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Road directions
Best from the section of A572 between Newton Le Willows and A580 at Lowton Lane Head. It is preferable to park on the A572 near the garden centre, just east of the M6 over bridge, but if you wish to risk parking nearer the location, proceed to the nearby junction with the A573 and turn south. Cross both railway bridges, and after about another 1/4 mile, there is a footpath sign on the left. Then follow the directions as for public transport (below)
Parking
Best on the A572 - see Road Directions (above). The A573 is very busy at times, with some bends, and unattended parked cars might be considered as an obstruction. Allow about 15 minutes walking time from the A572.
Public transport
By rail to Newton Le Willows station. From the station, turn right into the A572, walk under the M6 bridge, then turn right into the A573. After crossing two railway bridges, continue until a footpath sign on the left hand side of the road. Walk down this footpath until it forks slightly right towards a farm. At this point, take a much narrower footpath which forks left towards the railway line. The footpath actually continues across the railway line, but for photos before about 18:00, branch right onto a footpath that runs approximately parallel to the railway line on its south side. There are several gaps in the vegetation from which photographs can be taken, and you may need to move position dependent on whether you wish to photograph eastbound or westbound trains. Allow about 30 minutes from Newton Le Willows station.
An alternative route is available from Newton Le Willows. Pass the A573 junction and continue until the second footpath sign pointing towards the south. Walk to the end of this path, carefully cross the railway line at the public footpath crossing, then proceed as above.
Staying on the south side of the railway, sun is best for eastbound trains until late morning, then best for westbound trains until about 17:30 On summer evenings, some photos of westbound trains should be possible from a path on the north side of the line.
