Line
Clitheroe Line

Locally known as the Ribble Valley Line this community rail line links the regional centre of Manchester with the delightful market town of Clitheroe. Used by hundreds of commuters every day this inter-urban line passes through some of the most scenic parts of Lancashire.

On departing Manchester the line follows the Irwell Valley to Bolton and then climbs over the West Pennine Moors to reach Entwistle and the former cotton towns of Darwen and Blackburn. From Blackburn the line enters the Ribble Valley to reach Clitheroe with excellent views towards Longridge Fell, the Yorkshire Dales and Pendle Hill.

There is much to see and do along the line. For example, why not try the Elephant Walk at Bolton or visit Hall I’ Th’ Wood to see the delightful 16th century half timbered hall that once was the home of Samuel Crompton, inventor of the Spinning Mule. If you are more energetic try one of the walks passing by Entwistle, the gateway to the West Pennine Moors or from Clitheroe, the gateway to the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership (CLCRP) has a joint management group with the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership (ELCRP) and this meets quarterly. The group consists of officers and representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Northern Railways, Network Rail, the Community Rail Network and the British Transport Police. The group also has a representatives from each of the following; Ribble Valley Rail and the Friends of Pendle Stations.

Terms of Reference – the DfT’s Accreditation Process requires that the Terms of Reference be available to download – click here to see them EL & Cl CRPs Terms of Reference 

The Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership can be contacted by telephoning 01254 386579 or by emailing communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com and there is a Facebook page called Community Rail Lancashire and a Twitter feed @crl_live.

The Clitheroe Line CRP encourages any feedback about our work, by contacting us via the email address above, or by post to the address below:

The Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership
C/O Community Rail Lancashire
Accrington Station
Eagle Street
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 1LJ

If you are still not satisfied then please contact the Chair of Community Rail Lancashire on communityraillancashire1@gmail.com or phone 07487 699341.