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Written by Chay Farzaneh - 07 Feb 2017
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Location notes
Norton Fitzwarren is a village 3 miles west of the town of Taunton in Somerset. The location is a footbridge which crosses both the Great Western Main Line and the spur linking to the West Somerset Railway.
Railway type and traffic
Frequent traffic passes this location primarily HSTs, Voyagers, Class 150s and 158s with at least 7-8 trains per hour at peak times.
There are also freight services averaging 2-3 per day hauled mainly by Class 60s, 66s, 67s and often Class 70s.
As the bridge crosses the spur to the West Somerset Railway it is an ideal location to see steam and heritage workings crossing to and from the mainline.
Environment
An open footbridge accessed by a nearby pathway next to a housing estate on the north side of the line and fields to the south of the line. Access is via a footpath which is unlit at night or along the adjacent new road which has been built.
Road directions
From the M5 Junction 25:Take the last exit at the roundabout onto the A358. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the A38 signposted Taunton. Keep on the A38 for until the next roundabout - take the 3rd exit onto Obridge Viaduct. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit signposted Minehead. Continue onto the A358 for 2 miles until you reach a roundabout - cross the roundabout taking the 2nd exit before reaching a second roundabout, here take the 1st exit signed B3277 Norton Fitzwarren. Continue to follow the road for about 1 mile then turn left into Station Road - follow the road to the end.

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Norton Fitzwarren Footbridge map co-ordinates
Parking
There is space to park at the end of Station Road - please park considerately. Access to the bridge is via the newly built housing estate - 3 minute walk or the existing footpath adjacent to the railway line which is to the left of Station Road if you are looking towards the railway line.
Public transport
There are frequent bus services to Norton Fitzwarren from Taunton - service 25 runs every 60 minutes from Taunton station bridge Northbound bus stop and stops on the main B3277 outside the Co-op. Return buses can be caught from the stop opposite the Co-op back to Taunton station.

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Amenities
Nearby facilities include a Co-op and a fish & chip shop. In Norton Fitzwarren there is also a local pub all within 10 minutes walk of the footbridge.
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.
Norton Fitzwarren Footbridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Norton Fitzwarren Footbridge general view map
Norton Fitzwarren Footbridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Norton Fitzwarren Footbridge



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Photographic notes
A clear view of both up and down trains - in clear sunshine mid day around 12:30 is the best time to get trains in both directions.


General views - All photographs © Chay Farzaneh unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking south east


Fig 3 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking west


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