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Written by Mark Henderson - 10 Jan 2004
last update by Jim Howie - 29 Jan 2003
and by John Stewart - 17 Dec 2007
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Location notes
Millerhill Yard is the DB Schenker freight yard just south of Edinburgh, on the other side of the A1 from Musselburgh. Rail access is from two points on the ECML, and also the suburban loop. The northbound access line to the ECML also has Newcraighall Station and its turnback siding on it. While Newcraighall station is the other side of the A1, the turnback siding continues almost to the yard itself.
Railway type and traffic
DB Schenker freight, and some permanent way trains too. Also, ScotRail's Newcraighall service in the turnback siding, normally a 150 or 158. The occasional charter or Northern Belle set comes here to lay-over.
Although there is OHLE through the yard, it is rare to see anything but diesels.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Millerhill Yard
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
On the outskirts of Edinburgh - part wasteland, part farmland.
The location is fine during the day - there are often other enthusiasts sitting in cars on the bridge, and cyclists passing by. However it is not the sort of place to visit after dark though - expect drug deals and use, and more - there are quite a few burnt out cars on the slag heap, and down the other side of it too!
Road directions
From Newcraighall Road (accessable from both the A1 and Niddrie Mains Road) take the roundabout exit to Edinburgh Fort Retail Park (NOTE: this is a different roundabout from that for Fort Kinnaird Retail Park). Then take the first left at the second roundabout. This road will lead away from the Fort, and turn a sharp left (amidst dumped furniture and white goods at the roadside). After the corner, there will be a right turn, this is the road to Millerhill. Follow it up the hill, and over the top, until you cross the bridge after the farmhouse. Park somewhere here - this is the bridge that goes over the northward access line and Newcraighall turnback siding.

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Millerhill Yard map co-ordinates
Parking
Just at the side of the road - there's plenty of space, and often one or two folk parked there to watch the trains, too.
Public transport
By Rail:
Train to Musselburgh from Edinburgh.
When you alight, and reach the bridge over the station, turn AWAY from the main town (the way the road goes) and instead go though the pedestrian gate onto the cyclepath. Follow it up to the A1, where it will turn a sharp right, down to the bottom, where you turn left and go under the A1. Up the other side, and you emerge almost at the bridge over the access line and siding. (Turn right and you'll be there).

Newcraighall station is only a few hundred yards away and it is possible to get to Millerhill from the station - it takes about 10 minutes.
From the platform you can see some playing fields to the North East. To get to these you go out of the station, turn right back under the railway and then right again. On the far side of the playing fields there is a footpath/cycle path that goes through a tunnel under the main road and carries on directly to a point a few yards away from the depot entrance. Bus:

Bus to Musselburgh station, and follow directions above.
Bus to Edinburgh Fort, and road directions as above, although the road is not really pedestrian friendly (althought it is very quiet), despite also being a cycle track.

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Amenities
There is a pub near Millerhill Station that does reasonably priced food.
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.
Millerhill Yard

Googly map
Streetmap links
Millerhill Yard general view map
Millerhill Yard close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Millerhill Yard



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Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
There are several points you can get a view of the yard:
(All directions assuming you start off facing the yard from the overbridge)
See the picture descriptions for more details.


General views - All photographs © Mark Henderson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south

The overbridge:
Trains entering and leaving the yard, and the Newcraighall service turning. The turnback siding, and twin access tracks go under the bridge. Facing away from the yard, you can see Newcraighall station under the A1 bridge. You can get a view from either side of the bridge, too.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north

66099 heading into the yard, looking towards Newcraighall station, which can just be seen under the bridge in the back right of the shot. It's a single platform station.

Fig 3 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking east

East side of the yard:
Facing the yard, on the bridge, turn left and walk to the end of the road, then turn right down the track, following the trees. From here, you can see the side of the yard, from track level, if you climb the slight embankment. You can also see the southward access line as it loops round the field - follow the track across the field and you'll reach it.

Fig 4 - Looking west


Fig 4 - Looking west

West side of the northward access line - good vantage point!:
Turn right from the bridge, and, just before the field starts you'll be on a narrow path between the field and the trees. Branch off to the left (through the trees and undergrowth of the steep embankment) when you're directly opposite the low brown depot building on the other side of the line. Once you reach the bottom, keep going, and you should come across a low platform, once the base of a loading platform. Climb onto it (there are steps) and enjoy! From here you'll see comings and going on the northward access line, the turnback siding, and perhaps a loco or two parked on the siding opposite you (Where 37401 is in the photo). Sometimes locos stop here for a crew change.

Fig 5 - Looking west



Fig 5 - Looking west

37401 outside the brown brick building, from a different angle, so you can get a better idea of how to find this point!

Fig 6 - Looking north west



Fig 6 - Looking north west

Looking back towards the bridge, this is what you'll see - the access line and turnback siding.

Fig 7 - Looking south west



Fig 7 - Looking south west

Looking towards the yard.

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