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Written by Christopher Ward - 09 Jun 2006
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Location notes
The tunnel is situated in the heart of the South Downs, so very rural. A few houses nearby plus the pub.
Railway type and traffic
The Brighton line is mainly run by 377s from Southern and 319s from First Capital Connect (formerly Thameslink) at a regular frequency of one every roughly 5 - 10 minutes in either direction. There are also two Voyagers each way every weekday and one on Saturday.

Freight is rare, and is usually just a Network Rail MUV or perhaps a 66 on a ballast working, but these workings are not often publicised.

Several enthusiast specials also visit every year.
Environment
The location is rural so not too many other people, although a lot of cars passing on the road.
Road directions
From Brighton:
Follow A23 north and take junction toward Hassocks on A283 (first junction after the A27 going northbound). Follow this road up and over the hill and you will come round a bend and over the bridge.

From M25:
Take M23 and A23 to Burgess Hill / Twinham / Hickstead junction. Follow signs for town centre and then turn right at last roundabout toward Hassocks and Pyecombe. Follow this road straight on over the crossroads and you will reach the bridge.

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Clayton Tunnel (north end) map co-ordinates
Parking
There is some car parking in the pub, although not recommended if busy as staff can be a bit tetchy about you leaving your car there. There is space for one or two cars on country lane behind the pub next to the fnece at the top of the embankment leading to the railway. Other than that, park at Hassocks railway station.
Public transport
Hassocks is on the line and is served by trains from Brighton, Hove, Victoria, Gatwick, London bridge, East Croydon, Clapham Junction, Redhill and Three Bridges.
From the station exit on the down side (platform 1). Walk down the hill to the roundabout and turn sharp right. Just before the railway bridge there is a footpath alongside the line, which leads up to the bridge at Clayton Tunnel (the second bridge you come to).
Although buses cross the bridge there are no bus stop at the location.

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Amenities
There are toilets and refreshments in the pub (the Jack and Jill). The nearest shops are in Hassocks. The nearest supermarkets are Tesco in Burgess Hill and Budgens in Hassocks.
Accommodation
A list of places can be found at 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.
Clayton Tunnel (north end)

Googly map
Streetmap links
Clayton Tunnel (north end) general view map
Clayton Tunnel (north end) close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Clayton Tunnel (north end)



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Railway Gen Group
South East Gen
Photographic notes
The light is better on the eastern side in the morning and western on the afternoon (both are accessible), as the sun is behind you at these times of day, although early morning and late evening can result in the lines being quite dark due to the hills.
Trains in both directions are easily photographed throughout the day, and it is best to stand just to one side of the track rather than face it straight on.

There is a very busy road running past this location which could put off videographers.


General views - All photographs © Christopher Ward unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


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