Walking the old Railway line between Accrington through Baxenden to Haslingden.

In 1848 Accrington railway station was opened by the East Lancashire Railway and became a key junction linking routes to Manchester, Burnley, and Bury. 1860s–1900s: Expansion took place wit the station expanded to handle growing traffic. Multiple platforms served different lines, including the Bury line via Helmshore.

1960s: Closures
• 1966: Passenger services on the Accrington–Bury line were withdrawn as part of the Beeching cuts.
• Platforms serving the Bury line at Accrington were closed.
• The track was later dismantled, ending direct rail connectivity between Accrington and Bury.

1970s–2000s: Decline and Survival
• Station remained open but with reduced importance.
• Continued to serve the East Lancashire Line (Preston–Colne).
2011: Eco Station Rebuild
• Major £2 million redevelopment transformed Accrington into one of the UK’s first “eco stations.”
• Features included solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable materials.

Present Day
• Accrington station remains operational, managed by Northern.
• Provides regular services to Manchester, Blackburn, Burnley, and Leeds.
• The Bury line remains permanently closed, with parts repurposed as walking and cycling paths.

I retrace the old line in this episode to Baxenden and then onto Haslingden Stations approximately 5 and a half miles. The gradient reached 1:38 at points going to Baxenden. This walk completes the link between Accrington and Helmshore and I will leave a link to my other episode should you wish to complete the "set".

USEFUL LINKS.
Link about the closure of the line 0n 15 December 1966
https://digspag.org.uk/the-beeching-c...

Link to RWH Trains a short silent vlog on Baxenden Station
   • Exploring Baxenden Railway Station - aband...  

One Manc you tube Stubbins to Accrington.
   • Accrington to Stubbins Lost Rossendale Rai...  

Wikipedia link to information on Baxenden Station
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baxende...

My link to the vlog about Helmshore Station to Haslingden Station. This will give you a full "tour" from Helmshore to Accrington once you view this episode from Accrington to Haslingden.

   • A walk into the past between Helmshore and...