| ELR, Irwell Vale South
Written by Andy Slater - 14 Jan 2004 |
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From Irwell Vale Station carpark turn left and left again and follow the road for about ½ a mile - if you drive there are annoying speed bumps. There are large houses to your left and the river to your right. Before the road crosses the river the road widens and you can park there. On the railway / houses side of the river bridge there is a small gate onto a path that follows the river. Follow this for probably ¼ mile or so where the path splits, one going under the railway, one climbing above on above the railway and up onto the disused Accrington line trackbed which is walkable all the way to Strongstry (1 mile from Stubbins). It can be muddy so take care!
See road directions, but if you have time it is only about a 10 minute walk (just consider that if you are photographing a Southbound (To Bury) train you might have to walk swifly back to the station if you plan to film the next Northbound (To Rawtenstall) train – You have about 15-20 minutes when a 50 minute timetable is in operation.
There is a tea room in the village open on Summer weekends but I’m not sure where it is (it may well be in the church which hosts the Irwell Vale Photographers’ slideshows). No other shops or amenities so take some supplies with you!
This is a good location for photographing or videoing Southbound (to Bury) trains as at Irwell Vale station they are preparing to stop and therefore not under power. If you cross under the Railway you can climb up onto the hillside and get an impressive long shot of the train in the station - good for video. Northbound (To Rawtenstall) trains are best seen at Irwell Vale Station.
Some good shots are possible from the trackside at the south (Bury) end of the station (see photo of 40135 & 40145 below) - if you’re going to go trackside wear high visibility clothing, keep your wits about you and acknowledge the train.
Accessing trackside is technically trespass and therefore done at your own risk. Neither Trainspots or the author accept responsibility for your actions or the consequences of them.
