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

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

Strathspey Railway

Overview
A standard-gauge railway running between Aviemore and Broomhill in the Spey valley in the Scottish Highlands. Most of the comments here relate to a visit in August 2004 which took in a trip from Aviemore to Broomhill and back. We did not get off at Broomhill or Boat of Garten, the intermediate station.

Car Parking
We joined at Aviemore where there are several well signed spaces for disabled visitors. There is a brief stony track to cross, then a well finished pathway all the way to the booking office. Earlier that week, on a quick visit to the intermediate station, Boat of Garten, we had followed the road signs to the car park only to find no public access to the main platform for wheelchairs, only a footbridge. On motoring to the other side we found a few spaces right next to the booking office door. Shame it was so hidden away...

Getting Tickets
No problems with access at Aviemore or at Boat of Garten. No discount offered.

Platforms
Very easy access to the platforms at Aviemore and Boat of Garten.

Scotrail
These main line trains also stop at Aviemore and, there is cross platform access but some up Scotrail trains used the down platform. This would mean a lengthy detour for wheelchair-users to gain access to the Strathspey platform.

The Train
We were met promptly by the Guard who fetched the usual portable ramp from the Van and we wheeled aboard. The Van interior was fitted out with two tables with comfortable chairs, and we were helped to the table. The Van was occupied by other staff making their way to work elsewhere. Whilst these people were very friendly and chatty, we did feel a little uncomfortable, especially when their own discussions became loud. We could not gain access to the buffet and we were not offered any help by passing buffet staff. There was no disabled toilet as far as we could tell.

Other information
There is little to add to the above. The official website states "...Passengers using wheelchairs can be accommodated, except on 'Branch Line Days', in a specially adapted part of the train. However, as space is limited please contact Aviemore station in advance to check availability and best access to the platform.".

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 12 September 2004

Swanage Railway

Overview
A standard gauge railway running for around five or so miles between the Dorset seaside resort of Swanage and Norden. Wheelchair-users are conveyed in the parcels compartment of a normal brake coach which has wide doors. Portable ramps appear are used to assist wheelchairs on and off. Helpers can travel in the same coach using four domestic wooden chairs. The comments below are largely drawn from observations during an unannounced visit made in April 2003, starting at Swanage.

Car Parking
We did not check out the parking arrangements at Swanage Station.

Getting Tickets
Level access from the platform to the doors to the Ticket Office which were sufficiently wide for a wheelchair. The Clerk's window was a little high. No discount offered.

Platforms
The train arrives and departs from the one platform at Swanage - access is very easy indeed from the main street. We did not alight at any of the other stations - Harman's Cross seemed to have a good sloping access path to either platform, Corfe Castle seemed to present no problems at all and looks to be a super destination, and Norden looked purpose-built and therefore very suitable for chairs.

The Train
The Swanage Railway seemed to have made minimal effort to cater for wheelchair-bound visitors - the parcels area of a Brake Coach with no facilities at all. No clamps are provided. The wheelchair-bound visitor can be positioned near a window if one of the few are free of obstructions - the area is also used for cycles, pushchairs and similar. There is no suitable toilet.

Other information
The attention by Railway Staff was excellent. We were met by a courteous ticket inspector whilst on the platform who arranged for the ramp to be put in place for us. We were also impressed by the helpfulness of other Staff whilst on the train and at each Station.

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 April 2003