Tis the season to be Corrie

Just one of the locations we'll get to see.  Picture: ITV

It's about now that I begin checking out coach parking and roadworks in preparation for my tour guiding duties for visiting Corrie fans.  It takes quite a bit of planning - questions such as: Can the coach turn around in a cul-de-sac or will we get a view of the sea from a particular road or just where we can stop to use the loos all need thinking about.  I tend to use Google Maps to see what the views are and I try and visit - though it's not always possible - as many places as possible before time.

Anyway, the big one - the Kemptville Travel trip - is almost upon us so I'm working away on the routes and my notes.  I'll try and post a blog during it but here's the basic itinerary:
Sunday 29 July: The group arrive at Manchester Airport where I, and my trusty driver Rob, meet them for the transfer to a Manchester city centre hotel.  In the evening we meet for a sherry (Emily's favourite tipple!) and a light meal.
Monday 30 July: We take a drive around the city centre and past Granada studios so I can talk about its history.  We then do a little walk through the canal area of Castlefield before heading into the suburbs for a couple of calls at filming locations.  There's some free shopping time before we head back to the hotel for a rest before we enjoy a buffet dinner at an historic pub - with a surprise special guest (I know who but I'm not telling!)
Tuesday 31 July: We visit the Red Rec followed by some more Corrie locations then have a bit of waterside free time then it's off to the studios to visit the Coronation St sets.  This takes a couple of hours then we have free time to enjoy the city's nightlife.
Wednesday 1 August: It's off to Merseyside for a quick visit to the lovely Port Sunlight, some free time in Liverpool and then we call at the beautiful, and very old, Speke Hall before dinner.
Thursday 2 August: Again, another round of Corrie locations, free time in one of Manchester's towns and afternoon tea.  The evening is free.
Friday 3 August: More locations, a visit to a wonderful Market and then a break before another glitzy dinner with a mystery guest.
Saturday 4 August: Rob and I escort the group to Glasgow via Gretna Green - and then we hand them over to the Scottish team.
This is my last year with the Kemptville group after 13 years - so let's hope it all goes well.

I also have a day of locations for Elite Travel of Sale just two days before Kemptville arrive and then I have the Coronation Travel group in October.