| Newport South Docks, viewing points
Written by John Patston - 15 Dec 2009
last update by
Chris Meaker -
14 Dec 2009
|
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If approaching Newport by the M4 leave the motorway at either Junction 25A from the east or 26 from the west. Follow signs for either the railway station (if heading for the Gaer) or the Docks if heading for the River.
The vantage point from the Gaer is the top of
Rupert Brooke Drive -
note the arrows position in relation to the docks.
Be aware that this location is some two miles distant from the Docks and powerful binoculars and good atmospheric visibility are essential. Look for the white silos of the cement depot in the Docks as a marker - the unloading area is just a little further away on the same line of sight. It is highly unlikely numbers will be visible from this distance - but individual locomotives should be visible once the ship has departed.
If wishing to see numbers the best opportunity is during unloading from the Riverside is from the
Corporation Road vantage point -
note the arrows position in relation to the docks.
Again, powerful binoculars will be required as the locomotives are visible at about 600 metres as they are lifted from the ship and before they are lowered to the quayside. Once the locomotives have been lowered they will not be visible until the ship has departed and even then they may be obscured by coal wagons, bushes or each other.
To reach this vantage point, follow the A4042 (signed Docks) from the motorway until reaching a T-junction with the A48 at traffic lights. Turn left on the A48, cross the River Usk on a bowstring bridge and bear immediately left, then right to cross the A48. This is necessary because there is no right turn at this junction on the A48. Follow Corporation Road for approximately 1 mile, passing under a railway bridge. Pass the sand terminal on your left and park before reaching the end of the road at Marshalls Brick depot. The footpath to the riverbank leaves this road on the left here.
Be aware that if using the M4 from England both bridges across the River Severn (either M4 or M48) charge a toll, currently in excess of £5 for a private car. The toll is payable westbound only. You will only need to cross one bridge!
The Gaer is a residential area with no parking restrictions. There is no need to leave your car unattended as viewing takes place from the roadway.
Parking for the riverbank is unrestricted but be aware there are LGVs passing to and from the sand terminal and Marshalls so parking sensibly so as not to block access is essential. Cars left here unattended should be safe in daylight.
Newport Transport buses 2/3/4 serve The Gaer from the town's bus station.
There is no public transport to the riverbank location.
No facilities on The Gaer, nor on the riverbank - although there are usually a couple of mobile burger bars on Corporation Road which do good food and give excellent value. These close at about 14:00.
None recommended but there is the usual selection available through local Tourist Information.
Detailed photography is not an option from The Gaer, because of distance.
From the riverside, if any recognisable locomotive images are required then a lens with a minimum focal length of 300mm is probably needed. At this location, any photographs after midday will be tending into the sun.
