There’s something magical about the sound of an old Leyland engine echoing through Chester’s historic streets. Today, I’m heading to Blacon – an estate with deep transport roots – to relive the days when routes like the 7, 8, and 10 were the lifeline of the community.

This adventure isn’t just about buses. It’s about history, community, and the way these services shaped daily life in Chester. Let’s roll back the years and explore the routes that defined Blacon.

Blacon, perched just outside Chester city centre, has long relied on its bus network. Back in the day, the 7 and 8 were the key circular routes running clockwise and anticlockwise around the estate, making sure no corner was left unserved.

Route 10 was the main link into the heart of Chester, essential for commuters and shoppers alike. Routes 7 & 8 connected residents to local shops, schools, and the train station, looping through Blacon in opposite directions for convenience.

These routes were run by Chester City Transport, later merging into larger operators like Stagecoach – but for many, those green and cream buses remain iconic.

I started my journey at Chester Bus Interchange, surrounded by the hum of modern buses. Then, in rolled the star of the day: a beautifully preserved classic bus, complete with authentic Chester City Transport livery and the unmistakable purr of a Leyland engine.

Climbing aboard felt like stepping back in time. The seats were springy, the windows slid open with that familiar clunk, and even the ticket machine was straight out of the 80s.

As we wound our way through Blacon Avenue, Western Avenue, and the heart of the estate, the nostalgia really hit. These streets haven’t changed much – and neither has the importance of these routes in local life.

The 7, 8, and 10 were more than numbers on a timetable. They were community connectors, ensuring Blacon residents could reach work, school, and Chester city centre with ease. Today, the modern equivalents like the Stagecoach 1, 2, and X2 carry on that tradition, but the charm of those original services lives on through enthusiasts and heritage events like this one.

Events like these are more than just a trip down memory lane – they’re a vital way to keep local transport history alive. Every ride tells a story, from the drivers who knew every street by heart to the passengers who relied on these routes every day.

Were you a regular on the 7, 8, or 10? Share your memories in the comments below!