East Lancashire Railway steams through the Irwell Valley from Bury

There are few better ways to see the countryside north of Manchester than from the window of a heritage train. The East Lancashire Railway has been carrying visitors through the Irwell Valley for years, and it remains one of the region's favourite days out.

The line runs for 12½ miles, with its headquarters at Bury Bolton Street, once the town's main station. In 2025 trains were operating between Heywood and Rawtenstall, calling at Bury Bolton Street, Burrs Country Park, Summerseat, Ramsbottom and Irwell Vale along the way.

Each stop has its own character, and many passengers choose to hop off along the way. Ramsbottom is a popular place to break the journey, while the stations at Burrs Country Park, Summerseat and Irwell Vale make the railway a handy starting point for walks through the valley's green spaces.

Steam is at the heart of the experience. Railway World described a visit to the line in August 2025, when services were hauled by the un-rebuilt West Country Class Pacific 34092 City of Wells, a locomotive that draws enthusiasts from far and wide.

Looking after a historic railway takes constant care, and the line's infrastructure is getting attention. Time Out reported that the railway is benefiting from a £1.3 million revamp of the 19th-century Higher Woodhill Viaduct, noting that the last time repairs had been carried out on it was in 1932.

There are ambitions to grow, too. The railway has plans to extend its running line further into Castleton in the future, with a new platform proposed, which would strengthen its links with the wider rail network.

For families, rail enthusiasts and anyone who simply enjoys a gentle journey through beautiful scenery, the East Lancashire Railway offers a memorable trip on the doorstep of the city. The sights and sounds of a steam engine working hard up the valley are hard to beat, and the line has a loyal following among volunteers and visitors alike.

Timetables, special event days and ticket information are published by the railway, and it is worth checking ahead to see which locomotives are scheduled to run on the day of your visit.