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Written by Rob Brooks - 25 Jun 2005
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Location notes
An un-manned gate crossing on the outskirts of Whittlesea, just into the countryside. The location is at the start/end of a banked curve, which is known as `Whittlesea Curve` All trains have to sound their horns here, because of the crossing being unprotected.
Railway type and traffic
Central trains services to Stansted Airport, Norwich, Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street, `one` services every other hour to Peterborough and London Liverpool Street. These are the only passenger services to stop here during the day.
Freight is mainly DB Schenker aggregate trains, with PGAs and 66s with the occasional 60. On everyday except Monday and Thursdays, and RMC train runs from Peak Forest to Ely with a 60. A daily paper train runs with an DB Schenker shed from Felixstowe to Healy Mills, Freightliner traffic is common with day time liners to Felixstowe from Leeds and Wilton, and some going.
GBRf wise, a daily modal service to Felixstowe. Also some one-off and scheduled GBRf ballast trains can be seen running from Bardon Hill to Whitemoor yard.
Environment
A countryside / public walkway location. Some dog walkers will use the crossing and also some workers going to the water works will use the crossing, but often friendly and always kind if you assist them in opening the gates your side.
Road directions
From the A605:
Go into Whittlesea Town and after a zebra crossing, turn left past the bus station. Then, before a sharp blind left corner, there will be a turning off to your right. This is the road you need. Drive over the canal and there is a little bit of parking space here, or park before the bridge.

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Whittlesea, Hearts Drove map co-ordinates
Parking
You can either drive over the canal and there is a little bit of parking space here, or park before the bridge. Its all legal parking.
Public transport
`one` 170 Turbostars from Peterborough every 2 hours and also from March and Ely.

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Amenities
Countryside location so nothing immediate. Whittlesea Town has all the facilities you will need.
Accommodation
Some hotels in Whittlesea, but plenty in Peterborough, which is only 10mins away by road and rail.
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.
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove

Googly map
Streetmap links
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove general view map
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whittlesea, Hearts Drove



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Photographic notes
Sun is ok all day. Although in late evening sun is bad for trains from Peterborough.


General views - All photographs © Rob Brooks unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east

A 'one' service rounding the Whittlesea curve heading towards March.

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north

Taken from the canal bridge.

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