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Location notes
The road bridge at Monk Fryston overlooks the junction and sidings of South Milford, which is on the line from Castleford to Church Fenton and York, the junction being the spur connecting this with the Leeds to Selby line.
Update October 2014:
Since the road bridge has been rebuilt in in the early part of 2014 the once easily obtainable shots no longer exist. Part of the bridge rebuild was the provision of a separate footbridge to the north of the road bridge. This has relatively high parapets so some form of elevation is required for southbound shots. The arrangements of the new road bridge and footbridge also make fast transition from northbound to southbound shots and vice versa effectively impossible.
Railway type and traffic
The passenger service on this section of line consists of an infrequent York to Sheffield via Pontefract service. There is however a large range of freight services, including regular coal trains from both the sidings at South Milford and from Gascoigne Wood to the various Power Stations and also most freight from the North-East heading down through Yorkshire to the midlands, including Freightliner and Steel traffic.
Despite the closure of the Selby Coalfield there is still a relatively large volume of freight traffic, mainly coal but also biomass and general freight.
Environment
Monk Fryston is a pleasant rural village. Dog walkers and other pedestrian and cycle passers by often speak. There are a number of pubs in the village. There is a small village shop/post office which sells sandwiches, pies etc. This is some distance from the location towards Selby but easy to reach by car.
Road directions
From the M6, Junction 33:Head north on the A1 for 3 junctions, taking the A162 north towards Sherburn-in-Elmet. Turn right onto the A63 (this road also leads from the A1) and after less than a mile you will cross the railway. Take the first road on the left immediately after, doubling back to re-cross the railway, but turn right before the bridge into a dead-end lane.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Monk Fryston map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking on the left of this lane, though this location is popular so there is often a few cars present. However there are also now restrictions to parking on the road parallel to the lines.
Public transport
Arriva services 492/493 operate every hour to Monk Fryston from Pontefract, Church Fenton and Tadcaster.
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Amenities
No toilets close by. The Fish & Chip shop in Ferrybridge village is reasonably priced.
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.
Monk Fryston
Googly map
Streetmap links
Monk Fryston general view map
Monk Fryston close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Monk Fryston
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The line is heading north-south so the light is generally good for southbound trains at most times of the day. Photos are possible of northbound trains, though the A63 road bridge immediately to the north is in view and means you get little warning of approaching trains.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking south
Fig 3 - Looking south
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