Written by Robert Clarke - 31 Jan 2008
Location notes
A large playing field, used as a public park, and as rugby union pitches for the Dunfermline High School, which it sits behind, this location is located on the Fife Circle, and is also at the junction of the branch to Longannet.
At this location is also the Dunfermline depot of Stagecoach in Fife. A driver at the depot, Walter Burt, has set up a website, detailing the history and present day scene of Stagecoach in Fife and its predecesors.
Railway type and traffic
Passenger services are provided by First Scotrail, using class 158 and 170 DMUs, and the route is a diversionary route if the East Coast line is closed. Should this be the case, expect to see extra DMUs, as well as more freight, HSTs, and cross country voyagers.
Freight is mainly EWS class 66s hauling MGR trains.
Environment
This is a public playing field, which is also used by Dunfermline High School. Therefore, bear in mind that at times, classes may be taking place. AFAIK there are very few floodlights, so not worth the visit after dark. The area is pure grass, so be careful if it is wet.
There is no shelter, so if it rains, you will need to hurry back to your car etc.
Road directions
From the M90, Junction 2:
Exit and follow the road to the end. Then follow signs for Dunfermline, and stay on this road, which is dual carriageway, and after the second set of traffic lights, take the 3rd exit at the Asda roundabout. To reach the location from here, see parking, and look for directions from the bus stop.

Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking in Asda, for three hours.
From Asda, cross the road turn right, and head towards the railway viaduct, with the bus depot on your left. Turn left into Whirlbut Crescent. See public transport for directions from there.
Public transport
The nearest train station is Dunfermline Town. From there, leave the station, and head towards the 'Jet' petrol station on St. Leonards Street/Bothwell street. Once there, cross the road, and head into Whirlbut Crescent. Turn left, and follow the road around until you see an opening taking you up to some wooden garages. Follow this path, with the bus depot on your left. Your route may seem unlikely, but keep going, as you will come onto the playing field, and have the school and bus depot behind you, and the railway on an embankment.
The nearest bus stops are on St Leonards Street, outside Asda, and outside the bus garage. From either stop, head towards the railway viaduct, turn left into Whirlbut Crescent, and follow directions as above
Amenities
None in the immediate area. Asda has toilets, while the city centre is a short drive or bus trip away.
Accommodation
Plenty in Dunfermline, or see the Visit Scotland website.
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
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field general view map
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field close up map

Multimap links
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field on new multimap
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field general view map
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field close up map
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field aerial view (where available)

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Dunfermline, St Leonards playing field
Some areas not available at all zoom levels,.

Helpful location information
Weather forecast
Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
The main thing to consider is that you will get very little warning of a train, due to the presence of buildings. In addition, if there are classes on the playing fields, you may have to move to allow them to take place. This will also affect video noise. The photos below were taken on a Saturday.

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.
General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 3 - The bus depot


Fig 3 - The bus depot


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 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.