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From the M6, junction 38:
At Tebay take the A685 towards Brough. Follow this road for about 10 miles (which generally is on the trackbed of the old Tebay to Barnard Castle railway). The road climbs a long steep hill and about a mile after you reach the top of htis you will see a sign for a forthcoming right hand junction with the A683 towards Sedbergh. About 50 yards BEFORE this junction there is a small road on the left signposted Waitby. Follow this road for about half a mile and you will see a road bridge under the railway on the right over the fields. Turn right down the lane to the bridge. The entrance to the field is on the right immediately before the bridge.

There is plenty of room under the bridge to turn round and park.

There is no public transport to this location. Kirkby Stephen station is about 2 miles away as the crow flies but will be 3-4 miles walk by road.

There are no amenities in the area, Kirkby Stephen village is about 5 miles away, if coming from the motorway it is best to stock up at the services by Junction 38 at Tebay.

North West Gen

The light is best from late morning until mid afternoon for southbound trains then after that until the evening for northbound workings. At the top of the field you can get a view looking south and see Kirkby Stephens distant signal which may give some warning about the approach of southbound trains, these are generally working hard against the gradient so if the wind is blowing the right way, despite the hills, they can be heard for some minutes before they arrive. Northbound trains will only generally be heard approaching Kirkby Stephen if the wind is blowing from that direction.
The location is an open field so only wind noise will affect videographers.

Birkett Common
Smardale
Smardale Viaduct