Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

HAVING decided to combine my loves of walking and steam trains, my route from Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall along the River Irwell filled me with excitement.

The walk links two East Lancashire railway stations and I returned via the steam train after the five-mile stroll.

The heat was stifling, but at the end of the walk Thomas the Tank Engine was in full swing. The sights and sounds of happy children and the sound and sight of cricket at the nearby Ramsbottom ground was a real taste of old England.

Indeed, the scene could have been similar to that seen by Charles Dickens who visited Ramsbottom to meet the Grant brothers who made fortunes from cotton. Dickens changed their name to the Cheeryble brothers in his novel Nicholas Nickleby.

The Grants Arms is still a popular pub in the area and high up on Holcombe Hill is the Robert Peel monument celebrating the life of the prime minister in early Victorian times who set up the first police force - hence 'Bobbies'.

The little riverside park was full of sun worshippers as I set off along the Irwell passing the weir.

I encountered a fine example of a tree sculpture before passing into Irwell Vale, one of Lancashire's least celebrated villages but which thankfully has a conservation order on it. In the early days of the Industrial Revolution the Irwell powered the villages of Lumb, Chatterton and Strongstry.

Just to the west of Strongstry is Buckden (meaning deer area) Woods which consists of 435 acres (176 hectares) which have been managed by the National Trust since 1943.

I explored this area and also diverted a little to visit the Helmshore Textile Museum which has one of the finest machines to be found anywhere in the world. Here is the place to study the history of both water and steam power.

On return to Irwell Vale the Irwell looked a delight as its surface reflected the blazing rays of the sun. I sat for a while and watched the steam train moving towards Rawtenstall Station.

This is obviously a happy railway and I'm going to return in order to enjoy another steamy stroll. I hope the heat when I decide to embark on the journey will have cooled a little!

Getting there: From Ramsbottom station turn right over the level crossing and then left keeping the river on the left. Pass through Irwell Vale and then keep the railway to the right. Cross the railway track (take care) and come to the B6527 at Ewood Bridge. The Irwell is now on the left. The route then passes under the A682 and then passes Rossendale Groundwork park area. The path then leads to Rawtenstall Station. If you get thirsty then the Old Cobblers Inn could be a welcome stopping off point.