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
Watford Gap is better known for it`s busy service station on the M1 motorway. However, motorway noise aside, the general area is in quiet rural countryside.
Railway type and traffic
The Location sees regular Virgin services running alongside the busy motorway.
Apart from the odd exception, all freight is diverted along the Northampton loop, and does not pass through this location.
Apart from the odd exception, all freight is diverted along the Northampton loop, and does not pass through this location.
Environment
Two locations here, on the over bridge itself, and at the end of a field. The bridge is an old bridleway which sees little use these days.
Road directions
From M1 Junction 18:
Head towards Kilsby. When you reach Kilsby you come to a roundabout, here you need to take A5 turning to Milton Keynes. After a short time, you will see a left hand turn to Watford. Ignore this, and continue down the A5. After crossing the canal, you need the second entrance on the left, signposted 'Ryehill Lodge'. This is a public bridleway. Follow the track to the gate by the bridge (remembering to shut any previous gates which you may have opened!)
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Watford Gap map co-ordinates
Head towards Kilsby. When you reach Kilsby you come to a roundabout, here you need to take A5 turning to Milton Keynes. After a short time, you will see a left hand turn to Watford. Ignore this, and continue down the A5. After crossing the canal, you need the second entrance on the left, signposted 'Ryehill Lodge'. This is a public bridleway. Follow the track to the gate by the bridge (remembering to shut any previous gates which you may have opened!)
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Watford Gap map co-ordinates
Parking
You can park just before the bridge, or if a vehicle is already parked, go back and park on the other side of the next gate.
Public transport
Amenities
Nearest amenities are at Watford Gap service station. Easy to get to as the crow flies, but only access is via the M1. You can find a Thai restaurant in Watford village itself. The 'New Inn' which is not much further south on the A5 is highly recommended for its good food, and for having Northamptonshire ales on tap!
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.
Watford Gap
Streetmap links
Watford Gap general view map
Watford Gap close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Watford Gap
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Watford Gap
Googly map
Watford Gap general view map
Watford Gap close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Watford Gap
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The 'Classic' Watford Gap shots can be taken from both sides of the bridge. Good afternoon Northbound shots can also be taken from the field. Simply walk a few yards down the edge of the field until you get a good visualisation. Steps are recommended for this shot due to vegetation.
General views - All photographs © Jason Rodhouse unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south
Fig 4 - Looking south
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.
