Location notes
This Derbyshire line side location is situated on the Midland Mainline between Derby and Sheet Stores Junction. It is about one mile north of Long Eaton station. A great feature of this particular location is you can always tell when something is approaching. It is not too far from a road level crossing so watching the signal will let you know when something is approaching travelling in the Derby direction, as the signal only goes off when the crossing's barriers are down. It only works for the other direction if a route is also set in the direction of the signal. Best thing to do when you want to know when a train is approaching in the Long Eaton direction is watch the crossing to see when cars are stopping. The drivers should also sound their horn just before the trains actually come into view.
Railway type and traffic
There are no shortage of passenger trains, mainly Central Trains Nottingham - Birmingham/Cardiff and MML London - Derby/Sheffield (plus ECS moves to and from Nottingham), so you\'re looking at HSTs, Meridians, 170s, 158s, 156s, 153s and the odd 150. When the Derby - Birmingham line is closed, Virgin divert their Voyagers this way too.
The line also gets its fair share of charters, both diesel and steam.
Unfortunately you will not see much freight on this line as it all goes via the Stenson freight line which is not too far away. This is however the diversionary route so if you know when it is going to happen, you will see DB Schenker (60/66/67) and Freightliner (66).
The line also gets its fair share of charters, both diesel and steam.
Unfortunately you will not see much freight on this line as it all goes via the Stenson freight line which is not too far away. This is however the diversionary route so if you know when it is going to happen, you will see DB Schenker (60/66/67) and Freightliner (66).
Environment
The location is in a large field containing a few horses, which usually stay well away from this particular corner. It is on a rarely used public footpath between Sawley and Breaston, where not one person passed me by in the two hours that I was there. Do not expect any peace and quiet though, as you are right next to an overhead M1 bridge.
Road directions
If you are local to the area, Sawley Road is the road that links up Sawley with Breaston, and the location is on the footpath that is clearly signposted at each end of the road. If you are not local, you will need to get to Long Eaton, which is not far from junction 25 of the M1 or the A52 between Derby and Nottingham. The town is clearly signposted from both roads. From there, get to Long Eaton station, which is slightly out of town but signposted well enough. Carry on under the railway bridge towards Sawley. You will pass two speed cameras, and immediately right is Draycott Road. Turn down this road and carry on straight along it, you will easily be able to see the M1 bridge. You can either park here just before the bridge, then get out and walk under the bridge and onto the footpath which is opposite the water works, or continue to Breaston, park there and walk along the footpath from the other end. Either way, you will easily be able to find the location when you walk along the footpath, just look out for where the railway goes under the M1.
Sawley Road Foot Crossing map co-ordinates
Sawley Road Foot Crossing map co-ordinates
Parking
As I mentioned above you can either park in Sawley or Breaston. Sawley is closer (less than 10 mins), but you will be leaving you car on a main road. I parked there for 2 hours with no problems.
If you would rather park on a quieter road, carry on along Sawley Road, over the level crossing and towards Breaston. There is a quiet residential cul-de-sac opposite the primary school. Again, the footpath is easily accessible and signposted from each end. At Sawley it begins opposite the water works entrance and at Breaston is begins next to the school. You could also park at the side of the road near the level crossing if you wanted to but I would not recommend it as there are not any designated public parking spaces.
If you would rather park on a quieter road, carry on along Sawley Road, over the level crossing and towards Breaston. There is a quiet residential cul-de-sac opposite the primary school. Again, the footpath is easily accessible and signposted from each end. At Sawley it begins opposite the water works entrance and at Breaston is begins next to the school. You could also park at the side of the road near the level crossing if you wanted to but I would not recommend it as there are not any designated public parking spaces.
Public transport
The nearest station is Long Eaton, and from there you can catch the regular 15 bus to Sawley. When you get onto Draycott Road you will see the M1 bridge at the end, so get off and walk to there. That particular area is known locally as Old Sawley so ask the driver for there. Do not worry if you go too far, the terminus is on Beresford Road and you will be able to get back onto Draycott Road and to the M1 bridge in less than 5 minutes.
Amenities
Unfortunately there is nothing nearby. If you fancy a walk into Sawley or Breaston, both have Co-ops. If eating in Breaston I would highly recommend the Bull's Head. I am not sure about Sawley.
Accommodation
I do not think there is anything nearby unless some of the pubs have rooms. There is a Novotel hotel near M1 J25 in Long Eaton but this is not in walking distance nor is it served by public transport.
Where on the map
Sun Compass
Open this Image in a new window and use as a sun compass with the links below.
Streetmap links
Sawley Road Foot Crossing general view map
Sawley Road Foot Crossing close up map
Multimap links
Sawley Road Foot Crossing on new multimap
Sawley Road Foot Crossing general view map
Sawley Road Foot Crossing close up map
Sawley Road Foot Crossing aerial view (where available)
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Sawley Road Foot Crossing
Some areas not available at all zoom levels,.
Helpful location information
Photographic notes
As the area is open, there is no particular time when the sun is at its best. Trains can be photographed travelling in both directions, but please be aware that if you are looking for the best shots of trains travelling towards Derby, you are going to have to venture away from the public footpath and further up into the field.
If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
If you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
If you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
General views - All photographs © James Farrell unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north east
Fig 2 - Looking north west
Fig 3 - Looking north west
Disclaimer
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 endeavor 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. 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.
Please enjoy this guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
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 endeavor 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. 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.
Please enjoy this guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
