This is a guide of the 'photographic' locations within the above 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.

Below you will find the INDEX which has been broken up into numerous sections for ease of viewing and will be regularly updated, when there has been any major alterations to the locations mentioned. All information in this section is copyright of "8A RAIL".

All locations named 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' to be part of your shot, the best place for these are the 'Low Level' line and around Helsby on the Warrington to Chester line. There are fortunately still some traditional signal box's around the area, these will be highlighted in the relevant sections below. It goes without saying, get them while you can but at the time of writing, no signals or boxes are under immediate threat of disappearing or closure.

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. The main photographic outlets are in Liverpool City Centre were you will find 'Jessops' and 'Jacobs' amongst a couple of smaller outlets.

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 do not trespass on the railway.

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