Whether you're an East Lancs regular or visiting us for the first time, hopefully the information provided here will assist in finding your way around and give you an insight on ELR operations!

If your planning on staying for a weekend or event see the Visitor Info page for places to stay in and around the Bury area.

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ELRPS Membership includes discounted travel, well worth a look if you're a frequent visitor, especially for standard weekend running days. Click the logo above for details.

ELR Gradient Profile and line details
Essentially the East Lancshire Railway gradient is uphill in either direction out of Bury Bolton Street. There are exceptions to this 'rule'.

Summerseat Section
In the DOWN direction, the line rises gently all the way from Bury to Ramsbottom. This section is track circuited throughout with movements into section controlled using direction levers and communication between Bury South and Ramsbottom signal boxes. The recently opened Burrs Country Park Station provides direct access to the Caravan Park and leisure facilities.

Irwell Vale Section
In the DOWN direction, the line continues to rise gently all the way from Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall, the Northerly terminus of the line. This section is controlled by train staff or token, collected as the train departs and passes Ramsbottom Signal Box.

Broadfield Section
The most challenging part of the ELR! This section is controlled by train staff or token, collected as the train passes Bury South Box. Outside Bury the line rises and falls steeply (1/36 and 1/41) to cross the Manchester Metrolink then, after a brief respite, Broadfield Bank begins with a little over 1.5 miles at 1/85, softening to 1/254 before reaching Heywood.

A PDF of the route including gradients and mileages is available for download. Click the image to view or save.

ELR Location Maps

A selection of maps for the Stations on the line are shown below. For Heywood the map is currently inaccurate, showing the ELR ending before it gets there!

Bury Bolton Street (BL9 0EY)

Ramsbottom (BL0 9AL)
Rawtenstall (BB4 6AG)
Heywood (OL10 1PW, Railway Street)

Please Note: Heywood Station car park is locked 10 minutes before the last train departs for Bury. Vehicular access to the Station and car park is via Railway Street.
Irwell Vale
Summerseat (BL9 5QY)
Irwell Vale, Note: No vehicular access via Hardsough Lane
Parking is available at or near most stations on the line, next to the station in Bury is Pay and Display (Weekdays) or ELR charged at weekend. The details shown are for information only, no liability is accepted for parking charges or damage to/theft of vehicles or contents.