Trip to Macclesfield / Congleton 06-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6015	Macclesfield BS	Congleton BS	38	D&G Bus
504	Congleton BS	Middlewich, Waters Edge Medical	42	D&G Bus
574	Middlewich, British Legion	Sandbach, Common	37	D&G Bus
56	Sandbach, Common	Middlewich, British Legion	37	D&G Bus
576	Middlewich, British Legion	Sandbach, Common	37	D&G Bus
6014	Sandbach, Military Arms PH	Macclesfield BS	38	D&G Bus

Today we decided to re-visit Macclesfield. We checked the available bus tickets for High Peak, D&G Bus and even Bee Network should we go further afield. We also looked at places to eat and where to park. The weather was forecast for warm, mainly dry and with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:30 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and into Meir. We turned left onto the A520 and right onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto Westwood Road and right onto Stansmore Road. We ran to the end and we stopped outside a cafe. We went in and ordered food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating Matthew used the toilet and we got back into the car. We set off along Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto the A520 and we ran through Cellarhead, and hrough Wetley Rocks. As we approached Cheddleton we saw that the van was getting ready to leave for the day. We continued North through Cheddleton and Leek Brook and into the cente of Leek. We ran forwards onto St Edwards Street and we turned left onto the A523 and we past the site of the new Tim Hortons. We continued Northwards through Rushton Spencer and into Macclesfield. On the edge of town we ran forwards onto the A536 and we followed the road to the left. We turned right onto Churchill Way and we turned right onto Stanley Street and we parked jup in the multi-storey car park. We bought a ticket and we said goodbye to mum before setting off down the stairs and onto Stanley Street. We turned left onto Churchill Way and left onto Castle Street. We turned right onto Mill Street ans we headed towards the bus station. On the way we stopped to look at the Ian Curtis mural on the side of the Express Mini Market. We stood in the viewing area and Matthew got a picture of High Peak 294 which was parked up in the bus station.

High Peak 294 in Macclesfield bus station

We walked into the bus station and we looked for a bus we could catch. There were only 2 buses in service in the bus station. As we got closer to one of them we saw it was D&G Bus 6015 on a #38 to Crewe,

D&G Bus 6015 in Macclesfield bus station

We got on the bus and we bought D&G Network Day tickets at £6.90 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Mill Street. We ran forwards onto Park Green and we turned left onto the A536. We ran past Macclesfield college and we follwed the A536 to the left. We ran out of town through Gawsworth and Eaton. We ran to the edge of town and we joined the Southbound A34. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto the A54. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 6015 before it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 6015 in Congleton bus station

Once off the bus we throught about what we might do next. There were a couple of buses on layover. We saw D&G Bus 795 on layover in between runs on the #94 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 795 in Congleton bus station

We decided that we would do the #42 when it was due off at 15:00. We saw it was D&G Bus 504 on a #42 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 504 in Congleton bus station

Whilst we waited for it to be readied for service, we walked into town to go to the pub. We set off along the A54 and we turned right onto Kinsey Street. We turned right onto Market Square and we walked past the Congleton Museum. We crossed over the High Street and we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we crossed over High Street and we went forwards onto Market Square. On the way back we found a short cut. We walked down the side of the library and down a walkway into the bus station. Whilst we waited for our bus to be readied for service. we sat down on a bench. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 5014 on a town circular service.

D&G Bus 5014 in Congleton bus station

A few minutes later D&G Bus 504 pulled onto the stand. We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 504 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G Bus 504

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A54. We turned left onto Mill Street and we continued onto Swan Bank. We turned right onto West Street. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we crossed the roundabout onto the A54. We ran out of town throught Somerton and Brereton Heath and into Holmes Chapel. There was a diversion and due to roadworks we did not call at every stop in town. We ran out of town and we crossed over the M6 at junction 18. We ran through Sproston Green and at the edge of Middlewich we turned right onto Centurion Way. We turned left onto King Street ans we headed Southwards towards the centre of Middlewich. We turned right to re-join the A54 and we crossed over the canal before turning left onto the A533 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 504 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 504 in Middlewich

We got off the bus and we saw D&G Bus 33 on a #42 to Congleton. We decided to check out the canal. We went under the A54, and we turned around again because we walked along the canal to the next stop. We walked past 3 locks and up to the next road bridge where we left the canal and walked onto the A533. We had about 10 minutes to wait for a bus towards Sandbach. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 574 on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Middlewich

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A533 and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A533. We ran alongside of the canal and into Sandbach through Elworth. We turned left Hightown and at the next roundabout we ran forwards on Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 574 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 574 in Sandbach

Once off the bus we headed into the shop and we bought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. Matthew indicated that he needed the toilet so we headed to the toilet by the market. We headed back to the bus stop and we saw D&G Bus 3011 on a #317 to Alsager.

D&G Bus 3011 in Sandbach

We waited for the bus towards Northwich. A short time we saw the bus appear on the other side of the common. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 56 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 56 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the common and we joined the Northbound A533. We ran out of town past the railway station towards Elworth. We turned left onto Cross Lane and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned right Long Lane South. We turned right and we re-joined the Northbound A533. We ran alongside the canal and into Middlewich. We got up and got off the bus. We had just over 10 minutes for the bus back South, so we crossed the road and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwadrs Matthew had a small glass of Coke. After we had finished we went outside to catch the bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 576 on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 576 in Middlewich

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A533 and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A533. We ran alongside of the canal and into Sandbach through Elworth. We turned left Hightown and at the next roundabout we ran forwards on Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 576 as it continued towards Crewe.

D&G Bus 576 in Sandbach

On the other side of the common our next bus was already at the stop. As we got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6014 on a #38 to Macclesfield.

D&G Bus 6014 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Bus Network Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we set down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. After a short wait we got back onto the A54 and we headed Westwards. We turned right onto the Northbound A34 and at the edge of town we turned right onto the A536. We ran through Eaton and Gawsworth and into Macclesfield. We continued along A536 and we ran into Sutherland Street. We turned left into Waters Green and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed out of the bus station. Matthew got another picture of D&G Bus 6014 before working a #38 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 6014 in Macclesfield bus station

We set off on foot to go and meet up with mum. We turned right onto Mill Street and right onto Queen Victoria Street. We continued onto Waters Green and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar. Matthew had a small glass of Coke. After we had finished we met up with uncle Dave and we continued on foot towards mum. We continued along Waters Green and we walked forwards onto Gas Road. We went under the A523 and we walked along a footpath next to the River Bollin. We crossed the B5470 and we headed into the car park at Tesco. We met up with mum and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can of Cherry Coke. We set off out of the car park onto Black Lane and we turned right onto the B5470. We turned left and we headed Southwards down the A523. We turned right onto the A536 and we turned left to follow the A536 out of town. We ran past Macclefield College and we turned left to continue following the A536. We ran through Gawsworth and Rodeheath and through Eaton. As we approached Lower Heath we went past the chip shop we suposed to stop at! We turned around at Giantswood Lane to go back to the chip shop. Whilst waiting to get back onto the A536 we saw grey minicoach JA58 BUS and white coach YH67 XSM. We stopped at the chip shop and I went inside to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and we also bought a can of Dandelion & Burdock for later on. When I had finished eating we set off onto the A536 and we joined the Southbound A34. We ran down into the valley and we turned right onto the A534. We continued through Medhurst Green and Arclid. As we approached the M6 we passed D&G Bus 135 on #38 to Congleton. We joined the Southbound M6 and as we travelled through Cheshire we saw an unidentified Anthony Travel and an unidentified white green and blue double decker (Kaz's Crusaders?). 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 past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. 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. We watched Youtube and we got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Nantwich 25-10-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
31	Crewe BS	Sandbach, Common	37	D&G Bus
57	Sandbach, Common	Crewe BS	37	D&G Bus
15584	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Stagecoach Merseyside
34	Nantwich BS	Leighton Hospital	53	D&G Bus
575	Leighton Hospital	Crewe BS	31	D&G Bus

Today we decided to revisit Crewe. We asked Matthew on the Friday where he would like to go and he chose Crewe. Research consisted of just checking the weather which was for a cold, mainly cloudy with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and an appl and raspberry juice drink for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around 12:00. We got in the car and we ran through Blurton 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. 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. We continued Northwards up the A500 through Etruria and Longport and we passed Tyrer's TYR 10R going the other way. We went under the M6 and we continued along the A500. We crosed over the West coact main line before we turned right onto the B5071. We stopped at the YMCA asnd went into the cafe. Matthew had a full English Breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We got in the car and we continued up the B5071. We carried on over the A534 onto Mill Street and we ran around the outside of Crewe on Vernon Way. We turned left onto West Street and we parked up by the shops. We said goodbye to mum and we walked through the shopping centre past the mini golf course onto Victoria Street. We entered the bus station and we had a look around at what we might catch. we saw white D&G Bus 5021 on a #85 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 5021 in Crewe bus station

We decided to catch something Northbound out of Crewe. We waited for about 30 minutes and we saw a bus come on stand. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 31 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 31 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a D&G Network Day ticket for £6.90 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge and we crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Commons and we ran onto the other side of the triangle where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 31 before it continued towards Northwich.

D&G Bus 31 in Sandbach

We got off the bus and we headed into the market hall. We bought some spearmit chews, a Twirl and a can of pop for later. We came out of the market and we headed to the toilet. The toilet was occupied so we headed into a nearby pub and Matthew used the toilet there. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we finished the drink we headed outside. We just missed a #38 to Crewe. We had about 30 minutes to wait for the next Crewe service. We realised there was a #38 to Macclesfield so we crossed over the common. We looked on the bus map and we saw the bus was still in Crewe running over 30 minutes late! We crossed back over the common and we waited for the Crewe bus. A short time later we saw a bus come around the common. Asit got closer we saw it was D&G 57 on a #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 57 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and placed the D&G Network Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the common and we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station. We continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. As we got into the bus station we saw a Stagecoach double decker. As we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 15584 on a #84 to Chester. We got on the bus and we booked to Nantwich. We went upstairs and sat down just in front of the centre stairway. The bus set off out of the bus station on onto Delamere Street. As the tiop deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Merseyside 15584.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 15584

The bus turned into Edleston Road and then right onto Nantwich Road. The bus carried on along the A534 until we reached the turn for the village of Willaston. We carried on into Willaston and then turned right onto Coppice Road and we turned left and onto the A534 and we crossed over the Nantwich by-pass and we headed into town. When we got to the bus station we got up andgot off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 15584 before it continued towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 15584 in Nantwich bus station

We sat in the bus station and Matthew seemed to want to catch the D&G bus that was opposite to us which was on layover. We worked out that it wasn't going to depart for a while so we decided to go to the pub. Before we went to the pub we saw D&G Bus 55 on layover in between runs on the #85 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 55 in Nantwich bus station

We crossed over the road and headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had a small glass of Coke. We headed back to the bus station and whilst we waited we saw Mikro Coaches YJ16 DYY on a #39 to Crewe.

Mikro Coaches YJ16 DYY in Nantwich bus station

A few minutes later the bus pulled onto the stand. We saw it was D&G Bus 34 on a #53 to Leighton Hospital as expected.

D&G Bus 34 in Nantwich bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Network Day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 34 before we sat down.

Inside D&G Bus 34

At departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and we saw D&G Bus 35 on a #52 to Audlem. We turned right onto the B5078 and past the site of redevelopment. We turned right onto Birchin Lane and we turned left onto the B5338. We crossed the roundabout ran forwards onto the A534. We turned left onto Church Lane and we headed Northwards. We turned left onto Wistatston Green Road and we ran turned the end. We turned right onto the A530 and we headed past the back of the Bentley factory before we turned left towards the hospital. We passed a new housing development and we entered the hospital area where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 34 before it did a #53 to Buerton.

D&G Bus 34 in Leighton

Whilst we waited there were a couple of service going away from crewe. We saw D&G Bus 5001 on a #42 to Congleton. We sat at the bus stop and Matthew shared his Twirl with us. We saw D&G Bus 31 on a #31 to Northwich. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it closer we saw it was D&G Bus 575 on a #31 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 575 in Leighton

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Network Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the hospital and we turned left onto Bob Brown Way. We turned right onto the B5076 and we headed Southwards. We crossed over the West Coast Main Line and we turned right onto Broad Street and we crossed back over the railway line. We crossed over the A532 and we ran forwards onto Hightown. We turned left onto Victoria Street and we entered the bus station from the North end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 575.

D&G Bus 575 in Crewe bus station

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 3011 on a #8 to Sydney.

D&G Bus 3011 in Crewe bus station

We messaged mum and we arranged to meet her in Asda car park. Matthew used the toilet in the bus station. We walked over to Asda and we waited in the car park. A few minutes later mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a can of Coke that he bought earlier. We decided to go back home as we were close to home and get chips on the way. We set off onto Victoria Street and we ran forwards onto Flag Lane. We turned left onto Wistatston Road and we ran forwards onto the A5078 past a new building on the left. We turned right onto the A5019 and left onto the A534 past the railway station passing coach. We headed Southwards down the A532 and we turned right onto David Whitby Way. At the end we joined the Southbound A500. We ran towards Barthomley and under the M6 and we continued along the A500. As we travelled Southwards we passed 3 Caledonia Travel coaches coming the other way. We travelled through Etruria and Stoke and as we got to Sideway we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 and Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. WE stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had 2 small sausages chips and gravy and a can of Dandelion & Burdock. We drover along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back around 19:00. We went into the house and Matthew ate his sausages chips and gravy. We did some Blog and sorted out an e-mail. Matthew had his medication and afterwards I took uncle Dave home. We continued with the Blog and Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 14-11-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3011	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	2	Arriva NW&W
2658	Chester BS	Shotton B&Q (NW-bound)	11	Arriva NW&W
4481	Shotton B&Q (SE-bound)	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	11	Arriva NW&W
2798	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	3	Arriva NW&W
4481	Lache, St Mark's Road (cnr)	Broughton, Glynne Arms (SW-bound)	11	Arriva NW&W
2645	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Chester, Grosvenor Street (Stop W)	4	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Ellesmere Port & Chester. We had checked the weather for today and it was heavy rain for most of the afternoon for all of the North West & Midlands. We gave Matthew a choice of places to go and from the list he chose Ellesmere Port and Chester. Matthew got up around 09:45 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set out just after 12:00 onto the A5035. At Stanley Matthews Way we turned right and we went up to the A50 were we West. At the A500 we went North up to the M6. Traffic was a little slow as we went Northwards but after we got North of the A556 things quicken up. Going Morthwards we saw Daw2Door MA59 KME. We went West along the M56 and the weather was atrocious! The traffic was quite and we got to Ellsemere Port in good time. As we passed he bus station we saw GHA's former Go North East single decker R838 PRG on the #36 to Runcorn. We parked up near to the market and we visited the toilet there. We went to the food court area to get something to eat. It took a few minutes to get a table and when we did we went to order the food and Matthew and uncle Dave saved the table. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished of eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked though the rain to the bus station. When we got there we were surprised the see a Stagecoach Gold bus on the #1 to Chester. On closer inspection we saw that it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27264.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27264 in Ellesmere Port bus station

A few minutes later we saw the #2 to Chester approaching ... It was dud Arriva NW&W 3011.

Arriva NW&W 3011 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We got on the bus and we brought Deeside Day Saver tickets at £4.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Arriva NW&W 3011 was our first every Pulsar, which we had from New Brighton to Birkenhead back in May 2010. We travelled down the road a short distance to Whitby and we turned into Overpool Road. We turned into Hope Farm Road and we ran through a housing estate before emerging on the A41 out of Holm Oak Way. We then had a fast run along the A41 for around 3 miles before turning onto the A5116 for the run into Chester. We ran into town and we passed the Stagecoach depot before we crossed the ring road and entered the town along Northgate. After we passed the old cinema which is now being converted back in to a theatre, we turned right into the narrow entrance of the bus station. Buses often used to drop passengers off at this point, but as the theatre refurbishment had taken over some of the bus station entrance road, it is impossible to stop here without blocking the entrance to the bus station. Once the bus had stopped, the bus emptied out and Matthew got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3011.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3011

When we got off the bus we walked over to our usual perk near to the bike lockers. Almost immediately we saw required GHA double decker V220 MEV on a #82 to Northwich.

GHA V220 MEV in Chester bus station

We also saw a Stagecoach Merseyside Solo for the first time in Chester. Stagecoach Merseyside 47034 was working a #53 to Kingsway.

Stagecoach Merseyside 47034 in Chester bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W gas powered bus 5003 on a #21 service to Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 5003 in Chester bus station

We let dud Arriva NW&W 4479 on the #11 to Holywell go. Whilst we waited for another bus we saw a coach arrive... It was James Travel RG52 JAM all the way from South Wales.

James Travel RG52 JAM in Chester bus station

We had now been in the bus station for around 30 minutes now. GHA single decker GA04 GHA was on the following #82 to Northwich and there was still no sign of a #10 or #10A...

GHA GA04 GHA in Chester bus station

The second #11 came in and it was unusually single decker. We crossed over to the adjacent stand to catch it. It was dud Arriva NW&W 2658 on the Holywell bound service.

Arriva NW&W 2658 in Chester bus station

The driver had a very quick comfort brake and whilst we waited for the Arriva bus to be readied for service, Townlynx single decker Y213 BAW made an appearance on the T1 to Greenfield.

Townlynx Y213 BAW in Chester bus station

When the Arriva bus was ready for service we got on the bus booked another Deeside day Saver for the journey into Wales. The first time we had this bus was basically up the main street and around the corner in Llandudno on a Llandudno to Bangor service back in April 2011. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station onto the ring road. After we had passed the Sealand turning the traffic was better and we went over the dee towards Wrexham. We turned onto the A51054 and we went through Lache and up to Broughton via Saltney. After calling into the busy Broughton Shopping Park we continued onto Hawarden. We turned right and we headed a mile or so down the hill past the garden centre and into Queensferry. We crossed under the A494 and we turned left by Asda. A couple of stops towards Shotton we got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 2658 before the bus carried on towards Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 2658 in Queensferry

We walked over to the petrol station and we went into the shop. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru for later... We also brought some chocolate. After we had finished shopping we crossed over the road which was quite busy in both directions, and sat at the stop. Almost immediately we saw GHA gold single decker BA58 GHA on a #9 service to Chester. Whilst we waited for a Chester bound Arriva bus we saw Townlynx Y72 YSO on a T1 service to Chester.

Townlynx Y72 YSO in Queensferry

A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4481 on a #11 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4481 in Queensferry

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver and then we went upstairs. We set off along the B5129 and we were stuck in traffic for a short while. We turned right up past Asda and we climbed the hill up to Hawarden. in the village we went left and we headed east towards Broughton Shopping Park. As it had stopped raining we decided to get off the bus on the the A5104 and wait for a following bus to Lache so that we could get an extra journey in. We turned onto the A5104 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took nother picture of Arriva NW&W 4481 as it carried on towards Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4481 in Broughton

We had a look at the timetable and there was a #12 due, although the timetable had probably gone totally to pot due to the traffic. A few minutes later we saw a single decker going into the Shopping Park so we knew there was a #3 or #4 approaching. It came out of the Shopping Park and as it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2798 on a #3 to Chester railway station.

Arriva NW&W 2798 in Broughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down near to the back. The bus set off along the A5104 and we noticed the bus behind us was empty. When the bus topped Matthew took a picture of the empty bus behind us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2798

At the Morrison's petrol station we saw a couple of mini buses filling up. They were ABC Travel PO11 LNA & JC Executive Travel BD57 EZO. We carried on back into England and we went under the railway and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2798 as it carried on towards Chester railway station.

Arriva NW&W 2798 in Lache

We had a quick toilet break here... Matthew went into the Brewery Arms pub and used the toilet. We purchased a Coke which was conveniently in a can so we took it with us. When we came out of the pub we crossed the road and we walked towards Chester to the adjacent bus stop. As soon as we got there we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva NW&W 4481.

Arriva NW&W 4481 in Lache

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down. I thought the bus sounded very familiar and I realised that it was the bus we did from Queensferry to Broughton earlier in the day! We travelled through the darkness through Saltney and Saltney ferry and we saw the Airbus factory looming in the background. As soon as we saw buildings close to the road on the right hand side we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and we stood at the stop outside the Vets. We saw a single decker going into the Broughton Shopping Park and we realised that it was probably a #3 or #4 service. The bus ran round the car parks and then came back out onto the main road. as it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2645.

Arriva NW&W 2645 in Broughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver for the last time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off Eastwards towards Chester. It was now close to 17:30 so we decided to do the bus back to the western edge of town and walk around the corner to the bus station to meet mum. We travelled through Saltney Ferry and when the the bus stopped near to the centre of Saltney Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2645

The bus carried on back into England and through Lache. We crossed over the river Dee and we went straight across the roundabout into Grosvenor Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2645 as it carried on towards Chester railway station.

Arriva NW&W 2645 in Chester

Right behind us was Arriva NW&W 4407 on a #1 to Chester railway station. We walked back to the Grosvenor roundabout and we saw Stotts coach YN12 BVD.

Stotts YN12 BVD in Chester

We carried on up the ring road A5268 and when we passed the pub on the corner of Watergate, Matthew said hello to someone in the beer garden through the glass screen. The lady in question proceeded to tap the glass with the end of her umbrella. We carried on up to Princess Street and we turned the corner up to the bus station and we saw GHA Dart FJ06 URR on a #82 to Northwich. We walked back up to the bus station and we met up with mum. There was a large crowd waiting by the bike racks. We went to the toilet in the car park and then we went back to the car. As we came out of the car park we saw what the crowd were waiting for. It was Stanley Coaches Plaxton coach OO12 STX.

Stanley Coaches OO12 STX in Chester bus station

We joined the Northbound ring road and we passed the sight of the new bus station on Gorse Stacks which should be completed in 2017. We went up the A56 and we noticed it was a little busier than usual. It was the Hoole Christmas lights switch on festival, or Notting Hoole as it is also known. We joined the M53 for on junction and then we got onto the eastbound M56. We made good time up to the M6 and then we went South. Once again we made good time despite the bad weather and we came off the motorway at junction 16 onto the A500. We went South to Sideway and then East up the A50 to Longton. At Z Carz this evening in the first row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Next to the Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX was Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

On the end of the row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

Closest bus on the second row we saw Z Carz Airport Division Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned the corner into Willow Row and we saw 3 minibuses in the compound. Closest to the gate was Z Carz Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We turned left today onto Endsor Road and the left again onto Spring garden Road. At the end we went left to the roundabout to do a u-turn, as there is no left turn out of Spring Garden Road. We went down through Dresden and through Blurton into trentham so we could fill up with diesel at the BP petrol station. When we had finished we went back down the A5035 to Blurton and we got home at 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew chilled out on his computer and went to bed around 01:00... Mark