Irwell Vale

Settlement in Lancashire Rossendale

England

Irwell Vale

East Lancashire Railway Class 47 Diesel Credit: David Dixon

Irwell Vale is a small village located in the borough of Rossendale, Lancashire, England. Nestled within the picturesque Irwell Valley, it is situated approximately 13 miles north of Manchester. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green countryside, and the River Irwell, which meanders through the area, adding to its natural beauty.

Historically, Irwell Vale was an industrial hub, with its origins in the cotton industry. The village developed around the cotton mills that were once the backbone of the local economy. Today, remnants of this industrial past can still be seen, with some of the old mill buildings converted into residential properties, giving the village a distinct character.

Despite its industrial heritage, Irwell Vale has managed to maintain its rural charm. The village is known for its tranquil atmosphere and sense of community. It offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban areas.

The village is well-connected by road, with the A56 passing nearby, providing easy access to neighboring towns and cities. Additionally, the nearby town of Ramsbottom offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and schools, making it a convenient location for families.

Irwell Vale is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, and cycling, with many scenic trails and paths to explore. The village also benefits from its proximity to the stunning Irwell Sculpture Trail, which showcases a collection of contemporary artworks along the riverbank.

In summary, Irwell Vale is a charming village in Lancashire, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit.

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Irwell Vale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.678452/-2.316934 or Grid Reference SD7920. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

East Lancashire Railway Class 47 Diesel

East Lancashire Railway's class 47 preserved diesel locomotive 'D1501' hauls an East Lancashire Railway passenger train past the Chest from Rawtenstall towards the level crossing at Irwell Vale. D1501 was one of an initial batch of 20 new ‘Brush Type 4’s’, out-shopped in striking BR Two-Tone Green, as part of a Pilot Scheme order placed by British Railways in February 1961. It carried BR Blue livery as '1501' for many years, becoming 47402 still in BR Blue when the fleet was renumbered in the early 1970s to conform to the computerised TOPS systems. The locomotive was withdrawn from service in July 1992 and secured for preservation by Pete Waterman in December 1993 and has since been a longstanding member of the diesel fleet at the East Lancashire Railway. When first entering service with ELR, D1501 was re-named “GATESHEAD”. In 2010, it was repainted back into as-built BR Two-tone Green livery with the removal of headlights, nameplates, and complete with functional headcode panels. Link

ELR Fleet Profiles Link

British Rail Class 47 (Wikipedia)

David Dixon

Class 45 Diesel Locomotive approaching Irwell Vale

An East Lancashire Railway passenger train hauled by preserved class 45 diesel locomotive 45108 pulls into the station/halt at Irwell Vale, between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall. The original ELR station serving this area was at nearby Ewood Bridge, just to the north. That station, which opened in 1846, was closed to passengers in 1972 and its buildings were demolished in the early 1980s Link

. Following the successful re-opening of the line as a heritage railway, Irwell Vale station/halt was purpose-built by Rossendale Council and the East Lancashire Railway; it was opened on the 27th April 1991. The British Rail Class 45 also known as the Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives were built by British Rail at their Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. Along with the similar Class 44 and 46 locomotives, they became known as "Peaks". 45108 was withdrawn from service in August 1987.

David Dixon

Milne Street, Irwell Vale

Nestled in the lush Irwell Valley and lying at the confluence of the River Ogden and River Irwell, Irwell Vale is a traditional mill village with fine examples of stone-terraced mill cottages.

David Dixon

East Lancashire Railway - Irwell Vale Station

An East Lancashire Railway passenger train hauled by preserved class 45 diesel locomotive 45108 waits at the station/halt at Irwell Vale, between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall. The original ELR station serving this area was at nearby Ewood Bridge, just to the north. That station, which opened in 1846, was closed to passengers in 1972 and its buildings were demolished in the early 1980s Link

David Dixon

Fairway on Rossendale Golf Course

A corner of Rossendale Golf Club

Chris Heaton

Storage Facility at Rossendale Golf Club

Houses the machinery that maintains all aspects of the golf course

Chris Heaton

Stile on the Edge of Rossendale Golf Course

Crossing the golf course from Helmshore

Chris Heaton

Public Footpath heading for Irwell Vale

Chris Heaton

Irwell Vale Halt

Small station on the East Lancashire Heritage Railway that runs through the Irwell Valley for 12 miles between Heywood and Rawtenstall

Chris Heaton

River Irwell

Looking upstream from the bridge in Irwell Vale

Chris Heaton

East Lancashire Railway crossing the River Irwell

Heritage railway that runs between Heywood and Rawtenstall crossing the river to north of Irwell Vale Halt

Chris Heaton

East Lancashire Railway crossing the River Irwell again

The railway crossing the river once again to the north of Irwell Vale Halt

Chris Heaton

Mill in Irwell Vale

Chris Heaton

Riverside Path heading for Rawtenstall

A long distance path called the Irwell Sculpture Trail, according to the map - seen here below the A56

Chris Heaton

A56 crossing the River Irwell

Flyover spanning the River Irwell near Rawtenstall

Chris Heaton

Entrance to Clough House

Chris Heaton

Helmshore Road, Haslingden â 1982

Rossendale Transport bus 60 is on local service from Haslingden. It is a Leyland Leopard with East Lancs bodywork, new in 1971. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust