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Written by Mark Bearton - 27 Oct 2004
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Location notes
Lea is a few miles west of Preston on the Preston to Blackpool Line.
Railway type and traffic
Since Virgin pulled out of Blackpool most trains on this line are Multiple Units though a great variety of classes and TOCs can be seen - 142,150/1,150/2,156,158,175 for North Western in many liveries and 156 and 158 for Trans Pennine (even the odd 144 has been seen in the past). Currently (2004) a daily 31 hauled train also runs.
Environment
The location is situated on a country lane on the outskirts of Preston.
Road directions
From Preston follow the A583 towards Blackpool from Preston Docks. Morrisons superstore is on the left behind bushes and turn right at next set of traffic lights (with McDonalds on left). This road climbs sharply, take the first left with park on right. The road narrows then turns sharp right (you are likely to go straight on by mistake but road brings you back). Follow the road through estate past Larches Estate Bus turnaround and continue straight on at traffic lights over the A5085. Continue along road, watching for speed camera at bottom of dip, past a pub on the right and underneath the railway. At roundabout turn left, then left again at next corner. The lane narrows and passes over a canal. Shortly after there is a rough lay-by opposite some cottages just before the road crosses over the railway.

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Lea map co-ordinates
Parking
The rough lay-by is perfectly safe and you can see car from the bridge.
Public transport
Preston Bus Orbit service 88C (88A on return) operates every 15 minutes from outside Preston Station. Ask for the Cotty Brook Public House. When you get off the bus, walk forward until you come to the road passing under a railway bridge. At the far side of this bridge a public footpath is on the left and runs alongside the railway to the next over bridge.

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Amenities
There are no toilets in the area. The nearest pub is at the road bridge east of this location. There is a public footpath running on the North Side of the railway leading to this pub (and a short cut back if walking to catch a bus). The nearest local shops are near the Bus Turnaround at the Larches Estate.
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.
Lea

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

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Lea



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Photographic notes
The best time of day is in the afternoon for trains heading from Preston to Blackpool. Good pictures can be taken from the farm gate adjacent to the road over bridge. The field beyond is private property though is hardly ever used and good pictures can be taken from it.


General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east

From the farm gate

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east

From the road bridge

Fig 3 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking east

From the field

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