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Location notes
Just off the main A38 between Tiverton and Wellington. This was the location of the temporary terminus of the Bristol and Exeter railway before Whiteball Tunnel was completed.
Railway type and traffic
Mainly FGW HSTs and Arriva Cross Country DMUs and HST sets plus a peppering of freight workings. Regular steam workings at weekends during the high summer.
Environment
This is a farm track running parallel to the mainline, good for photography and video. Very safe the only people you are likely to see are a few dog walkers.
Road directions
From Wellington:
Head along the A38 towards Exeter. About a mile out of Wellington you will come to a roundabout take the 2nd exit. Continue about 3/4 mile until you see the sign for Sampford Arundel.
From Tiverton:
On the A38 head towards Wellington past Whiteball. Head down a long hill. At the foot of the hill you will see a sign for Sampford Arundel.
You will also find a pub called the Inn at Sampford. Turn right here. A few yards on turn right again until you see a lay-by. Park here the track is visible.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Beam Bridge map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a Lay-by for parking plus the pub has a car park.
Public transport
There is a bus stop next to the Inn at Sampford. Both the 92 (Taunton to Exeter) and the 92A (Tiverton to Taunton) buses stop there. If in doubt ask the bus driver to let you know where to get off. Beam Bridge is well known on this route.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
There are facilities available in the nearby pub.
Accommodation
The Beambridge Inn offers accomodation and is a few minutes walk to the north east of the location.
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.
Beam Bridge
Googly map
Streetmap links
Beam Bridge general view map
Beam Bridge close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Beam Bridge
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
Light is best in the afternoon and early evening. If the sun is out early morning shots are particularly difficult. You can easily shoot both directions. The best position is halfway down the track. This location is excellent for shooting both up and down trains.
As the location is fairly rural it is excellent for video as there is little outside noise.
General views - All photographs © John White unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south
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