trainspots logo


Written by Rob Brooks - 25 Jun 2005
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
An un-manned gate crossing on the outskirts of Whittlesea, just into the countryside. The location is at the start/end of a banked curve, which is known as `Whittlesea Curve` All trains have to sound their horns here, because of the crossing being unprotected.
Railway type and traffic
Central trains services to Stansted Airport, Norwich, Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street, `one` services every other hour to Peterborough and London Liverpool Street. These are the only passenger services to stop here during the day.
Freight is mainly DB Schenker aggregate trains, with PGAs and 66s with the occasional 60. On everyday except Monday and Thursdays, and RMC train runs from Peak Forest to Ely with a 60. A daily paper train runs with an DB Schenker shed from Felixstowe to Healy Mills, Freightliner traffic is common with day time liners to Felixstowe from Leeds and Wilton, and some going.
GBRf wise, a daily modal service to Felixstowe. Also some one-off and scheduled GBRf ballast trains can be seen running from Bardon Hill to Whitemoor yard.
Environment
A countryside / public walkway location. Some dog walkers will use the crossing and also some workers going to the water works will use the crossing, but often friendly and always kind if you assist them in opening the gates your side.
Road directions
From the A605:
Go into Whittlesea Town and after a zebra crossing, turn left past the bus station. Then, before a sharp blind left corner, there will be a turning off to your right. This is the road you need. Drive over the canal and there is a little bit of parking space here, or park before the bridge.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

Whittlesea, Hearts Drove map co-ordinates
Parking
You can either drive over the canal and there is a little bit of parking space here, or park before the bridge. Its all legal parking.
Public transport
`one` 170 Turbostars from Peterborough every 2 hours and also from March and Ely.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
Countryside location so nothing immediate. Whittlesea Town has all the facilities you will need.
Accommodation
Some hotels in Whittlesea, but plenty in Peterborough, which is only 10mins away by road and rail.
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.
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove

Googly map
Streetmap links
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove general view map
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove



Who likes this location on facebook



Railway Gen Group
Anglia Gen
Photographic notes
Sun is ok all day. Although in late evening sun is bad for trains from Peterborough.


General views - All photographs © Rob Brooks unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east

A 'one' service rounding the Whittlesea curve heading towards March.

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north

Taken from the canal bridge.

Disclaimer
Back to the top

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.