trainspots logo


Written by Mark Bearton - 31 Jan 2005
last update by Robin Sharman - 06 Sep 2011
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
Edale is in the Hope Valley. It is a picturesque area in the Peak District and is located on the line from Manchester to Sheffield.
Railway type and traffic
There is an hourly service both from Manchester to Cleethorpes, usually Trans Pennines class 158 units, and from Liverpool to Norwich, usually Central's 158 and 170 units. In addition, there is a two hourly local service of 142s from Newton Heath's allocation, and a variety of freight trains, in particular Stone Trains heading east from Peak Forest and Infrastructure trains to Castleton.
Environment
The area is rural, the bridge here being on a public footpath leading to the moors and used only by walkers and the local farmer, who is friendly.
Road directions
From the Manchester direction: Take the A6 to Chapel-en-le-Rith. Take the unclassified road through Slackhall, which climbs along the side of the valley. Near the end of this, there is a left hand turning signposted to Edale. This climbs slightly before dropping spectacularly into the Hope Valley. At the bottom of the hill, the road crosses a bridge over a small stream. There is a small parking area by a bus stop on the right by this. Park here and cross the road, heading up the gravel track opposite. This will lead you past the back of a few cottages then through a Farm-Yard, proclaiming to be the home of the 'Barber Booth Sheep'. Carry on through the farm to the bridge, with a small caravan park on the left.

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

Edale, Barber Booth map co-ordinates
Parking
See the road directions
Public transport
Barber Booth (bridge 59) can now easily be reached via a rebuilt footpath from the car park extension at Edale station. This car park seems to be free on weekdays (although �4 to parish council funds at weekends) and is located directly opposite Edale signal box. The rebuilt footpath takes the walker over the line and back on bridges 57 and 58. When the hamlet of Barber Booth is reached, it is an easy matter to follow the track through the farmyard to bridge 59 with its clear view of Cowburn tunnel.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
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.
Edale, Barber Booth

Googly map
Streetmap links
Edale, Barber Booth general view map
Edale, Barber Booth close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Edale, Barber Booth



Who likes this location on facebook



Photographic notes
The light is best here in the morning until 11-11.30 for trains heading east and exiting from Cowburn Tunnel. After this the light will be off the front of the trains, though pictures will be possible for longer. Facing the other way, the line is in a shallow cutting which limits the photographic angles and causes the train to be in shadow.


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


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking east


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.