WCML photography / spotting locations around Milton Keynes

[Belfastmarty]

In a few weeks time I'm arriving on an early morning flight to Luton. I have a few hours spare before meeting family in Milton Keynes, so I'd like to spend some time spotting / photographing on the WCML in that general vicinity. I will have a hire car, and ideally I'd like a country location, rather than urban or a station. So far, inspection of Google Earth hasn't thrown up too many promising spots. Can anyone with some local knowledge advise some suitable locations please ? Any help appreciated.

 

[08221]

Great Brickhill road near Stoke Hammond used to be a good spot as was just north of Linslade tunnel.

 

[zwk500]

Partly depends on what sort of stuff you'd like. Wolverton offers 3 good spots:
- the station itself, which shows the Tilt off to it's full effect (it's a very sharp curve). The station is unbarriered as well, but parking can be awkward.
- the nature reserve just north of the station, where you can get some good shots looking up to the viaduct. Especially if you go a bit further away for the longer angle, you can see trains on the viaduct quite clearly from the bird hides https://maps.app.goo.gl/mWSRwZ9Z7N6nS7F27. This is probably a 30-minute walk from the station at most.
- the 2nd bridge south of the station (H2 Millers Way) gives a good high angle over the lines, including the depot shunting sidings between the slow lines. If you're lucky/prepared you can see some very interesting things. IIRC The footway is wide on the north side of the bridge but effectively non-existent on the south side so you don't have the widest target. About 15 minutes walk from the station.

Wolverton Works is also worth a look from the Aldi Car Park, but not sure there's any good photo opportunities there. If you do stop at Wolverton I can recommend the Ole Tapas bar for lunch and Biergarten micro-pub in some of the old carriage works for refreshment, if they're open.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Would you have time to get to Berkhamstead? The castle is free entry and gives a good photographic aspect...

 

[andythebrave]

.....
- the nature reserve just north of the station, where you can get some good shots looking up to the viaduct. Especially if you go a bit further away for the longer angle, you can see trains on the viaduct quite clearly from the bird hides https://maps.app.goo.gl/mWSRwZ9Z7N6nS7F27. This is probably a 30-minute walk from the station at most.
...

Yes, Haversham & Little Linford viaduct is a good spot and is searchable on Google maps. There are some decent enough car parking spots nearby. If you're going to be there a while it would be prudent to take some supplies.

 

[Belfastmarty]

Thanks to all who replied - there's some good suggestions there which I wouldn't have picked up otherwise. (And to @zwk500 for the food and drink recommendations too.)