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Written by Peter Lovell - 03 Sep 2012
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Location notes
An over-bridge at the summit of Saunderton Bank on the former GW/GC line from Marylebone to Banbury, about 1.5 miles north of Saunderton station. The line begins to diverge before the bridge, the up (southbound) line entering a cutting and beginning to descend to Princes Risborough, while the down (northbound line) continues to climb and takes a separate path before re-joining at Horsenden Bridge, just south of Princes Risborough.
The best view is of northbound trains climbing the bank, although with a north/south axis either early morning to mid morning or diffused light is best.
Railway type and traffic
The main traffic is Chiltern Railways DMUs (eg Class 165/168 on services from Marylebone). A few of the rush hour and mainline services to Birmingham Moor Street are Class 67 and DVT with the loco normally at the south end.
Regular 'binliner's with Freightliner 66/5 (about two return trips a day) and some occasional engineers spent ballast to the landfill site at Calvert.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Saunderton
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
A fairly narrow over bridge (just about room for two cars to pass) in open countryside, just off the A4010 from High Wycombe to Princes Risborough. Immediately at the end of the bridge is a Y junction so traffic tends to be slow, but can include heavy vehicles.
The bridge parapets on the north sides are quite high and a step ladder is recommended.
Road directions
If approaching from the south on the A4010 pass the turn-off for Saunderton Station and after 1.5 miles turn left just after 'The Chilterns Hotel'.
From the north about 2 miles from Princes Risborough turn right signposted 'Saunderton Lea'. If you pass The Chilterns hotel turn around.

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Saunderton map co-ordinates
Parking
The road over the bridge joins the A4010 by means of a Y junction. There is parking beside both stems of the Y, more on the south side. Your car will not bevisible, but it is only about 50 yards away.
Public transport
The High Wycombe - Princes Risborough bus does not travel via the direct A4010 but meanders through the villages to the east. Possible but tricky.

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Amenities
No amenities in the area, apart from The Chilterns Hotel-Restaurant-Bar. This looked smart but quiet when I passed.
Accommodation
Possibly at The Chiltern Hotel, otherwise High Wycombe or Aylesbury.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Saunderton

Googly map
Streetmap links
Saunderton general view map
Saunderton close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Saunderton



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Photographic notes
Views on the north-side are of two single lines and are tight, one is in a cutting, the other limited by trees. The best view is looking south, although the north/south axis causes problems with the sun, especially as the down line is beginning to veer to the north-east. Best shots are early morning until about 11:00am when it is sunny.
Passenger trains tend to be quite fast so only modest opportunities for video. The limited freight traffic is slower and would give reasonable footage.


General views - All photographs © Peter Lovell unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


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