West Lancashire Light Railway

The West Lancashire Light Railway is a narrow gauge line, located in Hesketh Bank near Preston. Regular steam trains run on the half-mile long line around the old flooded clay pits at Alty's brickworks. While the line in only short, on normal operating days passengers can ride as many trains as they like, and the railway has a fascinating collection of narrow gauge steam, diesel and battery electric locomotives. The station at Becconsall exudes an authentic atmosphere of a small narrow gauge railway terminus, and the engine and repair sheds (with some areas normally open to the public) give a fascinating insight into the everyday working, repair and maintenance of narrow gauge rolling stock.

West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Nr Preston, Lancs. PR4 6SS

Willow Tree Halt, Delph

A gift shop is situated at the station/museum entrance.

Public access to the railway's workshops is normally available.

PRESERVEDRAILWAYS.ORG.UK REVIEW:

Our reviewer visited the line for the Diesel Gala Weekend on 5th October 2008, and had the following comments to make:

'Upon arriving at the Ribble Steam Railway, I found parking very easy on the large car park, and was greeted by friendly, cheerful and efficient staff in the combined gift shop/booking office. Ticket purchase was quick, no doubt aided by the fact that credit card payments cannot be made (not a hindrance in view of the low-cost fares). Access to the platform is via the museum entrance, with a shallow ramp for easy access for those with limited mobility and families wih pushchairs.

'The train consisted of two maroon BR Mark 1 coaches, well-presented inside and out. The train locomotive was an ex-BR Hunslet class 05 shunter, immaculately turned out in blue. The train departed a couple of minutes after the scheduled departure time, passing the diesel sheds and the boat repair yards at the dock entrance. Shortly afterwards, the train crossed the swing bridge at the dock entrance, at which point the passengers enjoyed some amazing views of the dock, including the lock gates controlling access from the river. Once over the dock, the train ran along the river bank to the exchange sidings where the loco ran around the train. An unusual feature of this line is that the run-round occurs before the end of the line is reached; this is because the terminus at Strand Road has a restricted layout, with no space in which to provide a loop. The train is then propelled further along the river bank, passing under the main Preston - Liverpool road before stopping in sight of the 1920-built Penwortham New Bridge.

'Once the train had arrived back at the station, I took the opportunity to explore the museum and workshop. The railway boasts a fascinating collection of locomotives and artefacts from industrial railways all around the country, including some of local interest. The exhibits are all easily accessible, although visitors are reminded to seek permission to climb in the locomotives for health and safety reasons. The visitor access to the workshops is restricted to a cordoned-off walkway, but still provides a fascinating insight into an aspect of preserved railways that is normally hidden from public view.

'I'm sure all visitors to this line will find much to interest them; this is a particularly family-friendly place. My kids absolutely loved it and we will be going again in the near future!'