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Written by Richard Tearle - 23 Oct 2007
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Location notes
This is one of only two level crossings on the Settle and Carlisle lines. Shots are available after mid day of both south and north bound trains.
For more information on the Settle and Carlisle line please see the Settle - Carlisle Partnership website and consider joining Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line.
Railway type and traffic
Most of the local services to Carlisle are operated by 158 multiple units.
There are a number of freight services operated by DB Schenker/Freightliner/GBRf. DRS operate the autumnal RHTT trains over the route.
Note: This location is north of Newbiggin and normally the gypsum trains will not pass this location.
Environment
This location is by the level crossing barriers on a moderately used road. As such you are not too far from your car should the weather turn. The barriers have sounders that only sound whilst the barriers are closing, not whilst they are closed.
Road directions
From the M6, Junction 40:
Take the third exit, if coming from the south, onto the A66 heading east. Continue along this road until you see a turning on the left marked B6412, sign posted Culgaith. Follow this road north and eventually you should come to the crossing. If you see a garden centre on the left, you can park here and walk to the crossing.
These directions are subject to change with the opening of the Temple Sowerby bypass.

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Culgaith Crossing map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking south of the crossing on the road, but as the road is quite busy it is probably best to pack in the garden centre car park to the south of the crossing on the right, coming from the crossing. Do not park in the signalman's car park to the right of the crossing.
Public transport
The nearest railway station on the West Coast is Penrith and on the S&C is Langwathby. Fell Runner Buses provide bus services in the area.

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Amenities
The Culgaith village website lists several Bed and Breakfasts as well as several shops and public houses in the area. There is a tea shop adjacent to the crossing.
Accommodation
The Culgaith village website lists several Bed and Breakfasts.
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.
Culgaith Crossing

Googly map
Streetmap links
Culgaith Crossing general view map
Culgaith Crossing close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Culgaith Crossing



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Railway Gen Group
Settle Carlisle
Photographic notes
Photographic shots are available after mid day of both south and north bound trains. The southbound shots have some troublesome vegetation in the way, so at the time of writing you need a fairly long telephoto lens.
The northbound shot is not affected by this problem.
You get advance warning of approaching trains from the crossing gates, with sounders only sounding during the gates closing and the crossing signals indicate the direction of travel. Unfortunately there are not any morning shots as the gates on the north side are set to far back.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

This is a north facing shot of a southbound train, taken with a 200mm lens on a bright sunny lunchtime. Again note the signal and the tunnel mouth, but also the annoying vegetation in the foreground. There used to be a shot from on top of the tunnel mouth, but again vegetation growth has claimed this shot.

Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south

This is a south facing, northbound shot taken with a 200mm lens on a bright sunny lunchtime. Note the signal in the background.

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