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Location notes
Ely is a hub at the centre of the Cambridge to Kings Lynn mainline, about 12 miles north of Cambridge.
The Ely avoider is a small freight loop to the north of the city.
Railway type and traffic
The curve does not see any passenger traffic, but there are three booked freights a day. Also the majority of empty coaching stock moves from Norwich to the Midlands will use this line.
Environment
The location is on a public foot path the skirts the
Ely Sailing Clubs lake. At the location there are road gates and styles to negotiate. The area is tree lined and is generally used by farmers and walkers.
Road directions
From the A10 heading north into Ely:At the first roundabout take the 3rd exit and follow the road to the second roundabout, you will pass the station and Tescos on your right. At the roundabout turn right (3rd exit) and go under,
or over if you fancy the railway. Take the next left and follow the road up to Queen Adelaide, you will go under the line to Norwich/ After passing under the railway turn left and follow the road round back towards Ely. You will pass over the levels crossings for the Kings Lynn and Peterborough lines and over the avoider line. Look for the Sailing club sign on your left.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Ely, Avoiding curve map co-ordinates
Parking
If you ask nicely then you may be allowed to park in the sailing club. Failing that there is roadside parking near the houses a little further on.
Public transport
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.
Ely, Avoiding curve
Googly map
Streetmap links
Ely, Avoiding curve general view map
Ely, Avoiding curve close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Ely, Avoiding curve
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The line is a quite tight curve and trains will be moving quite slowly along the line. Given the tree lined nature of the location the sun will often cast shadows onto the line. It would probably be a better location for video than stills. There is nothing in the area to make noise!
General views - All photographs © Marcus Dawson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south
Fig 4 - Looking south
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