Nene Valley Railway

A very good day out on the Nene Valley Railway. Very, very attentive and friendly staff, throughout the day, made all the difference.

At Ferry Meadows, we were helpfully advised where to wait. When the train arrived, the Guard quickly established we were travelling. Before putting the ramp into position, he wound on the handbrake. We were very impressed with this action as an incident on another heritage railway nearly ended in disaster when, just as the wheelchair was on the ramp the train move slightly, about six inches, but enough to dislodge the ramp which nearly tipped us over before we could reach terra firma (we have written to the railway concerned - it was not the NVR).

The accommodation was the dreaded guards van, although this one had four comfortable ex-BR seats permanently fitted for "helpers". It was still a van, however, no trimmings, and allowing but poor viewing of the passing scenery. We shared the journey with a rubbish bin; a bike; several pushchairs and various members of staff. This is not the experience of others on the train and it tends to spoil things.

We got off at Wansford, again after commendable attention from the train crew. Brilliant. The station site was laid out very well for wheelchairs and we had no difficulty whatsoever getting around, including the pleasant riverside picnic area.

Our rover tickets allowed us a trip on "Thomas", from Wansford to Yarwell and back, via the tunnel. This train left from the opposite platform, but there was ramped access via the level crossing so no problems there. Continental stock was used for this shuttle train. A ramp was in place and into the cavenous wheelchair area we went. No seats for helpers sadly. But it was possible for us to get the wheelchair to the first seating bay which was extremely welcome as we could all travel together. Enough space too for the following family who also had a wheelchair. This facility is very commendable.

The return trip to Ferry Meadows started and ended with the excellent and friendly attention of the train crew. This time our party (four grown-ups, two kids and a wheelchair-bound grown-up) shared the guards van with a bike, pushchairs and other passengers, mostly standing for most of the way.

Clearly the NVR has prepared its stock and staff very well for wheelchair-bound visitors, a preparation which helped us to enjoy a good day out. Thanks NVR.

Donegal Railway Heritage Centre

Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is based at the former Donegal Station just a short distance from the main car parks in Donegal Town. Other than the usual problems of crossing roads, it was quite easy making our way to the Station. A notice at the Station Approach said parking was for "bus employees only". We did not notice any parking for blue badge holders. Access to the building was ramped and once inside there was sufficient room for the wheelchair, except perhaps to and from the audio/visual room. The historical exhibits were laid out for standing people although the excellent model railway was low enough for sitting folk to enjoy. We did not see any evidence of the rides on the small length of minituare gauge track on the platform. Indeed we did not (could not?) get onto the platform. The exhibits in the garden could be viewed by wheelchair users and Coach no 28 has ramped access allowing close inspection of the outside and, through the windows, the inside. There was no sign of the CDR steamer Drumboe. Overall, we found access reasonable to this invaluable historical resource and we wish them well.

Oakfield Park, Raphoe

Whilst not strictly a "heritage railway", Oakfield Park does offer a good journey through the lower gardens and uses some interesting stock. Parking at Oakfield Park was limited but we managed to find a space not too far from the path to the Railway. The gravel path was not too difficult to push the wheelchair along. We then encountered a level crossing but could not open the gates. So we had to go onto the grass verge and cross the tracks away from the actual crossing by turning the wheelchair and pulling it across the rather bumpy tracks. It was rather a pity the steam loco was not in service. At the station we found the driver and asked if we could travel. He was very helpful and cleared a small compartment which had double doors and in went the wheelchair. A bit tight on length but height was OK. There was very little room in this compartment for anyone else but one of us managed to stand bent double/kneel for the duration of the journey. The views were OK but limited by only the forward door on each side being glazed, the other doors having no windows. But, with a little help from the driver, we did it! More about this Railway at http://www.oakfieldpark.com/index.htm

Fintown Railway

Unusually, we rang the Fintown Railway before visiting as we wanted to know the train times. The person who answered the phone was clearly having a bad day as the answers to our questions were rather brief and blunt. When we asked if wheelchair users could use the train, the answer was a simple, plain "No". End of discussion. No attempt was made by the Railway to clarify the extent to which the mobility of the wheelchair user was limited. So we didn't attempt to travel which was a shame as the Railway looks a splendid affair and uses Railcar 18 - an original diesel railcar of the County Donegal Railway and dating from 1940. The historical nature of this passenger vehicle with the high steps and narrow doors might be the reason for turning us away. We'll probably never know. Check out http://www.antraen.com/index.php for information.

West Somerset Railway

We had parked the car at Washford and walked along the old West Somerset Mineral line, now a footpath, down to Watchet, with the idea of catching the train back to Washford. When the train, a four-car DMU, arrived at Watchet, we looked for the Guard's van. We were right opposite it. But there were two! And the doors of van near us were locked as one helpful passenger (a off-duty WSR volunteer as we later found out) found. But at least he tried. At the same time, another WSR person travelling on the train, dashed out, said "Hold on" and ran to the other end of the train, ran back to us, and guided us to the van at the other end. By that time, the ramp was in place, but we had to wait as other wheelchair-bound passenger detrained. A slight delay as the Guard patiently advised that party on the best way to get into town. Then we were onboard and promptly guided by the Guard and TTI to the wheelchair space where we found we could sit in real comfort with Matt alongside in a normal carriage area, along with other passengers. At Washford, we were detrained with equal efficiency. Well done the train crew and the two other WSR people who were so quick to help. We hear a lot about the legendary WSR friendly staff who go the extra mile to help and advise - well, we have now experienced it for ourselves!

Isle of Wight Railway

Overview
A standard gauge railway using original locomotives and coaching stock over a five mile line on the Isle of Wight. The comments below are largely drawn from observations during an unannounced visit made in September 2000, starting at Havenstreet - the best place for car-bound visitors. A useful rail link can also be made using Island Line trains, changing at Smallbrook Junction for the steam trains.

Car Parking
A large, tarmac car park at Havenstreet with a few spaces reserved for "disabled" visitors. These spaces are a bit narrow, however. There is a short walk over small gravel - a little difficult for small wheels - of around 50 yards from the car park to the ticket office, where hard surface is regained.

Getting Tickets
The ticket office controls access to the station site at Havenstreet and is easily navigated bar one small gate. All level access.

Platforms
The train arrives and departs from the one island platform at Havenstreet. Access to the platform involves crossing one track via a boardwalk and tnen a ramp to the platform proper. I cannot recall a shelter on the platform.

Getting there using the Island Line trains
There is a very useful cross-platform interchange at Smallbrook Junction, where the steam trains link with the electric Island Line trains on the Ryde Pier to Shanklin route. This option may well suit especially as travel on the Island Line is particularly good for the wheelchair-user.
The Train
Given the very vintage nature of the rolling stock on the Isle of Wight Railway, it is good that wheelchairs can be carried at all. Here, the Guards Van is used via a short ramp. Space in the Van is confined with more than one chair and no more than three can be carried. Restricted views - if any - for the wheelchair-user, mostly through the door windows and the end-windows. The latter give a rare view of the engine in one direction or the line in the other. Nevertheless, it is not good viewing for the wheelchair-user, but, this may be offset by the "belt-and-braces" experience of travel in an old four-wheel Guards Van.

Other information
The shop at Havenstreet is a bit congested and the adjoining small museum is difficult as there are steps.
The helpfulness of the Staff can not be overstated. Every effort is made to help and inform.



Disclaimer


The information is simply provided as a guide and any visitors to the Railway are encouraged to check with the Railway before making a visit or journey.



Last updated 23 September 2001

Bure Valley Railway

Overview
A narrow gauge railway running for nine miles between Aylsham and Wroxham in Norfolk. Wheelchair-users are conveyed in specially built coaches which have wide doors and ramps. Helpers can travel in the same coach using standard seating. The comments below are largely drawn from observations during an unannounced visit made in September 2001, starting at Wroxham.

Car Parking
At both Aylsham and Wroxham, there is free parking for all, with easy access the few yards to the Station via lowered kerbs.

Getting Tickets
The doors to the building at Wroxham were a little difficult to open and keep open - one set to enter the shop to buy the tickets, and one set from the shop to the platform. All level access. The tickets were purchased over the shop counter near the door which created a little congestion. No discount offered.

Platforms
The train arrives and departs from the one platform at Wroxham; at Aylsham there are two or three platforms and whilst these are wide enough for a chair there are several metal pillars to avoid.

Anglia Trains
Visitors may also like to know that Anglia Trains from Norwich and Cromer call at Wroxham (Hoveton) Station. There is a direct ramped walkway - about 200 yards - from the "big" station to the "little" Bure Valley Railway station.

The Train
The Bure Valley Railway prides itself in the facilities provided for wheelchair-users. The train had two specially adapted coaches, each has wide doors and a low portable ramp and can hold probably three wheelchairs. Helpers can sit with the wheelchair-users, and a further four people in each of two end-bays. The floor is rubberised. No clamps are provided. Whilst the roof is low - to be expected on a narrow-gauge line - the windows are also low and all get a super view during the journey.

Other information
At Wroxham and Aylsham, there are suitable toilets for all. Access to the Whistlestop Restaurant at Aylsham is straightforward. Self-service selection is quite easy with no barriers or similar. Plenty of room at tables. The shops at Aylsham and Wroxham are quite spacious.
The Bure Valley Railway are constructing four more coaches - a clear indication of the ongoing commitment to enhance the experience for the wheelchair-user. The Railway also has a growing number of local people using the line and the coaches are also used for pushchairs and prams.

Update March 2004
The four disabled access coaches mentioned above are now in service. As a result the Railway can guarantee that wheelchair accessible coaches will be available on every train. And that is wonderful news.
Platform Three - the main departure/arrival one - at Aylsham is to be widened by approximately three feet

Disclaimer

The information is simply provided as a guide and any visitors to the Railway are encouraged to check with the Railway before making a visit or journey.

Last updated 17 March 2004