Trip to Milton Keynes / Luton 17-08-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3123	Bletchley Tesco	Milton Keynes, Summer	6	Arriva Shires
3124	Milton Keynes, Summer	Bletchley BS	4	Arriva Shires
3891	Bletchley BS	Leighton Buzzard	F77	Arriva Shires
3892	Leighton Buzzard	Luton Interchange	F77	Arriva Shires
708	Luton Interchange	Dunstable	Hi	Grant Palmer
3967	Dunstable	Luton Interchange	Z	Arriva Shires
3980	Luton Interchange	Bletchley BS	F70	Arriva Shires
3867	Bletchley BS	Bletchley Tesco	5	Arriva Shires

Today we were in Milton Keynes and we were going out on the bus. Matthew woke up just before 08:00 and had his medication. We went downstairs to have breakfast. Matthew had a full English breakfast with toasr washed down with orange juice. We went back up to the room to finish getting ready and around 10:00 we said goodbye to mum and we set off on foor to the bus stop. We walkd Westwards alogn Watling Street past Fenny Stratford railway station. We walked past Tesco and we went under the underpass. As we came up on the other side we saw a bus at the bus stop. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Shires 3123 on a #6 to Wolverton.

Arriva Shires 3123 in Bletchley

We got on the bus and we booked an all zone duo Day ticket at £14 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B4034 and we crossed over the roundabout. We turned right onto Groveway and left onto Marlborough Street. We turned left onto the A421 and we turned right onto Saxon Street. We turned right onto Avebury Boulevards and we turned left onto the B4034. We turned left onto Summer Boulevard and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Shires 3123 before it continued towards Wolverton.

Arriva Shires 3123 in Milton Keynes

We decided to take a few pictures whilst we decided on what bus to do next. We saw Stagecoach Midlands 15526 on a X91 to Silverstone.

Stagecoach Midlands 15526 in Milton Keynes

Also seen was Arriva Shires 3928 on a #1 to Milton Keynes.

Arriva Shires 3928 in Milton Keynes

We had a look at a route map and we decided to do a #4 to Bletchley bus station. As short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Shires 3124 on a #4 to Bletchley.

Arriva Shires 3124 in Milton Keynes

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Summer Boulevard and we turned right onto the B4034 and left onto Avebury Boulevard. We turned left onto Lower Ninth Street and we turned right onto Midsummer Boulevard. We turned left onto Marlborough Gate and we turned right onto Avebury Boulevard and we turned right onto Enmore Gate. At the Enmore roundabout we went forwards onto Kenwood Gate. We turned right onto Springfield Boulevard and we turned left onto the B4034. We turned right onto the A421 and onto the A5. We turned left onto Denbigh Hall Drive and right onto Whaddon Way. We turned left onto the B4034 and up over Bletchley. As we travelled up we saw Tates NL24 EKE. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto the B4034 and we ran onto South Terrace and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of Arriva Shires 3124 before it carried on back to Milton Keynes.

Arriva Shires 3124 in Bletchley bus station

Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station and we walked Southwards down the B4034. We crossed over Duncpmbe Street and we visited the pub on the roundabout. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered drinks for us all. We sat and had our drinks and when we were finished we walked back along the B4034 to the bus station. We decided to head out a bit further so we waited at the bottom stands for a bus towards Luton. We had around 15 minutes to wait for a F77 service. After a short wait the bus appeared. As it pulled on stand we saw it was Arriva The Shires 3891 on a F77 service to Luton Airport.

Arriva Shires 3891 in Bletchley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the B40354 and we veered left onto Duncombe Street. We turned left onto Water Eaton Road and we headed out of town. We continued onto Stoke Road and we crossed over the A4146 and forwards onto Fenny Road. We continued into Stoke Hammond and we turned left onto Leighton Road. We passed the 3 locks pub and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We rejoined the Southbound A4146 and we turned left onto Leighton Road. We ran forwards onto Soulbury Road and we turned right onto Station Road. After a brief stop outside of Leighton Buzzard railway station we turned right onto Old Road. We crossed over the canal and the river Ouzel and we decided to get up and off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arrive The Shire 3891 as it continued towards Luton Airport.

Arriva Shires 3891 in Leighton Buzzard

Once off the bus we decided to head into the town centre. We crossed over the road and we walked through a passageway at the side of the car park. We spotted some toilet so Matthew used the toilet. The plan was now to get some dinner. We continued along the passageway through a brick archway onto High Street. We turned left and we spotted a Greggs. Matthew had a sausage roll and a jam heart bisuit washed down with a can of Diet Coke. when we had finished e walked back through the passageway and we crossed over West Street to the bus stop. We had just missed the F70 and we had 30 minutes to wait for the next bus Eastwards, a F70. We decided to go for a short walk. We walked along a path onto Bossard Court and we continued onto Doggett Street. We continued left to continued along Doggett Street and we turned left onto Bassett Road. When we got to the main road we sat on a bench in the shade of a tree. When the bus was due in 5 minutes we started to walk up West Street to the bus stop. As we walked towards the stop we were passed by the bus. We quickly walked to the stop and we saw it was Arriva The Shires 3892 on a F77 to Luton Airport.

Arriva Shires 3892 in Leighton Buzzard

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Eastwards along West Street and ran forwards onto Leston Road. We ran forwards onto the A4012 and we headed South. We tuerned left onto Stabsbridge Road and we headed out of town. We continued onto Leighton Road and we ran forwards onto Billington Road. We turned left onto the A505 and we headed Eastwards. We travelled for a couple of miles and we turned right to follow the A505 into Dunstable. We ran into the centre of Dunstable and we turned left to follow the A505 and after around 1/4 mile we veered left onto the Dunstable - Luton busway. We turned right and crossed over the A505 and we ran fast along the busway for severla miles right to the heart of Luton. We crossed over Telford Way and we crossed over New Bedford Road before we entered Luton Interchange. We decided to get of the bus here. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva The Shires 3892 before it continued to Luton Airport.

Arriva Shires 3892 in Luton Interchange

Once of the bus we had a bit of a look around. We saw Arriva Shires 7215 on a #757 to Luton Airport.

Arriva Shires 7215 in Luton Interchange

Behind this was Arriva The Shires 3878 on a #100 to Stevenage. We cut though the path on to Bute Street and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet with uncle Dave and I ordered the drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we walked back up the passageway to the Interchnage. We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Centrebus 636 on a B to Dunstable.

Centrebus 636 in Luton Interchange

Also seen was Stagecoach Midlands 10881 on a MK1 to Bedford.

Stagecoach Midlands 10881 in Luton Interchange

We decided to head back towards dunstable on something slong the busway. As short time later we a bua pproaching the stand. It was Grant Palmer 708 on a Hi service to Houghton Regis.

Grant Palmer 708 in Luton Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked singles to Dunstable at £2 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the Interchange and we crossed over New Bedford Road and we crossed over Telford Way. We ran fast along the busway for several miles right to the edge of Dunstable. We crossed over College Drive and we ran forwards onto Court Drive and we crossed over Vernon Place. We turned right onto Queensway and we turned left onto the A505 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Grant Palmer 708 as it continued towards Houghton Regis.

Grant Palmer 708 in Dunstable

Once of the bus we discussed with Matthew going back to Luton and getting an ice cream. We decided to do another bus olong the busway and there was one approaching the stop. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Shires 3967 on a Z service to Luton.

Arriva Shires 3967 in Dunstable

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. It turned out that this was going in a loop and would take a bit longer than the A service. We set off along the A505 and we turned left to follow the A505. We veered left and we joined the busway. Instead of turning right this service turns left and heads away from Luton first! We came to the Western end of the busway and we ran forwards onto Blackburn Road into Houghton Regis. We turned left onto Townsend Farm Road and right onto the B5120. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned left onto Tithe Farm Road. As we approached parkside we turned right onto Hillborough Crescent and left onto Sundon Road. We turned right onto Parkside Drive and we at the roundabout we went clockwise around the Parkside Drive loop. We turned right onto the A5505 and we turned left onto Wheatfield Road. We turned right onto Tomlinson Avenue and we headeded through Lewsey Farm. We turned left onto Leagrave High Street and we turned right onto Lewsey Road past the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital. We turned left onto the A505 and we ran under the M1. We turned right onto Chaul End Way before we past the retail park and turned left onto the Eastbound busway. We ran fast for the last mile and 1/2 into Luton. We crossed over Telford way and New Bedford Road and we entered the Interchange from the Western end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went in search of ice cream! We cut through the passage way onto Bute Street and we found a Premier shop. Matthew had a flake ice cream and a bottle of Dr Pepper. We went outside and we spoted a bus at the bus stop on Silver Street. We saw Arriva The Shire 3135 on a #27 to Marsh Farm.

Arriva Shires 3135 in Luton

We set off back towards the Interchnage and Matthew had his ice cream. When we got back to the Interchnage we took a few pictyre before heading back towards Bletchley. We saw Arriva The Shires 3780 on a #100 to Stevenage.

Arriva Shires 3780 in Luton Interchange

Also seen was Arriva The Shires 3946 on a #321 to Watford.

Arriva Shires 3946 in Luton Interchange

We headed towards the appropriate stop and as we walked towards it we saw a bus pull on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Shires 3980 on a F70 to Milton Keynes.

Arriva Shires 3980 in Luton Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the Interchange. We crosssed over New Bedford Road and we ran forwards onto the busway. We crossed over Telford Way and we ran fast for around 4 miles to the edge of Dunstable. We crossed over the A505 and we turned right to join the A505. We followed the A505 to the right and into the centre of Dunstable. After a brief stop we ran North Westwards out of town and we ran forwards onto the A5. We turned left onto Dunstable Road and we ran through Tilsworth and Stanbridge. We ran through onto Leighton Road and we ran forwards onto Stanbridge Road. We turned right onto the A4012 and we ran forwards onto Leston Road. We ran forwards onto West Street and we had a brief stop in Leighton Buzzard. We ran forwards onto Leighton Road and we continued onto Old Street. We stopped by the railway station and we ran forwards onto Station Road. We turned left onto Soulbury Road and we headed out of town. We turned right onto the A4146 and we headed Northwards. We ran parrallel to the railway line and we turned right to follow the A4146. We turned left onto Stoke Road we headed Northwards into Water Eaton. We ran forwards onto Water Eaton Road and we turned right onto Brooklands Road. We turned left onto Queensway and we followed the road to the right onto Albert Street. We turned left onto Princes Street and left onto the B4034. We pulled into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few pictures. We saw Arriva The Shires 3127 on a #6 to Wolverton.

Arriva Shires 3127 in Bletchley bus station

Also seen was Arriva The Shires 3906.

Arriva Shires 3906 in Bletchley bus station

We set off on foot out of the bus station and we walked along Locke Road. We crossed over Duncombe Street. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat in a window seat and whailst we had ours drinks we saw Tates BU16 . When we had finished our drinks we went outside and met up with uncle Dave, We crossed over Duncombe Stree and we walked along Locke Road and into the bus station. We saw Arriva The Shires 3904 running out of service.

Arriva Shires 3904 in Bletchley bus station

We waited for a bus going Northwards up the B4034. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Shires 3867 on a #5 to Wolverton.

Arriva Shires 3867 in Bletchley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the all zone duo Day ticket for the final time today before and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the B4034. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we went Northwards up the B4034. We travelled for around 1/3 of a mile and we went past Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Shires 3867 as it continued towards Wolverton.

Arriva Shires 3867 in Bletchley

Once off the bus we went under the underpass. We walked Eastwards along Watling Street. We saw Red Rose E17 RRT on a #100 to Milton Keynes.

Red Rose E17 RRT in Bletchley

We walked along Watling Street and we went across onto Aylesbury Street. The original chip shop we were going to was closed for holidays, so we walked onto Church Street and left onto Victoria Road and we crossed over the road to the chip shop. When we had finished we crossed over Victoria Road. We turned right onto Church Street and we saw taxi minibus KN21 STZ. We turned left onto Aylesbury Street and we turned right onto Watling Street and back to the hotel. We came in and we settled down. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a bottle of Dr Pepper. We chilled out in the room. Matthew watched TV and we did some work on the Blog. We did some more of the Blog and we wrote e-mails. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Congleton 31-08-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
708	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
MX05 OUC	Congleton BS	Buglawton, Co-op	92	Hollinshead Coaches
MX05 OUC	Buglawton, Co-op	Congleton BS	92	Hollinshead Coaches
708	Congleton BS	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew decided to revisit Crewe after he saw the new bus station. There are also changes to bus service from the 1st September. Research consisted of download some of the bus timetables in the Crewe and North Staffordshire area. We also checked the weather which was for mainly dry and sunny with occasional showers. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:30 and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Blurton Road. we ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran Westwards towards Sideway. At the roundabout we and we saw white minibus DS65 UEJ. We turned right onto the Northbound A500. As we ran Northwards we saw First Potteries 65731 running out of service, Z Carz HK57 LFY, Scraggs 6626 VT, West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ16 GLK. We went under the M6 and we continued towards Nantwich. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and we ran towards Crewe. We turned left onto the A532 and we turned into the Crewe Truck stop. The truck stop was closed so we continued into town. We ran up to the main roundabout and we turned left onto the A534. We turned right onto Eddleston Road and we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #84 to Chester. Due to work on the Chester Bridge there was a diversion into town. We turned left onto Wistatston Road. We turned right onto Flag Lane and we ran forwards onto Hightown. I followed the Sat-nav instead of the Sat-nag and I went forwards onto Broad Street. We turned right onto Meredith Street and we came to a dead end on the wrong side of the A532. After turning around we turned left onto the A532 and right into the car park at Asda. We parked up and we walked over to Victoria Street. We went to the chip shop cafe on the corner and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gracy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Pepsi. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw a few buses parked up on layover. Opposite was Arriva NW&W 4173 parked up.

Arriva NW&W 4173 in Crewe bus station

We waited around for something to catch. We saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2931 in Crewe bus station

After a short while we saw Arriva NW&W 708 on a #38 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Crewe bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 67655 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67655 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW&W Day Savers at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We 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 past the site of the up and coming Little Dessert Shop. 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 Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into open countryside. and we crossed over the Arclid crossroads. 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. We got off the bus and we took another picture of Arriva NW&W 708 before it carried on towards Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

Once off the bus we walked down onto Mountbatten Way. We turned right onto Kinsey Street and at the top of the road we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished we walked along Lawton Street and forwards onto High Street. As we considered going down Market Street as we waited to cross we saw Hollinshead Coaches SN66 WKZ on a #90 Bromley estate circular.

Hollinshead Coaches SN66 WKZ in Congleton

As we were about to cross the road we saw a white Solo arrive in the bus station. We went to investigate and we saw Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC on a #92 Buglawton circular.

Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC in Congleton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we booked singles at £1.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. When it was time we set off up Market Street and we turned left onto High Street. We continued onto Lawton Street and we turned left onto Mountbatten Way. At the roundabout we Northwards up the A54 and we ran out of town for about half a mile. We turned left onto St Johns Road and we ran into the Buglawton estate. We turned left onto Wharfdale Road and right onto Harvey Road. At the end we turned right onto St Johns Road and we started heading back towards Congleton. We turned right onto the Southbound A54 and we ran into the town centre. WE turned right onto Mountbatten Way and we entered the bus station from the North End. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC.

Inside Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC

Once off the bus we walked past Bear Grills cafe into the car park and we saw black minibus YJ68 AVW.

YJ68 AVW in Congleton

We had around 1/2 hours for the bus bak towards Crewe so we had a walk around town. We went up Market Street and we turned right onto Bridge Street. Matthew took a photo of the old RBS bank which has yet to find a new use. We continued along Bridge Street and we turned right onto Mill Street. We walked across the car park and we went near to the back of Morrisons. We crossed Stonehouse Green and we walked up the back of the market and through the pedestrianised arcade onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto Bridge Street and we visited WH Smith. We brought a couple of bottle of soft drinks and 3 chocolate bars. We walked onto Walked Street and Matthew visited the toilet at the top end of the bus station. We returned to the bus stop and Matthew ate a Bounty. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Arriva NW&W 708 on a #38 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads. On the west side of the M6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common where we saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #37A to Northwich. After a brief stop we continued on our journey. After a brief stop 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 and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line. Due to Chester Bridge being closed in one direct we turned right onto the A5078 and we ran forwards onto the A5019. We turned left Earle Street and left onto Prince Albert Street. We turned right onto Chester Street and right onto Market Street. 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. Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Street and we saw Arriva NW&W 4410 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 4410 in Crewe

We headed back to the car and we met up with mum who had left her car keys back at home. She was waiting with sausage rols and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A532 and we turned right onto Vernon Way. We turned left onto Earle Street and we continued onto Manchester Bridge. We turned right onto Macon Way and we we crossed over the roundabout onto Weston Road. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and left onto the A500. We ran under the M6 and as we continued South we came to an incident on the road and the road narrowed to a single lane. We saw Adams Travel EG16 FYD as we waited to merge into the other Lane.

Adams Travel EG16 FYD on A500

We passed the broken down vehicle and we passed Bullocks RB11 BUL, Alfa 72, Terry Bushell A13 TBT, and unidentified National Express liveried coach (#540), MT Travel HK58 ECV, an unidentified white minibus and an unidentified grey coach as we travelled Southwards. We turned left onto the A50 and we saw Alfa 109. As we were coming off the A50 at Longton Matthew took a picture of Terry Bushell A13 TBT.

Terry Bushell A13 TBT on A50

we came off the A50 at Longton and we headed to Z Carz to see what was parked up in the compound on Willow Row. We saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Another vehicle seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus KE03 JXC.

Z Carz KE03 JXC in Longton

We turned around and headed back onto Edensor Road and we saw Lucky Seven KE54 ARM.

Lucky Seven KE54 ARM in Longton

We 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 18:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a slice of red velvet cake. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Northwich / Chester 17-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
708	Northwich Interchange	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	4	Arriva NW&W
708	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	Northwich Interchange	4	Arriva NW&W
4645	Northwich Interchange	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	82	Arriva NW&W
4102	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	Chester, Railway Station (S4)	84	Arriva NW&W
2950	Chester, Argos Stop B (Stop B)	Northwich Interchange	82	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Northwich. As it is mid December and the days are short, we gave Matthew a list of places nearby in the North West and the Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Northwich. Research consisted of looking up the weather, which was forecast for cloudy cold weather and looking at the timetables in the Northwich area. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we drove through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We followed the road to the left onto Blurton Road and we stop at the One Stop Shop for mum to drop something off at the Post Office. We continued down Blurton Road and up and over the hill into Heron Cross. We got onto the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we joined the Northbound A500. Just before we got to the M6 we passed Springfield double decker Y22 HOW plus another red Enviro400 double decker LJ09 OKD. We came off the A500 and we joined the M6. The road was quiet and we made good progress two junctions up the motorway. We passed an unidentified Eiflon's coach and a blue and cream half cab single decker with a covered load on it's roof. We came off the M6 at the A54 and we ran West to Middlewich. We saw an unidentified white Ford minibus and St Luke's Routemaster RM1590. We stopped at the Country Kitchen food wagon for dinner where Matthew had a sausage & egg bap washed down with a small bottle of diet Coke. when we had finished we continued North to Nothwich via the A54 and the A533. We crossed under the A556 and in Leftwich we saw Arriva NW&W 4104 on a #31 to Crewe. We pulled into the town centre and we turned right on Watling Street before turning left into Crum Hill. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. As we walked onto Watling Street there we a couple of buses on stand. Required Arriva NW&W 708 was on the #2 service and required Arriva NW&W 2950 was on the #82 to Chester. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet so we walked across to the market and Matthew used the disabled toilet at the top end. By the time Matthew had finished Arriva NW&W 2950 had already departed to Chester. Matthew came out of the toilet and we saw Club Class minibus ET02 UCN. There was a crowd at stand G so we went over to see what they were waiting for. There was a #37A to Sandbach due at 13:48. Whilst we waited at that stop we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2618 which was on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw a Network Warrington bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Network Warrington 71 on a #45 service to Warrington.

Network Warrington 71 in Northwich Interchange

The #37 turned up eventually and it was dud Arriva NW&W 2608. Matthew didn't fancy doing this and whilst we considered what to do next we saw Arriva NW&W 2612 on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 708 on the #4 to Barnston so we decided to do this.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Northwich Interchange

We got on the bus and we we booked Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket at £5.30 each before we sat down. Matthew resisted the temptation to honk the horn and was very well behaved! The bus set off along Watling Street and we turned right onto Chester Way. We crossed over the Weaver and we turned right onto Castle Street. At the end we turned left onto the A533 and we climbed the hill past the hospital and over the railway line. We ran to the end of the road and then we turned left onto Runcorn Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Manor Road and into the estate. We ran around the estate and we got up and flashed the tickets to the driver aso we could return back into town on the bus. We got back onto the A533 and we ran down the hill, following the road to the right over the Weaver. We ran past the Tat chemical works and back over the railway line before we dropped down into town. At the bottom of the hill we continued onto the one way system and over the Weaver into the town centre. When we got to the Interchange we saw required Arriva NW&W double decker 4645 was waiting on the #82 to Chester. We had around 2 minutes to get off the bus and get on the double decker if we were going to catch it, we we decided to do. We got off Arriva NW&W 708 and we walked briskly back a couple of stands and we got a picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before we jumped on it.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Northwich Interchange

We flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Watling Street and then turned right into Chester Way. We crossed over the weaver and we turned left onto the A559. We ran West out of town and as we passed some minibuses parked up off Milner Road adjacent to Greenbank railway station. We continued out past Hartford station and we joined the Westbound A556. As we continued towards Chester we were now in thick fog. We turned right onto Weaverham Road and we ran through the Cuddington housing estate before we joined the Southbound A49. We turned right by the petrol station to re-join the A556 and we carried on Westwards. We then continued on along one of the fast parts of the route through Oakmere until we joined the Westbound A54. We continued for a further 500m and then we turned left into Kelsall village. The fog was now clearing and it was sunny! After running through the village we re-joined the A54 about a mile further West. Another short run along the A54 and we turned left to go into Tarvin Village. When we got off the bus we decided to get up and get off the bus here. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before it continued on to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Tarvin

Once off the bus we walked down Forge way and we went to the Co-operative Food store where Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a couple of small bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had purchase the stuff we went back to the same bus stop as the #84 to Chester was due 18 minutes after the #82. Matthew had a bottle of Sprite and ate a Bounty. The bus was a few minutes late which was not too surprising with heavy traffic in Chester and Crewe town centres. The bus turned up and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4102.

Arriva NW&W 4102 in Tarvin

We got on the bus flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set of Westwards down the High Street and we re-joined the A54. A few hundred yards down the road the at the next roundabout we joined the Westbound A51 and we ran through Littleton and over the A55 and A41 into Vicars Cross. We crossed the Shropshire Union Canal and we went around the one way system onto Christleton Road. We continued West along the A51 into Broughton and we could see the mist over the River Dee to the left of us. We went around the Square roundabout and we turned sharp right onto City Road and up towards the railway station. At the end of the road the bus terminated and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4102.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4102

When we got off the bus we had around 35 minutes to get 1/4 of a mile across town to foregate Street so that we could catch the #82 back to Northwich. In the meantime we decided it was best to visit the toilet so we set off across the road to the railway station. On the way we stopped to get a picture of Helms Dennis Dart 114 which was on a City Rail Link service.

Helms 114 in Chester

There were also a couple of other buses parked opposite the railway station. The nearest one was Helms Enviro200 121 on layover

Helms 121 in Chester

Also on layover we saw Helms Wright bodied VDL bus 115.

Helms 115 in Chester

We went into the forecourt of the railway station and we located the toilet which was to our delight on the near side of the barrier! Once Matthew had finished using the facilities we set off on foot along City Road and we saw Arriva NW&W 4406/4407 on the #1 to Wrexham and Stagecoach Merseyside 21262 on a a X8 to Liverpool. We went around the big square roundabout and we went under a couple of subways and then we were on the right side of Foregate for us to catch the bus back with around 12 minutes to spare. It was quite busy with both people and buses. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 on a #9 to Piper's Ash.

Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 in Chester

There were plenty of different buses coming and going on the 2 park and ride services that pick up at this stop. To cope with demand extra seemed to have been put on and these were usually older double deckers. Once such example was Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 on a PR2 service to Broughton Heath.

Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 in Chester

In the next few minutes we saw Kee Travel 0008 KEE and National Holidays NH13 DWH as well as Stagecoach Merseyside double decker 18002 on a PR1 service to Wrexham Road. A few minutes later as expected we saw required Arriva NW&W on the #82 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2950 in Chester

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went sat down at the back of the bus. We set off across the bi square roundabout onto the A51 and we travlled eastwards out through Broughton. Where the Road splits away from the A5115, we veered left and we ran up through Vicars Cross and over the A55 & A41. We continued through Littleton and down the hill and then we turned left onto the A54. It was now quite foggy and we couldn't really see where we were going! We turned right into Tarvin High Street before we rejoined the A54 a little further East. After a short run along the A54 we turned right again to run through Kelsall. We rejoined the A54 and we ran through Oakmere before we veered left onto the A556. At the crossed roads we turned left onto the A49 and we entered the estate in Cuddington along Ash Road. We ran through the estate and we rejoined the A556 and ran East to Harford where we came off and went onto the A559. We ran past Hartford and Greenbank railway stations and we entered Northwich from the West end crossing over the Weaver before coming into the interchange on Watling Street. Once we got off the bus we spotted mum parked in the car park, but as it was foggy we decided to take a couple of pictures of the buses in the strange orange fog lit up by the streetlights. We saw Arriva NW&W 2618 on a #29 to Winsford.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

We got in the car and mum was waiting in the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle or Irn Bru. We set off along Watling Street and we travelled east out of town. At the first big roundabout I accidentally took the wrong turn as it was foggy so acfter a quick turn we resumed East on the A559 out of town until we reached the A556. We continued East to the M6 and we saw AAA Travel YLZ 1348 as we went around the roundabout. We went South for a couple of junctions and the fog lifted as we got onto the Southbound A500. As we got to Stoke it was foggy again and at Sideway we went east along the A50 to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. There wasn't many on the spare ground, or at least at the near end. In the first row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

In the two closer buses in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Nearest minibus in the first row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound, and there were one or two parked on the road. The first one we saw was new arrival Z Carz minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

Also in the road was another new arrival, Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the compound was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

From the taxi fleet was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

The final bus we saw was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we left at the next roundabout onto Baths Road so that we could visit Tesco to put some petrol in the car. After filling up we re-joined the westbound A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We went through Blurton along Blurton road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a let tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrot followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark