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Location notes
Whilton locks is a canal side location in Northamptonshire. The West Coast Mainline runs through here.
Railway type and traffic
Traffic is mainly Virgin Pendolinos, and the occasional Desiro unit or Voyager. At least one loco hauled diagram each day is booked past here (as at June 2007).
Although this is on the WCML, it must be noted that some services, including most freight is diverted away from this location, being pathed along the Northampton loop.
Also this location is very quiet on a Sunday, as most passenger trains also take the loop.
Although this is on the WCML, it must be noted that some services, including most freight is diverted away from this location, being pathed along the Northampton loop.
Also this location is very quiet on a Sunday, as most passenger trains also take the loop.
Environment
Apart from the noise from the nearby motorway, this is a quiet canal side location.
Road directions
From Daventry, head eastwards to Norton. Pass through the village of Norton, and continue until you come to the A5 crossroad. Go straight over here, and you will notice the railway line crossing over the road. Go under this bridge, and decide where to park!
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Whilton Locks map co-ordinates
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Whilton Locks map co-ordinates
Parking
3 options.......
1. You can park in the garden centre car park...... (customers only? I suppose you`d better browse their wares for a minute or two when you get back!)
2. There is space to park one car on the left, just after the canal bridge.
3. Somewhere on the right immediately after the railway bridge, but to be honest, I`d go for one of the other two options.
1. You can park in the garden centre car park...... (customers only? I suppose you`d better browse their wares for a minute or two when you get back!)
2. There is space to park one car on the left, just after the canal bridge.
3. Somewhere on the right immediately after the railway bridge, but to be honest, I`d go for one of the other two options.
Public transport
Amenities
Toilets can be found in the 'Canal Side' restaurant as well as in the Garden centre. The restaurant serves meals and snacks, including all-day baps! You can also purchase home made jams and marmalades, should you wish to take some toast along with you!.
You can also get a pint from the White Horse in Norton.
You can also get a pint from the White Horse in Norton.
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.
Whilton Locks
Streetmap links
Whilton Locks general view map
Whilton Locks close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whilton Locks
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Whilton Locks
Googly map
Whilton Locks general view map
Whilton Locks close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whilton Locks
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
Unfortunately, the classic shot looking over the marina is no more, as line side growth has got way beyond control.
However, shots can still be had if you walk a little further along the side of the canal.
Please note that this is a morning only location.
Photos of northbound trains can be had in the very early summertime hours, and southbounds up until lunchtime, after which the sun is on totally the wrong side of the line.
However, shots can still be had if you walk a little further along the side of the canal.
Please note that this is a morning only location.
Photos of northbound trains can be had in the very early summertime hours, and southbounds up until lunchtime, after which the sun is on totally the wrong side of the line.
General views - All photographs © Jason Rodhouse unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north west
The gap in the greenery fits a 9 car Pendolino in nicely!
This was about 11am. Those annoying white bits by the bridge are signs. One for Birse rail, and the other for 'Buckingham' (They must have had some contract work here)
A job for photoshop perhaps!?
Fig 2 - Looking south west
This used to be the shot, this is a real shame that the bushes have really got out of control now. It doesn`t seem that long ago when I used to get Blue Roarers ( 81s>85s for the young 'uns - ed ) in shots similar to this...... The last time I attempted this shot was about 4 years ago, and a Virgin HST was the subject, and that was pushing my luck back then! One day network rail embankment control may prevale.
Fig 3 - Looking south west
Fig 4 - Looking south west
Fig 5 - Looking south west
The earlier in the morning the better for this one. Note large tree to right.
Fig 6 - Looking south west
Almost same shot as above, but avoiding tree (Which could be a feature) This would be good if a train was in view as well.
Fig 7 - Looking north west
There is a bridge which crosses the canal here. If you cross it you can get this shot from the field.
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.
