Trip to Blackpool 12-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 270	Fenton	Blackpool, Seasiders	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 270	Blackpool, Seasiders	Fenton	Charter	Copeland's Tours

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Blackpool on a coach. Matthew got up around 06:00. and had toast for breakfast. Around 09:00 we set off downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and we cut through onto onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street and waited for the coach to arrive. A short time later the coach appeared. It was required Copeland's Tours MIB 270.

Copeland's Tours MIB 270 in Fenton

We got on the coach and we sat down in our seats. We set off onto Manor Street and we crossed over City Road. We ran over the railway line and then we turned went Forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North up to the M6 and we continued North as far as junction 20. We ran through Cheshire and into Lancashire and to the East of Preston. We joined the Westbound M55 and we ran to the end. We ran forwards onto Yeadon Way and we ran up to the coach park near to Bloomfield Road where we got up and got off the coach. Once we had parked up we headed along Seasiders Way and we walked into Lonsdale Road we waied for a taxi to Cheadle in Autocabs taxi. We set off onto B5262 and we turned left onto the A5073 and right onto St Anne's Road. We took the next right turning and parked up. We went in the leisure centre. Matthew played football and generally chilled out. When it was time to go we got back aboard. When we had finished we got in the car and we set off onto St Anne's Road. We turned left onto the A5073 and right onto the B5262 and we turned right onto Promenade. A few minutes later we saw Blackpool Transport 563 on a #11 to Lytham.

Blackpool Transport 563 in Blackpool

A short while later we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15473 on a #68 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15473 in Blackpool

We sat on the wall and we shared a portion of chips to keep us going till we got back to the chalet. We went across the road to the Central Pier. Matthew went on a few rides. He went on the Ferris wheel. Once we had finished eating we went up Promenade and we saw Alfa A130.

Alfa A130 in Blackpool

Another vehicle seen was silver minibus MF06 LLN.

MF06 LLN in Blackpool

We crossed back over the road and Matthew spotted the ice cream seller in the arcade so he had a vanilla ice cream. We set off back towards the stop and we went under the archway. Whilst we waited for out bus we saw Blackpool Transport 236 on a #2 to Blackpool Zoo.

Blackpool Transport 236 in Blackpool

Also seen was Blackpool Transport 577 on a #11 to Lytham.

Blackpool Transport 577 in Blackpool

He collected some shells and wrote in the sand as well as doing some paddling in the sea. When we had finished we headed back up to The Promenade and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15579 on a #68 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15579 in Blackpool

Also seen was Blackpool Transport 222 on a #2 to Blackpool Zoo.

Blackpool Transport 222 in Blackpool

As we walked along the Prom we saw Blackpool Transport 433 on a #11 to Lytham.

Blackpool Transport 433 in Blackpool

We returned to the cafe and Matthew had a a piece of cheesecake washed down with a can of Coke and we had finished eating we went next door to Tower Gifts and Matthew bought some boots and Matthew took a few bus pictures whilst we waited. We saw Olympia Travel YT19 KUE.

Olympia Travel YT19 KUE in Blackpool

We cut through onto Chapel Street and we walked down Foxhall Road. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we headed back out onto Foxhall Road and we turned left onto Princess Street. We ran forwards onto Tyldesley Road. We ran through Rigby Road and we continued the B5262. We turned left onto the Lonsdale Road and we ran forwards onto Seasider's and Matthew went to the toilet. We walked along Seasiders Way and we stopped at the coach park. We saw Stotts SE18 YWX on layover.

Stotts SE18 YWX in Blackpool

Another vehicle seen was Veezu YP68 YWZ.

Veezu YP68 YWZ in Blackpool

As expected, transport for the journey home was Copeland's Tours MIB 270.

Copeland's Tours MIB 270 in Blackpool

We got on the coach and we sat down in our allocated seats. The coach set off along Seasiders Way and we ran forwards onto Yeadon Way. We joined the Eastbound M55 and we ran the 20 miles or so back to the motorway. We joined the Southbound M6 and Matthew ate a ham sandwich as we barrelled Southwards through Lancashire. We got onto the Westbound A59. We ran into town and we past the cafe. We went onto the Northbound A6 and we crossed over the Ribble and we ran South before joining the Eastbound M65. At the first roundabout we turned right and joined the Southbound M61. We ran down to the M60 we went forwards onto the M602. We came off the M60 at junction 7 and we turned left onto the Northbound A56 and we ran towards Sale. We travelled through West Timperley and Broadheath. at the Northern edge of Altrincham and after a couple of miles we ran forwards onto the A556. We joined the Southbound M6 and we ran down to junction 16. We went Southwards down the A500 to Etruria and we cam off the A500. We turned left onto City Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Manor Street and we got up and got off the coach. We walked back into Manor Street and we turned left onto City Road and we turned right Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew used 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 Blackpool 12-06-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2802	Marton, Leisure Park	Blackpool, by New Bonny Street	26	Transpora
2802	Blackpool, by New Bonny Street	Marton, Leisure Park	26	Transpora

Today Matthew was in Blackpool and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew woke up at 07:39 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We chilled out watching TV and watching the squirrels and ducks outside the caravan. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Transpora 2802 on a #26 to Blackpool. We got on the bus and we booked to Child Tickets before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the caravan Park and we ran down to the main road. We headded Westwards along the A583 and we continued along the B5390 and we joined the B5263 and onto the A5099 and we got up and got off the bus. We walked along New Bonny Street and we crossed over the Promenade and we headed into the Sealife Centre and Matthew had a look around at all the fish and other seabourne wildlife they have in there. These included crabs, starfish, eels and rays. When we came out of the Sealife Centre we went Southwards down the promenade. We walked along Bank Hey Street onto New Bonny Street an we visited Coral Island for dinner. Matthew had sausage chips and beans washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished eating we headed along New Bonny Street. A few minutes later we saw Blackpool Transport 441 on a #5A to Halfway House.

Blackpool Transport 441 in Blackpool

We walked Northwards up Bank Hey Street and we saw Blackpool Transport 562 on a #6 to Grange Park. We went into the museum and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a walk around and went to see the natural history section. We stopped on the corner of Bank Hey Street and we walked up New Bonny Street and we saw Blackpool Transport 447 on a #11A to Lytham.

Blackpool Transport 447 in Blackpool

As it got closer we saw that it was required Transpora 2802 on a #26 to Marton.

Transpora 2802 in Blackpool

We got on the bus and we booked to Child Tickets before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along New Bonny Street and we turned left onto the Westbound A584. We turned right onto Bond Street and right onto Watson Road. We turned onto Marton Drive we turned North onto the A5073 and we turned right onto the A583 and we continued Southward. As we travelled Southwards we were passed by Grayway BU18 YNW. We turned left onto Mythop Road and we got up and got off the bus. We stopped at the pub and Mattehw had glass a coke. Matthew went to the toilet. We ran down to the caravan and after picking up the key we went to the caravn to chill for a short while. Matthew had a chicken and chips and a glass of coke. Later on we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 27263 on a #61 to Preston. In the caravan we did some of the Blog and we wrote an e-mail. Matthew had his medication and we chilled out until bedtime around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Preston / Lancaster 11-05-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
11140	Preston BS	Scotforth, Bowling Green	40	Stagecoach Lancashire
12207	Scotforth, Bowling Green	Preston BS	61	Stagecoach Lancashire
47964	Lancaster BS	Marsh, Denmark Street	11	Stagecoach Lancashire
47964	Marsh, Denmark Street	Lancaster BS	11	Stagecoach Lancashire
11211	Lancaster BS	Lancaster, Summersgill Road	1A	Stagecoach Lancashire
18324	Lancaster, Summersgill Road	Morecombe, Aldi	2X	Stagecoach Lancashire
11203	Morecombe BS	Scotforth, boot & Shoe	41	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today we decided to re-visir Preston. I gave Matthew the choice of where to go on Friday night and he chose to go to Preston. Research for the trip consisted of having a look around at the various Stagecoach dayrider tickets and to check the weather. The weather forecast for the day was for a warm dry and sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and some raspberry and apple sparkling water for breakfast. We set off just before 11:30 and we went to pick up uncle Dave. 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. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw Intercity BJ12 NXO, Potteries Airport Travel YM19 CFD and Yelloway YE10 WAY. We continued up to Barthomley Interchange and we joined the Northbound M6. Traveling up the M6 we saw Alfa 103, Selwyns BV19 XSD(#550) / BD65 JEO(#540), blue minibus DK19 AYN, silver minibus AK64 YFL, 2 unidentified Walton's coaches, Caledonian Travel LSK 815 and 2 unidentified Travellers Choice coaches. We came off the M6 at the M65 junction and we headed Westwards. On the M65 we saw silver minibus AK64 JZD. We joined the A6 and we ran into Preston. We turned left onto Percy Street and right onto Derby Street. We went up the ramp and into the car park above the bus station. Once we had parked up and paid for the ticket we headed down to the bus station in the lift. We headed inti the cafe and we ordered food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. He also helped mum eat her cheese on toast. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we headed to the toilets. Afterwards we had a walk thriugh the bus station to see what we might catch. At the far end we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 10024 on a #41 to Morecombe.

Stagecoach Lancashire 10024 in Preston bus station

Matthew wanted to catch this, but by the timne we walked around and back into the bus station it was leaving. We decided to stay and take pictures until the next Northbound Stagecoach service. We walked outside into the sunshine and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15473 on a #1 to Longridge.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15473 in Preston bus station

Also seen was Rotala Preston Bus 20878 came in not in service to work the #48 to Sharoe Green.

Rotala Preston Bus 20878 in Preston bus station

Another vehicle seen was Stagecoach Lancashire 15741 on a #59 to Accrington.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15741 in Preston bus station

We went back into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 which eventually left on a #68 to Blackpool.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 in Preston bus station

A short time later we saw the bus we were waiting for come on stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 11140 on a #40 to Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11140 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we bought singles to Lancaster at £2 each before we went upstairs and sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down bus station onto Tithebarn Street. We turned right onto Old Vicarage and right again onto Lancaster Road. We crossed the A59 and we went North up the A6. We passed the Withy Trees. We travelled through Fulwood and over Broughton. We went through Barton and at North Planks. As we travelled down to Bilsborrow. We crossed over Brock and we continued through Catterall past a building site for a retail park. We turned right onto the B6430. We ran up the hill and into Bowgreave. We ran down the hill into Bonds and to Garstang. We travelled through Cabus. We turned right and we ran down the A6. We travelled through Forton and over Bay Horse up to Hampson Green. We ran down Galgate. We turned left to run through Lancaster University. We joined the A6 and we headed down the Bailrigg. We ran into Scotforth were we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 11140 as it continued Northwards towards Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11140 in Scotforth

Once off the bus we headed across the crossroad to the opposite corner to visit the pub. Matthew went to the toilet with uncle dave whilst I ordered the drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we had a short time out of the hot sun. When we had finished we went outside and we headed back across the crossroads to the same stop that we got off at. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15699 on a #40 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15699 in Scotforth

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it glot closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 12207 on a #1A to Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 12207 in Scotforth

We got on the bus and we bought Bay Dayrider tickets at £5.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off up the A6 and we ran up the hill into Lancaster and we turned right onto Common Garden Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. Once in Lancaster we had a walk around the bus station to take pictures and see what we might catch out. We saw Stagecoach Lancashire 24125 on layover.

Stagecoach Lancashire 24125 in Lancaster bus station

We headed back into the bus station and surprisingly Matthew chose to do a Solo SR. We got to the stand and we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 47964 on a #11 Marsh circular.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47964 in Lancaster bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Bay Dayrider tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Chapel Street. We ran forwards onto the A6 and we turned right onto George Street. We ran forwards onto Spring Garden Street and we turned right onto the Northbound A6 on the other side of the one-way system. We turned left onto Market Street and we ran forwards onto Meeting House Lane. We crossed over the railway line near to the railway station and we ran forwards onto Westbourne Road. We turned left onto Coolidge Avenue and left onto Roosevelt Avenue. We continued onto Leighton Drive and we turned right onto Willow Lane. We ran past a section of open land and we stopped at the mid point timing location to await time. We ran to the end of Willow Lane and we turned right onto West Road. We turned right onto Station Road and we saw South Lakes Travel coach LRZ 5964 parked outside the railway station. We turned left onto Meeting House Lane and we ran into the town. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we turned left onto the one-way system. We ran around the A6 and we turned into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47964 before we got off the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47964

It was nearly 17:00 so we decide that we needed to catch out quick. Matthew needed the toilet so we visited the toilet and headed back to the stands. We decided to head towards Morecombe. We look on the stands and there was a bus to Morecombe about to start loading. We saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 11211 on a #1 to Heysham Towers.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11211 in Lancaster bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the By Dayrider tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. On an adjacent stand was the far more interesting Dennis Trident 18324, but it wasn't displaying where it was going to. We set off out of the bus station and onto Damside Street. We turned right onto China Street and we turned left onto the A6. We continued onto the A589 and we crossed over the river Lune. I looked on the bustimes.org map and thr Trident was now showing as working the following 2X service to Morecombe.A few stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 11211 as it continued towards Heysham.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11211 in Lancaster

We waited for the Trident to appear. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 11142 on a #1A to Heysham Towers.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11142 in Lancaster

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 18324 on a #2X to Morecombe.

Stagecoach Lancashire 18324 in Lancaster

We got on the bus and we flashed the Bay Dayrider tickets to the driver before we went upstairs an sat down. The bus set off along the A589 and we ran through Scale Hall before we turned left onto the A683. We ran fast along the bypass and we ran forwards onto the A589. We turned onto Cumbermere Road and we headed through Heysham. We turned left onto Delamere Avebue and at the roundabout we went slight right onto Heathfoot Avenue. We turned right onto Smithy Lane and we turned left onto Middleton Road. We turned right into a triangle and we stopped at the Heysham Towers terminus before going around the triangle and back along Middleton Road. WE turned right onto School Road and we headed Northwards. We turned left onto Crimewell Lane and onto Main Street, the centre of Heysham village. We stopped at the turning circle and we headed back along Main Street onto Crimewell Lane. We continued onto Longlands Lane and we headed Eastwards. We turned left onto the A589 and we headed onto the seafront. We got towards the end of Tghe Prom and we spotted an ice creeam van. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 18324 as it continued towards the bus station.

Stagecoach Lancashire 18324 in Morecombe

Once off the bus we headed ovwe to the ice cream van and Matthew had a cornet and ice cream with red juice. When we had finished the ice cream we started to head towards the bus station. On the way matthew insisted on going into the pub which was the former Morecombe railway station terminal building, which is now a Greene King pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. We came out of the pub and met back up with uncle Dave. Wew walked down to the bus staion and we waited for what was going to be the last bus down towards Preston. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 12206 on a #6A to Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 12206 in Morecombe bus station

Matthew had wanted to do this bus, but the driver advised it would be a 1 hour journey to Lancaster and we were already running late. Whilst we waited for intended bus we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 22611 on a #5 to Carnforth.

Stagecoach Lancashire 22611 in Morecombe bus station

There had been a bus on layover on the opposite side of the bus station and we assumed that this would turn at the roundabout and form the next Preston service. Just before 18:15 the bus set off around the roundabout and came onto the stand. I worked out that bus would not reached Preston until 2008, so I messaged mum and asked her if she would like to wait or come and meet us somewhere. She said she like to come and meet us, so we arrnaged to meet her in Scotforth where we had been earlier. We saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 11203 on a #41 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11203 in Morecombe bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Bay Daysaver tickets to the driver for the final time today. Matthew saw that the lower saloon was empty so he took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 11203 before we went upstairs and sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 11203

The bus set off out of the bus station and we headed Eastwards along the B5321. WE followed this road through the town centre and we continued for a mile or so out of town. We ran forwards onto the A589 and we continued towards Lancaster. As we got to the edge of town we ran near to the Lune and we turned right onto Owen Road. We crossed over the Lune and we headed Southwards into the town centre along North Road we turned right into Dameside Street and we entered Lancaster bus station from the South end. We waited for a few minutes to unload and load and we set off out of the bus station onto Cable Street. We turned right onto Chapel Street and we joined the Southbound side of the A6 one-way system. We turned right onto George Street and right onto King Street. We turned right onto Common Garden Street and we ran forwards onto Brock Street. We turned right and we re-joined the Southbound A6. We continued Southwards down the A6 for about another 8 minutes and we entered Scotforth. When we spotted the pub we got up and got off the bus. Once lff the bus Matthew got another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 11203 as it continued towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11203 in Scotforth

We walked around the corner onto Hala Road. We got in the car and Matthew had a small sausage roll. We turned the car around and we ran Northwards up the A6 a few hundred yeards to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke, as well as helping mum with her battered burger When I had finished eating we turned the car around and we headed Southwards down the A6. We ran past the University and Galgate and we joined the Southbound M6 at Junction 33. We ran Southwards for about 27 miles and we stopped at Charnock Richard services for a toilet break. As we got out of the car we saw Gallagher EJ16 NFG parked mup near to us.

Gallagher EJ16 NFG in Charnock Richard service

After going to the toilet we got in the car continued Southwards. We had to briefly pull into Knutsford services as mum had droipped something on the floor of the car and she needed to get out to get it. We got straight back on the road and we continued down to junction 16. We got on the Southbound A500 and nwe ran through Talke and Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. We ran 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 Beaconsfield Drive and we got back around 21:00. Mattew had hs medication and we chiolled out uploading pictures and updating the Blog. We wrote the e-mail and we went to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Wigan / Appley Bridge 02-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4102	Wigan BS	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	635	Go North West
4022	Appley Bridge, Stockley Drive	Wigan BS	635	Go North West
4133	Wigan BS	Horwich, (Stop D)	575	Go North West
15295	Horwich, (Stop A	Bolton BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
3500	Bolton BS	Westhoughton, Stop D	7	Go North West
3498	Westhoughton, Stop D	Wigan BS	7	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. I had checked the weather for the day and it said there would be sunshine and showers, with the better weather being in the North West. I asked Matthew where he wanted to go and he chose Wigan. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medicatiom. He got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set of just before 12:00 to go and pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we went uo the A500 we saw JKT GT19 JKT and blue minibus YR64 LRJ. We ran to the Barthomley Interchange and we got on the Northbound M6. Going up the M6 were an unidentified white tri-axle coach, an unidentified blue coach, an unidentified Centurian coach, An unidentified Traveller's Choice coach, silver minibus MK10 WGF and taxi minibus HA61 HHH. We came off the M6 at junction 24 and we ran along the A49 link road until we got to the A49. Just South of the town we jan forwards onto the B5386 which used to be the A49 before it was diverted around the town centre. We ran under the railway line to Kirkby and at the big roundabout we joined the A577. We crossed over the Leeds and Liverpool canal and we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the West Coast main line we turned right into Dorning Street and we parked up in the Mona Street car park. We walked up to the Post Office sorting office and we saw Go North West L4566 parked up on layover.

Go North West L4566 in Wigan

We continued onto Hallgate and we walked through the bus station and through onto Market Street. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed back past the shopping centre which has now been demolished. We went into the bus station and went went down to the bottom end to take pictures whilst we decided what to catch. We saw Go North West 4114 on a #3 Kitt Green circular service.

Go North West 4114 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5101 on a #630 to Platt Bridge,

Go North West 5101 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2929 on a #360 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2929 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4570 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4570 in Wigan bus station

At this point we headed into the bus station. I thought Matthew wanted to catch the Arriva double decker, but he continued to the top end of the bus station and decided to catch Go North West 4102 on a #635 to Apply Bridge.

Go North West 4102 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought System one bus at only tickets at £5 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto the B5375. We ran through Springfield, Standish Lower and Standish. As we travelled through we saw Go North West 4030 on a #635 to Wigan. We ran through Crooke to Shevington and we turned left onto the B5206. We turned right onto the B5375 under the M6 and into Shevington Vale. We turned right onto Back Lane and we turned right onto Woodnook Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4102 at it continued towards the end of the run.

Go North West 4102 in Appley Bridge

Once off the bus we headed to the nearby Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars and a millionaires shortbread. We stayed under the canopy and Matthew ate the millionaires shortbread and drank the Dr Pepper. We walked back to the stop and we waited for the next bus. It wasn't showing up on the map so we kept our fingers crossed that it was run but without the transponder on. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4022 on a #635 to Wigan.

Go North West 4022 in Appley Bridge

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Go North West 4022 before we sat down.

Inside Go North West 4022

We set of along Woodnook Road and we turned right onto the B5375. We turned onto left the B5206 and we continued through Shevington and we turned right onto Old Lane. We turned onto left the B5375 and we ran through Standish, Standish Lower and Springfield. We turned left onto New Market Street and we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off and Matthew went to the toilet. When he came out I asked Matthew if he wanted to go towards Horwich and he said yes. We saw Arriva NW&W 2971 on a #320 to St Helens. We looked on Stand and we saw it was Go North West 4133 on a #575 to Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of this well filled bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Markert Street We ran around the town clockwise and we went via Greenhough Street onto Scholes. As we ran out of town Scholes became Whelley. They don't have have some strange street names in these here parts... We continued North Eastwards through New Springs and we went forwards onto Wigan Road. On the Eastern Edge of Aspull we turned left onto Holly Road and left again onto St David's Crescent. At the end we turned right onto the B5239 and we ran ran Southwards into the centre of Aspull. We turned left onto Scot lane and we ran Eastwards out of town. We came to T junction and we turned left onto the B5408. To the left of us we could see a large transmitter on top of a hill. A little research revealed it is Winter Hill, the main TV transmitter for the North West. We travelled North through the village of Blackrod, and then when we got to the other side of the village we went South down the A6. At the next big crossroads we turned left onto Station Road and we passed Blackrod railway station and then went under the M61. We climbed the hill into Horwich and when the bus turned right into Chorley New Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4133 as it continued Northwards towards Bolton.

Go North West 4133 in Horwich

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Crown. Matthew used the toilet and then we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat at a table for a few minutes whilst Mathew had his drink. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stagecoach Lancashire 11633 on the #125 to Sharoe Green. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for a Stagecoach bus towards Bolton. Whilst we waied we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 on a #125 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15249 in Horwich

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 on a #125 Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15295 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only ticket before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lee Lane and we went through the centre of Horwich. We continued Eastwards through Bottom O' Th' Moor and down the hill through Monserrat and Doffcocker. We crossed the ring road and continued along St George's Street and we turned right onto Knowsley Street going past the Market Place Shopping Centre. We turned right onto Deansgate and and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Moor Lane past the old bus station. We turned left onto Ormrod Street and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned right onto Newport Street and we entered the bus station. Once off the bus we headed to the toilet. Afterwards we went outside to take a few pictures. We saw Go North West 4129 on a #501 to Farnworth.

Go North West 4129 in Bolton Interchange

We headed in the bus station to wait for a bus heading towards Westhoughton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Cadburys Snack. We saw Rotala Diamond 30675 on a #574 to Middlebrook. A sort time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3500 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Bolton Interchange

We flashed the System One Bus Day ticktets to the driver we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto Newport Street. We turned left onto Great Moor Lane and we went forwards onto Deane Road. We past the site where there used to be an old double decker bus. This was now part of an aeroplane fuselage and call Steaks on a Plane. We ran about 3 miles out of town and we crossed under the M61. Chequerbent roundabout we saw an unidentified Grayways coach parked up at the side of the road. At the Chequerbent roundabout we turned right onto the A6 and we turned left onto Bolton Road and we ran down towards Westhoughton. We turned right onto Market Street and we ran through the town centre of Westhoughton. At the Western end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took anothr picture of Go North West 3500 as it continued towards Wigan.

Go North West 3500 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we went into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we fought our way to the bar in a very busy and noisey pub and Matthew had a glass of coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and crossed the road to the bus stop. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Rotala Diamond 30156 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield. A short time later we saw our bus approaching. We saw it was Go North West 3498 on a #7 to Wigan.

Go North West 3498 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we placed the System One Bus Only ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat downstairs towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. At the corner in the road we turned left into Southfield Drive and we worked our way across to the B5235. We went South past daisy Hill railway station and we turned right into Lower Leigh Road. We turned left onto Hindley Road and we ran through to Hindley via Swan Lane. We turned right onto Green Lane and we headed through the estate between Hindley Green and Hindley and we joined the A58 and we ran down int Hindley centre where we turned right onto the A577. We crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked around the bus station and we saw Go North West 4111 on layover. We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Fanta Orange and a sausage roll for tea. Whilst we were parked up preserved North West LDB 796 and GM Buses 3253 appeared on the Wigan Beer Festival shuttle service. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we turned right into Shell and stopped at the petrol station. After filling up we re-joined the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw ABC coach hire BA19 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back 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 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 and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate some carrot cake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark