The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) and Diamond Bus North West are providing families with a unique and magical day out this summer thanks to a new service that combines an open-top bus ride with a journey on the historic railway.
Ticket-holders will be able to explore the full extent of the beautiful Irwell Valley on the summer-only service that links Bolton with the ELR at Ramsbottom.
The ‘Rammy Rambler’ open top bus will provide three through journeys per day between Wednesday and Sunday from Bolton Interchange to Ramsbottom, where visitors can then enjoy the delights of the ELR.
Unique attractions along its 12 miles of tracks include the beautiful Burrs Country Park, The Irwell Sculpture Trail, Bury’s celebrated Transport Museum and the independent boutiques, restaurants and bars of both Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall – offering extensive options to captivate all generations – from grandkids to grandparents.
Combi tickets that permit unlimited travel all day on bus and rail are available from the ELR website.
Prices for advance tickets start from £17.50 for adults, £10.50 for children and £45.50 for families comprising two adults and three children.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said, “We’re delighted to work in partnership with Diamond Bus North West to provide these specially developed services this summer.
As foreign travel restrictions mean fewer of us will be enjoying a traditional sunshine break abroad this year, families are now rediscovering the delights that are on their own doorstep.
Combi tickets on the ‘Rammy Rambler’ will allow ELR visitors to branch out and explore the extensive attractions of the stunning Irwell Valley and West Pennine Moors by bus and heritage rail.
So, leave your car at home, pack a picnic and enjoy your own adventure close to home. In the immortal words of PJ & Duncan: ‘Let’s get ready to ramble’.”
Bob Dunn, Regional Managing Director, Diamond Bus North West, said, “Diamond Bus North West is pleased to announce this new summer service promoting the staycation message from the government and providing a link between Bolton and Ramsbottom.
We hope our passengers will enjoy using the open top service and take advantage of the fact that our timetable is planned to enable travel on the East Lancashire Railway as well.”
Separate bus and train tickets can also be purchased on the day on the bus and at Ramsbottom ELR station. The service will also provide a link to Jumbles Country Park and the village of Hawkshaw.
To book tickets click here.
