Location notes
Located on the East Coast Main Line 4.5 miles north of Grantham and 1.25 miles south of Frinkley Lane crossing. The site was formerly the Barkston station (closed to passengers on 16 March 1955). Nothing remains of the station except the former station house.
Railway type and traffic
EWS, GBRf freight and passenger trains by NXEC and Hull Trains as well as Central Trains services to/from Boston and Skegness. Barkston South junction is visible from the location. Also, in the opposite direction about a quarter of a mile away, can be seen the Grantham avoiding line.
Environment
A quiet rural location with little noise except some traffic from the nearby road and occasional light aircraft passing overhead. No shelter here, so if on foot, waterproofs or/and umbrella advisable!
Road directions
On leaving Grantham, follow A607 (in the direction of Sleaford and Lincoln) for approximately four miles. On passing Syston village, just off the main road) look for the turning on the left (a directional sign shows it as a route to Marston). Follow this C class road (Sand Lane) for approximately 1.25 miles and after passing under the ECML bridge, a short distance on to the left is a driveway which heads back towards the ECML.. After a sharp turn left, follow this for a short distance and park at the top of the short incline near to the fence.
Barkston map co-ordinates
Parking
There is ample space at the location for parking. Please do not park on the road itself as this is used occasionally for farm access.
Public transport
On weekdays a bus service (
The Number 1 route) operates between Lincoln (Bus Station) and Grantham (Bus Station) most of the day. Alight at Barkston Green. Walk a short distance to the junction with the busy A607. Adjacent to the left is Sand Lane (signposted as a route to Marston). Cross the road and walk down this for about 1.25 miles. Unfortunately there is no pavement and the road is moderately busy for a minor road. A well as cars, occasional tractors and sceptic tank lorries. A very gentle gradient, but the countryside is quite pleasant! As the ECML is in view, a driveway off to the left leads to the former station house. Continue down the minor road and under the bridge which carries the ECML. A short distance on is a driveway on the left heading towards the ECML. Follow this to the top (another slight gradient).
Amenities
The Stag pub is in the centre of the village (by The Green, and close to the bus stop. It opens lunchtimes and evenings. A little further up the minor road towards the church is a Post Office/Shop. On the main road heading north is a large garage which also has a shop.
Where on the map
Helpful location information
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The location is just set back slightly from the 'down line' (no access on the 'up line' side). The ECML is roughly North to South at this point so location is probably best from mid-day onwards for position of sun. Bright sunshine will be good for southbound trains, slight cloud will also be helpful for photographing northbound ones. A bridge number sign is slightly intrusive for photographing southbound trains, but does give photographs a sense of location! The junction for the Skegness branch is close by and a slight zoom emphasizes the gradient from East Junction. Note that at this point, Skegness bound Central trains use the 'up' on the ECML! With a good zoom it is possible to capture images of trains (usual Central trains dmus and the occasional Boston freight) on the Grantham avoiding line in the opposite direction. There is some noise from traffic on the nearby road, and on my visit, also light aircraft overhead.
If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiastsIf you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
General views - All photographs © Peter of LEYTR unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking north

A unit exits the main line and heads towards Nottingham.
Fig 4 - Looking west

From Station Lane
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