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From Rawtenstall station car park, exit next to the station building and turn right (onto Bury Road). Follow the road up for just short of a mile, on your way you will pass The Railway pub (right hand side) and Rossendale Motor Show (right hand side). Having passed the car showroom take the next major right turn (before the Whitchaff Inn pub) onto Holme Lane and follow the road down and over the railway line.

NB Townsendfold is effectively a Cul-de-Sac if you are in a car. The only way out is the way you have come

Do not park in either the K-Steels or Rossendale Combining car parks as you might just get locked in!!
During The week parking may be limited by HGVs although using a bit of common sense there isn’t usually a problem. Weekends are usually fine.

Local bus services from Rawtenstall to Bury or Bolton (ask for the stop before the Whitchaff Inn pub) also probably only a £3.00 journey by taxi from Asda in Rawtenstall or walk able in about 25 minutes from Rawtenstall either by road or via the River trail.

Local Pub, The Whitchaff Inn on the Main Road. No other shops or amenities.

The Best shots are from the Signal Box side of the line in both directions. Good shots can be obtained from the crossing gates (either direction) and from opposite the home signal (southbound trains). It is worth noting that Southbound (to Bury) trains are usually under power at the crossing but will be coasting Northbound (to Rawtenstall) unless stopped by a signal check.

ELR, Irwell Vale South
ELR, Irwell Vale Station
ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing)