This is a general guide of the 'photographic' locations within the area but not necessary the definitive guide because it is always inevitable there are one or locations that have been overlooked! In order to find most of the locations, it is recommended to purchase (or borrow) the following "Philip's" Ordnance Survey street atlas books 1) Merseyside and 2) Cheshire, available from WH Smith and good book shops. Alternatively, the following "OS" Landranger maps No108 (Liverpool) and No117 (Chester) could prove excellent substitutes. Also, no harm in looking at Google Earth to pin point some locations. 
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Below as you scroll down you will find it is has been broken up into seven albums as follows: 

• 1) Bootle Branch Line. 
• 2) Edge Hill to Newton le Willows (L&M line)
• 3) Liverpool Lime St to Runcorn (L.N.W.R. line)
• 4) Ditton Junction to Arpley Junction (Low Level Line). 
• 5) Allerton Junction to Warrington Central (C.L.C. line) 
• 6) Acton Grange Junction to Chester. (Frodsham / Helsby line).
• 7) Merseyrail (all lines on the 3rd rail system).

These will be updated when there has been any major alterations to the locations mentioned. All information and images in this section are copyright of "8A RAIL".

Most locations in this guide have been visited over the last couple of years with some only possible during the spring / summer months when the daylight hours are longer or the sun is higher. If you are looking for spectacular "train in the landscape" shots, you will be disappointed. However, the area does lend it self to numerous industrial, urban and rural backdrops as you would expect but to get some of these locations 'travelling by car' is necessary. Unfortunately, you will find some 'ordinary looking' locations were it will not be everybody's cup of tea! If travelling by train around the area, most of the stations have got photographic potential as well as some within short walking distance. However, going by train will restrict visiting some locations on the 'Bootle Branch' and 'Low Level' (Ditton - Arpley) Lines. Certainly as part of your photographic equipment, a small step-ladder will be required for some views from bridges as well as other locations.

If you are looking for 'semaphore signals' and ‘signal boxes’ to be part of your shot, the best and only place for these are now around Helsby on the Warrington to Chester line. At the moment none of these are under immediate threat of disappearing or closure but still get them while you are able too. 

Contrary to the popular media belief, Liverpool (Capital of Culture) & Merseyside is a friendly & safe area to visit, it is no different to any other 'urban' area, dare I say it is probably better than most cities in the United Kingdom. It goes without saying as long as you take sensible precautions, you will enjoy your visit and certainly in the main, receive a warm welcome by the locals. There are plenty of food outlets, pubs and other shops to be had and the 'public transport' system is generally reliable and reasonably price.

Finally, it goes without saying, when travelling about the area, please respect other peoples property, were necessary please seek permission first to obtain access and under no circumstances do not trespass on the railway.

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Bootle Branch Line

C.L.C. Line

Frodsham / Helsby Line

L.N.W.R. Line

L & M Line

Low Level Line

Merseyrail