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Written by Scott Borthwick - 31 Aug 2004
last update by Mark Bearton - 11 Mar 2009
and by Ralf Edge - 18 Aug 2009
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Location notes
A classic shot of the West Coast Main line opposite the Oxford Canal. Situated on the WCML between Rugby and Nuneaton this line is the main route avoiding Birmingham. The location has picked up the tag of Ansty, in actual fact the location is only a couple of hundred yards from the former Shilton station.
Railway type and traffic
Plenty of Pendolinos and Voyagers also the as required Virgin Trains MkIII hauled service.
A fair amount of diesel and electric freight from DB Schenker, Freightliner, DRS, GBRf and also Colas.
Environment
Very open and exposed to the elements, there is next to no shelter at the location and it is a reasonalble walk back to the car.
Road directions
From the M6, junction 2:
Take the B4065 north, signposted Shilton and Ansty, and follow the road along. After about 1 mile there is a turning on the right, sign posted as the Ansty Golf Club, this is the B4029 take this road and then park at one of the parking options.

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Shilton, Ansty Canal map co-ordinates
Parking
There are a number of options:
Park on the Oxford Canal bridge on the B4029 and then make your way down to the tow path and walk along to the location.
Further down the B4029 there are a set of metal gates protecting a field, park here taking care not to obstruct the gates and walk across the track in the field.
There used to be a parking area on Nettle Hill Road, just prior to the M6 passing overhead. Although this access point still exists the local landowner has made access to the tow path difficult with trenches dug and mounds of earth blocking sections. It would certainly be best to avoid using this area to park.
Public transport
De Courcey Travel routes 74/75 operate hourly between Coventry and Nuneaton via Ansty and Shilton. You can alight in either village to walk to the location.

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Amenities
There are pubs in both Shilton & Ansty, one in each. A chip shop 3 miles away in Bulkington. If you are really desperate there is a McDonalds on the A4600 into Coventry about 2 miles away.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Shilton, Ansty Canal

Googly map
Streetmap links
Shilton, Ansty Canal general view map
Shilton, Ansty Canal close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Shilton, Ansty Canal



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Photographic notes
The location favours mid afternoon shots as it is only by this time that the sun has come round to be on the right side and on the nose for north bound workings. However the light remains good right up until sunset as there is little, in the way of hills, to the west to cast shadows.
If you are really lucky you might get a passing canal boat at the same time as a passing train.
Rail-net GWRB tour 2004 - Ansty


General views - All photographs © Scott Borthwick unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west


Fig 3 - Looking south west


Fig 3 - Looking south west


Fig 4 - Looking south west


Fig 4 - Looking south west


Fig 5 - Looking north - Photo by Marcus Dawson



Fig 5 - Looking north - <i>Photo by Marcus Dawson</i>

At the far end of the location there is a small viaduct

Fig 6 - Looking north east - Photo by Marcus Dawson



Fig 6 - Looking north east - <i>Photo by Marcus Dawson</i>

The going away shot over the viaduct

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