Trip to Blackpool / Lytham 14-09-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
526	Blackpool, Chapel Street	Lytham, Square	17	Blackpool Transport
446	Lytham, Square	St Annes, Square	11	Blackpool Transport
432	St Annes, Square	Blackpool, Market Street	11	Blackpool Transport
553	Blackpool, Market Street	Marton Fold, Squires Gate Lane	5	Blackpool Transport
455	Marton Fold, Squires Gate Lane	Blackpool, Chapel Street	17	Blackpool Transport

Today we decided to re-vist Blackpool. Matthew had spotted on our work calender that we had arranged a night in Blackpool. So a while back we decided to book a weekend in Blackpool with Matthew. Research consisted of going on the Blackpool Transport website and checking the price and validity of the day tickets and downloading a network map. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little before 12:00 and we ran onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to the roundabout at Sideway. We joined the Northbound A500 and we stopped at Asda to fill up with diesel. We continued up the A500 and we saw Ashcroft Travel K15 PSV, Orion F15 ??? and Edwards (NX) BU18 OTM(#528). We joined the Northbound M6 and we ran Northwards. Seen on the M6 was ABC Supreme KX13 DZL. We got caught in some traffic and we travelled slowly between junctions 18 & 18. In front of us was Woods YS14 LHW which may have been going to the Manchester United vs Leicester City game.

Woods YS14 LHW on the M6

We continued Northward up the M6 and we saw YN64 LXY, blue minibus SF15 FUB, an unidentified Paul of Stoke coach (newer livery),Sharpes of Nottingham TX13 ASH, an unidentified silver Stanton's of Stoke coach, an unidentified Clynnog And Trefor coach, an unidentified Little's coach, C&S Executive Coaches ML19 EZP, Selwyn's BV19 XSU(#060) / unidentified minicoach, and an unidentified Carvers coach. We came off the M6 at junction 27 and we headed to Appley Bridge for dinner. We turned left onto Back Lane. we ran down to the bottom pf the hill and we turned left onto the B5375. We stopped at the cafe and Matthew went to the toilet. We sat at a table outside and we ate dinner. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Seen in Appley Bridge were Rotala Diamond 69250/30918 (#635) and an unidentified C&K's of Wigan minibus. When we had finished eating we set off onto the B5375 and we turned right onto Back Lane. We re-joined the Northbound M6 and we ran up to junction 32. We joined the Westbound M55 and we ran to the edge of Blackpool. We ran forwards onto Yeadon Way and we turned right onto Parkinson Way. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and left onto the A5099. We ran up Ashton Road and we turned left onto Park Road. We turned left onto Palatine Road and we stopped near to the hotel. We checked into the hotel and after a few minutes we said goodbye to mum and we headed down Palatine Road onto Central Drive. We waited for a Southbound bus and we saw required Blackpool Transport 526 on a #17 to Saltercotes.

Blackpool Transport 526 in Blackpool

We got on the bus and we booked Blackpool Transport day tickets at £6 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Wew set off along Central Drive and at the roundabout we veered left onto the B5261. We continued Southwards through Hawes Side and Common Edge and we ran to the East of the airport. We turned right onto Kilnhouse Land and right onto Derwent Road. We ran through the housing estate to the North of Lytham St Annes. We turned left onto Hoyle Avenue and left onto Bowness Avenue. We turned right onto Blackpool Road North and at the end we turned left onto Leach Lane. At the roundabouts onto Headroomgate Road and right onto Heeley Road. We turned left onto St David Road North. We ran Southwards for around 1/2 mile and we turned right onto the B5233. We went past the railway station and into the centre of St Annes. After a brief stop continued along the B5233 we turned left onto A584. After a long run Southwards we turned left onto Ansdell Road South. We ran forwards onto Cambridge Road and at the end we re-joined the B5261. We veered left onto Church Road and we ran the last 1/3 mile into the centre of Lytham where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 526 before if continued towards Saltercotes.

Blackpool Transport 526 in Lytham

Once off the bus we had a bit of a walk around. we set off Northwards up park Street and we saw preserved Stagecoach Ribble double decker 2234 go past. We turned left onto Westby Street and we saw the railway station in the distance. We turned left onto Hastings Place. We crossed over Church Road and we turned left onto Beach Street. We crossed over the A584 and we headed towards the sea. We spotted a mobile coffee trailer and they also did soft drinks. Matthew had a can of Coke and we sat by the shelter near to the green. Whilst we sat and had out drink I looked up the next departure towards Blackpool from Market Place. In about 6 minutes there was a #11 to Blackpool. We disposed of our empty cans in the bin and we crossed over the green and the A584. We walked up Queen Street and we turned right onto Church Road. As we approached Market Square we saw the bus at the bus stop. As we got closer we saw it was required Blackpool Transport 446.

Blackpool Transport 446 in Lytham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackpool Transport day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 446.

Inside Blackpool Transport 446

The bus set off along Church Road and we past the Lytham Sports Club where Saunders of Preston SF04 ZXG was parked outside. We continued Westwards and we ran forwards onto the B5261. We We turned left onto Albany Road and ran through Ansdell and forwards onto Church Road. We ran into the centre of Lytham St Annes and we turned left onto the B5233. We travelled Southwards for around 1/2 mile and we went past St Annes railway station before coming into the centre of town where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed to a pub so Matthew could go to the toilet and have a drink. Near to the bus stop was a sports bar called Fifteen's. Matthew headed to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. Whilst we waited for a bus towards Blackpool we saw G-line Holidays coach YJ65 GME running towards the A584.

G-line YJ65 GME in St Annes

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Blackpool Transport 432 on a #11 to Blackpool.

Blackpool Transport 432 in St Annes

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackpool Transport day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off down the B5233 and at the junction we turned right onto the A584. We ran for a few miles along the main road and at Starr Gate we turned right onto Squires Gate Lane. We turned left onto the B5262 and we ran Northwards up to Manchester Square. We rejoined the A584 and we ran Northwards past Central Pier and Blackpool Tower. We ran up to North Pier and we turned right onto Talbot Road. We turned right onto Market Street and the bus terminated by the Blackpool Transport office. We got off the bus and we looked for another bus to catch. In an adjacent stand was required Blackpool Transport 553 on a #5 to Halfway.

Blackpool Transport 553 in Blackpool

We decided to do this bus, so we got on and flashed the Blackpool Transport day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned left onto the Promenade and we turned right onto Adelaide Street West. We turned right onto Bank Hey Street and we ran forwards onto Central Drive. At the roundabout we veered right to continue along Central Drive. We crossed Waterloo Road and we continued onto St Anne's Road. We continued to the end of the road and we paused near to the Halfway pub. We turned left onto Squires Gate Lane and we turned left onto the B5261 where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 553 as it returned back towards Victoria Hospital.

Blackpool Transport 553 in Marton Fold

We decided to do the next #17 back towards the hotel. We had looked at the interactive bus map and we saw that the next #17 would be required Blackpool Transport 455. We waited for around 10 minutes and as expected we saw Blackpool Transport 455 on a #17 to Blackpool.

Blackpool Transport 455 in Marton Fold

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackpool Transport day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the B5261 and we travelled Northwards for around a mile and we crossed over the Waterloo Road. We continued along the B5261 and we joined onto Central Drive. A few hundred yards up the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 455 as it continued into Blackpool.

Blackpool Transport 455 in Blackpool

Once off the bus we walked up Palatine Road and back to the hotel. We went to the room and we chilled out for an hour or so. Later on we went out to get some food. We set off onto Palatine Road and we turned left onto Central Drive. We continued along central Drive and at the end we spotted a place we could get some chips. We missed the turning so we turned right onto Squires Gate Lane. We turned right onto Sandgate and right onto Waltham Avenue. We turned into the parking adjacent to the A5099 and we parked up. Mum went to the chipshop and me and Matthew went into Costcutter. We brought a bottle of Pepsi and a few chocolate bars. We went back to the car and we waited for mum. We waited for some time as it was a very busy chip shop! Mum came back to the car and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Pepsi. After we had finished eating we set off onto the Northbound A5099. We crossed over Waterloo Road and we continued along Central Drive. We turned right into Palatine Road and we parked up in the street near to the hotel. We went up to the room and we chilled out. We wrote a few e-mails and we did some of the Blog. We watched some television and Matthew used his tablet computer. Matthew went to sleep around 01:30... Mark.

Trip to Altrincham / Wythenshawe 06-07-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37164	Altrincham Interchange	Wythenshawe Interchange	11	Stagecoach Manchester
19403	Wythenshawe Interchange	Manchester Airport BS	43	Stagecoach Manchester
526	Manchester Airport BS	Stockport BS	199	High Peak
19529	Stockport BS	Parr's Wood, Tesco (Stop P)	42	Stagecoach Manchester
32	Parr's Wood, (Stop E3)	Baguley, Tesco (Stop A)	288	D&G Bus
37152	Baguley, Tesco (Stop A)	Altrincham Interchange	11A	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew chose to go to Altrincham. When we took him out for tea he had already made the decision and put it on his calendar. Research for the trip consisted of checking the weather which was for cloudy weather becoming brighter later on. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had orange juice and toast for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Mathews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to the roundabout at Sideway. We joined the Northbound A500 which was quite busy through the roadworks. North of Longport we got up to speed. As we travelled Northwards we saw Ashley Travel AT17 ASH. We travelled up to junction 16 and we joined the Northbound M6. Seen on the M6 were silver minibus SH60 CPU, white coach YJ10 DMX& ABC Supreme SA58 KXR. We came off the M6 at Junction 19 and we joined the Eastbound A556. Seen on the A556 was Pym's No.1 Travel YX04 FXL. We joined the A56 and we ran into Altrincham. We turned right into Regent Road and we tried to park on the car park off New Street. this was full so we did a circuit of the town. We ended up going East on the A560 and turning sharp left onto Stockport Road. We continued onto Oakfield Road and we parked up in the car park at the back of the railway station off Thomas Street. Once we had parked up we walked into the railway station and we crossed over the footbridge and into the Interchange. As we headed towards town we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19628 on a #11 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 19628 in Altrincham Interchange

We continued onto Stamford New Road and we crossed over and walked up Cross Street and onto George Street. We stopped at the chip shop cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum ordered the food. We sat down at the table and Matthew had a can of Coke. When the food arrived Matthew had sausage, chips and gravy with a round of bread and butter. Once we had finished eating we set off back onto Cross Street. We crossed over Stamford New Road and we went back to the interchange. We saw Arriva NW&W 3100 on a #245 to the Intu Trafford Centre

Arriva NW&W 3100 in Altrincham Interchange

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 20403 on a #284 Hale circular service.

Rotala Diamond 20403 in Altrincham Interchange

We walked along Stamford New Road to look at the bus on Layover. We saw Rotala Diamond 20873 on a #287 to Bowden Vale.

Rotala Diamond 20873 in Altrincham

We waited in the interchange whilst we waited to see what we could catch. Whils we waited we saw Go Goowins double decker GUI 441 come into the Interchange and turn around whilst working the free shuttle bus to the Altrincham Festival. A few minutes later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37164 on a #11 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 37164 in Altrincham Interchange

We got on the bus and we brought System One bus only tickets at £5.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned right onto Stamford New Road. We turned right onto the A560 and we headed Eastwards. We veered left onto the B5165 and we ran into the centre of Timperley. We ran past the old NatWest Bank which closed 2 years ago. We turned right onto Thorley Lane and we crossed over the A560. We turned left onto Mainwood Road and left onto Greystoke Avenue. We ran forwards onto Aimson Road East and we turned right onto the A560. We ran into Baguley and we turned right into Southmoor Road. We turned right into Ledson Road and left into Floats Road. We turned left into Southmoor Road and we entered the hospital. After a brief stop at the hospital main bus stop we continued forwards onto Hollyhedge Road. We turned right onto Greenbrow Road and we ran around a loop. We turned right onto Tuffley Road and we crossed over the M56. We continued onto Simonsway and we turned right onto Portway. We ran around another loop and we turned left by the pub. There was a wedding going on at the church opposite. We continued along Ruddpark Road. At the junction we turned left onto Simonsway. We turned right onto Poundswick Lane and we enter Wythenshawe Interchange from the West Side. We pulled onto the stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what else was in the interchange. We saw Arriva NW&W 3094 on a #19 to Altrincham.

Arriva NW&W 3094 in Wythenshawe Interchange

We had a walk around the Interchange and we decided to do a bus towards the airport. As the airport bus was approaching Matthew decided he need the facilities. We spotted a tardis style toilet between the tram and bus sections of the Interchange so we so trotted over so that Matthew could use them. on the way we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10410 on a #103 to Piccadilly.

Stagecoach Manchester 10410 in Wythenshawe Interchange

We missed the first bus going towards the airport, but a few minutes later another one appeared. It was Stagecoach Manchester 19403 on a #43 to Manchester Airport.

Stagecoach Manchester 19403 in Wythenshawe Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the Interchange onto Poundswick Lane and we turned left onto Simonsway. We turned right onto Ruddpark Road and we turned the corner onto Portway, past the church and the pub which appeared to be being refurbished. We ran along the length of Portway and we turned left onto Selstead Road. We turned left onto Enterprise Way and we did a u-turn at the next roundabout. We crossed over the A55 and we went forwards onto World Way. We turned left onto Chicago Way and we went around Manchester Airport railway station. We saw Hartley's YN13 GZZ. We turned left onto Outbound Lane and we entered the bus station from the East end and we saw National Express liveries Selwyn's FJ61 EWK on a #381 to Chester. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19403.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19403

We got off the bus and Matthew decided that he need the toilet. After he had been we spotted a coach had arrived. It was National Express liveried Parks of Hamilton BF68 LBJ on a #328 to Blackpool.

Parks of Hamilton BF68 LBJ in Manchester Airport bus station

We were considering doing another #43 to Wythenshawe. A few minutes later on arrived. It was required Stagecoach Manchester 19421 on a #43 to Piccadilly.

Stagecoach Manchester 19421 in Manchester Airport bus station

We queued up to get on the Stagecoach Manchester bus and as we waited we saw High Peak 526 arrive on a #199 to Buxton.

High Peak 526 in Manchester Airport bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do the high peak bus, so we switched to the other queue and waited for the bus to be readied for service. We got on the bus an we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Chicago Way and we turned left to head back to the motorway. We joined the Eastbound M56 and we passed an unidentified Swans Travel double decker. We took the spur onto the Eastbound M60 and we came off the M60 at junction 1 and we joined the A5145. We joined the Eastbound A560 and we went forwards onto Great Egerton Street. We turned right and we ran onto Mersey Square and we entered the bus station from the East side where we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around the bus station and we spotted National Holidays NH15 HDH on the coach stands going to Brighton.

National Holidays NH15 HDH in Stockport bus station

We decided to wait for a bus back to the airport so that we could could start to make our way towards Parrs Wood. There was a #199 due in a few minutes. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19529 on a #42 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19529 in Stockport bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Sytem One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw High Peak 695 on a #199 to Manchester Airport. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went forwards onto Swain Street. We travelled Northwards onto the A5145 and we went under the M60. We headed Westwards and we turned right onto pyranid Roundabout avoiding lane. We re-joined the Westbound A5145 and we travelled through Heaton Mersey. We continued Westwards across the A34 and we stopped by a green near to Parrs Woods bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19529 as it continued towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19529 in Parr's Wood

Once off the bus we crossed over the A34 and we went to the bus terminus. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 12245 on a #50 to Media City.

Stagecoach Manchester 12245 in Parr's Wood Interchange

Matthew need to go to the toilet so we went into the bowling alley and Matthew used the facilities. We needed to head back towards Altrincham so we saw D&G 32 on a #288 to Manchester Airport.

D&G 32 in Parr's Wood Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so took a picture inside D&G Bus 32 before we sat down.

Inside D&G 32

We set off out of the bus terminus onto the Northbound A34 and we turned left onto the A5145. We followed the road to the right and we headed Northwards towards Withington. We turned left onto Elms Road and we turned right onto Lapwing Lane. We past West Didsbury tram stop and we turned left onto Palatine Road. We ran into Northenden and we joined the Southbound A5103. We headed Southwards to the next junction and at the roundabout we turned right onto the A560. We headed Westwards through Baguley and we got up and got off the bus by the junction of Southmoor Road. Once off the bus we decided to visit the local petrol station. We set off Eastwards along the A560 and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37154 on a #11A to Altrincham.

Stagecoach Manchester 37154 in Baguley

We crossed over Southmoor Road and we visited the garage. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we did some shopping. He brought a couple of Bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed back along the A560 and we crossed over the Southmoor Road. We waited for a bus back to Altrincham. We had around 10 minutes to wait for the next bus. Matthew ate a toffee crisp whilst we waited. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. AS it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 37152 on a #11A to Altrincham.

Stagecoach Manchester 37152 in Baguley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A560 and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Stockport Road. We ran into Timperely and we went forwards onto the B5165. We re-joined the A560 and we crossed over the Railway and tram lines and into Altrincham. We turned left onto Stamford New Road and turned into the interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2744 on layover in between runs on the #263 to Manchester.

Arriva NW&W 2744 in Altrincham Interchange

We crossed over the footbridge and we waited in the car park for mum to arrive. In the mean time mum and driven from Tesco and was outside the interchange on the other side. We arranged to meet at Thomas Street and and a few minutes mum appeared in the car. We got in the car and mum had brought sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. He also had a ring doughnut. We set off along Thomas Street and we turned left onto Oakfield Road. We continued onto Stockport Road and we turned sharp left onto the A560. We joined the A560 and we turned left onto the A56. We travelled Westwards out of town for around 2 miles and we joined the Westbound A556. We ran the last few mile to the Motorway and we got onto the Southbound M6. Just after we joined the motorway we caught up with Hill's Coaches BU14 EHH.

Hill's BU14 EHH on the M6

Also seen as we travelled Southwards were The Travellers Choice BF68 ???(#570), blue minibus CA08 UBY, 2 unidentified Ellison's coaches, an unidentified Ogdens coach, An unidentified Selwyn's double decker, an unidentified TransSamarian coach and an unidentified Omega coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 was an unidentified Malbank's mini coach. We ran down to side and we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we headed to Z Carz to see what was at the depot this evening. The spare ground was free of buses as has been the case for a while, so we turned left onto Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW parked up.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also seen was long term VOR Z Carz Renault minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

Another vehicle seen was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out at home and uploaded pictures and did some of the Blog. Matthew chilled out om the computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark