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Location notes
Bloors Lane Footbridge is on the Chatham mainline in Twydall between Gillingham and Rainham, it is 1 mile from Rainham station.
Railway type and traffic
Passenger services are mostly run by Southeastern classes 375 and 465/9s, there are also ECS moves with classes 466s and 508s to and from the Sheerness Branch line.
There is an infrequent freight that can run on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, this is handled by an DB Schenker class 66.
Environment
The footbridge is on the outskirts of Twydall, it is mostly quiet during the day with only dog walkers. It would be best avoided during the evenings. The footbridge is not protected so in cold weather wrap up warm.
Road directions
From the M2, Junction 4:Go down the A278 towards Gillingham, at the Bowaters roundabout take the first exit onto the A2 towards Chatham, at the Will Adams roundabout take the 3rd exit on to the A289 towards the Medway tunnel then at the Cornwallis roundabout take the 3rd exit into Beechings way, after about a mile the road turns sharply to the right and Bloors Lane is on the left.
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Parking
There are no parking areas right near the footbridge, be best to park in Beechings Way.
Public transport
From Gillingham railway station Arriva Medway Towns 'Medway Mainline' route 182 is the best one to get. Get off where the bus terminates in Beechings Green, Twydall and its a 10 walk to the footbridge. Kent Top Travel route 130 goes even nearer but they run once an hour.
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Amenities
The nearest shops are in Twydall but its best advised not to use them, Rainham is probably best which is about a 20 min walk away. There are no toilets in the area.
Accommodation
Nearest hotel is the King Charles hotel, get the 182 towards Chatham to get there.
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.
Twydall, Bloors Lane Footbridge
Googly map
Streetmap links
Twydall, Bloors Lane Footbridge general view map
Twydall, Bloors Lane Footbridge close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Twydall, Bloors Lane Footbridge
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Photographic notes
Light is good all day except early mornings for photographing trains from the east. Also photographing trains from the east is best from lower down the footbridge as the power lines can get in the way. The location is quiet so it would be good for videos.
There are good warnings for when a train comes, they sound their horn a mile from the west and the ones from the east can be seen at Rainham station which is visible.
General views - All photographs © Steven Thomas unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south east
Fig 2 - Looking south east
Fig 3 - Looking north west
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