New Mobile Site
We have just launched a new mobile version of this site - m.trainspots. This page will use your smart device's GPS to loctate you and guide you to locations that are close to your present location.
Location notes
Located on the West Coast Main Line just to the south of Leighton Buzzard.
Railway type and traffic
Plenty of Virgin Anglo-Scottish/London - Midlands express passenger services. London Overground runs the slower rural passenger services. There is also a wide mix of freight, working north to places like Manchester and Scotland.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Leighton Buzzard - by pass
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.
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
Open fields in Bedfordshire.
Road directions
From the A505 (Leighton Buzzard By pass) roundabout junction with the B488 (you can see the WCML from this roundabout) take the B488. After 50 turn right into the road that goes to Ledburn village. Just before the bridge under the railway there is a concrete hard-standing area at the front of a PW contractor’s compound.
Then by foot..
Immediately across the road from this standing looking towards the by-pass bridge there is a rough (very rough!!) footpath runs through the trees alongside the line. This brings you to the foot of the by-pass embankment. Climbing half way up this gives you the east side photo access looking south west. Climbing fully to the top. Crossing the bridge. And going down the embankment about half way to get a good view of the line. Fig 4 was taken from here. This position also has a bonus in that its gives line of sight to where you left the car which is always re-assuring, although the area is generally pretty safe.
That or drive your car on and take the next right and park on the road side.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Leighton Buzzard - by pass map co-ordinates
Then by foot..
Immediately across the road from this standing looking towards the by-pass bridge there is a rough (very rough!!) footpath runs through the trees alongside the line. This brings you to the foot of the by-pass embankment. Climbing half way up this gives you the east side photo access looking south west. Climbing fully to the top. Crossing the bridge. And going down the embankment about half way to get a good view of the line. Fig 4 was taken from here. This position also has a bonus in that its gives line of sight to where you left the car which is always re-assuring, although the area is generally pretty safe.
That or drive your car on and take the next right and park on the road side.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Leighton Buzzard - by pass map co-ordinates
Parking
There is usually enough space to park on the edge of this standing without interfering with any access required to the compound. But please obey any instructions of the compounds staff . If you are asked to move then please do.
Public transport
Amenities
The Leighton Buzzrd narrow gauge railway is about 1 mile away. Pages Park station cafe is open from 07:30 to 15:00 every day - all day breakfast is good. From the location, head east and hang a left at McDonalds roundabout and follow tourist signs (take care to take correct exit at next (Chartmoor) roundabout).
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.
Leighton Buzzard - by pass
Streetmap links
Leighton Buzzard - by pass general view map
Leighton Buzzard - by pass close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Leighton Buzzard - by pass
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Leighton Buzzard - by pass
Googly map
Leighton Buzzard - by pass general view map
Leighton Buzzard - by pass close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Leighton Buzzard - by pass
Who likes this location on facebook
Photographic notes
The location is bordered on each side by bridges and as such only offers the views shown here.
Extra video notes
The location is situated next to the Leighton Buzzard by pass, expect an amount of traffic noise.
Extra video notes
The location is situated next to the Leighton Buzzard by pass, expect an amount of traffic noise.
General views - All photographs © John Patston unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west
This is the only angle from this location as the by pass bridge, blocks the north west view.
Fig 2 - Looking north east
With the location in figure 1 visible in the background this view shows a south bound train. Once again the view to the south easr is blocked by a bridge/
Fig 3 - Looking south west
Same location as in fig 1 but with a south bound train.
Fig 4 - Looking south east
Taken from the by passes south eastern embankment.
Disclaimer
All information contained within this is site is © Trainspots. The images used on this site remain the property of the original photographer, as credited at the top of the page, and are used with their kind permission.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
