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.