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Road directions
From the A169, follow the signs for Goathland. In the centre of the village, take the road signposted to Beck Hole past the car park (this is also the way to Darnholm). Less than half a mile after the Darnholm crossroads, a footpath leads off the right hand side of the road down to the railway at Water Ark.
Parking
There is roadside parking on the Goathland - Beck Hole road.
Public transport
Take the NYMR to Goathland, then walk along the road to Beck Hole (a public footpath on the right hand side of the road coming out of the station into the village avoids the need to go all the way into the centre of the village). To get to the NYMR, from the north, take the Middlesbrough - Whitby 'Esk Valley Line' service to Grosmont. From the south, Pickering can be reached by buses from Malton / York.
Amenities
There are no amenities at Water Ark - there is a pub at Beck Hole which serves food, but the best bet for toilets etc. is Goathland.
Accommodation
Bed and Breakfasts / rented accommodation are readily available in Pickering (several advertise in the Classified Ads in the railway press).
The line is approximately east / west at this location, so shots can be taken with good lighting in early to mid morning (looking westwards for southbound trains climbing out of Grosmont), or in mid to late afternoon (looking eastwards for northbound trains coasting down the grade to Grosmont). Steam locos generally face southwards (and any facing north will not be emitting much exhaust when going downhill), so the best bet for an afternoon shot looking eastwards is probably a diesel service.
