ran past the shops and the railway station. We turned left onto Birches Road. We continued onto Codsall Road and we crossed over a roundabout. We ran forwards onto Lower Street and we turned left onto Lowlands Avenue. We continued onto Hordern Road and we ran under the disused railway line and over the canal. We continued onto Hunter Street and we turned left onto New Hampton Road West. We turned left onto Evans Street and we ran forwards onto Dunstall Road. We followed Dunstall Road to the left and we ran around the roundabout and Headed Southwards down Waterloo Road. We ran past Molineux and we headed towads the ring road. We crossed the ring road an unidentified Johnson coach pulled along side us and turned left onto the ring road. We continued along Waterloo Road and forwards onto School Street. We turned left onto Salop Street and we continued onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and right onto Bilston Street. We turnrf left at the roundabout onto the A4150 and we enetered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. after Matthew had used the toilet we looked for a bus towards Ashmore as mum had driven to Farmfoods to pick up pop. Whilst had a look what we could catch we saw Chaserider 3010 on layover.

Chaserider 3010 in Wolverhampton bus station

There were a couple of different buses we could have done but we saw that the next #59 was 5404 that we had done earlier in the day. We decided to wait for a #69. We sat at the appropriate stand and a short time later we saw the bus arrive. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2089 on a #69 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 2089 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Group Day 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 and we joined the Northbound A4150. We turned right onto the A4124 and we headed Eastwards out of Wolverhampton. We veered left onto Wolverhampton Road and we turned left into New Cross hospital. We turned right onto Prestwood Road West. We crossed the B4484 and we continued onto Lower Prestwood Road. We turned right onto Wood End Road and we turned left onto Moathouse Lane West. We turned left onto Ridge Lane. We turned right onto Linthouse Lane and we turned left onto Griffiths Drive. We Turned right to continued along Griffiths Drive and we passes National Express West Midlands 5404 nwhich we had been on ealier in the day. We turned right onto Peacock Avenue. We ran to the end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of National Express West Midlands 2089 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 2089 in Ashmore

Once off the bus we walked to the end of the road and we turned right onto the A4124. We crossed over the canal and we met up with mum at farmfood. We got in the car and Matthew had an orange flavour ice lolly. We got in the car and we set off towards the chip shop. We joined the Westbound A4124 and we turned left onto Stubby Lane. We ran to the next roundabout and we parked up near to the shop. Matthew went with mum to the shop whilst I went to the chip shop to get some food. matthew bought some cold pop for us all to drink and went back to the car. I came back with food and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. when I had finished eating we set off Northwards up Stubby Lane and we turned right onto the A4124. We ran Northwards up the A462 and we joined the Northbound M6. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we ran forwards onto the A500. We ran through Hamford and Sideway and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We turned right onto the A52 and right onto the Southbound A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we stopped to drop off uncle Dave. We continued up Whieldon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at Stanley Matthews Way and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and we wrote the Blog and we did the e-mail. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke and a Flake ice cream. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Nantwich 01-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4216	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2618	Nantwich BS	Willaston, nr Jacksons Corner	84	Arriva NW&W
4179	Willaston, opp Nags Head PH	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4105	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2447	Crewe BS	Wistaston Green, Wood End (S-bound)	8	Arriva NW&W
2447	Wistaston Green, Wood End (S-bound)	Crewe BS	8	Arriva NW&W
2608	Crewe BS	Leighton, o/s Leighton Hospital	31A	Arriva NW&W
679	Leighton, o/s Leighton Hospital	Crewe BS	6	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe, this was partly due to the sighting of Arriva NW&W 4179 on the #84 service in Chester last week. We had checked the weather the day before and it was for fine sunny weather all over the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of place which were waited towards a choice of Crewe, and from the he due obliged and chose Crewe. A quick check of the weather again and the weather had now change to cloudy with showers. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off through Blurton and we saw First Potteries 60205 on the Longton bound #22 and First Potteries 41497 on the #22 to Newcastle. We joined the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way passing Lucky Seven SJ55 LSK. At the other end we joined the Westbound A50 before going North on the A500. Seen going up the A500 were Mencap EK03 GXH, City Cabs EF05 OLX, Routemaster buses RML 2400 & Sheldon Executive Travel T85 BUB. I thought I had heard on the radio that the new link road from the A500 to the A532 / A5020, but I had heard correctly. I think the new road was linking the A500 to Gresty Road. We ended up going North on the other new road, which seem to pass close to the rail freight yard at Basford. We past the football ground and we queue up to join the A534 at the lights. As we waited we saw two coach pass then end of the road, one of which was Elcock Reisen A2 EXC. We joined the A534 before turning right into Eddleston Road. We were followed into town by dud Arriva NW&W 2611 on a Crewe bound #37 service. We passed the bus station and we headed through the back streets to Asda. One we had sorted out a ticket for the car, we walked over to town to Vernon's fish bar and Matthew used the toilet before having sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished eating we pad up and we said goodbye to mum before walking over to the bus station. When we got there were two Solo SR's from 2 different operators on stand. Arriva NW&W 702 was on a #6 to Broad House and D&G 105 was on a #8A to Beech Grove.

D&G 105 in Crewe bus station

On layover on the other side of the bus station was Arriva NW&W Dart 894 along with GHA coach DA04 GHA. The first bus to come into the bus station was required Arriva NW&W 4216 on a #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 4216 in Crewe bus station

Whilst the driver of Arriva NW&W 4216 readied the bus for service, Matthew took a picture of the GHA coach DA04 GHA which was an unusual sighting.

GHA DA04 GHA in Crewe bus station

As the objective of today trip was to try and ride on Arriva NW&W 4179 and we considered it most likely to be out on the #84 service, we though we would do required Arriva NW&W 4216 and kill two birds with one stone. When the driver readied the bus for service, we got on a booked Arriva North West Day Saver tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty, and so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4216.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4216

We sat down in the middle of the offside of the bus, and we looked over and saw dud First Potteries 66307 in a favourable position to take a photograph.

First Potteries 66307 in Crewe bus station

When it was time to leave the bus left the bus station ans went onto Delamere Street. We turned right into Chester Bridge. We went forwards onto Edlestone Road and we passed dud Arriva NW&W 4106 on the inbound #84 from Chester. At the end of Edleston Road we turned right onto the A534 and we headed out of Crewe. About 1/2 way between Crewe and the willaston turned we passed required Arriva NW&W 4106 broken down at the side of the road on what was presumably the #84 to Nantwich. We turned left into Wistaston Road and then right into Coppice Road before rejoining the A534. We crossed over the A51 Nantwich Bypass and we carried onto towards Nantwich town centre. As we came close to the town we passed the bus that we had come for, Arriva NW&W 4179. We turned left onto the B5074 and then right onto the A530 before we entered the bus station from the East. We got off the bus and then Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 4216.

Arriva NW&W 4216 in Nantwich bus station

There was a hive of activity at the bus station in Nantwich when we got off. There were a couple of GHA buses on layover on the lane closest to the main road. GHA Solo YM52 TPY was at the front and new GHA Solo SR 1203 was at the rear.

GHA 1203 in Nantwich bus station

On layover by the library was GHA YJ54 UBD. This pulled onto a stand and was about to work a local service.

GHA YJ54 UBD in Nantwich bus station

We walked into town and we went to the toilet. On the way back we stopped at the sweet stall in the market to by a couple of once of taverners mint toffee chews, before returning back to the bus station. Whilst we waited for the next bus towards Crewe to intercept Arriva NW&W 4179, we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4100 on a #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4100 in Nantwich bus station

This was followed by required D&G 125 which was on the #6 to Leighton Hospital.

D&G 125 in Nantwich bus station

As everything we had seen recently had been a double decker we had be expecting another one to turn up on the Crewe bound #84. When a Centro turned up we were a little surprised by it. As it pulled up we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2618.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Nantwich bus station

We got on the Arriva NW&W 2618 and we flashed our Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus was quite well filled probably down to the fact that it was a single decker. We started to leave the bus station and we noticed and opportunity to get a picture of GHA Solo YM52 TPY at the front of the layover lane.

GHA YM52 TPY in Nantwich bus station

We went around the town before going East along the B5338. We crossed the Nantwich by-pass ans we saw Malbank coach SN55 OUF going the other way. We joined the A534 before turning right into Coppice Road and then left onto Wistaston Road. When we re-joined the A534 we got up to get off the bus. AS we were getting off I asked the driver where the nearest nantwich bound stop was and he told us it was on the end of Wistaston Road. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 2618 as it carried on towards Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Willaston

We crossed the A534 and we turned to see Happy Days coach 181 going towards Crewe.

Happy Days 181 in Willaston

We walked onto Wistaston Road but we couldn't see the bus stop. We ended up walking down a few hundred yard to the next bus stop. We saw GHA Solo YJ59 GHB on a #78 to Nantwich.

GHA YJ59 GHB in Willaston

Matthew wanted to sit down whilst we waited for Arriva NW&W 4179. At this point we noticed that Matthew had a 6" split in his trousers! We considered what to do whilst we waited for the bus. Just as I found the emergency roll of tape in the bag we turned and saw Arriva NW&W 4179 approaching so we had no time to fix his trousers here.

Arriva NW&W 4179 in Willaston

We flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver and we went upstairs. We set off down Wistaston Road and the right onto Coppice Road. We joined the A534 and crossed over the Nantwich by-pass onto the B5338. The bus was quite well filled Matthew took a picture of the bus seats opposite to us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4179

Whilst we ran into town we hatched a plan to deal with Matthews trouser situation... I called mum to let her know what we were going to do so that we could meet her, and hopefully she would be able to find and buy Matthew a replacement pair of trousers. There was a dead time onto a bus back to Crewe, and if we made it we would be able to meet mum in around 30 minutes. As we pulled into the bus station we saw the Crewe bound bus already in the bus station. We got off Arriva NW&W 4179 and Matthew took a picture of dud Arriva NW&W 4105 before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 4105 in Nantwich bus station

We flashed the Arriva North West Day saver tickets to the driver and we went upstairs. The bus set off out of nantwich town and across the nantwich by-pass and onto the A534. We headed into Willaston along Coppice road and back onto the A534 via wistaston Road. Arriva NW&W 4106 was still broken down by the side of the road and we still hadn't passed another bus working the other #84 to Nantwich. Mum texted us to say that she had successfully got trousers for Matthew and that she was waiting at stand 9 in the bus station. We turned left into Edleston Road and we crossed over the railway line and into town. We turned left into Delamere Street and we entered the bus station. Before we got off the bus we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4105.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4105

We met up mum and we considered how we were going to change Matthew's trousers... We tried the disabled toilets in the bus station and there were screwed shut so we gathered around Matthew in a doorway to give him some privacy and Matthew successfully swapped into his new beige coloured Chinos. Now that Matthews trousers were split free, we went back to the main part of the bus station to consider what we might catch next. We saw D&G 144, the former Bakerbus Cadet about to work a #6 to Leighton Hospital.

D&G 144 in Crewe bus station

We also saw First Potteries 60069 on a #3 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 in Crewe bus station

There were a few interesting Arriva buses in the bus station. Required Arriva NW&W 4460 was on a #38 to Macclesfield, dud Arriva NW&W 2267 was on a #31 to Winsford, and Arriva NW&W 2447 was on a #8 to Beech Drive, Wistaston Green.

Arriva NW&W 2447 in Crewe bus station

With it being an older buses, we decided to do the Cadet 2447 on the #8, which is a service that we have never done before. We got on the bus first and as such Matthew was able to get a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2447.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2447

We flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver ticket to the driver and we sat down. Thinking that it must be a required bus we check the page buses I have travelled on and it turned out to be dud! It was a bus that we had been on from Ellesmere Port to Chester almost five years ago back in December 2010. As we sat down we noticed what an awful smell there was... It was also commented on by other passengers. We had decided to do a complete circle and than head back to the bus station so that we could do another couple more buses. The bus left the bus station onto Delamere Street and we turned right onto Chester Bridge. We crossed the railway line and we turned right into Electricity Street. We went forwards onto Alton Street and down to Queens Park we then entered the circular end of the service turning left onto Moreton Road and right onto Capesthorn Road. It was here that I think we passed Leyland swift F30 TMP which was parked at the side of the road. We turned onto Wistaston Green Road and Valley Road before starting to head back towards Crewe on Aldersey Road. We rejoined Moreton Road and we went back past Queens Park and onto Alton Street. We went back into town and into the bus station. When we got up and got off the bus there were once again a few Arriva buses in the bus station. Dud Arriva NW&W 2501 was about to work a #37 to Winsford.

Arriva NW&W 2501 in Crewe bus station

On an adjacent stand was required Arriva NW&W 2608 on a #31A to Winsford.

Arriva NW&W 2608 in Crewe bus station

We also saw dud Arriva NW&W 4102 on the #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4102 in Crewe bus station

We decided to required 2608 on the #31A up to Leighton Hospital. We could do another #31 back or even one of the required Arriva Solo's working the #6 service. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back of this well filled bus and the bus set off Northwards out of the bus station. We turned onto West Street we turned North onto Underwood Lane. We turned left onto the B5076 and then we turned Northwards again onto Mablins Lane. We turned left onto Parkers Road before rejoining the B5076. We crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Leighton Hospital grounds. We got off the bus and in front of us was required Arriva NW&W 2614.

Arriva NW&W 2614 in Leighton

We decided not to this as Matthew had done buses continuously without a break so we decided to wait for the next Arriva bus. Also in this small bus station was First Potteries 65733 on a #3 to Keele.

First Potteries 65733 in Leighton

The next Arriva bus was due off at 16:34. As there was a small gap in the service Matthew had packet of Milky Stars and a small bottle of Irn Bru. The next bus into the bus station was GHA Solo SR 1204 on a #78 to Scholar Green.

GHA 1204 in Leighton

We saw an Arriva bus approaching and as it got closer we that it was required Arriva NW&W 679 on the #6 to Broad House.

Arriva NW&W 679 in Leighton

We got on the bus and we were the first on the bus so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 679.

Inside Arriva NW&W 679

We sat down and we also saw GHA enviro200 1407 come into the bus station on a #42 to Crewe and First Potteries Volvo 66845. We set off back towards Crewe at 16:34 and we rejoined the B5076 and headed back to Crewe via Underwood Lane and West Street. We passed the Fung Lung Chinese takeaway, which I always thought sounded like some kind of medical condition and we turned onto Hightown to run into the bus station. when we got back into the bus station we took a few more bus pictures. Matthew ran onto Arriva NW&W to say hello to someone and then we headed towards the car. On the way we saw First Potteries 66845 again heading towards Newastle.

First Potteries 66845 in Crewe bus station

We meet up with mum at the car and she was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of Victoria street and down Flag Lane and onto Wistatston Road. We crossed over Edleston Street onto Vernon Way before turning right onto Mill Street. At the end of Mill Street we turned left onto the A534 and we went past the railway station. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A532 and we saw coaches Merediths 684 DYX and Furlongs Travel Y312 KBN parked together adjacent to the road in the industrial estate. We left Crewe along the A5020 and we joined the A500. As we got to the M6 we caught up with Britannia Travel AY14 NVM. We also saw ABC Supreme SB56 SKV. When we got to Sideway we turned left onto the A50 which we did up to Longton so that we could check out the Z Carz depot. There were quite a few minibuses on the spare ground this evening. Closest to the A50 was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

The next bus we saw was Z Carz Airport division minibus MJ03 DPU

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Further back just in sight were Z Carz DL03 HHU and M372 NWN. At the front was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

The last bus in the row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We turned left onto Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Mercedes minibus S952 VMY as well as Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off it at Heron Cross. We went through Blurton and we stopped briefly at mums friends shop before we continued along Blurton Road passing First Potteries 53123. We went forwards onto Church Road and We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:45. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots by a toffee cheesecake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark