Trip to Derby / Nottingham 13-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
87	Derby BS	Nottingham, (Stop U5)	RA	Trent Barton
170	Nottingham Victoria BS	Kimberley, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
158	Kimberley, Library	Eastwood, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
161	Eastwood, Memorial Garden	Heanor, Market Square	One	Trent Barton
732	Heanor, Market Square	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	H1	Trent Barton
828	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	Derby BS	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We had discussed in the week where we could go,somewhere fairly close as the nights had drawn in and we weren't sure how early we could start out. Research consisted of checking the weather which was for seasonably warm weather, with grey skies and some sunshine. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We spent some time getting ready and we set off around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and 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. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. At Blythe Bridge we followed the A50 to the right and we passed Scraggs minibus 1655 VT coming the other way. As we travelled Eastwards towards the turning we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344 and A&C Coaches YX07 AWN. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we passed Midland Classic double decker 105 on a #401 to Uttoxeter. We ran the last couple of miles into Hatton and we stopped at the Saltbox Cafe for dinner. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 8 on a #401 to Burton and Trent Barton 702 on V1 Villager services. When we had finished eating we continued East to Hilton and then we went Northwards back under the A50 and along the A516 into Derby. We entered the town and we ran into the inner ring road and we ran clockwise around town we turned right into Cathedral Road and we followed it around to the left. We ran forwards onto Full Street and we ran forwards onto Morledge. We went past the bus station and around to the other side of the car park. We accidentally went into the staff park area for the recently rebranded derby Ion car park so we came back out and did another circuit of the car park before going into the correct entrance. we parked up on level 3 and we said goodbye to mum before going down the stairs onto the street level. we went under the bridge and we saw Arriva Midlands 3576 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3576 in Derby

We crossed the roads and headed towards the bus station where we saw Trent Barton 701 on a V1 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 701 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3571 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3571 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station whilst we decided what bus we could catch. We had already decided that we would do Trent Barton buses today. At the other end of the bus station we saw Trent Barton 84 arrive on a Red Arrow service from Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We walked back to the other end of the bus station and matthew was looking at i4 bus towards Nottingham. On an adjacent stanbd we saw saw a Red Arrow coach pull up so we decided to to that instead. As we got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 87 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 87 in Derby bus station

We got on the coach and we brought a group zig-zag ticket at £16 before we sat down towards the middle of the coach. We reversed off the stand and we ran through the bus station. We continued onto the Northbound A601 We came off at the next junction and we joined the Eastbound A52. We ran fast along the A52 passing Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow to Derby. We crossed over the M1 and passed Toton depot. We continued Eastwards to the edge of Nottingham past the QMC. We crossed the ring road and ran forwards onto the A6200. We continued onto Wollaston Road along the one-way system and we turned left onto the A6008. The bus stopped at a bus stop and most people got off. We had intended to go to the Victoria Bus station, but the driver siad that due to a road closure and buses diverting through the bus station, longer vehicle like the Red Arrow coaches could not safely reverse out of the bus station and therefore are not currently serving the bus station. We got off the coach and we set off on foot towards Victoria Bus station. We crossed over the tram line and we turned left onto Sherwood Street where we saw Nottingham City Transport 997 on a #57 to the Plains Estate.

Nottingham City Transport 997 in Nottingham

Matthew wanted to do this bus, but we didn't have the right ticket, We will have to return to Nottingham again in the future just to travel on the Nottingham City Transport buses. We turned right onto Shakespeare Street and at the end we turned left onto Mansfield Road. We could see where the road had been closed to Southbound traffic as a large crane was standing on the road. We turned right onto Union Road and we turned left onto York Street where we saw Trent Barton 824 departing the bus station on a Three service to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 824 in Nottingham bus station

We continued to the bus station and the toilet was closed. We decided to get a bus out of Nottingham as quickly as we c an and we go to a shop out of the city centre to use the toilet. At the top stand was Nottingham City Transport electric bus 941 which was on charge. There were a couple of buses in the bus station and Matthew decided he wanted to do Trent Barton 170. We waited for the bus to be readied for service and Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 170 on the Rainbow One to Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Nottingham bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto York Street and we turned right onto Union Road. We turned left onto Mansfield Road and we turned right onto Shakespeare Street. We followed the one-way system to the left onto North Church Street and we turned right onto Burton Street. We turned left onto South Sherwood Street and we turned right onto the A6008. We ran onto the one-way system to the edge of town and we joined the Northbound A610. We ran out of the city through Radford, Bobbers Mill and Whitemoor. We crossed over the A6514 and we ran through Cinderhill. We crossed over a roundabout and the A610 became a dual carriageway and we had a fast run for a short while. We ran up to THe Nuttall pub and we came off the A610 and we joined Nottingham Road. We ran through the village and we crossed the A610 and ran forwards onto the B600. We crossed over the M1 and we ran the last 1/2 or so into the cente of Kimberley where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 170 as it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Kimberley

Once off the bus we started to walk towards Sainsbury's. As we started off we saw Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN on a #528 to Solston.

Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN in Kimberley

We crossed over Greens Lane and we walked along the path into sainsburys. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we picked up a bottle of Coke and a kitkat and we paid for them at the kiosk. We went outside to uncle Dave and we crossed over Green Lane. We had formulated a rough plan to get back to Derby. The following bus was a bus to Alfreton and was going in the wrong direction, but we could do it as far as Eastwood and then wait for the bus to Ripley behind it. We could then travel back to Derby. We waited for the following bus and a short time later we saw Trent Barton 158 on a Rainbow One service to Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Kimberley

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Main Street and we left Kimberley. We ran past the Giltbrook Shopping Park and Ikea and we ran the final mile or so into the centre of Eastwood where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 158 before it continued towards Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Eastwood

We had about 20 minutes to kill until the bus to Ripley was due. We walked to the corner of Queens Road North and we sat on a bench outside the Police station. Matthew ate his Kitkat and we ate crunchies. When we had finished we had a walk along Nottingham Road to see if we could see anything interesting. We saw a sign pointing towards a museum for DH Lawrence, as Eastwood is the town of his birth, but we did not want to go too far in case we missed the bus. We looked on the map and it appeared that the Alfreton bus behind our had caught up and gone past the one we wanted. A couple of minutes in front of our bus we saw Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One to Alfreton. Everyone else got on the bus and we had the stop to ourselves for a short while. Eventually our bus appeared and it was as predicted on the map Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One service to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Eastwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Nottingham Road and we headed out of Eastwood. We continued Eastwards along the A608 and we crossed over the A610. We ran past Langley Mill railway station and we stopped outside the Trent Barton bus depot for a driver change. After a quick stop we carried on for a further 1/2 mile into the centre of Heanor where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 161 before it continued to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Heanor

Once off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet. We spotted a pub on the other side of the road so we headed in that direction. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke and brought a poppy with his change. When he had finished his drink we headed outside and crossed back over the square. We had a few minutes to wait for the next H1 service towards Derby. Whilst we waited we saw Notts+Derby 1181 on a #138 to Belper.

Notts+Derby 1181 in Heanor

A few minutes later the bus came around the corner and it was Trent Barton 732 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Heanor

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty at this point so matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 732 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 732

We set off along Market Street and we passed party bus K155 YPB parked up on the other side of the road. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. It was now really dark and the bus travelled quickly down the A608 between villages. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could bget a 6th bus in for the day so as we approached the Northern edge of civilisation we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 732 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Oakwood

Going the other waay we saw a former Lothian double decker race Northwards. The bus, SN08 BXX is now owned by Skills of Nottingham and was seen on a private service. It turned out that we had been to Oakwood before... We visited the other side of the village back in January 2017, when we did Notts + Derby 257 to Oakwood on a #11 service. Whilst we waited we also saw Trent Barton 734 go Northwards on a H1 service. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew ate a crunchie from the trip bag. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was Trent Barton 828 on a #H1 service as expected.

Trent Barton 828 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we ran through Breadsall Hilltop and over the A61. We ran past the Meteor Retail Park and we turned right onto Mansfield Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we followed mansfield Road to the left. We ran Southwards parallel to the railway line before joining the A601 and crossing over the Derwent. We turned right into Morledge and we entered the bus station. We ran to the stops at the far end and we pulled up in one of the bays. Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 828 before we got off the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 828

Once off the bus we decided to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Trent Barton 101 parked up on layover.

Trent Barton 101 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA on a National Express service #440 to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA in Derby bus station

We walked out of the bus station and we stood at the end for a short while. We saw Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 86 in Derby bus station

We crossed over Morledge and we headed under the bridge. We saw Arriva Midlands 2333 on a #2A to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 2333 in Derby

We walked up the stairs and we met up with mum at the car on level 3. We decided that we would drive to a chip shop just off the road home so we set the Sat Nav to take us out of town. We came out of the car park and we turned right The Cock Pitt. We ran clockwise around the town and we turned left onto Uttoxeter New Road. We ran past the hospital and we ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped at the chip shop in the cente of town and I brought chips. Matthew ate sausage chips and gravy in the car washed down with some cherry coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the B5020 and we ran forwards onto Etwall Road. We crossed over the A516 before joining the Westbound A516. We ran the 3 miles or so down to the A50 and we joined the Westbound carriageway. We ran past Uttoxeter and to the edge of the by-pass and we folled the A50 to the left and towards Meir. We ran past the Copeland's Tours garage and we saw their new double decker coach parked up. We continued past Longton to Heron Cross and we came off the A50 to drop uncle Dave off home. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfiels Drive 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 00:30... Mark

Trip to Bilston / Dudley 14-04-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4312	Bilston Interchange	Dudley BS	82	NX West Midlands
3304	Dudley BS	Stourbridge Interchange	246	NX West Midlands
6109	Stourbridge Interchange	Halesowen BS	9	NX West Midlands
6715	Halesowen BS	Merry Hill BS	X10	NX West Midlands
828	Merry Hill BS	Dudley BS	222	NX West Midlands
5421	Dudley BS	Wolverhampton, Tower Street (Stop AS)	1	NX West Midlands
KX57 FLJ	Wolverhampton, Police Station(Stop AJ)	Bilston Interchange	53	iGo

Today we decided to re-visit Bilston. We hadn't been to the West Midlands for quite a while now, so I suggested to Matthew that we return to Bilston and he said yes. Research for the trip consisted of checking the weather for today which was for cool mild air with some sunshine. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right onto the Northbound A34 and we ran up to Hanford where we passed First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Longton. We turned left onto the A500 and we ran down to the juncrion with the A519/M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we ran for 30 odd miles down to the West Midlands. As we travelled Sourgwards we saw Guru Travel R443 FWT, an unidentified Leon's coaches coach, Harry Shaw (Reeseheath College) YN15 EKY, An unidentified Amans Travel coach, The Travellers Choice 7351 RU & silver minibus GE07 PAR. We left the M6 at junction 10 and we went Westwards along the A454. We ran forwards onto the A463 and as we approahed Bilston we joined the Northbound A41. We turned left onto Church Stree and we followed it around onto Walsall Street where we parked up. We walked back onto Church Street and into Bilston Interchange. As we entered the Interchange we saw National Express West Midlands 810 on a #43 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 810 in Bilston interchange

Also we saw National Express West Midlands 4133 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 4133 in Bilston interchange

We went into the Interchange and Matthew used the toilet. We met up with mum who was ordering food for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast with an addition portion of sausages on toast. He also helped mum with her susage and bean toastie. Matthew washed down his food with a can of Coke. When we had finished Matthew brough another small bottle of coke for later and we said goodbye to mum. We walked out of the cake and we went outside to see what we could catch. We saw Banga Travel V258 DRB on a #530 to Rocket Pool.

Banga Travel V258 DRB in Bilston interchange

A short time later we saw required National Express West Midlands 4312 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 4312 in Bilston interchange

We decided to do this bus so we walked around the corner to the appropriate stand and we got on the bus. We booked nBus network tickets at £4.30 each and we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4312 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4312

The bus set off out of the interchange and we went Southwards onto the A41. We turned right onto Loxdale Stree and over the tram line, going forwards onto Salop Street. We trundled through undulating housing estates full of near identical semi-detached houses and we went over the railway into Coseley. We stopped in the village briefly and we were overtaken by Rotala Diamond 20743 on a #229 to Sedgley. We were stopped outside a tanning shop where top body builders were having a conversation. There was a sign that said 'Tan of your life' and it made me thing of the moneysupermarket advert, He-man and Skeletor! We crossed a dual carriageway and we went through a small village called Roseville and we traveled South again through yet another housing estate of semi-detached houses. Eventually we joined a main road and we went South-Westwards into Dudley town centre. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to find the toilet but it had been vandalised and was under repair. We walked to the East end of the bus station and in the layover area there we saw National Express West Midlands 5408 on layover in between runs on the #1 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 5408 in Dudley bus station

We walked around the South side of the bus station and we spotted required National Express West Midlands 3304 on a #246 to Stourbridge.

NX West Midlands 3304 in Dudley bus station

We decied to do the Stourbridge bus so we got on and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside the upper saloon of National Express West Midlands 3304 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside NX West Midlands 3304

We set off Southwards and we turned right onto Flood Street and forwards onto King Street. We ran forwards onto the A4101 and we ran South Westwards to the roundabout with the Pagasus statue. continued along the A4101 to the next roundabout and we turned right into Russells Hall hospital. We came back out of the hospital and we crossed over the A4101 onto Pensett Road. At the next junction we turned right onto Stourbridge Road towards Brierly Hill. About 1/2 down the road we saw former Stanton's of Stoke minibus VU06 KFA. We continued through Brierley Hill and forwards onto Church Street. Further West we went forwards onto Brettell Lane. We turned left onto High Street and we ran the last mile or so towards town. We joined the ring road and we ran to the South Eastern corner of town to the Transport Interchange. We climbed a short ramp and we entered the interchange where we saw National Express West Midlands 4198 broken down. We got up and got off the bus and we had a look around. We walked around the West side of the interchange and we saw Rotala Diamond 20574 on a #299 Pedmore Fields circular.

Rotala Diamond 20574 in Stourbridge Interchange

We walked around to the North side of the interchange to see National Express West Midlands 4198 receiving some attention.

NX West Midlands 4198 in Stourbridge Interchange

Also seen was dud Rotala Diamond 30972 on a #125 to Bridgenorth.

Rotala Diamond 30972 in Stourbridge Interchange

We had this bus back in February 2017 when it was Central Buses 255 from Bewdly to Kidderminster. We walked up to the North end of the interchange to the railway and we saw Parry People Mover 139001 arrive. We returned to the bus side of the interchange so we could decided what to catch next. A few minutes later we saw required National Express West Midlands 6109 on a #9 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6109 in Stourbridge Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set of out of the interchange onto the A458. We ran Eastwards for around 2 miles into Lye. In the town we saw a yard of minibuses followed by the Prospect Coaches depot. We continued along the A458 for another 4 miles through Cradley and into Halesowen. We turned right onto the High Street and we went into the town centre to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we crossed over the road to get a few pictures. Behind us was required National Express West Midlands 6103 on a #9 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6103 in Halesowen bus station

We crossed back over and walked up the High Street to a shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a can of Barr raspberryade as well as a coupke of chocolate bars. We walked back to the bus station and we decided to catch something up to the Merry Hill shopping centre which was back in the right direction towards Bilston. We stood at the stop to wait for a 002 service, but whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 6715 on a X10 service to the Merry Hill shopping centre.

NX West Midlands 6715 in Halesowen bus station

We walked around the corner to the right stop and we got on the bus. We flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6715 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside NX West Midlands 6715

We set off out of the bus station and onto Queensway. We joined the Northbound A459 and We ran Northwards for a coupke of miles and into the centre of Old Hill. At the roundabout we went left onto the A4100. We ran Westwards for a couple of miles and stopped briefly at Cradley Heath Interchange. We left the interchange and we continued for mile or so up Quarry Bank to Merry Hill. We turned right onto the A4036 and left onto The Boulevard. We ran down the hill and forwards onto Times Square Avenue and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew wanted the toilet so we went into the shopping centre to use the facilities. Afterwards we returned to the bus station and we saw required National Express West Midlands 4553 on layover.

NX West Midlands 4553 in Merry Hill bus station

The plan was to head back towards Dudley so we went uo to tbe appropriate stop. A few minutes later we saw required National Express West Midlands 828 on a #222 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 828 in Merry Hill bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the Boulevards and we went past Asda and onto the Westbouned A4100. We continued onto Milss Street and we turned right onto Brierly Hill High Street. SAfter a brief stop we continued Northwards and we turned left onto the B4179. We turned right onto Blewitt Street an we headed North Eastwards up to Queen Street. We turned right onto Chapel Street and we ran through the estate onto the A4101. At the next roundabout we turned left and we entered the Russells Hall hospital. After a brief stop we returned onto the A4101 and we turned left onto Bushey Fields Road. We turned right onto Middlepark Road and left onto Overfield Road. At the end we turned right onto Russells Hall Road. We turned left onto Grange Road and we turnned right onto the B4176. We turned right onto Stafford Street and we ran onto High Street before coming into Dudley bus station from Birmingham Street. We got up and got off the bus. I was intending catching a #82 but Matthew had other ideas. A few mnutes later we saw National Express West Midlands 5421 on a #1 to Wolverhamnpton.

NX West Midlands 5421 in Dudley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out of the bus station and onto Castle Street. At the roundanout we turnd left onto the Northbound A459. We ran straight up the A459 through Sedgley to the edge of Wolverhampton. We crossed over the ring road onto Snow Hill and we ran forwards onto Market Street. Due to roadworks near to the bus station the bus terminated here. We got up and got off the bus and then Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 5421 before it carried on towards tettenhall Wood.

NX West Midlands 5421 in Wolverhampton

Afterwards we also saw required National Express West Midlands 4139 on a #3 to Fordhouses.

NX West Midlands 4139 in Wolverhampton

Matthew wanted the toilet so we walked along Castle Street to the bus station. The toilets had been refurbished and should have been open, but the work had over-run and they were still closed. We were directed by staff to Costa Coffee over the road. Using the toilet ended up Costing abnother £5 as Matthew had to have cakes and a bottle of Pepsi. We returned to the bus station and there didn't seem to be a bus directlt to Bilston out of the bus station with the roadworks. We saw Selwyn's FN62 CCV.

Selwyn's FN62 CCV in Wolverhampton bus station

Afterwards we saw Bruce's Coaches FN63 PWK on a Plymouth bound service.

Bruce's Coaches FN63 PWK in Wolverhampton bus station

I persuded Matthew to leabe the bus station to walk to Bilston Street in attempt to get back to Bilston. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 2150 on a #10 to Wolverhampton.

Arriva Midlands 2150 in Wolverhampton

By the police station we saw National Express West Midlands 6791 on a #126 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6791 in Wolverhampton

Eventually we saw a bus to Bilston. It was required iGo KX57 FLJ on a #53 to Rocket Pool.

iGo KX57 FLJ in Wolverhampton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside iGo KX57 FLJ before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside iGo KX57 FLJ

The bus set off along Bilston Street and onto the A41 and we travelled Eastwards out of town. We turned right onto the A4126. We crossed over the A41 and we ran North up Stow Heath Lane. We turned left onto the A454 and we started to head back towards Wolverhampton. It was at this point I check the timetable online. The bus was schedueled to take 50 minutes to get from Wolverhampton to Bilston. We turned right onto Old Heath Road and we ran Northwards upto New Cross Hospital. After going around the hospital we then went around Bentley Retail Park. We ran Northwards up WEll Lane to the Guru Nanak temple and we turned right into Alfred Squire Road. We turned right onto Neachells Lane and we ran Southwards. We crossed over the A454 again and we travelled through Portobello along Moseley Road. We turned right onto Proud's Lane and we ran to the edge of Bilston. We joined the A41 and we turned right onto Hall Street and we enetered the Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Also in the bus station was National Express West Midlands on a #25 to Pendeford.

NX West Midlands 2015 in Bilston interchange

We walked through the Interchange onto Church Street. Matthew decide to go to the pub. He used the toilet and then had a can of Coke from the bar. We returned to the car and we met up with mum. We set off up Greencroft and at the end we turned right onto The Crescent. We turned right onto the A41 and headed Southwards. We turned left onto the A463 and we ran fast to the A454. When we reached the A454 we carried on over the flyover and a couple of mile later we were on the Northbound M6. As we travelled up the M6 we saw Barnes WA15 BVR, 4 Belgium aramy buses, 3 x Country Lion coaches (2 x Maroon, 1 x black red and gold). Kingdoms YOD 544, Happy Days 229 & Ausden Clarke CRZ 6377. We went North up to junction 15 and we came off onto A500. We ran North to the Sideway and then we went Eastwards along the A50 and we saw an unidentified Viking Coaches coach, an unidentified maroon double decker coach & Intercity WF07 FFG. We came off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty tonight.

spare ground in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what we could see. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW with cars parked in front of it. We re-joined the A50 and we ran Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran down the hill into Blurton. In Blurton we saw Alfa 64 by the BP garage. We continued up to Chgurch Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread bicuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.