East Lancashire Railway

We visited for the Autumn Steam Gala, starting and finishing our day at Burrs Country Park. We visited the following stations: Rawstenstall, Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Bury and Burrs. We didn't make it to Heywood this time and didn't get off at Irwell Vale as the platform is narrow.

My crutches broke so I used my wheelchair and I was worried about not being able to get on the steam train since the newest trains they have I think are from 1960’s or earlier but thought I would turn up anyway. The volunteers/staff were incredibly helpful. They took us to the train via the secret accessible route and they had a special wheelchair accessible carriage with wider doors and a larger carriage but it wasn’t like out of place or anything like they made the effort to still give you the authentic experience. They had ramp to get on and off the train and found the staff/volunteers very organised and got me off at the right place and back on again no problems. I didn’t need to book anything in advance I just need to make myself known when I’m ready. I highly recommend east Lancashire railway for a fun wheelchair accessible day out.

I went on the East Lancs Railway Steam Train between Bury and Rawtenstall. The staff and experience far exceeded my expectations. The access to the station is via a ramp once you have purchased your tickets and then for people unable to use the foot bridge, there is access (with help from) a member of staff across the track. The train has a lovely adapted wheelchair carriage with plenty of room. The guard asked me what I thought of the new carriage (which still has all of its original old character and smells) I thought it was amazing. In coming months they are adding further accessible carriages. There's not an accessible toilet on the train but there is at both Bury and Rawtenstall which were extremely clean. A thoroughly fantastic day :)