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Written by Richard Tearle - 23 Oct 2007
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Location notes
This is a popular late afternoon to early evening shots in both directions. On clear days there are impressive views of the hills behind.
This land and access to it is Open Access land as defined under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Rights can vary depending on the time of year, and it’s best to use Natural England’s website to check if planning a visit.
For more information on the Settle and Carlisle line please see the Settle - Carlisle Partnership website and consider joining Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line.
Railway type and traffic
Most of the local services to Carlisle are operated by 158 multiple units.
There are a number of freight services operated by DB Schenker/Freightliner/GBRf. DRS operate the autumnal RHTT trains over the route.
Environment
You are fairly exposed in this location, with strong winds blowing into you – again it is nice enough when the sun is out. You are around 10 minutes from your car at this location; the station is a different matter.
Road directions
From the M6, junction 38:
Take the A685 towards Kirkby Stephen, following this road through Gaisgill, Wath and Newbiggin-on-Lune before turning right on the A683. From this road take the 2nd public road on your left, called the Tommy Road which heads towards (and over the line). After a cattle grid you should start seeing footpath signs on left, and you want the 3rd sign, which is just before the road heads up over the hill.

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Birkett Common map co-ordinates
Parking
There is plenty of parking to the side of the road at the start of the footpath.
Once parked follow the well marked footpath heading roughly north east, alongside the wall of a field. This path/farm track opens out to a network of fields alongside the line. At the time of writing all of these fields next to the railway are open access.
Public transport
There is a train roughly every 2 hours in each direction to Leeds and Carlisle. The nearest station would be Kirkby Stephen, and this would be a good hour walk.

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Amenities
There are no facilities at this location, the nearest would be at Kirkby Stephen.
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.
Birkett Common

Googly map
Streetmap links
Birkett Common general view map
Birkett Common close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Birkett Common



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Railway Gen Group
Settle Carlisle
Photographic notes
There are a variety of afternoon shots to be had at this location, but you have to pick your spot for either a north or south bound as there is not a point where you can get both.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

The classic southbound view taken from the field to the right of the footpath (looking towards the line). Taken on a sunny but hazy late April afternoon, with a 135mm lens.

Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south

A northbound view, taken from the first field to the left of the footpath (looking towards the line). Again, taken on a sunny but hazy late April afternoon, with a 85mm lens.

Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north

A southbound view, taken from the far corner of the field to the right of the footpath (looking towards the line.) This is the furthest south you can walk along the line. Taken on a dull, overcast September day with a 40mm lens.

Fig 4 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking north

By following the footpath northwards along the line you will come to a bridge; from which this is the southbound view, taken on a misty mid April afternoon with a 70mm lens.

Fig 5 - Looking south



Fig 5 - Looking south

The same bridge as before, but a northbound view, this time taken with a 35mm lens.

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