Rawtenstall to Ramsbottom
The ELR which should stand for Excellent Little Railway but in fact stands for more descriptively East Lancashire Railway runs from Heywood through Bury to Rawtenstall. It is simply a most marvellous example of a preserved railway run by an outstanding team of volunteers. On most weekends throughout the year a steam or diesel service is run which is extended into the week during the summer (May to early September). Such commitment is breathtaking and deserves support. Walkers wishing to explore the Irwell Valley can use the railway to bring them back to their starting point. As it happens the Irwell Sculpture Trail runs parallel with the ELR providing many options for walkers. The walk described is just one example.
Time: 2 hours
Terrain: Easy and mainly flat.
Start: Rawtenstall ELR station. this is close by the A682 just out of the town centre towards Manchester.
Map
From the station follow the footpath on its right skirting the terminus buildings so that the railway is on the left. Keep on the path as it passes a large mill and then reaches another more modern unit.
The way passes under an arch to enter a flagged garden area close by a countryside centre.
Quickly you reach a pastoral scene with the River Irwell on the left.
After passing a riverside cottage you arrive at a lane.
Here turn left and cross the river on a road bridge. Walking north to south waymarkers for the trail were not always easy to pick up when the route was checked, especially on this next section. Walking towards the level crossing turn right into a seemingly unlikely area of commercial units.
At the end turn right onto a path that is on the left of a mesh fence and fluorescent yellow gatepost.
This leads into a sheet metal yard. Keep ahead and the path will become obvious as it leads once more into a more pastoral scene.
Though perhaps not quite so pastoral as soon it leads beneath the busy A56.
For a short distance you find yourself on National Cycle Route 6 or a branch of it, as it passes by some very desirable residences. Keep on it as it enters a wooded section beyond the end of a bridge and soon you will find yourself walking alongside the railway again.
Just before the trail turns left under track there is a particularly good viewing point should a train appear. This next part of the walk is rather attractive as trail, rail and water find their own route through the valley, sometimes in tandem and sometimes apart. Here you will come across some monumental art work that gives the trail its name. Just before Strongstry you cross the river again. Before reaching the railway bridge turn left past the terrace end onto a footpath.
This brings you back to the river, now on your left. After 500m, 8 mins you will reach the edge of a residential area. Again the way is not signed but it follows a narrow path between the rear of houses and their riverside allotments/gardens.
This brings you out onto the busy A 676 Bolton Road. Turn left over the river and then right in front of a dilapidated factory building.
You will soon come to open riverside meadows.
Across the valley you will notice the Peel Tower on top of Holcombe Moor. After crossing a footbridge the trail takes you towards a mill with an imposing chimney, then veers leftwards to put you on a footpath that takes you through a semi-industrial complex.
Keep ahead and on reaching Bridge Street turn right past a hairdresser's with a rather arresting sign, and walk over the river to reach Ramsbottom station.