Image Gallery: Following the line from Heywood to Rawtenstall (Click on image for larger view and scrollable gallery)
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The first main section of the East Lancashire Railway re-opened to the public back in 1987, between Bury and Ramsbottom. Now the line starts from Heywood from were the line travels west for Bury, crossing over both the M66 and the Metrolink tramway over 'the hump'. Once over the hump the line turns 90 degrees north into Bury Bolton Street station. South of the station is an extensive site with carriage sidings, locomotive sheds and workshops and sidings. Leaving Bury Bolton Street north the line passes Castlecroft goods yard on the down side, which is now home to the Bury Transport Museum. Heading further north the line travels through the Irwell valley, heading through Burrs country park, a halt at Summerseat, which is followed by a double set of tunnels.
North of the tunnels is Ramsbottom, were the line crosses a level crossing on leaving the station. On the up side there is a siding with loop. The line continues heading north with a halt at Irwell Vale, before finally reaching its terminus at Rawtenstall. The line is connected to the national network at Castleton, just beyond current terminus Heywood. |