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Written by George Denscombe - 27 Apr 2005
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Location notes
The Great Central Railway is a heritage railway running between Loughborough, to the south, and Leicester, to the north. There is an extensive double track section between Loughborough and Rothley. On top of this the Great Central has now been granted permission to run at 60mph for specific purposes such as testing locomotives and rolling stock.
This location is between Quorn and Swithland.
Railway type and traffic
The railway runs as a steam main line, with the occasional diesel working at the weekends. There are often extra freight, parcels and light loco movements.
See the railway’s website for more information.
Environment
A very quiet area of open fields with some nice hills (though try to avoid getting the farm machinary to one side of the location into your shot).
Road directions
From the A6 ,Quorn roundabout:
Take a slip road to the left and follow signposts to Quorn Station. Carry on over the railway bridge, follow the road for approx 1 mile (ish), until you reach a small farm track called 'Rushey Lane (pay attention or you will miss it!). This says unsuitable for motor vehicles but is fine really! Take this for 0.5 - 0.75 miles until you reach a railway overbridge.

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GCR, Kinchley Lane map co-ordinates
Parking
On most days this will be fine, park near, but not on, the bridge. On special events days allow at least an extra 10-15 minutes for your first shot as you may have to park some distance away.
Public transport
The nearest public transport is approximately 1.5 miles away in Quorn.
Take Bus 127 to Quorn as above or any of buses: Kinch 2, First 25 or 70, Arriva 127 - Birstall, the island which has McDonalds on it (25 turns off just before this, take the 2nd stop after crossing the main road), over a footbridge which is clearly visable, take the railway to Quorn And Woodhouse station and follow route as above.

There is a very pleasant walk from the station however if you do not wish to take the main road. Ask at the booking office for details of the walk to Kinchley Lane.

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Amenities
This is a very quiet area, nearest decent amenities are Quorn Station.
Accommodation
Plenty in Leicester, 1 bus/train trip away. Better still, try the Great Central Hotel, Loughborough, or the Bluebell Inn, Rothley, both of which are one stop along the railway in either direction.
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.
GCR, Kinchley Lane

Googly map
Streetmap links
GCR, Kinchley Lane general view map
GCR, Kinchley Lane close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
GCR, Kinchley Lane



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Photographic notes
Light is good, best times are late morning or early evening (go for 1015 - 1145 trains or 1600 - 1730 ones) Trains can be shot in either direction, however those heading South are much better!
The line curves at this point and there are shots available in each direction, however the best shots are those facing North - East. Theoretically most times are fine, though it is very nicely lit on a Summer's evening, especially from the footpath along the bank rather than the bridge, as you can get some nice shots framed by trees.
One point to look out for, as this is approximately 1.5 miles from the station, you can hear a loco starting from there (don't be fooled by the first whistle you hear - trains are audable from around 3 miles away here!), so often trains are just easing off by the curve, however in many gala days drivers tend to show off here, so it is bes to go on one of these dates.
Ideal for video photographing as there is no road noise!


General views - All photographs © George Denscombe unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking north - Photo by Mike Snow


Fig 4 - Looking north - <i>Photo by Mike Snow</i>


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