An Accessible Guide to Train Travel in Cornwall

ACCESSIBLE GUIDE

CORNWALL TRAIN TRAVEL IN

Explore Cornwall by rail

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

MAP: Guide to mainline and branch stations

STATION A TO Z: Find key accessibility information

SCENIC ROUTES: Tried and tested by our Accessibility

Ambassadors

Cover photo: Branchline over the River Tamar at Calstock/Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership Copyright Access Cornwall CIC 2023. With thanks to the GWR Community Fund

How To Use This Guide:

Across our extensive station guide, you will see three categories of accessibility.

GREEN indicates the station has step-free access to all platforms.

AMBER indicates the station has a degree of step free access to some or all platforms.

RED indicates the station has incomplete step free access and some travellers will have to travel past and return on the other side of the track in order to leave the station via a ramp. So be sure to plan ahead and leave enough time!

There are also symbols indicating the following, not just for stations but other venues mentioned in this guide:

Accessible parking

Accessible toilets

Assistance dogs

Autism aware

Café

Carers go free

Changing places

Clear signage

Dementia aware

Hearing impaired aware

Hearing loop

Max card

Public transport

Shelter

Social/Visual story

Staff assistance

Tactile paving

Waiting room

Wheelchair access

All aboard…

…and welcome to the first ever Accessible Guide to the train network across Cornwall, brought to you by Access Cornwall with thanks to the financial support of the GWR Community Fund.

The train is a wonderful way to explore everything our beautiful county has to offer, whether you want to enjoy a day trip to the beach at St Ives, explore the cultural hub of Falmouth, go shopping in Truro or Penzance or simply stay on board and take in breathtaking views of the Looe Valley.

Access Cornwall’s team of accessibility ambassadors have been travelling the length and breadth of the Duchy by train to ensure the information given to you on these pages will allow you to plan your next journey with confidence, wherever you want to go and whatever your accessibility needs may be.

These ambassadors include wheelchair users, those with vision, hearing and other mobility impairments, those with learning differences as well as people from our wonderful neurodiverse community.

In this guide you will find their assessment of all 34 train stations across Cornwall. Not only will you be able to see the many stations that allow wheelchair users to safely access trains, on pages 30 and 31, we explore the range of different trains, including the sleeper service so you’ll know what to expect on board.

Please note that some things are subject to change - for example, there are plans to install a lift at Par station, so if you find something needs to be updated or amended, please get in touch via our website

www.accesscornwall.org.uk

For extra help, you can also phone the national Passenger Assist helpline on 0800 197 1329 or text relay free on 18001 0800 197 1329.

We hope this guide will be useful and allow you to enjoy Cornwall by train.

Enjoy your journey!

Truro – Falmouth line. Credit: Mark Lynam

Cornwall GWR Accessible

Rail Map

Key

Main line

Branch line

Main station – bigger station which all trains stop at. Sub station - smaller station, check your train is stopping here before boarding

Accessibility guide

Green – our team assess this station has wheelchair accessibility to all platforms and good accessibility provision for other needs including staff assistance at the platform (do book ahead).

Amber – This station has a degree of wheelchair accessibility but there may be some steps, or issues accessing some platforms.

Red – This station is challenging for those with accessibility needs with no, or very limited step-free access to any platform and generally has limited accessibility features to support other needs.

An A to Z of stations

Here is a guide to facilities at the 36 train stations in Cornwall.

Some things to bear in mind…

• Induction loops are available at all stations where there is a ticket office, and all other stations have a ‘help point’, which has an induction loop setting.

• All stations offer ramp access from the platform to the train, supported by on-train staff where there are not station staff, if notified in advance, EXCEPT for Falmouth Town.

• Where there are toilets on the station, there are also accessible toilets. These are often operated by RADAR keys, which are available from station staff, where necessary.

• Wheelchair accessibility and step free access are categorised by colours -

Category green: This station has step-free access to the platform(s).

Category amber: This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform(s)

Category red: this station has incomplete step-free access or very steep gradients, and travellers may have to travel past and return on the other side of the track in order to leave the station via a ramp.

Parking

Several stations are listed with free parking for Blue Badge holders. These are mostly car parks run by Apcoa parking. For these, Blue Badge holders can park free, in any space, BUT they have to register with Apcoa, via their blue badge portal.

bluebadge.apcoa.co.uk

Booking accessibility assistance

08001 971 329 or 18001 0800 197

1329 (Textphone)

If you are planning on travelling on national rail services, you can request an assistance booking in advance - now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day. For more information about Passenger Assist and how to request an assistance booking via Passenger Assist, please click here.

Symbols and key

Accessible parking

Accessible toilets

Staff assistance

Café

Tactile paving

Clear signage

Waiting room Shelter

1

Bodmin Parkway - Mainline, main station

Extensive carpark, with accessible spaces and ticket machines, and a drop-off point at the station entrance. Blue badge holders can park for free.

On southbound platform only. Radar key

Very good customer service, best in the county!

Really good café, on Penzance-bound platform (1)

Step free access available to the Penzance-bound platform (1), however access to the Plymouth-bound platform is only via a footbridge. Wheelchair passengers will need to travel past this station, change trains and come back.

Good step onto the train from the Plymouth-bound platform (2), and towards the front of the Penzance-bound platform (1). The platform is narrow for arranging a wheelchair access ramp, at the end of the Penzance-bound platform (1), and the front of the Plymouth-bound platform (2). The station takes almost all lengths of train.

Wheelchair accessible ticket office and ticket machine, and wheelchairs available for passengers.

Clear Signage

On both platforms.

No step-free access to the Plymouth-bound platform (2). Platforms narrow in places, with larger step to train.

DAYS OUT

Bodmin Jail (near Bodmin Parkway)

www.bodminjail.org

Tel: 01208 76292

Find out about the history of Bodmin Jail, including spooky guided tours. Good wheelchair accessibility (up to 75cm width), and fun for all the family.

No parking, but there is a drop-off point.

Step free access from a drop-off point on a private road.

Clear Signage

There is a kind of shelter on the platform.

Calstock is one of two Tamar Valley branch line stations in Cornwall. The scenic Tamar Valley line starts in Plymouth, Devon.

Small car park

Step free access is available from the car park, via a barrow crossing to the platforms. A ramp is available to get onto the trains.

Clear Signage

2 Bugle - Newquay branch line

3 Calstock - Tamar Valley branch line

4 Camborne - Mainline, sub-station

On the edge of Camborne, with a mostly level walk to the town centre, and in easy reach of mining heritage sites such as Heartlands, and the King Edward Mine, by taxi or public transport.

Parking is very small, on a sloping, tarmac site, Plymouth-bound and in a large, potholed, gravel site, southbound. Accessible parking bays only on Plymouth-bound (platform 2).

On the Plymouth-bound platform (1), and until the ticket office closes at 2pm.

Limited. Only a single member of staff, and no staff after 2pm, or on Sundays.

On the Plymouth-bound platform (1), with seats inside

Both platforms are accessible step-free, but crossing between them is via a footbridge, or using the level crossing. There is an accessible ticket machine. The height from the platform to the trains is good.

Good, except for the café signage.

Only open till 2pm.

Platforms may be shorter than the trains. Stepped footbridge between the platforms. Only staffed until 2pm.

5 Carbis Bay - St Ives Branch line

Small car park. Blue Badge holders park for free. There is a drop-off point, but access to the platform is via a steep ramp.

There is step-free access to the platform, but this is via a steep ramp.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

There is step-free access to the platform, but this is via a steep ramp.

No car park, but there is a drop-off point at the entrance to the platform.

There is a short, steep ramp to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

Short steep ramp to the platform.

No car park, no drop-off point.

There is a short, steep ramp to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

Short steep ramp to the platform.

Medium-sized car park with several accessible spaces. There is a drop-off point at the station entrance. Blue Badge holders park for free.

There is step-free access to the platform, but this is via a steep ramp.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

6 Causeland - Looe branch line

7 Coombe Junction Halt - Looe branch line

8 Falmouth Docks - Falmouth branch line

National Maritime Museum

Cornwall (near to Falmouth Docks) nmmc.co.uk

Tel: 01326 313388

A fascinating museum exploring Cornwall’s maritime heritage, with 15 galleries across five floors.

9 Falmouth Town - Falmouth branch line

At the lower edge of Falmouth, near to the National Maritime Museum, via a slight slope.

Large car park with several accessible spaces. There is a drop-off point at the station entrance. Blue Badge holders park for free.

Access to the platform is via a steep ramp. Due to the platform being narrow, it is not possible to use a wheelchair ramp to get onto the train.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

It is not possible for full-time wheelchair users to access the train at this station, due to the narrow platform. Access to the platform is via a steep ramp.

10 Gunnislake - Tamar Valley Branch Line

Gunnislake is at the end of the beautiful Tamar Valley line which starts in Plymouth, Devon. Small car park.

There is step free access to the platform from the car park via a short steep ramp.

Clear Signage.

11 Hayle - Mainline, sub-station

High on a viaduct above the Harbour end of Hayle, in easy reach of the shops and places to eat in the town, with a short walk to the open air pool and King George’s walk, and the Copperhouse end of Hayle.

Limited parking, but there is a drop-off point for platform 1 (Penzance bound).

Access via an underpass to the south of the station. Access to the station is smooth, but steep.

Clear Signage.

Shelter on both platforms.

Steep ramp to the station. Platforms may be shorter than the trains.

12 Lelant - St Ives Branch line

Tiny car park. Blue Badge holders park for free. There is a drop-off point for the single platform.

Level access to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

The station is at the bottom of a steep hill, although access to the platform is level.

13 Lelant Saltings - St Ives Branch line

Extensive carpark for St Ives Park and Ride. There is a drop-off point for the single platform.

This station has step free access to the platform although access to the platform is via a short steep ramp.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

Access to the platform via a short steep ramp.

Extensive car park with accessible spaces, and a drop-off point. Blue badge holders park for free.

In the ticket office, on Plymouth-bound platform (1). Radar Key.

Very good assistance available.

Good accessible café inside the main ticket hall.

The Penzance bound platform (2) can only be accessed via a very steep ramp that is not suitable for wheelchairs and is too steep for staff to help push wheelchairs up/down. Platform 1 (Plymouth -bound) and Platform 3 (to Looe) can be accessed step free from the bottom of the hill access road to the station. A good sized step onto the trains, and the platforms are long enough for almost all trains.

Accessible ticket machine and ticket office counter, with wheelchairs available. Clear Signage.

On both main platforms.

Steep ramps to access the platforms. Use the car park at the bottom of the hill to access Platforms 1 and 3

14 Liskeard - Mainline, connection to Looe branch line, main station

15

Looe - Looe branch line

2 accessible spaces in a car park which has good level access.

Level access to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

DAYS OUT

Looe Heritage Museums and Beach

(near Looe station)

Looeharbourheritagecentre.uk

Tel: 01503 264223

www.eastlooetowntrust.co.uk/museum.php

Tel: 01503 263709

Looe Harbour Heritage Centre, and The Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol are well designed for accessibility, and both explore different aspects of Looe’s history. The beaches have ramp access.

16 Lostwithiel - Mainline, sub-station

Small car park, but free for Blue Badge users.

Both platforms can be accessed step free however platform 2 (Penzance-bound) is via a steep ramp with no handrails, and crossing between the platforms is via the level crossing.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

Crossing between platforms is via a level crossing, and there is a steep ramp to platform 2 (Penzance-bound). Trains may be longer than the platform.

Luxulyan - Newquay branch line

1 accessible space out of 8.

There is a ramp to the platform, and the car park and platform area are gravel, so difficult for wheelchairs.

Clear Signage.

Shelter at the end of the platform.

There is a ramp to the platform, and the car park and platform area are gravel, so difficult for wheelchairs.

18 Menheniot - Mainline, sub-station

No accessible spaces marked, but there is a drop-off point.

The Plymouth-bound platform (2) can only be accessed via a stepbridge.

There is a covered area on the Plymouth-bound platform (2).

The Plymouth bound platform (2) can only be accessed via a stepbridge.

Newquay - Newquay branch line

2 accessible spaces in a medium-sized car park, with an accessible ticket machine, and a drop off point. Blue Badge holders park for free.

However, out of order as at Feb 2023.

Ticket office usually open during the summer months, but was closed in the summer of 2022. Plans to refurbish and extend the station were approved in 2023.

Good café.

Smooth, level access to the platform, and a good step to the train from the platform.

Tactile Paving Clear Signage.

There is a large undercover seating area.

When the ticket office is open it does not have an induction loop.

Blue

Reef Aquarium (near to Newquay station)

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay Tel: 01637 878134

A delightful aquarium, with a great selection of exhibits, plus talks and feeding time. See everything from tiny jellyfish to sharks. Good wheelchair accessibility, and lighting being upgraded 2023.

Par - Mainline, and connection to Newquay branch line

Smooth, level car park.

On the Penzance-bound platform (1).

Available Monday-Friday until 2pm.

Level access to the Plymouth-bound platform only. The Penzance-bound (platform 2) and Newquay platform (3) are accessible only by steps. Wheelchair users cannot alight here, and must travel to St Austell and return. Clear Signage.

Open Monday-Friday till 2pm.

Level access to the southbound platform only, Plymouth-bound (platform 2) and Newquay platforms (3) accessible only by steps. Be aware that you may need to travel to St Austell and return to be able to access the Newquay branch line if travelling from London / North.

A trainee from Work Your Way at Par Station View from a high speed train

21 Penmere - Falmouth branch line

Free parking for Blue Badge holders, in a tiny car park.

Step free access, via a ramp to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a covered area on the platform.

22 Penryn - Falmouth branch line

2 accessible spaces in a small car park. There is a drop-off point.

Good access.

Clear Signage.

There is a covered area on the platform.

Penzance - Mainline, main station

The end of the mainline from Plymouth and other major routes. On the seafront, and with easy access to the heart of Penzance.

Plenty of parking. Free for Blue Badge holders. Accessible payment points.

On platform 3 (nearest to the entrance). Radar key.

Very available from Passenger Assistance Office, platform 3, almost 24-hour service, except Sundays from 7am till 10am only.

Food hut outside the station, with outdoor seating.

Level, smooth access to the station, and all platforms on a single level. Platform height is perfect for accessibility, and all carriages will fit at any platform.

Platform 1 only (furthest from the entrance).

All very clear.

There is a waiting room on the platform.

DAYS OUT

Penzance art galleries, The Exchange and Newlyn (near to Penzance station)

newlynartgallery.co.uk

Tel: 01736 363715

Perranwell - Falmouth branch line

Small car park, with a drop-off point.

Good access.

Clear Signage.

There is a covered area on the platform.

25 Quintrell Downs - Newquay branch line

Small car park, not set aside for the railway, and there is no drop-off point. Access is on a main road so stopping is difficult.

Access is smooth, but through a kissing gate, so difficult for wheelchairs, and impossible for some.

All very clear.

There is a small, poorly maintained shelter on the platform.

Access to the platform is via a kissing gate, and the parking/dropping off arrangements are not ideal.

Redruth - Mainline, main station

On the edge of the town centre, the station is on a slope, like the rest of Redruth.

Accessible parking next to both platforms, with accessible car parking equipment, and drop off points on both sides.

On the Plymouth-bound platform (2). Radar key.

With lowered ticket office window, and accessible ticket machine. On the Plymouth-bound platform (2). Open all day.

On the Plymouth-bound platform (2), but the entrance is very narrow and big wheelchairs will struggle. Seating inside.

Level access to both platforms, but to cross between them requires steps or steep slopes.

Access from the train to the platform is good Plymouth-bound (platform 2), but pretty steep towards the rear of the train travelling towards Penzance (platform 1). Both platforms.

Clear Signage.

Open at the same times as the ticket office.

Steep access to trains, Penzance-bound (1). Slopes between platforms. Platforms may be shorter than the trains.

27 Roche - Newquay branch line

There is step-free access via a narrow, steep ramp to the platform. The platform height is good, to step onto the train.

Clear Signage.

Shelter on the platform.

28 Saltash - Mainline, sub-station

Small car park, with drop-off point on the Plymouth-bound side.

Due to the steep gradient between the platform and most trains, ramped access on or off trains at this station is not currently available and it is difficult for those with mobility impairment or visual impairment to board or alight from trains at this station. There is a long ramp to Platform 1 (Penzance-bound) and access to Platform 2 (Plymouth-bound) via steep roads.

Clear Signage.

Shelters on both platforms.

Due to the steep platforms, ramped access to the trains is not available.

29 Sandplace - Looe branch line

There is a drop-off point, on the opposite side of the road from the station.

Good access.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform

Saltash station

30 St Austell - Mainline, main station

Close to the town centre (but on a steep hill) this is well-designed station for travellers with accessibility needs with parking at both platforms, good accessible taxi services and the only lift bridge in Cornwall.

Large car park, with several marked disabled spaces, wheelchair accessible ticket machines, and free Blue Badge parking adjacent to Platform 2 (Penzance-bound).

Both platforms. Radar key.

Staff are available during opening hours

Monday to Friday – 05:50 to 19:00

Saturday – 06:50 to 19:00

Sunday – 09:45 to 16:45

Step-free access to both platforms, and between them via a lift bridge.

Clear Signage.

Available all day until 7pm, and Sunday until 4.45pm.

DAYS OUT

St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre (near St Austell

station)

staustellbrewery.co.uk/the-brewery/ the-visitor-centre

Tel: 01726 66022

Guided tours of the St Austell Brewery, either a tasting experience, or looking at the brewing process. Some narrow doorways and stairs and some sections with loud, strong smelling areas, but staff are friendly, and the tours can be adapted where necessary for those with accessibility needs. Age 16+ for tour, age 18+ for sampling.

31 St Columb Road - Newquay branch line

1 accessible space in a small car park, with a drop-off point available. Next to the platform entrance.

Nice, smooth platform, with level access from the car park.

Clear Signage.

There is a large shelter on the platform.

32 St Erth - Mainline, connection to St Ives branch line

Plenty of parking. Free for Blue Badge holders. Accessible payment points.

Only when the ticket office is open, so until 3pm. Radar key.

Only until 3pm, and not on Sundays, on Platform 3 to St Ives.

Open until mid day.

There is no step free access between mainline platforms 1 and 2, just a stepped footbridge. For arrivals from Penzance (platform 2), there is level access from the platform and to the St Ives branch platform (3).

Level smooth access to the station, and a very good platform height for accessing the trains.

On all platforms.

Very easy to read.

Only open until 3.

No step free access from the mainline Penzance bound platform (1) to St Ives branch line (platform 3). A bus service is available at some times of the year but do check ahead as you may not be informed at the time of booking. Platforms may be shorter than the trains.

33 St Germans - Mainline

No parking. There is a drop-off point adjacent to both platform, Platform 1 for Plymouth-bound trains and Platform 2 for Penzance-bound trains. It is around half a mile by road between the platforms.

Access between the platforms is only via a stepped footbridge.

Clear Signage.

There is a covered area on both platforms.

Access between the platforms is only via a stepped footbridge.

34 St Ives - St Ives Branch line

On the edge of St Ives town, with step or slope access to the rest of the quaint fishing town. St Ives has narrow streets, and cobbles, with endless small shops, restaurants, cafés and galleries, and several beaches.

Extensive car park. Blue Badge holders park for free. Drop-off point available by the station entrance.

Summer season only.

There is a seasonal food van in the car park.

There is smooth, step free access to the single platform, and an accessible ticket machine. Access is good from the platform to trains.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

35 St Keyne Wishing Well Halt - Looe branch line

No car park, but there is a drop-off point at the entrance to the platform.

The access to the station is via a long path and a short steep ramp to the platform.

Clear Signage.

There is a shelter on the platform.

Short steep ramp to the platform.

36 Truro - Mainline, and connection to Falmouth branch line

Truro is set in a bowl, between hills, and the station is half way up one of them. There are beautiful views of the city, as you approach by train, and some stunning viaducts. The city centre is down a steep hill, but there are a number of accessible shops and places to eat when you get there.

3 accessible parking spaces on Penzance/Falmouth side (platforms 1, 2), with level access to those platforms, and access to the Plymouth-bound platform (3) via the level crossing. Northbound carpark is large, and gravelled. Blue Badge holders park for free.

Yes, on Plymouth-bound (3) and Penzance-bound /Falmouth branch line platforms (2,1). Radar key.

At all times, on all platforms. This is a well-maintained station, with plenty of help available for travellers. Wheelchairs are available to borrow, and there is a wide space in the ticket barrier, as well as a low window in the ticket office.

On the Penzance-bound platform (2), next to the ticket office.

Access to all platforms is level, but crossing from Penzance-bound platform (2) or the Falmouth branch line (platform 1) to the Plymouth-bound platform (3) is via a stepped footbridge, or the level crossing.

On the Plymouth-bound platform (3) only.

Clear Signage.

For both standard and first class.

Crossing from Penzance-bound platform (2) or the Falmouth branch line (platform 1) to the Plymouth-bound platform (3) is via a stepped footbridge, or the level crossing.

Onboard Accessibility A guide to the trains

Along with information about the stations you board and alight from, it is also useful to have an idea of accessible features on the actual trains. We owe thanks to Luke, who loves to ride different types of train, for his guide to the different types of train you could be boarding to and from Cornwall

Please note this is only guidance and it is important to check the train information via Passenger Assist on 0800 197 1329 or GWR.com/PassengerAssist or at passengerassistance.com

Sprinter

The simplest two carriage train which run on the branch lines. There are usually two wheelchair spaces on these trains in Coach A.

Super Sprinter

These are the slower trains which travel on the mainline and tend to stop at most stations. There are usually usually two or three accessible spaces for wheelchairs in Coach C and an accessible toilet in Coach A.

High Speed Trains (HST)

These trains make fewer stops on the mainline through Cornwall on their way to Cardiff and tend to have two wheelchair spaces in Coach C.

Intercity Express Train (IET)

These are the fast trains to and from London. They tend to have nine carriages and are very accessible trains. They do only stop at the main stations in Cornwall. There tend to be two wheelchair spaces in Coach A and two in Coach L. If there are five carriages there will be two wheelchair spaces in Coach E

Class 57 - The Night Riviera

Also known as The Sleeper train, this service runs from London Paddington, to Penzance, in both directions and offers passengers the option to sleep through their journey either in private cabins or in a seated communal carriage.

You can board at your station the night before you wish to arrive in London or Cornwall and wake up at your destination.

There is an accessible cabin on board for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, and this has an accessible toilet next to it. There is also a wheelchair space and an accessible toilet in the main seated carriage. There is usually a bar / lounge

car onboard, although this is not accessible to wheelchair users who have a wheelchair wider than 58cm. In the case that you cannot get to the lounge carriage, the staff can bring any drinks and snacks you order to your cabin.

For those with other accessibility needs including vision impairment, hearing loss or learning differences, you can book support through Passenger Assist and the staff onboard do offer good customer service and support.

When you book a cabin you can also use the First Class Lounges at Penzance, Truro and Paddington. These are accessible and you can have drinks and snacks while you wait, or if arriving at Paddington, before you need to travel onward.

220 / 221 Voyager

This Crosscountry service from Penzance to Edinburgh has one First Class wheelchair space in Coach A and one in Standard Class Coach F. There are four accessible toilets.

You can see a layout of this train here:

www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/ media/1051/voyager_seating_ plan.pdf

A Train Journey from Truro to St Ives

by Ross Lannon

Our Accessibility Reviewer Ross Lannon travelled on the scenic St Ives branch line

I’m not gonna lie, when it comes to public transport… I can be a bit of a snob.

Despite my physical disability, I have been fortunate enough to drive an adapted vehicle for the past 10+ years - hence why my railway experience is very limited.

When Access Cornwall told me that they were looking into accessible train travel in Cornwall, I knew that I was the perfect man for the job, in order to provide a completely unbiased opinion.

My limited experience in train travel allowed me to go into this journey with no preconceived ideas about accessibility.

Booking Tickets & Assistance

Booking tickets via the Great Western Railway (GWR) app couldn’t have been any easier. Once I had selected my travel times and paid for my tickets, I then used the Passenger Assistance app. This was also incredibly easy to use and a lot quicker and stress-free compared to previous experiences I had years ago, where you would have to ring or visit the station 24 hours in advance to secure assistance.

Using the Passenger Assistance app, I was able to select the train times that I had booked via GWR, and highlight which facilities I needed help with. For example, use of a ramp and a dedicated wheelchair space onboard.

Confirmation of my assistance was then later emailed. A complementary carer ticket is only available if you own a Disabled Person’s Railcard.

Truro Train Station

Upon arrival at Truro station, I parked in one of the many disabled bays available. Unfortunately the pay and display parking machine was not wheelchair accessible, as it was positioned on a raised curb. Luckily I wasn’t travelling alone today, otherwise this would have been a much bigger issue for me.

Once I made my way onto the platform, the staff were very friendly in advising me where I needed to be. But, being honest, it all felt very overwhelming at this stage. There is always that fear of missing your train or the assistance not turning up.

My fears soon vanished as a man with a ramp appeared! It was also at this point that I was informed my journey would be taking a slight detour…

A Change of Plan

My original route from Truro to St Ives involved a changeover at St Erth where the St Ives branch line starts. However, I was then informed that there is currently no disabled access between platforms at St Erth station this time of year. Usually there is an accessible bus route to transport you between platforms, but this only runs from March to November.

Therefore, I was advised to stay on the train to Penzance, which would then bring me back to St Erth on the other side of the platform, for me to continue my journey to St Ives.

Are you confused yet? Yeah me too.

Staff did inform me that plans for a lift are in place, with work due to start in May 2023.

Back on Track

Once my detour to Penzance was over, I was then back on track to board my train from St Erth to St Ives. Once again the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, ready and waiting with the ramps for me.

Onboard the train there were designated “priority” spaces for wheelchair users. These were also situated in the carriage beside the accessible toilet which was ideal. The views from St Erth to St Ives were incredibly beautiful and I would definitely recommend this as a day trip out.

There is an accessible path out of the station to Porthminster beach below the station, and also into town, but the gradients are steep, as is often the case in seaside towns. This is a fantastic place to visit though, with wonderful shops and restaurants nestled around the beach and harbour and the accessible Tate St Ives gallery in the town about 15 to 30 mins from the train station.

Final Thoughts

Despite my little detour, I cannot fault the assistance received from GWR staff. From booking via the Passenger Assistance app, to the ground staff waiting with the ramps, I couldn’t have asked for a better service.

Going into this journey I was unsure how accessible train travel really was. However, I definitely feel more comfortable now knowing how spacious the wheelchair area was, and

that I could access the bathroom for any toilet breaks. I also really enjoyed being a passenger for a change as well, it was nice to sit back and enjoy the views along the way!

For a full visual account of my trip, check out my highlights video where you can hopefully see how smooth the staff assistance was, with wheelchair access on and off the train.

*Please note I was travelling on a Saturday - avoiding rush hour times*

To see more of my adventures, you can follow “A Life on Wheels” on Facebook, or @rosslannon on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok.

Subscribe to my blog for free at www.alifeonwheels.co.uk

Sprinter

A train ride through the Looe Valley

We had help from many of our fantastic accessibility ambassadors producing this guide, but there is one young man in particular who is truly a train expert who has done an incredible amount to research this guide.

Luke, from Saltash loves trains so much that he and his friend regularly ride the routes through Cornwall and beyond, finding their favourite trains and he tested and reviewed many of the stations around Cornwall for us in early 2023. On the morning of our trip to Looe, Luke, a student at Oak Tree School in Threemilestone, had already had already got up early and travelled to Exeter and back before meeting us at the mainline station of Liskeard to begin our journey.

The main ticket office at Liskeard does have some accessible parking space near to it, along with a lovely café, but a tip here is to drive past it and park at the bottom of the hill, having booked a ticket online. The reason for this is that to get from the main ticket office to Platform 3 where the Looe train departs, you must go down a very steep gradient and go to the end of Platform 1 (Plymouth-bound). To avoid this simply drive to the car park at the bottom of the hill beyond the ticket

office and there are accessible spaces and good level access to Platform 3 where the train for Looe leaves.

It was a glorious morning as we set off on a two carriage Sprinter train through the Looe Valley. The scenery here is enchanting. The train bundles alongside a woodland stream which quickly widens into the mudflats and estuary of the Looe Valley as it opens up towards the fishing village of Looe. It is a very relaxing and scenic 30 minute journey past tiny one platform stations such as Sandplace, and crossing small roads along the way.

Watch out for the rich array of wildlife on your journey. Including Oyster Catchers, Curlews and Little Egrets which feed on the mudflats.

Once in Looe the station has good level access and there is a smooth level 15 to 20 minute walk to the beach through East Looe where there are lots of shops and also the wonderful Old

Guildhall Museum and Gaol. Cross the bridge over the river and there is an accessible path through West Looe to the Old Sardine Factory where you will find Looe Harbour Heritage Museum and a lovely café and restaurant along with many more shops and cafés and a bus service to the beach and Hannafore Point a short distance away. We enjoyed lunch at the Ship Inn before heading back to Liskeard.

There is certainly plenty to enjoy here and the journey alone is just magnificent. For Luke, it was train journey that was the highlight of the day, and he will certainly not be alone, it’s a wonderful day out.

You can find out more things to do in our Accessible Guide to Looe at accesscornwall.org.uk/accessibleguide-to-looe

Luke (left) with teacher Chris

Looe station

Useful contacts and information

Passenger Assist

Passenger Assist is a national system that all train operating companies use.

You can get in touch to get advice or pre-book assistance in the following ways:

Tel: 0800 197 1329

Text relay on: 18001 0800 197 1329

Email: Assisted.travelteam@GWR.com

You can also visit the website: passengerassistance.com and you can also download the PassengerAssist app here.

What help is available?

• Help making seat / space reservations and buying tickets.

• Getting on and off the train and getting to and from the station entrance to the platform, and between platforms when connecting trains, at staffed stations.

• For help at unstaffed stations call ahead to book assistance or press the information button on the platform.

• A ramp to help get on and off the train.

• Help with luggage (up to two items of 23kg or less and one small item).

• Information and reservations for travelling with scooters or other mobility aids.

• Checking accessibility information on trains and at stations.

Priority seats

These are available for those who are disabled, pregnant, 65 or over or travelling with a child under 3. Priority Seat Cards are available from the Passenger Assist team.

Discounts and Railcards

Disabled Persons Railcard

This gives you a discount and an adult accompanying you can travel at the reduced fare.

Disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Email: disability@raildeliverygroup.com

Tel: 0345 605 0525

Minicom / Textphone: 0345 601 0132

Senior Railcard

For those over 60 this card gives you a third off standard and first-class tickets.

Buy at a ticket office or

• Senior-railcard.co.uk

• Tel: 03457 48 49 50

• Email: railcardhelp@railcards-online.co.uk

Visually impaired people travelling with a companion can get discounts on Anytime / Day tickets without a railcard if you are carrying a document from an organisation such as a Local Authority, Social Services Dept, Guide Dog Ownership Certificate or RNIB.

Wheelchair users can also get this discount, along with a companion, if they remain in their wheelchair throughout the journey.

Wheelchair dimensions & mobility scooters

Guidance is wheelchairs 700mm wide or less and 1200mm long or less, and under 300kg (including weight of passenger) can fit in designated spaces on GWR trains.

Those using Mobility Scooters will need to obtain a GWR scooter permit before boarding unless it can be folded down to the size of an average suitcase. For larger wheelchairs and scooter permits contact Passenger Assist.

Information alerts during the journey

Information announcements are made during the journey and many trains also have scrolling screens to give updates. You can also tell a staff member on the train if you are unable to hear announcements so they know to alert you of important announcements during the journey.

For more information visit www.GWR.com/PassengerAssist