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Written by Andy Slater - 14 Jan 2004
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Location notes
East Lancashire Railway - ELR
Townsendfold is on the outskirts of Rawtenstall (the northern most point of the ELR). Trains take only about 2 minutes to reach there from Rawtenstall (Southbound) and no more than 3 minutes from Irwell Vale (Northbound).
Railway type and traffic
The East Lancashire Railway is a Heritage line. Most traffic is confined to Saturday and Sunday although the line does operate a summer timetable which includes running on some weekdays. For timetable and special events details look at the ELR Website.
Environment
Duckworth Lane Crossing is a foot / farm (not used) crossing just south of the main Townsendfold crossing. If it’s a wet day or has been raining the terrain, although a footpath, it may be a bit muddy. Some of the best shots are from the crossing but on the trackside - 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.
Road directions
Follow directions for Townsendfold Once parked, walk south (away from signal box following the line) through the grounds and to the right of K-Steels then follow the path left to the railway crossing. It will take 5 minutes or so.

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ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing) map co-ordinates
Parking
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.
Public transport
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.

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Amenities
Local Pub, The Whitchaff Inn on the Main Road. No other shops or amenities.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing)

Googly map
Streetmap links
ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing) general view map
ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing) close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
ELR,Townsendfold (Duckworth Lane Crossing)



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Photographic notes
Good shots in both directions here and pretty good for videoing Southbound (to Bury) trains. Some of the best shots are not from the crossing but on the trackside - if you’re going to go trackside wear high visibility clothing, keep your wits about you and acknowledge the train where possible. It is worth noting that Southbound (to Bury) trains are usually under power but will be coasting Northbound (to Rawtenstall).
Links to photographs at this location

The BR Diesel Web


General views - All photographs © Andy Slater unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Disclaimer
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