Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 07-11-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3044	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2539	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
2575	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2699	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	82A	Arriva NW&W
5015	Murdishaw Central	Halton Lea South	82A	Arriva NW&W
2530	Halton Lea South	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Widnes. We decided to re-visit Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford rent-a-car MX70 CJF.

Afford rent-a-car MX70 CJF in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw D&G Bus on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 119 in Fenton

After get ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Glebedale Road. We turned left onto City Road. We ran over the railway line and then we turned went Forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North up to the M6. When we got to Thelwall Viaduct we could see the snow on top of Winter hill to the North side of Bolton. At junction 21A we turned left and we joined the Westbound M62. We came off at junction 7 and we headed Southwards down the A557. After a few miles we did the designated u turn onto the Northbound side of the A557 and we veered left onto Watkinson Way. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and after the bus station entrance we turned left into the car park. As we were parking up the car we saw a Stagecoach coach approaching. Once out of the car we headed over to the bus station to see Network Warrington 103 on a #32 to Warrington. We headed into the market and Matthew used the toilet. We had dinner at the nearby Widnes market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We stopped on the way at a sweet stall and Matthew had a few eggs and a couple of jelly snakes. We asked which buses Matthew wanted to do and he chose Arriva. We decided to head over the river first so we stood on the North side of the bus station. Whilst we waited we saw Network Warrington 226 on a #62 to Warrington. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 3044 on a #79C to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW&W daysaver to the driver at £6 each. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3044 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3044

We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station where we saw MP Travel G15 MPT on the X1 to Liverpool. so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus. We decided to go forwards towards Halton Lea on the next bus. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #110 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. There was an old lady who was struggling to get to the shopping centre due to there being an elevated walkway and her being quite afraid of heights. I helped her to the lift and I also guided he out of the lift into the shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service which Matthew decided to turn down. We waited for the next bus back to Runcorn. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew decided to go to the pub across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we re-joined uncle Dave who waited outside and we went back up to the bus station. We decided to go to Murdishaw and back to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 5012 on a #500 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we travelled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we had reached the end of the run. We got up and we got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures off the footbridge we went into the Co-operative food store. Mathew had a bottle of Coke. He also had some Milky Way and a Flake. Once we had done our shopping we went to the till. Whilst we waited to catch an Arriva bus we saw . We had seen required Arriva NW&W 5013 which was going to work the next #500 to Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw dud Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service. We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the turning circle and onto the Southbound busway we ran through the Palacefields area and past Halton Hospital. We continued down to the Halton Lea shopping centre and we got up and we got off. A few minutes later we saw bus approaching up the hill onto the elevated road to the bus terminus. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2530 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus for what was actually the final time today, and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. After a brief stop we set off up the High Street We turned right to go onto the Leiria Way.joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey on the new bridge. we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus. We walked back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards. We turned left at the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 miles or so up to the M62 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 15-09-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2539	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
3136	Runcorn BS	Norton, Runcorn East	X1	Arriva NW&W
2542	Norton, Eanley Wood, Runcorn East, Busway	Halton Lea South	1	Arriva NW&W
2544	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
W828 PFB	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
5004	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	500	Arriva NW&W
3138	Runcorn BS	Speke, Western Avenue	X1	Arriva NW&W
4829	Speke, Tarbock Road	Speke, Morrisons	82	Arriva NW&W
4814	Speke, Morrisons	Woolton, Allerton Road	81	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly dry weather with some sunshine and the small chance of a shower. We gave Matthew a list of destination in the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Research for the trip consisted of looking at Arriva Mersey Plus Day Saver ticket. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and near to the BET365 stadium we passed D&G 173 on a #14 to Stafford. We joined the Westbound A50 and at Sideway roundabout we turned right to join the Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw an unidentified Swans Travel coach and Belle Vue A15 VUE. We joined the M6 at junction 16 and as we joined the motorway we saw Rolfe Street Garage YP10 XGN. Going up the M6 we saw an unidentified Alba Travel coach, an unidentified Mostonian coach, Kier YS15 CRJ, Park's of Hanmilton LSK 832, an unidentified Swans Travel coach, an unidentified national Holidays coach, Llew Jones (NX) LJ67 LLJ(#375), an unidentified Barnes coach, Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU, an unidentified Esk Valley coach, an unidentified 18 Mayne coach (in a firework style livery). We left the M6 at junction 21A and we went Westwards along the M62 to junction 7. We went Southwards down the A557 and we turned right to run up to Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market. On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W 2549 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2549 in Widnes

We crossed over the road and we headed into the market. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went into the Market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we set off outside to the bus station. We saw Halton Transport 82 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 82 in Widnes

We crossed over the road to wait for a bus towards Runcorn. Whilst we waited we saw Halton Transport 24 on a #14C to Hough Green.

Halton Transport 24 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2539 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver tickets at £4.40 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. As we sat down we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15585 on a X5 to Liverpool. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road where we saw an unidentified Ambassador coach parked down a side street. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Anthony's Travel D19 ANT on a contract service to Capita.

Anthony's Travel D19 ANT in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3136 on a X1 to Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards and we crossed under the A557 and Southwards down Greenway Road. We turned left onto Moughland lane and we continued forwards onto Clifton Road. We turned left onto one of the busways and we ran under the A533 before stopping outside the library. WE continued up to Halton Lea Hospital and we ran fast up to Murdishaw. We had planned on getting up by the Co-operative food store but we didn't ring the bell expecting the bus would stop and we went sailing by. We continued a few stops further round and we decided to get off by Runcorn East railway station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3136 as it continued towards Windmill Hill.

Arriva NW&W 3136 in Norton

Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the bus top opposite. We weren't sure how long we were going to have to wait for a bus but only a couple of minutes later we saw an Arriva NW&W Cadet approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2542 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2542 in Norton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus turned around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. We pulled up in Halton Lea South. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2542 as it continued around the Halton Lea circular route.

Arriva NW&W 2542 in Halton Lea

Once of the bus we headed down to the Shopping City shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and Matthew used the disabled toilet which appear to have been upgraded since our last visit. Once we had finished we headed back through the shopping centre and up to the bus station. When we got there we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 19056 on a X2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 19056 in Halton Lea

A few minutes later we saw another Arriva Cadet Approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2544 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We travelled back through Castlefields via the busway. We headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2544 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2544 in Runcorn bus station

Across the way we spotted required Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB on the #52 Beechwood circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB in Runcorn bus station

We decided to pay extra and do this bus as it was a required one. We got on the bus and we booked single fares to Halton Lea South at £1.10 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. There was a short wait for departure time, and at 15:20 we set off out of the bus station. We went Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We travelled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. We ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB before it carried on around the Beechwood circle.

Ashcroft's Travel W828 PFB in Halton Lea

We decided to keep moving and we saw a gas powered bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #500 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 5004 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and along the busway. THe #500 takes the same route as the bold #79C service used to take. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5004 as it carried on towards Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 5004 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted a drink and to go to the toilet. We left the bus station and crossed the road and went to The Ferry Boat. Matthew went to the toilets and afterwards we waited at the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a small Coke with ice and after we had finished drink we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. We decided to take a few pictures before we carried on. We saw Halton Transport 10 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 10 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we headed to the A533. We ran fast over the river Mersey on the new bridge and we joined the Westbound A562. We ran at speed for around 2 miles and the we veered left to join the A561. We ran the last mile or so into Speke and we could see a small bus terminal outside of Morrison as we went past. After crossing over Western Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture picture of Arriva NW&W 3138 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Speke

We walked around the corner onto Western Avenue to wait for a bus toward Speke. A few minutes later we saw a hybrid double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 4829 on a #82 to Speke.

Arriva NW&W 4829 in Speke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Western Avenue and past Paul McCartney's first home. We turned left onto Central Avenue and we ran Eastwards through the estate. We ran clockwise around the South Parade and we continued Eastwards onto Central Way. We turned left onto Eastern Avenue and we ran Northwards for around 1/4 of a mile. We turned left onto Millwards Road and we ran Westwards to Morrisons and the end of the run. We got up and we went into Morrisons. Matthew went to the toilet and we came out of the supermarket. We decided to wait for the next #81 towards Woolton. The bus pulled up and we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 4814 on a #81 to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 4814 in Speke

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw HTL Bus YJ11 EKN on a #3A circular service. When the bus was ready we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4814.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4814

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the upper saloon of Arriva NW&W 4814 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4814

We set off out of the bus terminal onto Millwood Road and we headed Eastwards. We turned right onto Eastern Avenue and we ran Southwards before turning right onto Central Way. We ran anti-clockwise around South Parade and we joined Central Avenue. We turned right onto Western Avenue and we ran Northwards up to the main road. We turned left onto the A561 and we ran Westwards towards Liverpool. We turned right onto Speak Hall Road. We ran Northwards towards Woolton and as we crossed over the railway line we saw 2 class 08 shunters and 4 old coaches parked adjacent to them. We turned right onto the A562. We ran Eastwards to Hunts Cross and we turned left onto Speke Road. We ran Northwards for around 3/4 of a mile and we crossed over the B5171. We ran into Woolton and we got up and got off the bus. Behind us was Arriva NW&W 4438 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4438 in Woolton

Once off the bus we crossed over the street and we went down the passageway to Sainsbury's. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we met up with mum. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. Once we had paid for the stuff we got in the car where mum had brought Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Kings Drive and we ran to Halewood Road. We turned left onto Lydiate Lane and forwards onto Church Road. We turned left onto Greensbridge lane and left onto the B5178. We ran into Netherley and we turned left onto the B5171. We turned right onto Besford Road and we stopped at Morrisons for petrol. Once we had filled up we headed back onto the B5171. We turned right onto the B5178 and we turned left onto Whitefield Lane. We turned right onto the A5080 and we joined the Eastbound M62. We continued to the M6 and then we headed Southwards. As we travelled Eastwards we saw grey minibus KN54 NLL. Seen on the M6 were an unidentified Esk Valley coach, an unidentified Alba Travel coach, An unidentified tri-axle Alpine Travel coach. As we ran through Cheshire we were passed by Airshuttle BX62 BFP.

Airshuttle BX62 BFP on the M6

Continuing down the M6 we saw an unidentified MJ Travel minibus & white minibus SH12 FDN. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we headed Spouthwards down the A500. Seen on the A500 was grey minibus YP18 SVX. At Sideway we went went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we ran along the high level road. We stopped at the Z Carz depot to see what was parked up this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned left nto Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz's new grey minibus WX55 OHU.

Z Carz WX55 OHU in Longton

Also see was Z Carz white Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 27-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2542	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2726	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W
2539	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
X989 CNO	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
5003	Halton Lea South	Murdishaw Central	1	Arriva NW&W
2529	Murdishaw Central	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2533	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. In light of recent events in Manchester, we wanted to go somewhere where there were plenty of buses but not a particularly big town. We had checked the weather for today and it was for warm cloudy weather with the possibility of thunder storms. We gave Matthew a list of small town in the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. We ran up the hill and over the A50 through Heron Cross. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran down into Fenton and forwards onto Wheildon Road. We joined onto the A500 near to Stoke and we passed National Express liveried Traveller's Choice coach FN63 PXB on the #333 to Bournemouth. Further up the A500 we saw Intercity SV07 VLD, white minibus PN66 KKM and Bullocks YN16 UAL / RB11 BUL. After a short while queuing on the A500 near to junction 16 we got on the Northbound M6. Once on the M6 we made good time as it wasn't as busy as anticipated. As we travelled North we saw Luxury Travel YJ16 EKC, an unidentified blue Fiat minibus & an unidentified Hartley's minibus. At junction 21A we headed West along the M62 for a few junctions. Whilst travelling towards the A557 we saw SP Travel MX05 NYW and an unidentified white Mercedes minibus. We travelled South down the A557 where we saw Dan's Luxury Coaches BL16 FYV. We turned right into the town and right again up to the Green Oaks retail park. We parked up and in the car park we saw silver minibus NK15 CCZ & white minibus PE03 TZV. We headed towards the market where we we going for dinner and on the way we stop to see what was in the bus station. We saw required Halton Transport 25 on a #14 service to Liverpool.

Halton Transport 25 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2726 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2726 in Widnes

We crossed the road and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2540 on a #82A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2540 in Widnes

We walked into the market and we walked to the back corner. Mum ordered the food whilst uncle Dave saved a table and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew seemed to take a little longer than usual and when he came out he had an asset tracking barcode which he must of peeled off something stuck to his chin! After we binned the barcode, we sat down to wait for the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back through the market. We walked out to the bus station and we saw Halton Transport 11 on a #61A to Murdishaw.

Halton Transport 11 in Widnes

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Arriva NW&W 2542 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2542 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we booked Halton Daysaver tickets at £4 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge and we saw Orion Travel FHZ 9593 near to the railway station on rail replacement work. We wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we saw Antony's Travel minibus W10 ANT. We got up and got off the bus and we managed to get a picture of Anthony's Travel W10 ANT before it left the bus station.

Anthony's Travel W10 ANT in Runcorn bus station

We had seen what was probably the most interesting bus allocated to the Arriva Runcorn depot, 2726 going towards Murdishaw earlier. We figured out that it would probably be the next #79C back to Liverpool. We decided to cross over to the other side of the bus station to wait for it. A few minutes later as expected we saw required Arriva NW&W 2726 on the #79C to Queens Square bus station.

Arriva NW&W 2726 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533 and we saw Vision coach BK63 ZSW on rail replacement work by the railway station. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2726 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2726 in Widnes

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station to catch a bus back towards Runcorn. Almost immediately a bus came around the corner and it was required Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2539 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Daysaver tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we saw Link Network MX05 ELJ on a #110 service to Warrington. turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge and we saw Selwyns YJ04 HHZ near to the railway station on rail replacement work. We wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station waiting for departure time was required Ashcroft's Travel X989 CNO on the #52 Beechwood circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel X989 CNO in Runcorn bus station

We decided we were going to do this bus, so we waited for the driver to ready the vehicle for service. We got on the bus and we booked single fares to Halton Lea South at £1.10 each. There was a short wait for departure time, and at 15:20 we set off out of the bus station. We went Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We travelled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. We ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel X989 CNO before it carried on around the circle.

Ashcroft's Travel X989 CNO in Halton Lea

We decided to go the toilet whilst we were near to the shopping centre so we went down the stairs ans into the shopping centre we walked forwards into the main plaza and e turned right past the shops and right to the toilets. Matthew used the facilities and then we returned back to the bus station up the escalators. When we go back we saw required Arriva NW&W 5003 on a #1 Halton Lea circular.

Arriva NW&W 5003 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Daysaver tickets to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 5003 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5003

We set off out of the bus station along the busway and we went clockwise around the large circuit. We passed Pheonix park and we continued past Castlefields and Windmill Hill. We past close to Runcorn East railway station and then we emerged into the Murdishaw turning circle. We got up and got off the bus and we turned down a bus so that we could visit the Co-operative Food store. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We went outside and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2529 arrive on a #79C service.

Arriva NW&W 2529 in Murdishaw

The bus went on layover so we went up to the bridge to take a few pictures. Matthew also ate one of his milky Way bars. We went back down to the bus stop and we saw Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #2 Halton Lea circular service.

Arriva NW&W 5004 in Murdishaw

A few minutes later Arriva NW&W 2529 was readied for service and pulled onto stand. We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Daysaver tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the busway towards Halton Lea Hospital. The bus in front was enpty so Matthew took a picture inside Inside Arriva NW&W 2529.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2529

We passed the hospital and then we stopped at Halton Lea South. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. We then got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2529 before it carried on towards Hough Green.

Arriva NW&W 2529 in Runcorn bus station

Whilst we waited for a bus back to Widnes we saw Arriva NW&W 3139 on a X1 service to Liverpool ONE bus station.

Arriva NW&W 3139 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2533 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Halton Daysaver tickets to the driver for the last time before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks and we got up to get off the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2533.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2533

Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2533.

Arriva NW&W 2533 in Widnes

Mum had moved the car to a space by the bus station but she hadn't got back from the shops, so we waited in the bus station taking a few pictures. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2495 which was an unusual bus on the #17 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 2495 in Widnes

A few minutes later mum turned up and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a u-turn at the roundabout and headed back to the A557. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. As we travelled towards the M6 we saw white minibus YC17 BVL. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and as we travelled towards home we saw Malbank HN64 DBX & Artists Delight (Austria) IM GIAN 1. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 to Sideway where we turned left onto The Eastbound A50. As we travelled up towards Longton we passed Parks of Hamilton coaches KSK 948 & LSK 613. We ca,e off the A50 and we went to Z Carz to see what was parked up on the spare ground this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Next to the Renault was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

Adjacent to the Ford minibus was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Airport Division ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We carried on along Willow Row to turn the car around and we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY parked on the road.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we came off at Heron Cross where we saw white minibus DU64 RXA. and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got back home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark.