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Location notes
Shotlock Hill is 2-3 miles north of Garsdale station on the Settle and Carlisle line.
Railway type and traffic
The Settle to Carlisle line has a roughly two-hourly local service with coal and gypsum trains running in between. It is also a popular diversionary route and has many railtours using it.
Environment
The area is very exposed and warm clothing and shelter is highly recommended in winter, and sometimes in the summer too!
Road directions
From the M6 junction 37:Take the A684 east through Sedbergh towards Hawes. Immediately after passing beneath the line at Garsdale Head turn left by the Moorcock Pub onto the B6259 towards Kiby Stephen. After about a mile at the brow of a hill there is a gate hidden on the left above Shotlock Hill Tunnel.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Shotlock Hill map co-ordinates
Parking
Parking is poor on the road but there is a large area to park on top of the tunnel. This seems to be private but the gate is invariably open or unlocked and it is highly unlikely anyone would prevent parking there.
Public transport
Amenities
There are no amenities in the area. There are toilets on Garsdale station and the Moorcock Public House is open all day.
Accommodation
The Moorcock Public House does have Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
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.
Shotlock Hill
Googly map
Streetmap links
Shotlock Hill general view map
Shotlock Hill close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Shotlock Hill
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The light is best for southbound trains at most times of the day, though dinner-time the sun can be quite head-on. Shotlock Hill is a short tunnel and by standing at the highest point it is possible to see trains approaching from either direction, though northbound trains are not the best view.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Morning shot
Fig 2 - Looking north
Afternoon shot
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