Location notes
On the Great Eastern Main Line just north of Manningtree.
Railway type and traffic
Express passenger service between London and East Anglia, also freightliners to/from the port of Felixstowe.
Environment
Rural. Hilly with view over the River Stour to Essex.
Beware! Suitable footwear should be warn as the site is located in a field which has sandy soil. You may sink into the soil a couple of inches in places and this will stain your shoes orange!
Road directions
Located directly on the A137 about 8 miles south of Ipswich and 1 mile north of Manningtree.
Brantham map co-ordinates
Parking
There is ample parking in lay-bys and on road side.
Amenities
The nearby Bull public house serves bar meals.
Where on the map
Helpful location information
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The double track is located on a curve and in a cutting. Photographs can be taken from the public footpath which crosses the line, from on top of the cutting giving some height to your pictures or from the nearby road bridge which will give you a lofty over view.
BC
Photos are also possible from the field on the west side of the line during the afternoon (especially late afternoon) - this is accessed from the the path to the west of the houses on the west side of the road bridge (park in the layby by the houses). A medium length telephoto lens is useful - stand at the top of the field.
If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiastsIf you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
Links to photographs at this location
General views - All photographs © Rob Gooding unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
Fig 2- Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking north

A slightly wider angle than fig 2.
Fig 4 - Looking north - Photo by Brian Carter

A late afternoon shot from the west side of the line.
Fig 5 - Looking north - Photo by Brian Carter

From the road bridge, beware of shadows from the cutting side
Fig 6 - Looking north - Photo by Brian Carter
Fig 7 - Looking north - Photo by Brian Carter

Another morning shot from the road bridge, beware of the shadows.
Fig 8 - Looking south - Image © Geoff Plumb

This shot, taken from the public foot crossing, is best accessed by carrying on up the A137 and walking back along the foot path.
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Please enjoy this guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.