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Location notes
Denthead is on the Settle and Carlisle railway at the top of Dent valley, about 4 miles south of the station.
Railway type and traffic
The Settle and Carlisle is a reasonably busy route with freight trains, principally Anglo-Scottish Coal and Gypsum trains to Newbiggin operating in between the roughly two-hourly local service. The line is also a popular diversionary and railtour route.
Environment
The area is moorland and very cold and exposed in winter, also been prone to sudden showers and even Blizzards.
Road directions
Approaching from the south, take the B6255 Ingleton to Hawes road which passes Ribblehead. About 4 miles north of Ribblehead towards Hawes there is a road on the left signposted to Dent. This road can be dangerous in winter. After about a mile on this road it starts to drop into Dentdale and the viaduct is clearly visible below.
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Parking
Just before the road passes beneath the railway there is a large gravel area on the left to park in.
Public transport
There is no public transport to this location, Dent station being about 4 miles away.
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Amenities
There are no amenities either in the area or in the village of Dent. There is a pub and usually a snack van at Ribblehead (5 miles) and a small pub half way to Dent station (2 miles).
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.
Denthead
Googly map
Streetmap links
Denthead general view map
Denthead close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Denthead
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Photographic notes
The light is best here in the morning and is a popular location for photographers of southbound trains. There is a large field next to the car parking area on the hillside which gives good views of the viaduct. There are also several points on the road higher up where more side-on views can be had. Trains can be seen approaching along the valley from the station so the location is good for videoing. In the afternoon it is possible to get good videos from locations further down the valley. It is also possible to take photos of trains emerging from Blea Moor Tunnel heading North though the trees and the moor can make the light poor in winter. The sun will be head on for the tunnel view just after mid day.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking south west
Fig 3 - Looking south west - Image � Richard Tearle
This shot is taken from the northside of the viaduct (
it is quite a climb), and the train is heading northbound.
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