When getting on and off trains, a portable ramp is used to bridge the gap between the floor of the train and the platform edge which gives a smooth ride up or down.  These portable ramps are stored on the majority of stations.  Station staff are responsible for laying the ramps correctly, so do as I do and leave it all to them!

Disabled passengers are required to book assistance over the phone about three days in advance of travel.  Who you need to call depends on the train company that serves your area.  My city's railway station is ran by Virgin so I would call Virgin Journey Care.  Booking assistance entails telling the train company your itinerary so that staff are ready and waiting with the ramp when you depart and on arrival.

I have a Disabled Person’s Railcard. The Railcard allows you - and an adult companion with you - to get a 1/3 off most Standard and First Class fares throughout Great Britain.  These are available from http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/.

Over the past six or so years I have used to railway like it's going out of fashion to reach places all over the UK.  It would be impossible to list them all but here are some of the things that rail travel has allowed me to do:

• Spend time with friends in Surrey, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Manchester,
• Attend Ataxia UK Conferences in Blackpool, Warwick, Alton, Birmingham and Leeds.
• Meet some wonderful people at Ataxia UK Branch meetings in Bristol, Liverpool and London.
• Get to Wembley and Cardiff to watch the footy!
• And get to other places like Bournemouth to see the sights and Gatwick Airport to catch flights.