The Bodmin and Wenford Railway

An excellent trip on this Cornish railway.

Arriving early we were able to find a parking place right outside the main station building. Access to the building was not straightforward as the doors, as expected of a heritage structure, were rather narrow but not impossible. We were made most welcome by the staff.

We'd opted for a trip on the branch and then a trip to Bodmin Parkway.

For the branch line trip we travelled in a newly restored coach which, by way of a simple ramp, gave us access to a large windowed area for wheelchairs, with seating for companions. But better still, this area have access to the first part of the main coach itself, and so Matt was able to sit in a window bay with us sitting alongside. Brilliant!

For the trip to Bodmin Parkway, the railway have a converted brake van. But no ordinary brake van this! A dedicated area, panelled and with windows, and a nice comfy carriage seat for companions. Again, quite brilliant!

Thoroughly recommend this little railway if you have a wheelchair.

Another trip in West Somerset

We thought we'd do the whole thing as most other folks do it.

We went to the Booking Office at Minehead to buy our tickets. Argggh. A step! Not overly high but still a step. Why? Anyway, we got our tickets. Excellent lady booking clerk understood our requirement first time. Another little step at the exit door. Immediately greeted by a lady member of staff "Are you travelling?". "Yes". "Follow me and I'll get the ramp sorted so you can get on the train".

We did and she did. And before too long we were on board. "Put the chair there next to the window". And the lady made room on two ordinary chairs further away but we didn't want to sit one end of the brake van with Matt the other end so one of us stayed with Matt.

We got off at Washford. Excellent, prompt and helpful service by the train staff. And we made our way off the station.

The plan was to take the Mineral Line Walk from Washford to Watchet. Then to catch the train back to Minehead. Something we have been doing since 1978.

The awkward kissing gate at the entrance to the Playing Field proved, well, awkward as usual but, for us, it is possible to negotiate with the wheelchair.

The Mineral Line Walk has been much improved recently and it now features a hard, smooth surface throughout its length. So off we trotted , around the field and past the court to the far end, where the Walk really begins.

Calamity. Concern. There, right across the paved path was a spanking new metal kissing gate. Not the large concern we had encountered earlier. But a small gate that swung inside a small semi-circular enclosure. Enough room for your average-sized walking bod to get through. But not a wheelchair, not a bike, not a pushchair. On each side of the metal gate structure was a gap. The gap on one side was a wooden fence; on the other side was nothing. Yet. But it was clear that a fence was due to be installed soon. B****r. That will completely block the Walk for us. Might as well build an eight-foot brick wall across the path.

We left the nice smooth path to traverse a bit of uneven rough ground, luckily it was dry and not muddy. So we were away. But heck, we thought. Just supposing there is a similar gate at the Watchet end - two miles away - and suppose that gate was finished, complete with side fences. We'd have to walk/wheel all the way back. But happily there was no gate at that end. Yet.

The rest of the walk went reasonable well. I won't relate the excursion to Kentsford Farm which involved another ruddy kissing gate...

We had to use the "troublesome" Govier's Lane Crossing but we found using the two swinging gates quite easy and we were not troubled.

The return trip began with equal care and attention by the train staff. And continued all the way to Minehead.

In summary, the trip on the train went well. The wander along the Mineral Line Walk gave us concerns. We have written to the authorities. Our message has been bounced from one department to another and then to another. Maybe one day we will find out what they think about their kissing gate and accessibility.

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!