trainspots logo


Written by Nick Slocombe - 31 Aug 2004
New Mobile Site
We have just launched a new mobile version of this site - m.trainspots. This page will use your smart device's GPS to loctate you and guide you to locations that are close to your present location.
Location notes
Situated in the Fowey Valley between Lostwithiel and Bodmin Parkway in Cornwall it is situated on the Great Western mainline to Penzance.
Railway type and traffic
FGW, VXC, Arriva Wales and Wessex passenger services.
DB Schenker freight trains, mainly connected with the china clay industry and Freightliner's twice weekly Earles to Moorswater cement empties which run round at St Blazey.
Environment
This is a remote rural location, it is ideal for those who want to stand and stare at the countryside between trains. Deer are often to be seen on the hillside and buzzards soar along the sides of the valley catching thermals for lift.
Road directions
As you enter Lostwithiel on the A390 turn right following signs to Restormel Castle. After a mile or so you will see a parking bay on the right. Park there.
At the end of the parking bay there is a gate leading down a shady drive, it is also a public footpath. Follow that through the trees where you will see a gate into a field and a path which circles the impressive facade of Restormel Manor. Follow the path round, through another gate and then up a track which leads you to the railway.

Alternatively if you follow signs to the Duchy of Cornwall's nursery, you can follow the forest path from opposite the nursery, down into the river valley and approach the line from the opposite side.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

Restormel map co-ordinates
Parking
Either in the lay-by /parking bay near Restormel Castle or at the Duchy of Cornwall's Nursery.
Public transport
Wessex Trains to Lostwithiel and then walk or D.A.C coaches 269 bus from either Liskeard or St Austell (five per day). Walk from Lostwithiel Royal Talbot Hotel.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
Nothing.
The nearest public toilet is at Restormel Castle. Lostwithiel has a selection of pubs and a good fish and chip shop. There are a number of bakeries in the town together with a couple of small super markets. I recommend the Earl of Chatham just up the hill beyond the station. Good beer and food.
Accommodation
Again, Lostwithiel has a number of Bed and Breakfasts and at least one starred hotel. If you are extravagant treat yourself to a night in the Cormorant at Golant, a few miles south of Lostwithiel. Great shot of early morning trains on the Fowey branch from the bedroom window.
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.
Restormel

Googly map
Streetmap links
Restormel general view map
Restormel close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Restormel



Who likes this location on facebook



Railway Gen Group
South West Rail Gen
Photographic notes
The light is pretty good all day, westbounds in the morning (which are actually heading south at this point) and early to mid afternoon. The cement empties look good. Eastbounds the picture is a little more restricted, but the light is good from mid-afternoon onwards.


General views - All photographs © Nick Slocombe unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Disclaimer
Back to the top

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.