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Written by John Patston - 24 Dec 2003
last update by Colin Basett - 28 Sep 2010
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Location notes
Located on the West Coast Main Line just to the south of Leighton Buzzard.
Railway type and traffic
Plenty of Virgin Anglo-Scottish/London - Midlands express passenger services. London Overground runs the slower rural passenger services. There is also a wide mix of freight, working north to places like Manchester and Scotland.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Leighton Buzzard - by pass
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
Open fields in Bedfordshire.
Road directions
From the A505 (Leighton Buzzard By pass) roundabout junction with the B488 (you can see the WCML from this roundabout) take the B488. After 50 turn right into the road that goes to Ledburn village. Just before the bridge under the railway there is a concrete hard-standing area at the front of a PW contractor�s compound.

Then by foot..
Immediately across the road from this standing looking towards the by-pass bridge there is a rough (very rough!!) footpath runs through the trees alongside the line. This brings you to the foot of the by-pass embankment. Climbing half way up this gives you the east side photo access looking south west. Climbing fully to the top. Crossing the bridge. And going down the embankment about half way to get a good view of the line. Fig 4 was taken from here. This position also has a bonus in that its gives line of sight to where you left the car which is always re-assuring, although the area is generally pretty safe.
That or drive your car on and take the next right and park on the road side.

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Leighton Buzzard - by pass map co-ordinates
Parking
There is usually enough space to park on the edge of this standing without interfering with any access required to the compound. But please obey any instructions of the compounds staff . If you are asked to move then please do.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
The Leighton Buzzrd narrow gauge railway is about 1 mile away. Pages Park station cafe is open from 07:30 to 15:00 every day - all day breakfast is good. From the location, head east and hang a left at McDonalds roundabout and follow tourist signs (take care to take correct exit at next (Chartmoor) roundabout).
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.
Leighton Buzzard - by pass

Googly map
Streetmap links
Leighton Buzzard - by pass general view map
Leighton Buzzard - by pass close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Leighton Buzzard - by pass



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Photographic notes
The location is bordered on each side by bridges and as such only offers the views shown here.

Extra video notes
The location is situated next to the Leighton Buzzard by pass, expect an amount of traffic noise.


General views - All photographs © John Patston unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 1 - Looking south west

This is the only angle from this location as the by pass bridge, blocks the north west view.

Fig 2 - Looking north east


Fig 2 - Looking north east

With the location in figure 1 visible in the background this view shows a south bound train. Once again the view to the south easr is blocked by a bridge/

Fig 3 - Looking south west


Fig 3 - Looking south west

Same location as in fig 1 but with a south bound train.

Fig 4 - Looking south east


Fig 4 - Looking south east

Taken from the by passes south eastern embankment.

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