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Written by Marcus Dawson - 11 Nov 2015
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Location notes
A small station on the Hertford Loop of the East Coast Main Line.
Railway type and traffic
Mostly class 313 units on the Great Northern outer suburban services to Letchworth from Moorgate. The line is a primary diversion route should there be problems on the ECML between Alexandria Palace and Stevenage.
There are a couple of scheduled freights during daylight hours and a few more overnight.
Any workings heading directly for Bounds Green will take the Hertford Loop to gain direct access to the depot, this will usually be a failed set or stock move.

The line in the local area is also bi-directional. This is due to the down/northbound line also being used as a test track between Bragbury Junction to the south of Stevenage and Molewood Junction to the north of Hertford.
The line is used for testing of ERTMS signalling equipment. Often 313121 cab be found shuttling along the down line with normal workings running on the up side.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Watton-at-Stone
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
An open station in a quiet Hertfordshire village. The platforms are accessible 24/7 as there are no barriers to close the station (as of Nov 2015).
Road directions
From the A1, Junction 7:
Follow the signs for Hertford and once out in the countryside you will pass the 'Three Horseshoes' pub on the right. About a mile after this you will come to a roundabout. Take the 2nd exit, straight across, and enter Watton-at-Stone village. At the second mini roundabout turn right, the station is signposted, and continue up this road until you reach the Station.

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Watton-at-Stone map co-ordinates
Parking
There is road side parking next to the station but check you don't park in residential 'spaces'.
Public transport
By train from Moorgate/Kings Cross (change at Finsbury Park) or southbound from Letchworth/Stevenage.

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Amenities
Nothing on the station, there are a couple of small shops in the village but these are 5/10 minutes walk away.
Come out the station at the footbridge end and walk down the bendy road to the Mini roundabout / T-junction. Turn right and continue along the road for a few more minutes.
There is also the George and Dragon Pub on the main road.
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.
Watton-at-Stone

Googly map
Streetmap links
Watton-at-Stone general view map
Watton-at-Stone close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Watton-at-Stone



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Photographic notes
Two track line, but be aware of the bi-di working. To the south you can see for a mile or so but the line to the north is on a curve. Due to the 'quiet' country nature of the location you can offer hear them approaching.
The station is well lit at night allowing for video of passing trains.


General views - All photographs © Marcus Dawson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking north


Location Video



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