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Written by Rob Terrace - 09 May 2007
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Location notes
This is a very quiet location in South Yorkshire, approximately 1km (about 2/3 mile) east of Hatfield and Stainforth railway station, and 8 miles north east of Doncaster. It sits on the main Doncaster to Scunthorpe line, and sees approximately 6 trains an hour in each direction.
Railway type and traffic
The railway is the main Doncaster to Scunthorpe line, and so a variety of traffic from Immingham in the east passes this location. Also, the majority of eastbound trains are empty coal trains from the Aire Valley Coalfield, and steel trains from the northeast to Scunthorpe.
Environment
The location is a quiet foot crossing. It is not in the best of areas, so going during the holidays is best to be avoided, good views are afforded of eastbound trains from both sides of the crossing, but westbound trains are obscured by bushes on the south side of the track.
Road directions
From Hatfield and Stainforth Station:
Take Station Road towards Hatfield. After about 1 mile, you will reach a crossroads, with a petrol station on the left hand side, and 'The Abbey' public house on the right hand side. Turn left here, onto Bootham Lane. Follow Bootham Lane all the way along (watch out for the HGVs that use this road), until just before the end of the road, there is a footpath that branches left. Pull in here (there is enough space on the left), and follow the footpath for about 200 metres until the crossing is reached.

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Stainforth, Bootham Lane Foot Crossing map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a small pull in near the footpath for cars to pull in on, its not the best of locations to park at, but there is some space available.
Public transport
From Hatfield and Stainforth Station (and also Doncaster Interchange):
Take the 84 Bus from either location, and ask for Hatfield (approximate cost (May 2007 is £2.10 from Doncaster, or £1.30 from Stainforth). The journey takes about 25 minutes from Doncaster, 10 from Stainforth. You will eventually see the Abbey Pub on your left hand side. Alight at the next stop, and follow the same directions as above.

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Amenities
Unfortunately, there are no facilities within a short distance of this location, although within Hatfield village itself, there is a small Tesco store, and just down the road from Hatfield and Stainforth Station is a supermarket and a small row of shops.
There are also 2 petrol stations in the locality, and these provide all the usual fayre. Just around the corner from the Murco petrol station (this is passed on route to the location from the station), is a Chip Shop and a small row of shops.
Accommodation
There are not any hotels in the immediate vicinity, however, there is a hotel at Doncaster Services (approx 3 miles by car), and several in Thorne (about 2 miles). There is also a large selection of hotels in Doncaster Town Centre.
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.
Stainforth, Bootham Lane Foot Crossing

Googly map
Streetmap links
Stainforth, Bootham Lane Foot Crossing general view map
Stainforth, Bootham Lane Foot Crossing close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Stainforth, Bootham Lane Foot Crossing



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Photographic notes
Most shots have been taken from the Southern side of the track. The view from the Northern side of the track is quite different, although looking west, you have a signal gantry cutting into some shots.
Using a telephoto lens is also recommended, as you can get some interesting shots of trains as they pass the imposing site of Hatfield Main Colliery (which reopens to rail traffic in late 2007).


General views - All photographs © Rob Terrace unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west

From the north side of the crossing.

Fig 3 - Looking north east


Fig 3 - Looking north east


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