Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 10-05-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
6008	Longton, The Strand	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
67149	Newcastle BS	Burslem, (stop G)	98	First Potteries
63100	Burslem, (Stop A)	Tunstall, stop A	39A	First Potteries
47519	Tunstall, stop B	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
63102	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	39A	First Potteries
67143	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
24	Biddulph BS	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
35940	Newcastle BS	Trent Vale, Black Lion	101	First Potteries
764	Trent Vale, Black Lion	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	D&G Bus

Today we decided to stay local due to having a hectic weekend planned. We did no research for the trip other than to check the weather which was for dry and sunny weather turning a little cloudy latter on. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:00 we went out and got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. Afterwardsb we set off up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran down the hill and back through the roadworks and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we went back home and parked up the car. When we got back Matthew listened to some music and we packed the trip bag. We set of around 11:40 and we walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. We looked on the map and we decided to change our plans and headed to Longton as one of the First Potteries Enviro200's was heading towards Longton. We crossed over the road and almost immediately we saw the bus approching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 44514 on a #22 to Longton as expected.

First Potteries 44514 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked Smart Day tickets at £4.80 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Magdalen Road and we turned right onto Finstock Avenue. We turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and we cut through onto The Strand to the Britannia cafe where we decided to have dinner today. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back down The Strand to the bus stop where we spotted D&G Bus 6008 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6008 in Longton

We got on the bus and we flashed Smart Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand. We turned left into Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto Baths Road and we turned left under the railway line onto King Street. As we travelled down King Street through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road, past the site of the new Costa Coffee. 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. As we entered Stoke we continued into into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. 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. Once of the bus we saw D&G Bus 113 on a #94 to Congleton. A few minutes later we saw a bus heading for the Wolstanton corridor stand. We saw it was First Potteries 67149 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 67149 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Barracks Road and up to the Jubilee roundabout. We crossed over onto the A527 and we ran out of town through Brampton up to May bank. We continued forwards through Wolstanton and at the roundabout we turned right onto Porthill Bank and across the A500. We ran up through Longport to Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned right towards Burslem. We ran up Newcastle Street into Burslem and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 67149 before it carried on towards Ball Green.

First Potteries 67149 in Burslem

We headed towards the A50 and on the way we stopped to have a look and the new statue of Lemmy that was revealed yesterday. We carried on to the bus stop and we waited for a bus up to Tunstall. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63100 on a #39A to Butt Lane.

First Potteries 63100 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Scotia Road and we ran up past the old Burslem bus garage to the bottom end of Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 63100 before it carried on towards Butt Lane.

First Potteries 63100 in Tunstall

Once off the bus we walked down to Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him a slice of toffee cheesecake and a can of Coke. Once he had finished eating we went outside onto the High Street. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 47519 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 47519 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshaw Cross and we joined Longport Road. We crossed over the roundabout and climbed Porthill bank before turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through Wolstanton and out the other side and down into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we ran onto barracks Road before we turned into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we saw First Pottereies 63116 on a #22 to Longton. We decided to head towards Hanley. Almost immediately we saw First Potteries 63102 on a #39A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63102 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we ran up and over into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We turned left onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned right onto Etruria Valeey Link Road and we ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around anti-clockwise to Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. There was a Biddulph bus in less than 20 minutes and the next buses was over an hour after that. We decided to pop to the shop and waited for the bus rather than going up to the car park to take bus pictures. We went to the Spar and Matthew had a Milky Way and a bottle of Dr Pepper. We came back to stand L and Matthew ate the Milky Way and drank the Dr Pepper.A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67143 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67143 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67143

The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road past the sight of the new Tesco Express store. We travelled through Sneyd Green and due to a diversion we turned left onto the A53. We turned right onto North Street and right onto Sandbach Road. we continued onto Sneyd Hill and we turned left onto Smallthorne roundabouts towards Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way. We ran past the building site and we turned right up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67143 before it returned to Hanley on the next #7A.

First Potteries 67143 in Biddulph bus station

After we got off the bus we saw D&G Bus 135 on a #95 to Audley.

D&G Bus 135 in Biddulph bus station

We headed along Wharf Road and we turned left onto High Street. We visited the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. I went to the bar and ordered drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat in the bar and we finished our drinks. We headed back to the bus stop and we said if the Audley bus was still there we would catch it. As we approaching the corner we saw D&G BUs 135 set off towards Audley. We looked at the timetable and we saw there was an hour to wait for the next bus! We decided to use the time to have a look at the Hollinshead Coaches depot. We walked down Wharf Road and we crossed over the A527. We turned left and right into a short unnamed road. We stood at the entrance to the depot and we were able to take a few pictures. We saw Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC parked up n the depot.

Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC in Biddulph

We walked back onto Wharf Road and we headed into Home Bargains We bought some Cadbury's Fudge, some biscuits and some bottles of dandelion & burdock. We sat on the bench near to the old bus station building and we had a fudge each, we then ate a few biscuits. We decided the best way to get back home was to do the #94 to Newcastle and doing the #22 forward. We turned down D&G Bus 6001 on a #9 to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 24 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 24 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station we turned right onto High Street. We turned left onto Well Street and left onto Princess Street. We crossed over the roundabout onto Church Road and we turned right onto Church Close. We turned left onto Woodland Street and right onto Park Lane. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran through Knypersley into Brindley Ford. We continued down the hill to Fegg Hayes and up the other side towards Turnhurst. We crossed the roundabout and we veered left onto Furlong Road. At the end we turned left onto Tunstall High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. As we travelled down to Trubshaw Cross. We ran forwards along the A5271 through Longport and over the A500. We climbed up Porthill Banks and surprisingly we turned right. Bradwell and Hempstalls to pick up that section of the route. We turned right onto Arnold Grove and we went past the cemetery. We turned left onto Bursley Way and then left onto Bradwell Lane. We turned right onto Hanbridge Avenue. We turned left onto Dimsdale Parade West and then right onto Hassam Parade. We turned left onto Wulstan Drive and we turned right onto the A527 into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout and we ran down Barracks Road and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we saw First Potteries 67178 going out of service.

First Potteries 67178 in Newcastle bus station

We decided that we could to the #101 to Trent Vale and get an extra bus in. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35940 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34 and we ran into Trent Vale. As we headed South we continued to the pub where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 35940 as it continued towards Stafford.

First Potteries 35940 in Trent Vale

We sat on the wall and we waited for the bus. We had around 10 minutes to wait and we we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 764 on a #22 to Longton.

D&G Bus 764 in Trent Vale

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to the house and we spent some time in the house. I went out and fetch tea. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. Later on we had a few coconut biscuits. Atound 19:00 we took uncle Dave home. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the road works and up the hill to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we turned left at the traffic lights onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we dropped of uncle Dave. We got back in the car 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 the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:30. 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 had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Congleton 31-08-2019

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

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

Arriva NW&W 4173 in Crewe bus station

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

Arriva NW&W 2931 in Crewe bus station

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

Arriva NW&W 708 in Crewe bus station

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

First Potteries 67655 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW&W Day Savers at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge past the site of the up and coming Little Dessert Shop. We crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into open countryside. and we crossed over the Arclid crossroads. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we took another picture of Arriva NW&W 708 before it carried on towards Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

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

Hollinshead Coaches SN66 WKZ in Congleton

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

Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC in Congleton bus station

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

Inside Hollinshead Coaches MX05 OUC

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

YJ68 AVW in Congleton

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

Arriva NW&W 708 in Congleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads. On the west side of the M6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common where we saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #37A to Northwich. After a brief stop we continued on our journey. After a brief stop we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line. Due to Chester Bridge being closed in one direct we turned right onto the A5078 and we ran forwards onto the A5019. We turned left Earle Street and left onto Prince Albert Street. We turned right onto Chester Street and right onto Market Street. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Street and we saw Arriva NW&W 4410 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 4410 in Crewe

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

Adams Travel EG16 FYD on A500

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

Terry Bushell A13 TBT on A50

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

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Another vehicle seen was Z Carz Mercedes minibus KE03 JXC.

Z Carz KE03 JXC in Longton

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

Lucky Seven KE54 ARM in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a slice of red velvet cake. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Clitheroe / Whalley 15-03-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
PX10 ABZ	Clitheroe Interchange	The Beeches, B6243 (failed)	25	Holmeswood
1834	Whalley BS	Clitheroe Interchange	26	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
MX05 OUC	Clitheroe Interchange	Whalley BS	5	Holmeswood
1834	Whalley BS	Read, opp Campbell Street	27	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1853	Read, o/s Constitutional Club	Whalley BS	26	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1101	Whalley BS	Blackburn temporary BS	22	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to visit Clitheroe. We didn't decided where we were going until Friday as we want to see how the car was going to be after having some repairs. We gave Matthew a list of destination and Matthew chose Clitheroe. Research for the trip consisted of finding and reading the 'Ribble valley Ranger' leaflet, and checking the weather which was for cloud and sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:30 and we went onto the A5035. We turned onto Stanley Matthews Way and there were quite a few coaches parked up in the South car park which we could not identify. We went onto the A50 and then the Northbound A500 which we did to Shelton New Road where we went to pick up some LPG. After filling up we went Weast on the A53 and then back onto the Northbound A500. As we headed North we passed D&G 135 heading South running out of service. As we joined the Northbound M6 we went behind Solus coach W50 LUS. There were a few different routes that we could take and we decided to go North to the M65. We headed East along the M65 skirting the Southern edge of Blackburn before coming off at Junction 7. We found ourselves on a familiar road in Clayton-le-Moors. We passed an unidentified Lancashire United double decker on the #152 to Blackburn as we turned onto the A680. We joined the A671 and continued North. The A671 blended with the A59 for a short while and we spotted a sign for a Cafe at a place called Pendle View fishery. Matthew used the outdoor toilet block before we headed into the cafe/fishing bait shop. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished we had to Head South as we were on a dual carriage way and then we did a 180' turn at the next roundabout. We then turned left onto the A671 to do the last couple of miles into Clitheroe. We parked in a car park behind the railway station on Chester Avenue which was cheap (£1.20 for 4 hours). After we had parked up we walked under a narrow road under the railway to the transport interchange. There were 4 buses parked up between duties. Three of these were small buses belonging to Holmeswood, two Solos and and a Primo. The other bus was Pilkington Bus S278 AOX which was waiting for tine before doing the #231 service to Accrington.

Pilkington Bus S278 AOX in Clitheroe Interchange

One of the Holmeswood Solos left the layover area and ran around town onto stand 3. It was holmeswood YJ56 AUM on the #7A service to Nelson.

Holmeswood YJ56 AUM in Clitheroe Interchange

There was a #25 service to Blackburn in a few minutes, and whilst we were waiting another Holmeswood bus appeared in the lay over area. It was Holmeswood Optare Solo YN53 SVY.

Holmeswood YN53 SVY in Clitheroe Interchange

We saw the Plaxton Primo getting ready to do the service #25 to Blackburn and then it disappeared whilst it ran around the town's one way system. A few minutes later it reappeared from around the corner and Matthew got a picture of Holmeswood PX10 ABZ as it pulled onto it's stand.

Holmeswood PX10 ABZ in Clitheroe Interchange

We got on the bus and book out Ribble Valley Ranger day ticket. We were surprised to find it was still £6.50. I had thought it had gone up in price. As the bus was empty and we were the first people on Matthew got a picture inside PX10 ABZ immediately.

Inside Holmeswood PX10 ABZ

We sat down near the back and the bus took on a few more passengers before our departure time of 14:37. Dud Transdev Lancashire United 205 pulled up behind us on the #22 service from Blackburn. The bus set off and went through town. the bus did a circle and we passed the railway station 100yds down the road from where the bus departed. We then went West out of town over the railway line and over the river Ribble. The bus sounded a little noisey for a 10 reg we thought and a mile or so down the road the driver pulled over in front of a couple of farms on the B6243. He stopped the engine and walked around the back and lifted the engine cover. He came back and report the fan belt had gone and the bus was overheating so we had to wait for a fitter to come and attend. This was only the second time we had ever been on a bus that had broken down! Previously we had been on a Pye Green circular in Cannock back in November 2012 when Arriva Midlands 2328 failed. I texted mum to say tell her the bus had broken down and she rang back asking if we wanted to be picked up. As we had limited time and we didn't know how long we would be we accepted the offer. I texted our location to her and she set off to fetch us. One of the local farmers came out to have a look to see what was going on and around 15 minutes later mum appeared and we got in the car. Mum wasn't too impressed with the selection of shops in Clitheroe so she gave us a lift to Whalley and then continued on to Blackburn. We decided we would catch a bus back to Clitheroe so that we could do a few more buses before meeting mum in Blackburn later. Matthew visited the toilet on the bus station side of the road before we crossed over to the Northbound stop. There was a short gap in the service towards Clitheroe, so we visited the local shop and bought a can of Coke and some chocolate. Matthew ate a Milky Way whilst we waited. On the other side of the road Holmeswood Solo YJ55 BGO went South on the #25 with some familiar looking passengers on board.

Holmeswood YJ55 BGO in Whalley

If we had stayed with the bus we would have only had to wait another 15 minutes or so. Before long a 'Mainline' liveried Transdev Burnley & Pendle bus came around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was required Trandev Burnley & Pendle 1834.

'Mainline' 1834 in Whalley

We got on the bus and flashed the ranger tickets. As the bus was empty at the rear he took a picture inside 1834 as we got on.

Inside 'Mainline' 1834

We sat down near the back and the bus set off North. The #26 service takes a more direct route the the #25 service, along Whalley Road until joining the A671 for the last couple of miles. We passed a #22 being worked by required Transdev Lancashire United 1302. When we got into Clitheroe we got off the bus and we got another picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1834.

'Mainline' 1834 in Clitheroe Interchange

Parked up in the layover area was required Holmeswood Optare Solo MX05 OUC. The next bus south to Whalley was MX05 OUC on the #5 service to Chipping.

Holmeswood MX05 OUC in Clitheroe Interchange

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets. It was empty when we got on so Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside Holmeswood MX05 OUC

The bus headed South down the same road as the #26 we had done going North earlier. It didn't take long to get to Whalley and when we got off Matthew took another picture of Holmeswood MX05 OUC. We knew Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1834 was due back South towards Burnley so we decided to do this service. We didn't have to wait too long before Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1834 reappeared.

'Mainline' 1834 in Whalley

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. It was a little fuller going South than when we had done it going North earlier. We had decided to do this bus again rather than do the #22 service as we thought there would be more chance of getting a required bus. With the aid of the Ribble valley Ranger leaflet only we worked that the #27 traveled via Sabden and Read whilst the #26 when directly along the A671 from Read to Whalley. As we had passed required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1857 on a #27 service just out of Whalley so we knew the next bus would be a #26 and we would have to go to at least Read to pick it up. The bus climbed into the picturesque village of Sabden before heading back into the valley to Read. Once we had gotten on the main road I decided to get off hoping that we would make the bus. I we stood up we saw the #26 in the distance. I explained to the driver of 1834 what we were tring to do and I got off and put my hand out hoping the bus would stop. The driver told us that he thought it had stop on the other side of the road so we ran across the road. Luckily the bus driver did spot us and had stopped. Matthew got a picture as i got on the bus. It was required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1853.

'Mainline' 1853 in Read

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. It was nearly empty and Matthew took a picture of the seats behind us.

Inside 'Mainline' 1853

The bus headed North straight along the A671. It took considerably less time than the #27 and we got into Whalley in no time. When we got there Matthew got another picture of this bus before it carried on North to clitheroe.

'Mainline' 1853 in Whalley

After a quick check of the timetable, Matthew had time for a visit to the toilet whilst we waited for the #22 to Blackburn. On the opposite side of the road we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1303 going North to Clitheroe on a #22. We didn't have to wait long before required Transdev Lancashire United 1101 appeared in the bus station.

Transdev Lancashire United 1101 in Whalley

We got on and sat down near the back of the bus. The bus was quite well filled and we set of South out of town though Billington before we joined the A666. We headed south through Langho and Wilpshire to Brown hill. We headed South East on the A6119 before cutting back onto the A666 and traveling into Blackburn. When we got to Blackburn we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1101.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1101

We had called mum to say we would be in Blackburn, but we had arrived a little early. We decided to have a walk around and take a a few pictures. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 2753 on the #152 to Burnley.

Transdev Lancashire United 2753 in Blackburn

We also got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1101.

Transdev Lancashire United 1101 in Blackburn

On layover just inside the bus station was required Transdev Lancashire United 439.

Transdev Lancashire United 439 in Blackburn

Behind this was required Transdev Lancashire United 272.

Transdev Lancashire United 272 in Blackburn

On the opposite #152 working toward Preston was required Transdev Lancashire United 2756.

Transdev Lancashire United 2756 in Blackburn

On the #1 to Bolton was dud Transdev Lancashire United 1306.

Transdev Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn

We had done this bus from Great Harwood to Accrington when we had visited Accrington two weeks earlier. We then went for a walk around the outside of the bus station. On layover here we saw Darwen Coach Services Mercedes minibus N354 AVV.

Darwen Coach Services N354 AVV in Blackburn

Mum couldn't find a way through to us by road and had ended up in a multi-storey car park. Whilst we waited for her we saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15913 on a #59 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15913 in Blackburn

We had been on this bus back in October 2013 when we did it from Lea to Preston on the #61. Next we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 1101 continue on it's journey on the #22 to Shadworth.

Transdev Lancashire United 1101 in Blackburn

At this point mum said she was leaving a multi-storey car park. She called and tol us to look upand sure enough we could see her arm waving over the top of the down ramp in the car park that overlooked the bus station. We walked to the corner of the road to meet her. On the way we saw another bus arrive in the layover area. It was darwen Coach services Solo YJ51 XST.

Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST in Blackburn

We met mum on the corner and she was waiting with sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of town and I drove towards Accrington through Church as I knew the roads. As we passed the edge of town I still managed to take the wrong turn towards Burnley. We turned in a side street and headed back onto the A680 so that we could go South through Baxenden and onto the A56. we saw Tetley coaches YSV 563 presumably heading back to Leeds with football fans who had attended the away match at Burnley. It was going dark now and we joined the Southbound M66 before going onto the anti-clockwise M60. We watched YSV 563 turn onto the Eastbound M62 as waited for the light to change on the M60 roundabout. We carried on West from the M60 onto the M62 and when we reached the M6 we went South. We drove through the roadworks on the Thelwall Viaduct and then carried on South to the A500. We did this down to the A50 which we did to Longton to see what was at Z Carz. There wasn't much there today. CNZ 3828 was moving into position having just arrived at the depot. First in the row was new arrival Mercedes minibus UK52 BUS.

Z Carz UK52 BUS in Longton

Coach M534 RSO was behind a row of parked cars. Z Carz CNZ 3828 moved into position and Matthew got a picture of it.

Z Carz CNZ 3828 in Longton

At the back of the land was LDV minibus M420 UEH. We turned into Willow Row and the only bus there was the usual LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 and into Heron Cross. Minibus T2 DLT was parked up at the lightning house as we headed through Blurton and onto the A5035. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by cake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark