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Road directions
If you are local to the area, Sawley Road is the road that links up Sawley with Breaston, and the location is on the footpath that is clearly signposted at each end of the road. If you are not local, you will need to get to Long Eaton, which is not far from junction 25 of the M1 or the A52 between Derby and Nottingham. The town is clearly signposted from both roads. From there, get to Long Eaton station, which is slightly out of town but signposted well enough. Carry on under the railway bridge towards Sawley. You will pass two speed cameras, and immediately right is Draycott Road. Turn down this road and carry on straight along it, you will easily be able to see the M1 bridge. You can either park here just before the bridge, then get out and walk under the bridge and onto the footpath which is opposite the water works, or continue to Breaston, park there and walk along the footpath from the other end. Either way, you will easily be able to find the location when you walk along the footpath, just look out for where the railway goes under the M1.
Parking
As I mentioned above you can either park in Sawley or Breaston. Sawley is closer (less than 10 mins), but you will be leaving you car on a main road. I parked there for 2 hours with no problems. If you would rather park on a quieter road, carry on along Sawley Road, over the level crossing and towards Breaston. There is a quiet residential cul-de-sac opposite the primary school. Again, the footpath is easily accessible and signposted from each end. At Sawley it begins opposite the water works entrance and at Breaston is begins next to the school. You could also park at the side of the road near the level crossing if you wanted to but I would not recommend it as there are not any designated public parking spaces.
Public transport
The nearest station is Long Eaton, and from there you can catch the regular 15 bus to Sawley. When you get onto Draycott Road you will see the M1 bridge at the end, so get off and walk to there. That particular area is known locally as Old Sawley so ask the driver for there. Do not worry if you go too far, the terminus is on Beresford Road and you will be able to get back onto Draycott Road and to the M1 bridge in less than 5 minutes.
Amenities
Unfortunately there is nothing nearby. If you fancy a walk into Sawley or Breaston, both have Co-ops. If eating in Breaston I would highly recommend the Bull's Head. I am not sure about Sawley.
Accommodation
I do not think there is anything nearby unless some of the pubs have rooms. There is a Novotel hotel near M1 J25 in Long Eaton but this is not in walking distance nor is it served by public transport.
Photographic notes
As of October 2014 this foot crossing has been replaced with a footbridge. So naturally the views will change from the ones described. As the area is open, there is no particular time when the sun is at its best. Trains can be photographed travelling in both directions, but please be aware that if you are looking for the best shots of trains travelling towards Derby, you are going to have to venture away from the public footpath and further up into the field.
