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Once in Darlington, follow directions to the railway station, which is signposted on all approaches into the town. If approaching from the north, be careful not to end up at North Road station, which is separately signposted. You should approach the station from the steep Victoria Road, looking up at the clock tower. When you reach the clock tower, turn right and drive down Park Lane. Turn left at Smithfield Road and drive under the bridge. It should be noted that the under bridge is quite narrow, so take care when driving. Once under the bridge, turn left and drive up the steep road. Stop and park before the gate. Then climb over or squeeze past the gate and you're there. The location is quite popular with local photographers, so there may already be a car parked there, which you might block the exit for.

You can freely park in the residential streets around the area, but be careful not to leave anything on display in your car, as always. The local railway station has car parking facilities, but these are expensive - £5 a day.

If coming to Darlington by train, the location is only five minutes walk from the station. Simply come out of the station via the subway, turn left and walk down Park Lane until you come to Smithfield Road. Turn left again, and walk under the bridge. A steep road immediately to the left leads up the location, but there is a gate you will need to climb over at the top. As for buses, 26, 27, 28 and 54 (Saturday only) Arriva bus services serve the railway station. Some are supposed to continue all the way from Park Lane, but may not do so if running late.

The nearest public toilets are at the railway station, five minutes walk away. Much closer to hand, there is a Chinese takeaway that sells excellent chips, and a good chip shop a short walk further down Park Lane away from the railway station.

Victoria Road, near the railway station, houses a couple of Bed and Breakfasts and hotels that can provide overnight accommodation.

North East Gen

Mornings are the best time to photograph from here, as the sun will be behind you. On evenings the sun will be shining into your lens if facing south, and in the winter a similar problem will occur during the afternoon too. There should be no problems facing north. It is possible to easily shoot either north or south, though a signal and some OHL posts might obstruct views. The area is large enough that a good vantage point can easily be found. People often walk their dogs here, so be careful where you stand! Tripods should be no trouble to set up. A large bank to the south obstructs much of the view of trains on the Middlesbrough branch line, but should still be easy to film/photograph.

Darlington Bank Top