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Written by Richard Tearle - 17 Jul 2005
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Location notes
Ashton is a small village between Milton Keynes and Northampton, off the A508. This location is on a public footpath / private road over the West Coast Mainline, before the junction at Roade, so both local and mainline traffic can be viewed from here.
Railway type and traffic
Plenty of Virgin Anglo-Scottish to London and Midlands express passenger services. London Midland run the slower rural passenger services. Passenger services are worked totally by units - 390 Pendolinos, 350 Desiros.
There is also a wide mix of freight, by the likes of DB Schenker and Freightliner, and the odd DRS flask train in the early morning or evening.
Environment
The location is an over-bridge over the line on the outskirts of the village, with only a farm and new factory in the area.
Road directions
From the A508, from either Northampton or Milton Keynes. Take the exit marked Ashton and follow the road into the village then turn left. Head out of the village, opposite the pub, the location access is the first 'road' to the right.

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Ashton map co-ordinates
Parking
It is possible to drive across the bridge, and park on the west side of the bridge, if you are careful not to block access to the fields. It is also possible to park on the road opposite the bridge, as this is on a quiet road.
Public transport
MK Metro operate services 86 and 87 between Milton Keynes and Northampton that stops in Ashton. Stagecoach Northants also operate service 37 from Northampton, serving Ashton.

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Amenities
There are no amenities at the site. The village of Ashton has a post office and general store, and a pub offering food during the day.
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.
Ashton

Googly map
Streetmap links
Ashton general view map
Ashton close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Ashton



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Railway Gen Group
Midlands Gen
Photographic notes
The line is running north-south here, so photography follows the normal WCML rules, i.e. fine for northbound services, but troublesome for southbound shots. Both sides of the bridge can be used for a variety of shots.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north east


Fig 3 - Looking north east


Fig 4 - Looking south west


Fig 4 - Looking south west


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