Brief Description of the Line
The East Lancashire Railway operates every weekend throughout the year and mid-week services operate during School Easter Holidays and from May to mid September. See the Timetable Page for details.
The line is over 12 miles long and runs between Heywood and Rawtenstall, with intermediate stations at Bury, (4 miles from Heywood) and Ramsbottom, (8 miles from Heywood). Unstaffed Halts are provided between Bury and Ramsbottom at Summerseat, and between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall at Irwell Vale.
The journey between Heywood and Rawtenstall takes approximately one hour in each direction.
From Heywood the line descends Broadfield bank, and after crossing the M66 and the River Roch the line climbs towards Bury town centre and the Irwell valley. On leaving Bury the line commences the long climb up the valley via Ramsbottom, crossing the River Irwell nine times before reaching the terminus at Rawtenstall.
How to Find the Railway
The location of all our stations is available using Google Maps. Click here to view the maps.
Refreshments
Most trains have buffet facilities on board. The Trackside at Bury Bolton Street Station offers you views of the locomotives departing the station while you enjoy one of the guest beers, drink your tea or coffee and eat your meal, or you may wish to have a picnic at one of the many line side picnic areas.
Disabled Visitors
The East Lancashire Railway welcomes disables visitors. All stations have wheelchair access, and there are disables toilet facilities at Bury Bolton Street, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall Stations.
Hire your own train
The East Lancashire Railway is able to offer facilities for private parties, to meet your own requirements. This can range from the hire of a reserved carriage on one of our service trains to the the hire of your own train, outside our normal operations. The East Lancashire Railway has a range of private party rates to suit various budgets. Hire the Diner for Weddings, Family Functions, Corporate Events, etc.. For further information on our facilities contact our Passenger Services Department on 0161-764 7790.
Group Travel
If you are organizing a group outing, why not consider the East Lancashire Railway. The Irwell Valley is a very popular destination for walking parties and there is also a wide range of interesting attractions throughout the area. Attractive discounts are offered to groups traveling on the railway. Please contact our Passenger Services Department on 0161 764 7790.
Film and TV Locations
The East Lancashire Railway offers many varied locations that are of interest to film and television production units. Call 0161 764 7790 for details.
