Bury Trail & Rail 2026

Trail & Rail 2026

Explore. Learn. Grow.

Join The Sunnywood Project for our much-loved annual Trail & Rail adventure - a relaxed, family-friendly day out combining beautiful countryside walks with a return journey on the historic East Lancashire Railway.

Starting from Bolton Street Station, Bury, you'll follow scenic riverside paths, ancient woodland trails and peaceful green spaces before finishing at one of three East Lancashire Railway stations. Simply hop aboard the train using your included ticket and enjoy a leisurely ride back to where you started.

Whether you're looking for a gentle family stroll or a longer countryside adventure, you can choose the distance that suits you on the day.

Choose Your Adventure

Bolton Street Station → Burrs Country Park Station

Approx. 1.5 miles

Bolton Street Station → Summerseat Station

Approx. 3.3 miles

Bolton Street Station → Ramsbottom Station

Approx. 5 miles

There's no need to decide your distance when booking. Your train ticket is valid from any of the three stations, allowing you the flexibility to walk as little or as much as you'd like.

Our friendly Sunnywood Walk Leaders will be there throughout the day to guide, encourage and support everyone taking part.

The Route

Beginning at Bolton Street Station, the walk heads through Burrs Country Park before following the beautiful River Irwell along peaceful country trails.

The route continues through ancient woodland to Summerseat, before the final section climbs gently towards Ramsbottom, passing through the picturesque Nuttall Park before reaching the final railway station.

Every section offers something different, making this a fantastic way to discover one of Bury's most beautiful walking routes.

Donate to Take Part

Thanks to the generous support of Bury Council, The East Lancashire Railway and our volunteers, Trail & Rail is accessible through a donation rather than a ticket price.

Instead of paying an entry fee, we simply ask participants to donate whatever they feel able towards The Sunnywood Project's work.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue using the outdoors to enrich lives across our community.

Your support help funds initiatives such as:

• Kindling Kids outdoor wellbeing sessions

• Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions and training

• SPACE support programmes for children and young people with SEMH needs

• Community wellbeing activities for families

• Outdoor learning and adventure opportunities for local schools

  
  

By joining Trail & Rail, you're not only enjoying a fantastic day outdoors: you are helping create life-changing opportunities for others.

Thank you for supporting The Sunnywood Project.

Event Times

Saturday 30th August

Registration: 9:00am – 9:45am

Guided Walk departs promptly: 10:00am

Train Journey

Your booking includes a return journey from whichever station you finish at back to Bolton Street Station.

Please check the East Lancashire Railway timetable before travelling.

Please Note

• Dogs are not permitted on this event.

• The section between Bolton Street Station and Burrs Country Park Station is suitable for prams

• The remainder of the route is not suitable for prams. Families with prams are advised to board the train at Burrs Country Park Station.

• All children and young people aged 0–18 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For any questions, please email info@thesunnywoodproject.co.uk

Trail & Rail is proudly delivered through a partnership between The Sunnywood Project, East Lancashire Railway and Bury Council.

Together we're helping more people discover the incredible countryside on their doorstep while supporting programmes that improve health, wellbeing, confidence and community connections.

Tickets available from 1st July 2026.