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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.
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.
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!
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
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
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.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
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.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
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
Streetmap links
Millerhill Yard general view map
Millerhill Yard close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Millerhill Yard
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Millerhill Yard
Googly map
Millerhill Yard general view map
Millerhill Yard close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Millerhill Yard
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
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.
(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
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
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
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
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
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
Looking back towards the bridge, this is what you'll see - the access line and turnback siding.
Fig 7 - Looking south west
Looking towards the yard.
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.
