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Written by Andrew Naylor - 04 Jan 2004
last update by Colin Prosser - 19 Jun 2009
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Location notes
Just west of the hamlet of Beck Foot, the West Coast Main Line curves sharply as it changes direction from east-west to north-south to enter the Lune Valley.
Railway type and traffic
About 60 trains a day between 05:00 and 22:00. Of these, about 3 /4 are Virgin West Coast or Cross Country services. All Cross Country trains are Voyagers. West Coast trains are worked by Pendolinos.
Most freight trains run in the evenings or overnight. Daytime services mainly comprise intermodals and coal.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Beck Foot
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
This is hill farming country. There is no right to roam: visitors should keep to the public footpaths. The farmers have a sixth sense for strangers on their land, and will tackle trespassers. They particularly resent damage to property, especially walls and fences, and so-called ‘gardening’ by photographers seeking to clear viewpoints. Culprits can expect police action.

Weather - Shap has a notoriously high rainfall and is very exposed to the elements. Come prepared!
Road directions
From the south
Leave the M6 at junction 37 (Sedbergh), and turn right onto the A684 towards Sedbergh. After 200 yards, turn sharp left into an un-numbered minor road and follow this for just under 3 miles to the point where the WCML runs alongside.

From the north
Leave the M6 at junction 38 (Tebay) and take the A685 towards Kendal. After 4 miles bear left onto the B6257 towards Sedbergh. After passing under the M6 at Lowgill, turn right onto the un-numbered minor road that leads to the A684 and follow if for half a mile until the WCML is alongside.

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Beck Foot map co-ordinates
Parking
Parking on the roadside at the location.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
None at the location, the nearest ones are the Tebay services on the M6.
Accommodation
Suggestions
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.
Beck Foot

Googly map
Streetmap links
Beck Foot general view map
Beck Foot close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Beck Foot



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Railway Gen Group
North West Gen
Photographic notes
The main attraction of this location is head-on shots of trains sweeping round tight curves.Palisade fencing, albeit green, has been erected along the top of the bank, whilst not too intrusive this may put some off for this shot. This will also mean that steps will be required at this location to get a view over the fence.
NB Northbound trains arrive from under the M6 without warning.
The noise from the nearby M6 is incessant, this also prevents you from hearing northbound trains.


General views - All photographs © Andrew Naylor unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west

A northbound Voyager charges from under the M6 overbridge.

Fig 2- Looking east.


Fig 2- Looking east.

A southbound service is propelled through the reverse curves by a class 87.

Fig 3 - Looking west - Image © Colin Prosser


Fig 3 - Looking west - <i>Image © Colin Prosser</i>


Fig 4 - Looking east - Image © Colin Prosser


Fig 4 - Looking east - <i>Image © Colin Prosser</i>

This view shows how the new green palisade fencing interfaces with the shot.

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