The East Lancashire Railway

The ELR operates a regular heritage rail service on a 12 mile stretch of line between Heywood and Rawtenstall via Bury.

Heritage Rail Service

The East Lancashire Railway operates a regular heritage rail service on a 12 mile stretch of line between Heywood and Rawtenstall, with intermediate stations at Bury and Ramsbottom and unstaffed halts at Summerseat and Irwell Vale.

ELR Line

From Heywood, the ELR line descends Broadfield bank, and after crossing the M66 and the River Roch, climbs towards Bury. On leaving Bury, the line begins its long climb up the Irwell valley via Ramsbottom, crossing the River Irwell nine times before reaching its terminus at Rawtenstall.

Diner Train Services

In all, the journey between Heywood and Rawtenstall takes about an hour in each direction. The ELR also runs regular diner train services in Pullman coaches as well as series of special events.

Opening Hours:

The railway is open every weekend throughout the year, with weekday services from April to September. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays all year round.