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Written by Andy Slater - 14 Jan 2004
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Location notes
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
Townsendfold is a road/rail crossing with a signal box. On one side there are fields (private land) and on the other industrial units and public access road.
Road directions
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

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ELR, Townsendfold 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 Crossing

Googly map
Streetmap links
ELR, Townsendfold Crossing general view map
ELR, Townsendfold Crossing close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
ELR, Townsendfold Crossing



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Photographic notes
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.
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 south


Fig 2 - Looking south


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