Trip to Oswestry / Chirk 01-04-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
B10	Oswestry BS	Pant, Tregarthen Lane Junction	T12	Lloyds Coaches
292	Pant, Cross Guns Inn	Oswestry BS	T12	Tanat Valley
3791	Oswestry BS	Ruabon, Station Road	2A	Arriva Midlands
2945	Ruabon, Station Road	Cefn Mawr, o/s Tesco	2C	Arriva Midlands
3786	Cefn Mawr, opp Tesco	Chirk, Chappel Lane	2	Arriva Midlands
3762	Chirk, St Mary's Church	Oswestry BS	2C	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Oswestry. Matthew had been wanting to visit here for the last month or so, but this is the first time we were able to organise this. Research consisted of looking at the Arriva Midlands site, looking for places to eat and places to park and checking the weather. The weather was forecast to be mainly dry with some sunshine. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orabge juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off and we ran 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. The road was closed so we turned around and we turned left onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we ran to the end before turning left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we headed towards Stoke we saw B&N Coaches BN18 BXN. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right to join the Southbound A500 and we ran through Sideway and Hanford down to the A519, passing Country Lion T99 JSF. We headed Southwards for a few hundred yards before turning right onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. Matthew had a sausage sandwich from Jim's Butty Van and washed it down with a can of Cherry Coke from the boot. When we had finished eating we continued down the A53 to Tern Hill. We turned right onto the A41 and we headed Northwards towards Whitchurch. We followed the road around the Western side of town and we turned left onto the A525. After a few mile we turned left onto the A495. As we travelled Westwards we saw Siesta Holidays YJ12 KFV. We passed Ellesmere and we ran into Whittington. We followed the road around the castle and over the level crossing and to the edge of town. We ran forwards onto the B5490 and into town. We ran under the bridge and we turned left onto the road into town. We ran straight on to the one way system amd we turned right into the car park of the old Morrisons supermarket and we parked up. As we parked up we saw Tanat Valley 290 on a T12 to Wrexham. We walked into the bus station and there wasn't anything about. So we walked down to The Cambrian Railway to have a look at their Sprinters. We walked back into the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3756 come in on a service from Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3756 in Oswestry bus station

The bus went off out of service. It appeared that the bus ran back to the depot or somewhere for a driver change, so there wasn't anything around for a while. We walked along Beatrice Street and we turned left onto King Street. We turned right onto the B5069 and we turned left onto Black Gate Street. We visit Sainsburys and Matthew used the toilet. When we came out of the shop we saw Tanat Valley 373 on a #400 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 373 in Oswestry

We walked back along Black Gate Street and we turned right onto the B5069. We walked into the bus station and we just missed an Arriva Wrexham service. As short time later we saw Lloyds Coaches B10 on a T12 service to Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Oswestry bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we booked to Pant before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto Oswestry Road. We turned left onto Black Gate Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along the B4579. We turned left onto English Walls and we turned right onto the Smithfield Street. We turned left onto Church Street and we went straight onto Upper Church Street and we headed up to Morda. We went forwards onto Morda Road and turned right onto the A483. We travelled through Sweeney and though Llynclys. We carried on for another mile or so into Pant where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches B10 as ito Continued towards Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Pant

We had quite a bit of time to kill so we decided to look for and walk to the nearest pub. A quick check of the tri-corder and we could see there was a pub to the South of us down the road. We set off Southwards and we saw Tanat Valley 376 on a #74 to Oswestry. We continued around the corner to the pub and we crossed over the road. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we ordered a couple of glasses of Coke and we sat in the window. After we had finished our drink we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave again. We continued a little further South to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 292 on a T12 to Wrexham.

Tanat Valley 292 in Pant

We got on the bus and we booked single tickets to Oswestry at £2.20 each before we sat down toward the back of the bus. We set off along the A483 through Llynclys and we continued up to Sweeney. We turned left onto the B5069 through Morda and Oswestry. We turned left onto the B4580 and right onto Castle Street. We turned left into Beatrice Street and we ran along Oswald Road and into the bus station. As we got up and got off the bus we saw an Arriva bus to Wrexham depart. We watched the T12 depart towards Wreham and this left a clear view of Tanat Valley 241 which was on layover in the bus station.

Tanat Valley 241 in Oswestry bus station

We saw Tanat Valley 374 depart on a town circular service and a short time later we saw Tanat Valley 374 on a #402 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 374 in Oswestry bus station

We had a bit of a wait for the next service towards Wrexham. After what seemed like quite a long time we saw the bus eneter the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3791 on a #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Oswestry bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto the B5069. weturned left onto Balck Gate Street and we ran past Sainsbury's. We turned right onto the B5479 and left onto English Walls. We followed the road to the right through the Square past the Borderland Farmer Sculpture and we turned right onto Cross Street. We turned left onto the B5480 and we headed Northwards out of town. We veered rght onto the B5479 and we headed through Pentre Pant into Selattyn. We turned right onto Station Road and we ran through Weston Rhyn. We continued to the A5 roundabout and we turned sharp left onto Chirk Road. We crossed the river Ceiriog and we entered Chirk from the South. We passed through the town and we turned right onto Colliery Road. We follwed Colliery Road to the left and we ran through the housing estate before rejoining the Northbound B5070. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran to the A483 where we turned left. We ran fast Northwards over the Dee and we turned left onto the A539. We veered left onto the B5605 and we ran into Rhosymedre. We turned right onto High Street and we ran into Cefn Mawr. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we ran past Tesco. We joined the B5096 and we ran up the hill to the main road. As we approached Ruabon we turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539 in to opposite direction that we had just travelled along. We ran forwards onto Oak Road and we turned right onto the A539 and we headed back Eastwards. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We got up and got off the bus outside of the railway station. The driver of the bus was very friendly and realised Matthew was interested in buses. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3791 as it continued towards Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Ruabon

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we waited for bus back Westward. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 1008 on a #5 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1008 in Ruabon

Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2945 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Ruabon

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along the B5605 and we turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. A regular passenger pointed out that we wre on a 2C and we were going the wrong way. So the driver turned the bus around and we headed Eastwards along Hampden Way. We followed the road around the estate and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Whalley's Way and we ran forwards onto Rock Road. We turned right onto Well Street and we turned left onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2945 as it continued towards Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Cefn Mawr

We went down the steps to Tesco and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a walk around the shop and we brought a meal deal. Afterpaying for the food we went outside and we went to the Wrexham bound stop. We had a look at the buses and we decided that the best thing to do would be to cross over and wait for the Oswestry bound bus. The map was showing Arriva Midlands 3755 on the next Wrexham bound bus and Arriva Midlands 3786 on the next bus towards Oswestry. The following Oswestry bus was initially showing up as Arriva Midlands 2978. Whilst we waited for the Oswestry bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3755 on a the #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3755 in Cefn Mawr

A few minutes later the bus appeared. As expected we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3786 on a #2 to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3786 in Cefn Mawr

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Oxford Street and we turned right onto Well Street and we ran forwards onto High Street. We turned left onto Park Road and we ran up to the main roundabout at the South end of Ruabon. We joined the Southbound A483 and we ran fast down to the A5 and we turned right. We turned left onto the B5070 we ran ran Southwards into Chirk. As we have never been into Chirk from the direction before we got up and got off a little to soon. Once off the bus we walked Southwards into town. We stopped at The Stanton and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave again. We carried on down the Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 3791 coming out of a street. We saw the bus pull up at the bus stop but as we had been on the bus earlier we decided to turn this down. We sat at the stop and Matthew had some cocktail sausages with a tomato sauce dip. He also had a chicken and bacon mayo sandwich. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Chirk

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner for the final time today. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3762 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3762

We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Chirk Road. We ran through Gledrid and turned left onto the B5070. We turned left onto St Martins Road and we ran through Rhosygadfa back to Rhewl. We ran through Gobowen and turned left onto Whittington Road. We turned right onto Twmpath Lane and we crossed over Gobowen Road into Oswestry. We turned left Oswald Road and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3762 before it continued back to the depot.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Oswestry bus station

We walked across to the car park and we met up with mum. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. Afterwards we set off out nof the car park onto Beatrice Street and we joined the Eastbound B5069. We turned righ onto the B5480 and we ran out of town. We crossed the A5 and we ran forwards onto the A495. We crossed over the level crossing and we ran into Whittington. Just after the chip shop we pulled over at the side of the road where we could and I went to fetch food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke Zero. When I had finished eatng we carried on along the A495. We went around the castle and continued around Ellesmere. We continued towards Whitchurch and we turned right onto the A525. At the edge of Ton we joined the A41 and we headed Southwards bypassing the town. As we headed South Matthew indicated that he neede the toilet. As we were near to Tern Hill we carried on for another couopke of miles and we stopped at Tern Hill service. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brought a small bottle of Dr Pepper. We left the services and we joined the Eastbound A53 and we headed towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. As we headed Northwards we saw black minibus YX15 YLW. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Uncle Rob wasn't there tonight. He aslo had some Irn Bru and updated the calendar. 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. Due to Grove Road being closed we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Alma Street and left onto Watkins Street. We turned right onto Masterson Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We continuednonto Heron Street and we crossed the lights onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Wrexham / Llangollen 14-05-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1009	Wrexham BS	Llangollen, Parade Street	5	Arriva NW&W
374	Llangollen, Parade Street	Chirk, Hand Hotel	64	Tanat Valley
3789	Chirk, Hand Hotel	Acrefair, Willow Court	2A	Arriva Midlands
1004	Acrefair, Hampden Arms	Rhostyllen, Hill Top	5	Arriva NW&W
2156	Rhostyllen, Hill Top	Johnstown, Co-op	4C	Arriva NW&W
1009	Ruabon, Gardden industrial estate	Wrexham BS	5	Arriva NW&W

oday we decided to re-visit Wrexham. Research consisted of looking at the new 1bws ticket and having a look at some of the current bus services in Wrexham. We also researched parking and we found that parking on council car parks was free after 11:00. We also checked the weather which was for warm sunny weather. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. After getting ready we set off just around 11:30 through Blurton onto 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. As we travelled Northwards we saw Paul S Winson XX15 PSW. We went under the M6 and we travelled to the South of Crewe towards Nantwich. We decided to eat on the way so we turned right onto David Whitby Way. We turned left onto the A532 and we turned left into Cowley Way and to the truckstop. We parked up and we went inside. Matthew wanted the toilet so was walked across the way to the toilet block. Mum had ordered the food whilst we were over there Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we continued towards Wrexham. We set off onto the Southbound A532. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and we joined the Westbound A500. We continued for a further 3 miles or so and we turned right onto the Nantwich bypass, past the new road under construction and we ran around the North side of Nantwich before joining the Westbound A534. We travelled west for around 4 miles and we crossed over the A49. We crossed over the A41 at Croxton and we continued to the eastern edge of Wrexham. We continued onto Holt Street and we ran into the centre of town. We veered right onto Chester Street and we turned left into the library car park and parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot to the bus station. We walked along LLwyn Isaf and we turned left onto Rhosddu Road. We turnd right onto Lord Street and we went past the former RBS bank which is currently empty. Wew turned right onto Trinity Street and we walked past the buses on layover. We saw Arriva NW&W 2145 on a #14 to Brymbo.

Arriva NW&W 2145 in Wrexham bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Merseyside 47513 on a #5 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 47513 in Wrexham bus station

We cut through onto King Street and we entered the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we walked through to the other end of the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #2A to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Wrexham bus station

We dedicded that we would go towards Llangollen. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 1009 on a #5 to Llangollen.

Arriva NW&W 1009 in Wrexham bus station

whilst we waited for the bus to be redeadied for service we saw Pats Coaches YJ13 HHX on a #146 to Whitchurch.

Pats Coaches YJ13 HHX in Wrexham bus station

We got on the bus and we brought 1bws day tickets at £5.70 each before going upstairs and sitting down in one of the bays of 4 sets around a table. We set off along Trinity Street and we followed the one way system around onto King Street. We joined the A5152 and we ran past Wrexham Central. We headed out of town through Rhostyllen and under the A483. We continued through Pentre Bychan and through Johnstown. We continued into Ruabon and we turned right onto the A539. We ran through Acrefair and Trevor and we entered intl Llangollen from the East side. In the town we turned left onto Castle Street and we crossed over the river Dee. We turned right onto Market Street. We turned right onto East Street and we ran to the end where we got stopped in traffic. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 1009 before it returned to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1009 in Llangollen

Once off the bus we walked along Parade Street past the bus stops and we turned left onto Castle Street. We stopped at The Cottage tearooms and we used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a slice of chocolate cake and a can of Coke. When we had finished we re-joined uncle Dave and we crossed over the Dee. We turned left onto Abbey Road and we turned left onto Green Lane. The aim was to get to the other end of the railway station to get a picture of 31271 as it had arrived on a train whilst me and Magtthew were in the tearooms and had subsequently ran around it's train. Green Lane crossed over the railway line and we took a few pictures. Afterwards we notices a gate and ramp which led down to the platform, so we were able to get a closer picture of 31271. We walked back along Green Lane and we cut through St Joun's Church onto Abbey Lane. We turned right onto Castle Street and as we approached Parade Street we saw Arriva NW&W 1012 on a #5 to Wrexham. I had miscalculated the time of the next service because the previous one had left 10 minutes late! We saw Denbigh Council CX21 DZV on a #199 Picturesque Bus Sevice which serves various tourist attractions on a Saturday only.

Denbigh Council CX21 DZV in Llangollen

We had some time to kill before the next bus so we walked down by the river Dee and we walked into Llangollen Park. We found a pavillion and they were selling drinks. We brought a can of Coke and we sat down on bench to drink it. It was quite warm and so the drink was very much needed. When we had finished the drink we set off back through Llangollen Park and onto Parade Street. As we got to the Street we saw Tanat Valley 374 on a #64 to Llanarmon DC.

Tanat Valley 374 in Llangollen

We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Parade Street and we turned right onto Castle Street. We turned left onto Regent Street and right onto Brook Street and up the hill into a housing estate. We ran forwards onto Pengwern and around the loop and back onto Brook Street. We ran back down the hill and we turned right onto Regent Street. We had a fast run along the A5 to Froncysyllte and we turned left onto Gate Road. We ran down the hill and around the community centre before coming back up Gate Road and re-joining the Eastbound A5. We continued to the A483 and we went straight across towards Holt. We turned left onto Black Park and we ran into the small hamlet. We did a 3 point turn on the end of the road by the bus stop and we waited time before setting off back along Black Park. We ran under the Chirk bypass and we turned left onto the B5070 where we saw Tanat Valley 282 on a T12 to Wrexham. We ran the final mile or so into the centre of Chirk and we got up and got off the bus outside of the Hand Hotel. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Tanat Valley 374.

Tanat Valley 374 in Chirk

Almost immediatley we saw Arriva Midlands 3756 on a #2 to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3756 in Chirk

In theory we shouldn't have made that bus, but we were a couple of minutes early into town and that was running late. At least we knew which direction the buses were running and which side of the road we needed to be. We crossed over the road and we sat down in a sizeable stone built bus stop. It was nice and cool in there. Matthew had a small bottle of Tango Orange and we sat and waited for around 20 minutes for our bus. Whilst we waited we saw silver minibus WU54 FJN.

WU54 FJN in Chirk

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3789 on a #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3789 in Chirk

We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the B5070 and we turned right onto Colliery Road. We follwed Colliery Road to the left and we ran through the housing estate before rejoining the Northbound B5070. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran to the A483 where we turned left. We ran fast Northwards over the Dee and we turned left onto the A539. We veered left onto the B5605 and we ran into Rhosymedre. We turned right onto High Street and we ran into Cefn Mawr. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we ran past Tesco. We joined the B5096 and we ran up the hill to the main road. Matthew had previously said that he needed the toilet, so I looked for a stop near to a pub. We travelled eastwards for another 3 stops and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3789 as it continued towards Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3789 in Acrefair

We set off up the hill as we had gotten off one stop too early. We got to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. The FA Cup game had just started and it was 0-0 between Liverpool and Chelsea. Once we had finishe\d the drink we went outside to uncle Dave and we walked to the bus stop. We sat on a wall and waited for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw Clynnog & Trefor B15 KBC heading towards Llangollen. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 1004 on a #5 to Wrexham as expected.

Arriva NW&W 1004 in Acrefair

We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs sat down. We set off up the A539 and we crossed over the railay line before turning left onto the B5605. We ran past Ruabon railway station and we crossed back under the railway line. We decided to get off and headed back Southwards to get an extra 2 buses in. We passed through Johnstown and as we headed to the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 1004 as it continued towards Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1004 in Rhostyllen

We checked on the map and we saw that there was a bus coming Southwards almost immediately. We crossed over the road and we walked to the stop. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2156 on a #4C cirlcular service to Pen y Cae.

Arriva NW&W 2156 in Rhostyllen

We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5605 and we ran Southwards for a few stops before we turned right into Stryt Las where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture Arriva NW&W 2156 as it continued towards Pen y Cae.

Arriva NW&W 2156 in Johnstown

Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5605. There wasn't a bus due for another 20 minutes or so and then there were 3 together within an few minutes. We decided to walk down the road a couple of stop to see if there was a pub or something that we could go in. As we walked Southwards we passed a pub called The Moreton Inn, but it was all closed fenced off. It appears that the pub is to be demolished to make way for 9 new houses. We continued to the edge of Raubon to a bus top at the entrance to the Gardden industrial estate. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3761. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. We wanted to catch the Lloyds Coaches bus on the T3, but the Arriva bus cam in front of it. It was Arriva NW&W 1009 on the #5 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1009 in Ruabon

We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws day tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs sat down. We set off up the B5605 and we ran Northwards through Johnstown. We continued into Rhostyllen and we ran under the A483. We ran up the A5152 the last two miles or so into the cente of Wrexham and past Wreham General railway station. We turned right into Regent Street and left into King Street. We turned left into Lord Street and we stopped outside the bus station. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a piture of Arriva NW&W 1009 before it returned on a #5 service to llangollen.

Arriva NW&W 1009 in Wrexham bus station

We walked into the bus station but the bottom half of the bus station where the toilets are had been closed off. We set off along Lord Street and we turned left onto Rhosddu Road. We turned left onto the path Llwyn Isaf and we headed to the car park to meet mum. We got in the car and we set off onto Chester Street. We followed the road around onto Holt Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We parked up and mum went to the chip shop and me and matthew walked to a pub. We set off along Market Street and we turned left onto Holt Street. We went to Saith Seren and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a glass of Coke and afterwards we walked back to the car. Mum got back to the car at the same time. Matthew had a huge bigfoot sausage and chips washed down with a can of Irn Bru. Once I had finished eating we set off along Market Street and we turned right onto Holt Street. We ran to the edge of town and we joined the Eastbound A534. We ran out of town through Rhosnesni and we joined the main A534 and ran Eastwards out of town. We ran up to Nantwich crossing the A41 and A49. We joined the A51 and we passed the site of a new petrol station. We continued Nantwich by-pass and we ran around the North side of town and we joined the A500. As we ran along the single carriageway section of the A500 we passed Big Coach Company TIG 8692 & CX16 WDT coming the other way. We crossed under the M6 and we saw Ausden Clarke AU05 DEN running up the A500 ahead of us. We then passed through a section of roadworks that were very confusing. There were signs for 50mph but the national speed limit signs had been left uncovered so it was very confusing!. We continued through Longport and Etruria into Stoke and we forgot to come off the A500 for uncle Dave. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we headed up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road and we ran into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and added some dates to uncle Dave's calendar. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's petrol station to get fuel. We continued along London Road and at Trent Vale we joined the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we continued to Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:15. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Cleveleys / Blackpool 23-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
216	Cleveleys, Victoria Square (Stop 4)	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	1	Blackpool Transport
375	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	1	Blackpool Transport
330	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	Cleveleys, by Crescent	1	Blackpool Transport
377	Cleveleys, by Crescent	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport
311	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	Fleetwood, by Elm Street	14	Blackpool Transport
374	Fleetwood, by fire station	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport

Today Matthew decided that we were going up to the Fylde Coast. On Thursday he had spotted a picture on Flickr that informed us that Saturday was the last day for the Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympians with Blackpool Transport. There were scheduled to be at least 3 buses on the #1 from Starr Gate to Fleetwood, so we decided that we were going to start the day in Cleveleys. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:10 ans we headed through Blurton on Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the Post Office. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Newcastle. Once we had picked up a parcel we continued along Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we took the Northbound A500. The road was very quiet today. It appeared that most of the local people in teaching jobs had jumped on a plane yesterday afternoon shortly after the bell rang just like in the Barclaycard Advert! We got to the M6 and there was quite heavy traffic going North. As we travelled North we saw Hollinshead DH13 HOL, A-Line CU51 EEZ, SS Travel UKZ 9473, an unidentified AJK Travel coach in Knutsford services (Northbound), Pat;s Coaches J7 WXM, Happy Days 220, Howards F19 HOW, an unidentified Battersby Silver Grey coach, white coach F687 ONR, white coach BU16 ???, an unidentifed Caledonian Travel coach and minibuses MT07 ZAG & YG53 VHV as well as an unidentified Myalls of Bassingbourn Coach. North of the M56 the road was much quieter and we mage better time. We joined the Westbound M55 and we saw former Bakers Coaches now Harris Travel 9995 RU. We ran for around 10 miles and we came off the motorway onto the A585. We followed the road North until we came to a roundabout next to a Morrisons. We went West along Victoria Road West and we passed Catch22Bus Routemaster RM1583 on the #21 to St Anne's. We turned left onto North Drive and right onto Anchorsholm Lane East. We turned right onto the A587, crossing over the tram line and we turned right by Aldi into Runnymede Avenue where we parked up. We walked around the corner back onto the A587 and we stopped for dinner at The Tramstop Cafe. When we got there Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of diet Coke. Whilst we are we saw Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 220 on a #7 service, and two of the Volvo Olympians 374 & 375 on the #1 service. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and as we had just missed a Northbound #1 service, we decided to cross over the road and tram line to the Southbound stop. At the stop when we got there was Blackpool Transport 293 on a #4 service to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 293 in Cleveleys

We had around 10 minutes before the next #1 service, which was due at 14:26. A few minutes alter we saw Catch22Bus Dart W363 VHB on a #21 to the Pleasure Beach.

Catch22Bus W363 VHB in Cleveleys

Shortly after that we saw Blackpool Transport Solo 249 on a #3 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 249 in Cleveleys

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It wasn't a Volvo Olympian, but it was something almost as good. It was required Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 216 on a #1 to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we brought Adult24 tickets at £5 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off South down the A587 and we ran through Norbreck and Bispham quite quickly. Just North of the North Pier we hit traffic and we moved very slowly through town. We passed the North Pier and started to make slightly quicker progress. Going North we saw dud Blackpool Transport 377 on a #1 to Fleetwood. Past the Central pier we went a little quicker still but the bus was now quite late. We passed required Blackpool Transport 374 on a #1 to Cleveleys, presumably cut short due to late running. Once past the Pleasure Beach we went through the back streets onto Clifton Drive. and right onto the new South Promenade where the bus terminated. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 216.

Inside Blackpool Transport 216

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 216 before it carried on back to Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Blackpool

The bus set off almost immediately as it was late. In Theory we now had around a 15 minute wait for the next bus back North at 15:40. We sat on a rck by the tram station and Matthew ate a pack of Milky Stars. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Catch22Bus Leyland Atlantean AHG 334V on a #21 to Cleveleys.

Catch22Bus AHG 334V in Blackpool

We waited patiently for the bus... 15:40 came and went and then bus never appeared. We watch a few trams arrive and depart and we saw Rotherham based Ford minibus FV07 ELH go Northwards up the Promenade.

Rotherham FV07 ELH in Blackpool

A few minutes later we saw Swans Travel coach YN58 CFX going South down the road.

Swans Travel YN58 CFX in Blackpool

A few minutes alter we saw a bus coming out of Clifton Drive. It was an Olympian! As it got closer we saw it was required Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

It was just after 16:00 and we had final caught up with our first Olympian of the day. We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. The bottom deck of the bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 375.

Inside Blackpool Transport 375

We went upstairs and the bus set off up the New South Promenade. We got to the South Pier and we started to hit traffic again. As we passed the coach park we saw Dunwood YN64 AOJ. We traveled slowly North stuck behind Landau after Landau, overtaking where the road was clear and wide enough. Coming the other way we saw Blackpool Transport 330 and 328 on the #1 towards Starr Gate. Just before the North Pier we saw required Blackpool Transport 374 going South. A few enthusiast types got on the bus and one that I recognised I asked about what was out. We worked out between us that there were just the 3 Volvo Olympian double deckers out, and he informed me that the last one off fleetwood was due to work the 18:45 from the interchange and it was booked to be required Blackpool Transport 374. As we got North of the North Pier and we got out into traffic free roads we decided to get off the bus somewhere. We went North of Gynn Square and someone rang the bell and we spotted a public toilet so we thought it would be a good place to get off. It was adjacent to the Cabin tram stop. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

We crossed the tram track an Matthew used the toilet. Whilst we were there we saw Catch22Bus AHG 334V and heritage tram 230 which turned around and went back South. We weren't sure how long we had as the buses were clearly not running to timetable due to the traffic problems. Matthew and uncle Dave were looking over the wall towards the see when I spotted a bus in the distance so I shouted them back over. As it closer we saw that it was required Blackpool Transport 330.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Blackpool

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 330.

Inside Blackpool Transport 330

The bus set off Northwards up the A587 through Bispham and Norbrek and we passed required Blackpool Transport 313 and Blackpool Transport 216 that we had been on earlier. we decided to get up and get off in Cleveleys so we could catch another bus. As we turned the corner by Aldi we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 330 as it carried on Northwards towards Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Cleveleys

We crossing the road and were about to cross the tram track when we saw dud Blackpool Transport 329 going South. As it was dud we decided not to rush after it. Before we crossed back over to the Northbound Stop we saw Blackpool Transport 528 on a #7 to Cleveleys.

Blackpool Transport 528 in Cleveleys

According to the timetable there was a bus due at 17:26. That was only in a few minutes time. As we looked up we saw it thundering around the corner it was another Olympian. Dud Blackpool Transport 377 had somehow gone past us Southwards and was heading towards us!

Blackpool Transport 377 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 377.

Inside Blackpool Transport 377

The last time we had been on this bus was almost 6 years ago to the day when we had it from Devonshire Road to Blackpool Tower on the #11 service in July 2010. We set off Northwards up the A587 for around 2 miles and at the roundabout we turned right onto Hatfield Avenue past Fleetwood Town's football ground. We followed the road around to the right onto Peel Road and we turned left onto Radcliffe Road. We turned right onto Copse Road and we ran forwards onto Lord Street where we passed Blackpool Transport 375 on it's final run South. We ran through the town and onto North Albert Street and we followed the tram line around to the right onto Bold Street. We had originally planned to stay on the bus to the Freeport, but after a couple of minutes stopped we decided to get off. This turned out to be a good thing as we were about to find out. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 377.

Blackpool Transport 377 in Fleetwood Interchange

Once off the bus we went over to the Ferry cafe and used the toilet. After we cam out Matthew had an ice cream and a few cans of pop for later. We sat down on a bench opposite to the cafe Matthew ate his ice cream and we watched the bus depart. As well as Blackpool Transport 377 on it last ever #1 to Starr Gate we saw Blackpool Transport 359 running out of service off a #14 service.

Blackpool Transport 359 in Fleetwood Interchange

We also let Blackpool Transport 351 go which was on a #14 to Mereside Tesco. The had been to wait for the 18:09 #1 to Freeport and do it to the bottom of Lord Street for Blackpool Transport 374 back in on the service that form the 18:45 from the Interchange to Starr Gate. Had we had tried to do this we would have failed! The 18:09 didn't show up. !8:09 came and went and the only bus about was required Blackpool Transport 311 which was going to be working the 18:15 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 311 in Fleetwood Interchange

A few minutes later Blackpool Transport 527 arrived at the interchange on what we assumed would be the following #14 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 527 in Fleetwood Interchange

We decided to do Blackpool Transport 311 as plan B and forget what we assumed would be required Blackpool Transport 328 on the #1. We got on the bus and we Flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. As the downstairs was empty Matthew took a picture inside of Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

We went upstairs and this was also empty too, so Matthew took another picture Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

The bus set off out of the interchange and onto Queens Terrace by the Ferry Cafe. We turned right into Pharos Street past the big stone lighthouse and we turned left onto Albert Street North. We ran down onto Lord Street and we passed required Blackpool Transport 328 on the late running #1 service to Freeport. At the bottom of Lord Street we continued onto Copse Road and we turned right onto Elm Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back around the corner onto Radcliffe Road but we could not see a bus stop so we knew it had to be a fair way down. It was close to 1/4 of a mile and we walked quickly as we didn't know when the bus was due. We got to the stop around 18:24 and we check the timetable on the bus stop. The bus to the interchange was due at 18:16! In theory we should have missed the bus... Before we even had chance to cacth our breath the bus turned the corner and it was as hoped required Blackpool Transport 374.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the adult24 ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Radcliffe Road. At the end we turned right across the the tram line and onto Copse Road. We joined Lord Street and we ran through town. We called mum to tell her we were heading to the Ferry terminal and we carried on into Albert Street North. We turned right into Bold Street and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 374.

Inside Blackpool Transport 374

We got off the bus and we took another picture of Blackpool Transport 374 before it took it final run down to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood Interchange

Whilst we waited for mum to come and pick us up we decided to venture onto the beach! This was the first time Matthew has been on sand for quite a while. After a quick photograph of this rare event we walked back onto firm land and we spotted mum parked opposite to us. we got in the car and as it was getting close to 18:45 we decided we would find a chippy and have chips in the car. We ran down Queen's terrace and we turned right into Kent Street. We turned left onto North Albert Street through the tram platforms and we spotted a chippy on the roundabout where Albert Street North went forwards onto Lord Street. I went into Granada fish bar and i brought 4 small portion of chips & gravy with a small sausage. Whilst we sat in the car eating we saw Blackpool Transport 306 & 372 on #14 service up to Fleetwood Interchange and Preston Bus Solo 20773 on a #74 service to Preston. We also saw Fleetwood based coach Comfy Coach ST02 GDZ dropping passengers off in town. When we had finished eating we set off onto Albert Street and right onto the A585. We then followed the A585 South to the M55. The road has been improved since our last run along this road with a couple of the main junctions upgraded. We got onto the M55 and we ran East to the M6. As we traveled South down the M6 we passed Preston Bus 20789, an unidentified Hodson coach, Walton's BX13 CZH & Knight's UKZ 9592. When we got to junction 16 we went East on the A500. On the A500 we saw Howards F19 HOW & Magnum SO59 HUA. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton so we could check out what vehicles were parked up at their depot. In the front row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

next in the row we saw Z Carz Airport Division Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Nearest in the first row was Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

Closest to the road in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

At the very back of the site we saw Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Nearest top the gate was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We rejoined the top level A50 and we crossed over the main carriageway at the roundabout onto Baths Road. We went to the Tesco Petrol station and we topped up with diesel before we got back onto the Westbound A50. As it was now 21:15 we decided to drop uncle Dave off First. We dropped down into Fenton to drop him off home and we returned to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road before turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 21:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we ate some jam filled shortbread biscuits. We looked the pictures we had taken today and Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark