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Location notes
Just outside the Redesdale Park and Parklands housing estates in Wallsend, this is a footbridge over the East Coast Main Line as it comes north out of Newcastle.
Railway type and traffic
All ECML traffic northbound from Newcastle or southbound into Newcastle will pass under this bridge. In addition you will see a lot of local DMUs running from Newcastle up towards Morpeth and Berwick.
Freight trains are also known to traverse the route.
Environment
The bridge itself is probably not the best place to shoot from as it is quite highly walled. There are good shooting locations from either side of the bridge, and a footpath runs along the left hand side of the ECML as you head north.
It is quite an open location, but surrounded by housing estates. I would advise against shooting alone after dark, and would suggest minimal kit, as the area can be populated by less desirable elements. Although you are in Newcastle, you are quite close to student halls of residence, so various colours can be seen anyway!
Road directions
From the A1058, come off at the Wallsend junction. Turn north, signposted towards the bowling alley. Take the first left off at the mini roundabout and follow this road around. At the next mini roundabout turn left and follow this road. Ahead of you you should see a wall with a gap in, and the ECML slightly raised up. As the road splits, turn right, and follow this road northbound. Choose a parking space as north in the estate as you can.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Wallsend Footbridge map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking quite close in the Parklands estate. However, residents may not appreciate it.
Public transport
Any of the buses running along the A1058 can drop you quite closely. The nearest stop is on the eastbound routes, and is just after the bridge next to the Wills building.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
There are no toilets in the area.
There is a chip shop and convenience store about half a mile east bound.
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.
Wallsend Footbridge
Googly map
Streetmap links
Wallsend Footbridge general view map
Wallsend Footbridge close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Wallsend Footbridge
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Photographic notes
Good picture locations are to the left of the bridge looking southbound, and to the left of the bridge looking northbound. Trains travel in both directions. The path that goes northbound from the T-Junction at the west side of the bridge also offers some good locations.
Low winter sun can cause problems during November to January. Avoid 3pm onwards.
General views - All photographs © Andy Connolly unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking south
Fig 3 -
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