Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 27-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10573	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	1	Stagecoach Merseyside
26059	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Stagecoach Merseyside
26051	Blacon, Blacon Parade	Chester BS	14	Stagecoach Merseyside
144	Chester BS	Chester, Railway Station	40	Helms
36814	Chester BS	Piper's Ash, Rowan Place	9	Stagecoach Merseyside
36815	Piper's Ash, The Piper	Chester BS	9	Stagecoach Merseyside
3141	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Arriva 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

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 11-04-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10577	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	1	Stagecoach Merseyside
3173	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Arriva NW&W
3174	Blacon, Blacon Parade	Chester BS	14	Arriva NW&W
36802	Chester BS	Hough Green, Cavendish Road	61	Stagecoach Merseyside
15583	Hough Green, Howe Road	Chester BS	16	Stagecoach Merseyside
36804	Chester BS	Kingsway, Pear Tree Way	53	Stagecoach Merseyside

Today we decided to revisit Ellesmere Port and Chester for the first time in a long time. Research consisted of checking what ticket we needed, Checking the car parking in Chester and checking the Weather, which was for dry cool weather with some sunshne. Matthew wokw up at 08:00 to have his medication and then got up around 09:30. We had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 12:00. We set off 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 shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. On the A500 we saw Selwyns BF24 AOJ and white minibus YM05 FUO. We joined the Northboumnd M6 and we headed up to juncction 20. Travelling up the M6 we saw Holmeswood PO68 ???, blue minibus AE68 ONM / WF70 PPV, an unidentified J&A Travel coach and Ridleys Coaches YK26 LBV. We joined the Westbound M56 and we passed the site of a new McDonalds. 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. Once out of the car we saw grey minibus CX73 ZKW parked up. We headed into the market which is in the middle of a re-devlopment. The food court seems to be much smaller than it used to be. We ordered the food and sat down. Whilst we waited for the food we went to the toilet. The toilets have been upgraded and are much better than before. We headed back to our table and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating, we said goodbye to mum an we headed to the bus station. We came out of the market and past The Food Wharehouse and The Portal, which sits on the site of the former bus station. As we got to the coner of Civic Way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15471 on a #1 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 15471 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We continued to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Chester. We turned down Stagecoach Merseyside 27258, which was on a #2 to Runcorn.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 in Ellesmere Port bus station

a few minutes later a suitable bus came around the corner. As it got closer, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 10577 on a X1 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 10577 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets at £5.70 before we went sat down towards the back of the bus. 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 Woods coach and Milligan's MIL 1920 in the coach park. 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 M & H Coaches M555 MNH 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. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we went to the cafe. Matthew had a slice of Victoria Cake and bottle of Coke. When we had finished we looked for a bus we could catch on the ticket we had. We spotted Arriva NW&W 3173 on a #14A Blacon circular.

Arriva NW&W 3173 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 turned left onto Saughall Road where we got off the bus.

Arriva NW&W 3173 in Blacon

Once off the bus we head back to The Parade and we went into Spar. Matthew had a can and a chocolate bar. We walked to the stop on Blacon Avenue and we waited for a bus back towards Chester. A short time later a bus came ariund the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3174 on a #14 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 3174 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. We had a look around to see what we could catch. Arriva NW&W 2668 was on a #11A to Connah's Quay, but we weren't on our tickets.

Arriva NW&W 2668 in Chester bus station

It was also as bus we had been on before. We had previously been on Arriva NW&W 2668 in August 2021, from Runcorn to Halton Lea Hospital on a #3C. Also seen was Arriva NW&W 4542 on layover in between runs on the #11 to Rhyl.

Arriva NW&W 4542 in Chester bus station

We saw a freshly painted bus on a stand behind us. We went to have a look and we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 on a #61 to Higher Kinnerton.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 in Chester bus station

We had a look in which direction the bus was going and we worked out where we could do the bus to and get back on another service. We got on it and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Merseyside 36802.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36802

After waiting time, we set off along Gorse Stacks and turned right into Frodsham Street. We turned right onto Love Street and onto Pepper Street. We continued onto Lower Bridge Street and we turned left onto Old Dee Bridge into Handbridge. We continued onto Overleigh Road and we crossed the A483 and we turned left onto Lache Lane where we got up to get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 as it carried on towards Higher Kinnerton.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 in Hough Green

Once off the bus we crossed over Lache Lane and we walked along Cavendish Road. When we got to the A5104, we saw that it was a residential area and there were no places to go to. We crossed ovcer the road and we waited at the bus stop. We waited for the next Stagecoach bus. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2909 on a #4 to Chester Railway Station.

Arriva NW&W 2909 in Hough Green

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 15583 on a #16 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 15583 in Hough Green

We got on the bus 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 Hough Green and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Overleigh Road. We continued onto Handbridge and we crossed over Old Dee Bridge. We turned right onto Pepper Street and forwards onto Vicar Lane. We turned left onto Love Street and right onto Foregate Street. As we waited to pull forwards onto the Grosvenor Court roundabout an unidentified CIE Tours coach. We turned left onto St Oswald's Way and we entered the bus station in the North West corner. Once off the bus we decided to have a bit of a break and head into a pub. On the way we saw Prospect Coaches YS25 XOV on a #021 Flixbus service to London.

Prospect Coaches YS25 XOV in Chester bus station

We crossed over St Oswald's Way and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we headed back to the bus station. We decided to have one more bus and arrnage to met mum somewhere. We just missed a stagecoach bus on the #14 to Blacon, and the next bus was Arriva NW&W 3173 which we had already been on earlier in the day. We decided to catcha bus to Kingsway instead and go to the chip shop there. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 582 on a #82 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 582 in Chester bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus heading towards the stand. As it came by us, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 on a #53 to Kingsway.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 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 along Gorse Stacks and we turned left onto the A56. We ran North through Hoole and we turned left onto Newton Lane. We crossed over the bridge of an old disused railway line and then we turned right onto Kingsway. Just before the shops we turned left onto Coniston Road and we went to the end where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 as it continued around Kingsway.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 in Kingsway

Once off the bus we had a look around. The chip shop that we used to go to had closed down. Whilst we waited for mum we decided to go the the Co-op. Matthew picked up a can and a chocolate bar. We sat on a bench and Matthew shared his chocolate bar with be and uncle Dave. Mum arrived and we decided to drive to another chip shop. We got in the car and we set off onto Kingsway. We turned right onto Newton Lane and left onto Brook Lane. We turned left onto Ermine Road and we stopped near then end by a chip shop. I went to fetch the food and on my return, Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we set off along Ermine Road and we turned left onto the A56. We headed North Eastwards and we crossed over the A41. At the next roundabout we turned left onto the M53. We headed Northwards to Stoak and we joined the Eastbound M56. We ran through cheshire for around 15 miles and we joined the Southbound M6. As we were heading Southwards through Cheshire we were passed by a group of coaches. I beleive these were returning fans to Gillingham after there football match at Salford. The first coach to pass us was Worthing Coaches BU18 YTW.

Worthing Coaches BU18 YTW on the M6

Straight after this coach was Worthing Coaches BV69 LSF.

Worthing Coaches BV69 LSF on the M6

A few minutes later we were passed by Spirit of Sussex 549.

Spirit of Sussex 549 on the M6

At junction 16 we joined the A500. A we headed towards Talke we were passed by Copeland's Tours MIB 537 returning from a day trip to Lichfield and Penkridge.

Copeland's Tours MIB 537 on the A500

We continued through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We veered left onto Wheildon Road. We crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We stopped to drop off uncle Dave and we said goodbye. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. 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 and continued along Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 19:20. 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 YouTube and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Newcastle 04-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 63102 on a #11 to Hanley. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right and went past Fenton Manor Sport Centre before turning onto Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new housoing development. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned left onto Etruria Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto the Westbound along the Westbound A53. In Etruria we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We travelled North to the M6 and we hit a little bit of traffic. As we got on the M6 As we travelled North. At junction 20 we got onto the Westbound M56. Traveling towards the M53 and we we turned left onto the A5117 and we turned right onto Kinsey Road. We turned right onto Coliseum Way and we turned right and we went to the Coliseum Shopping Park and stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we got back into the car and we set off onto the the Coliseum Shopping Park and over the roundabout and onto Coliseum Way. We veered left onto Kinsey Road and left onto onto the A5117 and then joined the Northbound M53. At the next junction we got onto the eastbound M56. Near to Warrington we joined the Southbound M6. At junction 16 we joined the Southbound A500 to Etruria and we cam off the A500. We turned left onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. When we got back to the residential unit we saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room and used his computer. He also drank a can of Fanta orange. For tea Matthew had a chicken and potatoes. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We went to the Co-op food and we bought a bottle of Coke. Afterwards we continued up City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car MJ71 DFZ outside there yard. We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67145 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67145 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road and we saw blue minibus V604 MBL. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 151.

D&G Bus 151 in Newcastle bus station

We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we turned left into Church Street and we turned left onto Bridge Street and we went under the subway on to the A34. We turned left Dunkirk and we saw white minibus SN56 FCL. We walked up Castle Hill Road and we right onto Stanier Street. We got out of the taxi and we saw grey minibus SH74 FET. When we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. A short time later Matthew went inside and had some twirl chocolate bar and a bottle of Coke. He also spent time in the soft play area. We watch buses out of the window we saw Priory Adult Care EJ21 RNU. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off onto Stanier Street. When we returned to Fenton in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off along Stanier Street. We turned right onto John O' Gaunt's road and left onto Silverdale Road. We turned left onto the A525 and we ran past the dancing Octopus. We turned right onto the Southbound A34. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We cam off and went along the Link Road and up to City Road. We turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 20-07-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27901	Ellesmere Port BS	Helsby, Hornsmill PH	2	Stagecoach Merseyside
2921	Helsby, Opp Tesco	Chester BS	X30	Arriva NW&W
27903	Chester BS	Huntington, Rake & Pikel	5	Stagecoach Merseyside
36318	Huntington, Rake & Pikel	Chester railway station	5	Stagecoach Merseyside
11625	Chester railway station	Chester BS	1	Stagecoach Merseyside
27902	Chester BS	Blacon, The Arches School	14A	Stagecoach Merseyside

Today we decided to revisit Ellesmere Port and Chester. We Asked Matthew where he would like to go today and he chose these places. Research consisted at looking at previous Blog entries and looking at which tickets we had previously used. We also checked the weather which was for cloudy weather with the possibility of thunderstorms. We did no research on parking and eating as we knew where we where going to go. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medicine. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:30 we set off to go and pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto the A500. We continued Ntrhwards throufg Stoke and Etruria and past Longport and Talke. As we ran up the A500 we saw bronze minibus DL69 VFZ, grey minibus PY62 CWO, blue minibus YN55 UEC and white minibus BX66 HGD. At Barthomley Interchange we joined the Northbound M6. Seen on the M6 were blue minibus VJG 903J, AJS Passenger Travel SL17 KWB, S.A.S Travel CV68 TBX, white minibus DY72 NLD, Stagecoach Megabus PR73 KRS, an unidentified Eavesway coach, 2 x red Arriva double deckers on had 2 vauxhall on the display and an unidentified white coach. We ran up to junction 20 and we took the Westbound M56. Seen on the M56 was black minibus SF60 BYD. We came off the M56 and 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. As we parked up we saw Direct Cars KV18 XVL parked up near to the car.

Direct Cars KV18 XVL in Ellesmere Port

We walked into the market and Matthew went to the toilet. We met up with mum and uncle Dave and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked out of the market. We walked along Wellington Road past the site of the old bus station where they have now built an office building. In the distance we saw Arriva NW&W 3144 on a #5 to Mold.

Arriva NW&W 3144 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We were considering doing the Arriva bus and we looked at an alternative ticket in case we did catch it. Whilst we waited for time we saw an another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27901 on a #2 to Palace Fields.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27901 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets at £5.40 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. 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 PG coaches BJ12 ??? and Abbey Coaches SA63 ASH in the coach park. We got onto the A5117. We crossed the M53 and we went past Stanlow oil refinery. We turned left onto Pool Lane and we turned right onto the link road into Elton vilaage. We ran forwards onto Meadow View and forwards again onto Parkland Drive. We ran past the Wheelright Arms and we turned right onto Ince Lane. We re-joined the A5117 and we crossed over the M56. We ran through Hapsford and we joined the A56 where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27901 as it continued towards Palace Fields.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27901 in Helsby

Once off the bus, Matthew had spotted the pub and decided he needed the toilet. We headed into the pub and Matthew used the facilities. We returned to the bar and Matthew had a small Coke. After finishing his drink we went outside and we had spotted that the Southbound X30 to Chester had not been passed. We walked past a new housing development and up to the Tesco and we crossed the road to wait for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 3032 on a X30 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 3032 in Helsby

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching in the distance. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2921 on a X30 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 2921 in Helsby

We got on it and we singles to Cheter at £2 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A56 and we ran through Dunham-on-the-Hill past fromer The Wheatsheaf pub. We continued Southwards and we ran under the M56. We crossed the A41 and we ran through Hoole to the edge of Chester. We crossed over the railway and turned right onto The A5268 before veering left into the bus station where e got up and got off the bus. Onc off the bus we had a walk around the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we visited the coffee shp. Matthew had an Almond Slice and a can of Coke. After Matthew had finished eating and drinking we had a walk around the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 577 on a #82 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 577 in Chester bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 4550 on a #11 to Holywell. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. Matthew spotted a #5 that was being preparred for service. As we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27903 on a #5 to Huntington.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27903 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Merseyside Dayrider Plus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Merseyside 27903 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 27903

We set off along Gorse Stacks and turned right into Frodsham Street. We stopped to take on more passengers and then we went forwards onto the A51. We travelled through Boughton and we ran forwards onto the A5115. We travelled through Boughton Heath. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down Caldy Valley Road and we headed down the hill. We turned right follwing Caldy Valley Road and we turned left onto the B5130. We crossed over the North Wales Expressway and we ran onto the roundabout outside the Rake & Pikel. The was a short turning circle just off the roundabout and we pulled into there. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27903 as it returned to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27903 in Huntington

We crossed over Sandy Lane and Highlander Road and we headed into the Co-op. We bought a large galaxy caramel and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished paying for the food we headed back to the bus stop. Matthew had a can of Fanta from the trip bag and afterwards we shared most of the Galaxy Caramel. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36318 on a #5 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36318 in Huntington

We got on the bus and we flashed the Merseyside Dayrider Plus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36318 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36318

We set off onto the B5130 and we crossed over the North Wales Expressway. We turned right onto Caldy Valley Road and we ran through the Caldy Valley estate. We turned left to follow Caldy Valley Road Northwards. We ran through Boughton Heath past Sainsbury's and we turned left onto the A5115. We ran forwards onto the A51 and we headed around The Bars roundabout onto City Road. We went past the railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spot some coaches so we walked up to see them. We saw Holmeswood YG67 FZN parked up opposite to the railway station.

Holmeswood YG67 FZN in Chester

Further along the road we saw another pair of coaches. The first one was Keane Coaches BX65 WBF.

Keane Coaches BX65 WBF in Chester

The second of the pair of coaches was Keane Coaches BX65 WBU.

Keane Coaches BX65 WBU in Chester

We crossed back over the road and Matthew wanted to go into a music venue, but it was ticket only. Further down the road as we got to the bus stop we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 11625. We asked the driver if the bus was going to the Interchnage. It was but not for another 10 minutes. We went into the pub by the bus stop and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he ad a glass of Coke. We went outside and sure enough we saw that Stagecoach Merseyside 11625 was still outside on a #1 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 11625 in Chester

We got on the bus and we flashed the Merseyside Dayrider Plus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Station Road and we turned left onto Brook Street. We turned onto the A56 and we turned right at the roundabout onto the A5268. We veered left and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once up we had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw M & H Coaches YJ21 FBA on layover in between runs on the T8 to Corwen.

M & H Coaches YJ21 FBA in Chester bus station

Originally we considered doing a #53 to Kingsway to meet up with mum there. But a quick look for the name of the chip shop revealed that the chip shop was temporarily closed for refurbishment. We decided to go to Blacon and meet up with mum there. We had a look at the Blacon stops and there was a Stagecoach bus on stand. AS we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 27902 on a #14A Blacon circular.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27902 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 and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 27902 as it continued towards Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27902 in Blacon

We crossed over the road and we met up with mum, Matthew went into the car and had a can of Cherry Coke with some ice in a cup. I went to the chip shop and fetched sausage chips and gravy for Matthew. When I had finished eating we set off out of Blacon Parade and we turned right onto Sherwood Road. We turned left onto Blacon Avenue and we ran to the end. We crossed over the roundabout onto the A5480 and briefly joined the Northbound A5116 before turning right onto Mill Lane. We ran forwards onto Heath Road and at the end we turned right onto the A41. We crossed the A56 and we continued round to the Eastern side of Chester. We turned left onto the A51 and we crossed over the A55 and we continued Eastwards. We briefly joined the Southbound A49. At Four Lane Ends we ontinued onto the A51 and we headed through Wardle past Snugbury's. We turned left onto the Nantwich bypass. We ran around the North side of Nantwich and we joined the A500. We ran to the South of Crewe and we crossed under the M6 as we travelled along the A500 we saw Global Travel B13 HTL on a returning day trip to Cardiff. We ran through Talke and Longport into Stoke and we came off the A500. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house and Matthew used the toilet. We uodated the calendar and Matthew took a can of Cherry Coke into the house to drink in front of uncle Rob. We got back in the car and we set off for 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 saw beige minibus DS03 UTT parked up. We turned right onto Church Road and we saw blue minibus A16 LEH. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:10. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark