This location is South of Birtley / Barley Mow, on the border of County Durham and Gateshead. The location itself was accessed easily by foot, by following the cycle path onto the bridge of the former Consett - Sunderland railway, and then walking in a direction of the line (west). Some long-distance shots can be taken from the footbridge over the line, however on continuing along the cycle path, there are steps down next to an old bridge, with a footpath leading towards the line. This footpath is a reasonable place to photograph Southbound workings.

A nearby pub is the Barley Mow Inn, which has limited parking (and was hosting a beer festival when I was in the area.