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Written by Mark Bearton - 06 Jan 2005
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Location notes
Dutton Viaduct is on the West Coast Main Line at the Southern end of Weaver Junction, where the line to Runcorn and Liverpool diverges from the line north to Warrington, Preston and Glasgow.
Railway type and traffic
There is a wide variety of traffic on this stretch of line. Passenger services are Virgin's Voyagers and Pendolinos and Central Trains' class 158 and 170 units, with occasional appearances by Arriva Trains Wales' 158s.
Freight includes Freightliner services from Scotland and from Ditton/Speke, most DB Schenker services operating south from Warrington and DRS flask and intermodal trains.
Environment
The viaduct spans the River Weaver. The far side of the river is popular with Fishermen, the nearside with walkers. Whilst from the train the vantage point looks an easy climb, in reality it is a steep bank covered in prickly waist high weeds in summer, so it is not recommended to wear shorts and some kind of stick would be advantageous to aid you climbing.
Road directions
From the M56, Junction 10:
Follow the A49 south, crossing the A533. You cross over the Weaver Navigation, and take the next road on the right towards Acton Bridge. This lane joins the B5153 at Acton Bridge station, pass over the bridge and continue to the village of Crowton (about a mile and a half). Turn right in the village and continue to the end of this lane. Turn right again and follow lane to its end. Park car and follow footpath alongside caravan park to the river and proceed east along the banks to the viaduct. Go under the line and on the right is the bank. There is a belt of trees at the foot of this - there is a low barbed wire fence in these, so you have to pick a spot where it is broken/easier to cross. It is important to remember where you did this for when you return. Take care in climbing the bank as it is steep and the brambles are tall and sharp. There is a private field beyond the fence at the top so is probably best to stay below the summit.

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Dutton Viaduct map co-ordinates
Parking
You can leave your car at the bottom of the lane providing you leave plenty of room for access to the caravan park and the cottages.
Public transport
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Amenities
There are no amenities in the area.
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.
Dutton Viaduct

Googly map
Streetmap links
Dutton Viaduct general view map
Dutton Viaduct close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Dutton Viaduct



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Photographic notes
The sun is best here in a morning until about 11am for trains heading south.


General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


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