Bury to Ramsbottom and the East Lancs Railway | 29 May 2022

Walk leader : Dave H

Walk details : This is an “Industrial Heritage” and urban linear walk from Bury to Ramsbottom. We return to Bury by train on the East Lancs Railway – hopefully by steam train. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/

Starting from the centre of Bury, the walk has some fantastic countryside views and takes in parts of the Irwell sculpture trail, Burrs country park (including one of the first mills of the industrial era) and farm land. We will follow the banks of the River Irwell and the East Lancs Railway to Summerseat and Ramsbottom. We may get to see the steam train pass us along our walk route.

The moderate-level walk will take approx. 4hrs and is 7 miles to Ramsbottom. We will return to Bury by train. There are rough and narrow paths in places, with exposed tree roots and a couple of steep climbs. No stiles however. Its likely the paths will be muddy after rain so appropriate footwear is strongly advised!

There are no convenient places to buy lunch on the route so please bring something to eat/drink with you for the walk. We can stop for homemade, real Jersey milk ice-cream on the route and if we have time, there will be ample opportunities to take refreshments in Ramsbottom at the end of the walk before we return to Bury, depending on our arrival time in Ramsbottom – we’ll aim to catch the 4pm train back to Bury.

Alternatively, there will be chances for a drink at Bury station which has a real ale bar “The Trackside”.

Train fare – from Ramsbottom to Bury is £11 p.p. and the journey takes about 15 mins (NB: Card payments only and no concessionary fares).

Train times – for the journey from Ramsbottom to Bury are limited (we have the option of the last 2 trains at 4.02pm and 4.47pm) and so we must be sure to arrive in Ramsbottom at the end of our walk in time to catch our proposed train at 4.02pm. No dilly-dallying! 🙂

The walk is suitable for dogs and are allowed on the train free of charge.

Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out on 20/05/2022. A summary of identified risks is below:-

Footpaths – a mix of good, easy paths AND rough, narrow and uneven paths. There are exposed tree roots on the footpaths. There are a couple of steep climbs to negotiate. We will be walking alongside the river/ponds in places. We have to cross the railway line in one place – at an official crossing place. In all cases, walkers must follow the walk leaders guidance/advice.

Roads – we will have to navigate a few roads – in Bury and Ramsbottom. In the towns, these will be busy so caution is required.

Start time and meeting point : Meet at 11.30am prompt, at the front of the East Lancs Railway station; postcode is BL9 0EY.

I’d like to set off promptly so that we can be sure of arriving in Ramsbottom in plenty of time to catch the 4pm return train to Bury.

Directions to the start : Bury is easily accessed by car via the M60 and M66 (Junc 2) and is about 35 mins drive from central Manchester. Alternatively, the A56 (Bury New Rd) runs from Manchester (AO Arena) to Bury.

Car Parking: There are two pay and display car parks near the East Lancs Railway station – one opposite and one behind the station. Parking fees are £1 at both on Sundays – easier to pay by cash if possible otherwise pay by phone available.