Showing posts with label Arriva North West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arriva North West. Show all posts

Saturday, 27 June 2026

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 27-06-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



10573Ellesmere Port BSChester BS1Stagecoach Merseyside
26059Chester BSBlacon, The Arches School14AStagecoach Merseyside
26051Blacon, Blacon ParadeChester BS14Stagecoach Merseyside
144Chester BSChester, Railway Station40Helms
36814Chester BSPiper's Ash, Rowan Place9Stagecoach Merseyside
36815Piper's Ash, The PiperChester BS9Stagecoach Merseyside
3141Chester BSBlacon, The Arches School14AArriva NW&W


Today we decided to re-visit Ellesmere Port. We asked Matthew on Friday where he would like to go today and he chose Ellesmere Port. Research for today consisted of looking at the Stagecoach bus tickets and checking the weather. The weather was forcast for hot and sunny weather with some cloud, slightly cooler than Friday! Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00. For breakfast Matthew had crumpets and orange juice. We set off just before 12:00. We returned to the house to get Matthew's hat and sunglasses! We set off again and we ran along Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we passed the former betting shop. We ran up the hill and we crossed over the A50. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards Wheildon Road. We stopped to pick up uncle Dave and we continued down towards Stoke past the old psychiatric nurse which is now a family contact centre. We joined the Northbound A500 e and we ran through Stoke. We ran North through Etruria and we past the KE Travel garage and North through Longport. We joined the M6 and we ran Nothwards. The oil light came on so we stopped at sandbach Services. We saw white minibus HT25 AYK parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the petrol station to pick up oil. After topping up the oil we continued onto the M6. Travelling Northwards we saw Alfa A152 and minibus SB25 PFD. We joine the Westbound M56 and as we travelled Westwards we were passed by Mario Coaches M121 RYO.


Mario Coaches M121 RYO on the M56
We passed junction 12, near to a new petrol station on the A557. We got onto the Northbound M53. We came off the M53 at junction 9 and we headed Westwards on the A5032. We turned left onto Cromwell Road and we followed the road to the right onto Wellington Road. We turned left onto Cambrdge Road and we went right onto McGarva Way. We turned right onto Grange Road and we parked up near to the Market. We headed into the Market and we ordered the food and sat down. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating, we went to the toilets. We said goodbye to mum an we headed to the bus station. We came out of the market and past The Food Warehouse and The Portal, which sits on the site of the former bus station. We turned the corner onto Civic Way and we waited for a bus. We decided to go towards Chester as usuual. There was a bus due in a few minutes. The bus came around the corner and as it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 10573 on a #1 to Chester railway station.


Stagecoach Merseyside 10573 in Ellesmere Port bus station
We got on the bus and we booked Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets at £5.70 each before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Wellington Road and we turned left onto Stanney Lane and we ran past The Grace Arms, which was a pub we used to eat at back when we first started to visit Ellesmere Port. We continued down the road for around 1/2 mile and then we turned left into the Coliseum Retail Park. We continued into the adjacent Cheshire Oaks designer outlet and we saw , an unidentified Bws Peris coach. We got onto the A5117 and we ran Westwards to the A41. We ran South and where we would normally turn right we went straight on towards Chester Zoo. We turned into the zoo and we saw BX63 BEO parked up. We came back out of the Zoo and continued South down the A41 and we turned right onto Heath Road. We continued onto Mill Street and we joined the Southbound A5116. We ran into Chester and over the ring road onto Northgate. We turned left into Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw D&G Bus 573 on Layover.


D&G Bus 573 in Chester bus station
We headed into the cafe and Matthew had a slice of Victoria Sponge and a can of Coke. After we had finished Matthew went to the toilet. We continued to look for what we might catch. We saw Arriva NW&W 3142 on a #4 to Mold.


Arriva NW&W 3142 in Chester bus station
We headed to the Blacon stops and we saw a bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 on a #14A Blacon circular.


Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Gorse Stacks and we ran onto George Street. At the end we turned right onto Northgate Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the A5116. We veered left on the one-way system and we ran forwards onto the A540. We ran past Chester University and we hit traffic as we got to the edge of town. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blacon Avenue. We travelled Westwards for around a mile and when we got to the shops we got up to get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 as it continued towards Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 26059 in Blacon
We sat under a tree to keep cool and Matthew had a can of Coke from the trip bag. After we had finished the drink we headed to the bus stop. The bus came around the corner. As it got closer, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 26051 on a #14 to Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 26051 in Blacon
We got on it and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Blacon Avenue and we had a long run of around 2/3 of a mile down to a roundabout. We crossed the roundabout onto the A540 and we had another run of around 1/2 mile up to Liverpool Road. We ran around the one-way system and passed the former Stagecoach bus depot which is now student accomodation. We continued and into town along Northgate. We crossed over the ring road on Northgate and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Coming into the bus station we spotted a Helms double decker, We headed over to the stand and as we got closer we saw it was Helms 144 on a #40 town circular service.


Helms 144 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to the railway station at £2 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Frodsham Street. We turned left onto Foregate Street and we turned left onto St Oswald Way. We ran past the bus station and we turned right onto the A56. We turned right onto Brook Street and we followed the road to the right onto Station Road. We pulled up outside the railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Helms 144 before it returned to the bus station.


Helms 144 in Chester
Across the road we spotted M & H Coaches YJ64 DXR on a T8 service to Corwen.


M & H Coaches YJ64 DXR in Chester
We just missed a Stagecoach Bus heading out of town, so we decided to walk back to the bus station via the pub. We set off along City Road and at The Bars we turned right onto St Oswalds Way. As we walked towards the pub we saw The Travellers Choice YJ25 CVS on a day trip returning to Carnforth.


The Travellers Choice YJ25 CVS in Chester
We continued along St Oswalds Way and we got to Brook Street and headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar. We bought a glass of Coke and we sat down. After we finished our drink we said goodbye to our new friends and we set off out of the pub. We went under the roundabout and we came up on Brookdale Place. We crossed over Frodsham Street and we headed into the bus station. We decided to do something we hadn't done in a very long time, we thought we'd head to Piper's Ash. We spotted a bus on stand and as we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 on a #9 to Piper's Ash.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Merseyside plus Dayrider to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Gorse Stacks. We crossed the roundabout and forwards onto the A56. We crossed over the railway line and we headed into Hoole. We turned right onto Canadian Avenue and left onto Hoole Lane. At th e end of Hoole Lane we turned left onto Pipers Lane. We spotted a pub and and a couple of coaches parked up, so we decided to get off at the next stop. We turned left onto Alder Grove and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 as it continued back towards Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36814 in Piper's Ash
Once off the bus we walked back around the corner and closed to the A41 where we could see 2 coaches parked up. The front one of the 2 was Keane's Coaches BX65 WBF parked up in the layby.


Keane's Coaches BX65 WBF in Piper's Ash
To the rear was Keane's Coaches L121 MPR also parked up.


Keane's Coaches L121 MPR in Piper's Ash
We walked along Pipers Lane and we headed into the pub. As we walked through the door we were handed an England flag. We headed to the bar and we bought a glass of Coke. After we had the drink Matthew went to the toilet. We headed out of the pub abd we walked around the corner to the bus stop. It was at this point I realised I had lost my bus ticket! A few minutes later we saw the bus go around the corner. It ran around the end of the route and it came back again. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 on a #9 to Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 in Piper's Ash
We got on the bus and I bought a Stagecoach Chester Dayrider at £5.60. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Merseyside 36815 before we sat down.


Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36815
The bus set off along Hoole Lane and we ran for about a mile. We crossed over the railway line to the East of the station and we turned right onto the A51. We ran into the town centre and we ran around The Bars onto St Oswalds Way. We ran past the bus station and we turned left to enter the bus station from the North side. We pulled onto the bay and we got up and got off the bus. We had contacted mum and we had arranged to meet her at Blacon. We had a quick look around the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 3011 parked up on layover.


D&G Bus 3011 in Chester bus station
We walked around to the stand and we saw a bus approaching. As it came on stand we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3141 on a #14A Blacon circular.


Arriva NW&W 3141 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Chester Dayrider to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Gorse Stacks and we ran onto George Street. At the end we turned right onto Northgate Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the A5116. We veered left on the one-way system and we ran forwards onto the A540. We ran past Chester University and we hit traffic as we got to the edge of town. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blacon Avenue. We travelled Westwards for around a mile and when we got to the shops we got up to get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3141 as it continued towards Chester.


Arriva NW&W 3141 in Blacon
Once off the bus we headed into the Spar shop. Matthew had a chocolate bar and a bottle of pop. We walked back to the car park and we sat under a tree in the shade. Matthew stayed with uncle dave and I popped back to the shop and bought some bottled water for everyone. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 3014 on a #14 Blacon circular. Mum appeared from the East and when she worked ouked how to get into the car park she pulled up near to us. Matthew got into the car and I went to the chip shop. I returned from the chip shop with food and we sat in the car. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a cup of lemonade with ice. Once I had finished eating we set off out of the car park and we headed Westwards along Blacon Avenue. We ran forwards onto Countess Way and we turned left onto the A41. We ran North for a couple of mile and we turned right onto the A5032. At Backford Cross we turned right onto the A5117 and we ran past Chesire Oaks. We turned right onto the Southbound M53 and we immediatley joined the Eastbound M56. As we travalled Eastwards we followed S-Line SL75 ???. Other vehicles seen was party bus PN03 UGC. We joined the Southband M6 and we saw an unidentified DNH Coaches coach, an unidentified Docherty Midland Coaches coach an unidentified white coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Fanta. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Later on Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We watched Youtube and we got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Trip to Wrexham / Ruthin 09-05-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



4480Wrexham BSRuthin, Co-opT51Arriva NW&W
YJ64 DXORuthin, War MemorialCorwen BST8M&H Coaches
BV24 LMMCorwen BSLlangollen, Parade StreetT3Lloyds Coaches
1011Llangollen, Parade StreetJohnstown, o/s Co-op5Arriva NW&W
702Johnstown, after Co-opCefn Mawr, opp Tesco2CArriva NW&W
709Cefn Mawr, o/s TescoWrexham BS2CArriva NW&W


Today We decided to re-visit Wrexham. Reseach for the trip consisted of looking at the 1 bws ticket, looking at where we ate on our previous visits to Wrexham and checking the weather. The weather was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off just after 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we travelled up the A500 we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ54 BUZ. We continued past the M6 and over the West coact main line. I wasn't concentrating so I turned left onto the A531. We ran to the next roundabout, did a u-turn and we re-joined the Westbound A500. We turned right onto the B5071 and we ran around the block. We turned left onto Laura Street and right onto Barker Street and right onto St Clair Street. We re-joined the Southbound B5071 and parked outside the YMCA facing South We went into the cafe. Matthew had a full English Breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We left the YMCA and we got in the. We went back South B5071 and we joined the Westbound A500. We continued for a further 3 miles or so and we turned right onto the Nantwich bypass, past the new road under construction and we ran around the North side of Nantwich before joining the Westbound A534. We travelled west for around 4 miles and we crossed over the A49. We crossed over the A41 at Croxton and we continued to the eastern edge of Wrexham. We continued onto Holt Street and we ran into the centre of town. We veered right onto Chester Street and we turned left into the library car park and parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked onto Rhosddu Road. We continued to the bus station and we turned left onto Trinity Street walking past the buses on layover. In the layover area we saw GM Buses RO71 KUW parked up.


GM Buses RO71 KUW in Wrexham bus station
Also parked up was Arriva NW&W 2152 on layover in between runs on the #27 to Mold.


Arriva NW&W 2152 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2156 coming into the layover area after working in on a #11 to Minera.


Arriva NW&W 2156 in Wrexham bus station
We gave Matthew a few choices and he chose to go on the T51. A short time later the bus came around from the other side of the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4480 on a T51 service to Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Wrexham bus station
We got on the bus and we bought 1 bws tickets at £7.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Trinity Street and we followed the one way system around onto King Street. We joined the A5152 and we crossed over the A525. We ran through Coedpoeth and Gegin and we entered into Bwlchgwyn and Four Crosses. We veered right onto the A5104 and left onto Allt Yr Efail we ran into Llandegla. The bus turned in the road and we continued along Allt Yr Efail and we turned right onto the A5104. We turned right into the A525 and we ran through Llysfasi. We continued through Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd ran up through Ruthin and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4480 as it continued towards Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Ruthin
Once off the bus we were met by a friendly local who gave us a map of the town. We past a car park and we saw white minibus KX07 WNG parked up near to the Co-op. We turned left onto Market Street and we walk up the hill to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small glass of Coke. We sat down in a little snug area to have our drinks. When we had fisnished we went back out onto Market Street and we a quick look in the market. There was nothing that we wanyted to buy so we went to uncle Dave. We were unsure where we needed to go to catch the bus so we walked up Market Street to the roundabout. We worked out the bus was going from around the corner on Wynnstay Road, so we walked back down Market Street and around the corner onto Wynnstay Road. We waited for a bus towards Corwen. A short time later the bus came around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO on a T8 to Corwen.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Ruthin
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Wynnstay Road and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran forwards onto the A5254 and we headed Southwards for a couple of miles into Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd. We turned right onto Bron Y Clywd and we turned left onto the Southbound A494. We ran Southwards through Pwllglas and Gwyddelwern and we passed M&H Coaches SK18 TKD going the other way. We turned left onto the B5437 and we passed the Ifor William factory. We turned right onto Green Lane and we ran into Corwen. We turned left by the railway station and we entered the bus station area. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO before it went on layover.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Corwen bus station
There was a small layover area in front of Corwen railway station. Parked in this area was Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 waiting for passenger of the incoming training.


Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 in Corwen bus station
We went onto the railway station and Matthew used the toilet. We came back through the shop and we bought a can of Coke. A few minutes later another bus arrived. It was Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN on a T3C to Llanwchllyn.


Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN in Corwen bus station
We sat down by the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dandelion & Burdock. A few minutes pater we saw Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMO on a T3 to Barmouth. A few minutes later our bus arrived. We saw it was Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM on a T3 to Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Corwen bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we satdown towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A5. We headed Eastwards through Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy. We continued through Pen Y Bryn and Berwyn and we ran into the West end of Llangollen. We turned left onto Market Street and left onto Parade Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM as it continued towards Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Llangollen
We walked back along Parade Street and we turned left onto East Street and into the car park. There were a few buses and coaches parked up here. Of particular interest to us was Staffordshire Moorlands operotor Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG parked up.


Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG in Llangollen
We crossed Market Street and we bought an ice cream. We walked along Greenfields and we sat on a bench near to the bus stop and Matthew ate the ice cream. We were now starting to make our way back towards the car whilst still getting in a few more buses. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 1011 on a #5 to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Llangollen
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat donwn towards the back of the bus. We decided we wouod do this as far as Johnstown to get some supplies from the Co-op. We set off along Parade Street and we turned left onto Castle Street. We crossed over the river and we turned right onto the Eastbound A539. We ran through Trevor and Acrefair. At the big roundabout we veered left onto the Northbound B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown and we got up and got off by the big Co-op. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 1011 as it continued Northwards towards Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Johnstown
We headed into the Co-op and Matthew bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolate bar. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus towards Cefn Mawr. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 702 on a #2c to Cefn Mawr.


Arriva NW&W 702 in Johnstown
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5605 and we went under the railway line. We turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we continued Westwards through Acrefair and we turned left onto Abernant Road. We turned right to contimnued along Abernant road and we ran forwards onto Queen Street. We turned right onto Dolydd Road and we continued onto Cae Gwilym Lane. We turned left onto Coronation Street and left onto Plas Kynaston Lane. We turned right onto Hill Street and we continued onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into Tesco. We bought some pop and a chocolate bar and we went back to the bus stop. We waited for a #2 service. The service bypassed the area, and we were told by a local that this was due to roadworks and a diversion. So we had longer to wait for the next #2C. Whilst we waityed we shared a kitkat that we had in the trip bag. A short time later the bus appeared. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 709 on a #2C to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Cefn Mawr
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Oxford Street and we ran forwards onto Hill Street. We continued onto Queen Street and we ran forwards onto Abernant Road. We joined the Eastbound A539 and we headed towards Plas Madoc. We turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we headed Eastwards again. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown. We continued into Rhostyllen and we ran under the A483. We ran up the A5152 the last two miles or so into the cente of Wrexham and past Wreham General railway station. We turned right into Regent Street and left into King Street. We turned left into Lord Street and we stopped outside the bus station. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 709. Before it went off back to the depot.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Wrexham bus station
We had messaged mum, and she said she would pick us up at the car park where we were dropped off. We headed past the bus layover area and we saw Arriva NW&W 2154 in between runs on the #21 to Summerhill.


Arriva NW&W 2154 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 704 awaiting it's next turn on the #33 to Llay.


Arriva NW&W 704 in Wrexham bus station
We set off along Trinity Street and we turned right onto Rhosddu Road. We walkd past the Police station and library and we turned left onto Llwyn Isaf. We walked past the marquee where there was a music festival going on. We waited in the car park as mum had got lost and took a while to get back to us. A few minutes later mum got in the car and we set off Northwards up Chester Road. We turned right onto the A5152 and we ran past Lidl. We turned right onto Holt Street and left onto Market Street and we parked up near to the chip shop. I went to fetch the food, and when I returned, Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of dandelion & burdock. After I had finished eating we set off along Market Street and we turned left onto St George's Crescent. We ran forwards onto Holt Street and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the A483 and at the next roundabout we joined the Eastbound A534. We ran up to Nantwich crossing the A41 and A49. We joined the A51 and we passed the site of a new Shell petrol station where work has statrted. We continued Nantwich by-pass and we ran around the North side of town and we joined the A500. We crossed under the M6 and we continued through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We ran up Wheildon road and we dropped off uncle Dave. After we dropped off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Saturday, 31 January 2026

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 31-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



3028Widnes, Green OaksRuncorn BS79AArriva NW&W
2788Runcorn BSHalton Lea North Low Level82AArriva NW&W
2793Halton Lea SouthRuncorn BSX4Arriva NW&W
3160Runcorn BSMurdishaw Central82AArriva NW&W
2790Murdishaw CentralHalton Lea North Low Level2Arriva NW&W
3163Halton Lea SouthWidnes, Green Oaks82AArriva NW&W


Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. We asked Matthew on Friday night and he chose Widnes. We did no research other than to check the weather, which was for grey weather with rain showers. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 stopped to pick up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we ran up Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned right onto Temple Street and we stopped at the residential unit. We collected his hat and scarf and and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned right onto Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw Johnsons YT23 HYO and Global Travel 5621 RU. We ran to the North end of the A500 and we turned right onto the Northbound M6. As we travelled Norhwards on the M6 we saw silver minibus V200 SAJ, blue minibus SD25 WCE, grey minibus CY25 KDU and Cheshire Travel HX71 WLJ. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards towards Liverpool. Seen on the M62 was an unidentified ALS coach. We came off the M62 at junction and we headed Southwards down the A557. We turned right and ran past Aldi and towards the Green Oaks Shopping Centre. We went past the bus station and we parked up in the car park. As we walked out of the car park we saw Arriva NW&W 3018 on a #82A to Murdishaw.


Arriva NW&W 3018 in Widnes
Afterwards we went into the Market and we headed to the cafe at the back end. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we stopped at the sweet store to get some mint chews. We headed out of the market to the bus station. As short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it turned the corner we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3028 on a #79C to Murdishaw.


Arriva NW&W 3028 in Widnes
We got on the bus and we bought a Liverpool Plus Day Saver tickets at £5.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the Halton leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road forwards onto Cavendish Street. We ran along the Runcorn Station Link Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street and the former NatWest bank. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3028 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.


Arriva NW&W 3028 in Runcorn bus station
Once off the bus we walked onto Church Street and we headed to The Little Dessert Shop. Matthew had a slice of apple crumble Cheescake with raspberry sauce. When we had finished eating we headed back out onto Church Street we stopped at a convenience store and picked up a bottle of Dr Pepper. We continued along Church Street and into the bus station. We turned the corner and we saw a bus. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2788 on a #82 A to Murdishaw.


Arriva NW&W 2788 in Runcorn bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Day Saver under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran towards Halton Lea shopping centre. There is currently a diversion and we ran onto Second Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2788 as it carried on towards Liverpool.


Arriva NW&W 2788 in Halton Lea
We went up the step and we went underneath the busway and into Shopping City Shopping Centre. We walked down the corridor and across the square to the toilets. After we visited the toilets we turned left and headed to the Halton Lea South bus station. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2793 on a X4 to Liverpool.


Arriva NW&W 2793 in Halton Lea
We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Day Saver under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later we saw Ashcroft's Travel Solo HIG 4410 on the #52 Beechwood Circular service.


Ashcroft's Travel HIG 4410 in Runcorn bus station
Once off the bus we headed over to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of coke each. When we had finished our drinks we walked back over to the bus station. As we got to the bus station we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3160 on a #82A to Murdishaw.


Arriva NW&W 3160 in Runcorn bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Day Saver under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea shopping centre. we took the diversionary route and we ran along Second Avenue. We Turned right onto East Lane and left onto Crown Gate past the former housing estate.we joined the busway and we ran past the Hospital. We traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 3160 before it returned to Warrington.


Arriva NW&W 3160 in Murdishaw
Once off the bus we headed into Co-op and we bought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chcoclate bars. We went back to the bus stop and Mattehw drank some of the Dr Pepper. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2790 on a #2 Halton Lea circular service.


Arriva NW&W 2790 in Murdishaw
We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Day Saver under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the busway and over the railway line. We ran past Runcorn East railway station and we headed Northwards. We head West along the busway we ran through the Castlefields area. we continued around past the Brow and down to the North side of Halton Lea. There is currently a diversion and we ran onto Second Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up the steps and under the busway. We walked through the shopping centre and Matthew visited the toilet. After using the toilet we continued through the shopping centre to the South bus station. We went up top and we saw Arriva NW&W 30?? on a #1 circular. We turned this bus down. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3163 on a #82A to Liverpool One.


Arriva NW&W 3163 in Halton Lea
We got on the bus and we placed the Liverpool Plus Day Saver under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station onto the B5155. We turned right onto Devonshire Place and left onto Station Road. We past the railway station and onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We crossed the roundabout and forwards onto the A533. We crossed over the River Mersey on the Jubilee Bridge and we came off the A533 onto Waterloo Road. We ran into the centre of Widnes onto Victoria Road. We ran to the East of the town centre along Widnes Road and we veered right onto Brynn Street. We turned left around the back of Asda petrol station and we turned right onto Gerrard Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3163 before it continued towards Liverpool One bus station.


Arriva NW&W 3163 in Widnes
Uncle Dave headed back to the car with the trip bag and I went with Matthew across to Morrisons. After using the toilet we bought a bottle of Coke. As we walked back to the car we saw Arriva NW&W 3220 on a #17 to St Helens.


Arriva NW&W 3220 in Widnes
We headed back past the bus station to the car and we got in the car. We drove onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards. We turned left at the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 miles or so up to the M62 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 516 and Tally Ho BU74 YRT. We stopped at Sandbach Services we saw silver minibus Matthew went to the toilet. We got back in the car and we re-joined the Southbound M6. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. At Sideway we left the A500 and got onto the Eastbound A50. Seen on the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road and we stopped by the chip shop. Matthew expressed that he wanted to regurned his hat and scarf to the residential unit. We set off towards Blurton Road and there was a loud bang. We had driven into a rain filled hole and this damaged the car. We picked up the piece off the car park and we continued onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link LA72 DDU. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street. After we stopped at the residential unit one of the carers came down and collected the hat and scarf. We got back in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we stopped at the chip shop and we bought the food. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had 2 small sausages chips and gravy and a can of Dandelion & Burdock. We drover along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back around 19:00. We went into the house and Matthew ate his sausages chips and gravy. We did some Blog and sorted out an e-mail. Matthew had his medication and afterwards I took uncle Dave home. We continued with the Blog and Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark