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Written by Matt Weston - 07 Jun 2009
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Location notes
A bridge over the Great Western Main Line on the outskirts of Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire, around half a mile west of Sodbury Tunnel.
Railway type and traffic
Mostly HSTs on Paddington - Bristol/South Wales services. Great for the HSTs as linespeed is 120mph here.
Some freight to and from Avonmouth and Newport/Cardiff. There is an upside freight loop and on-track plant siding.
Environment
A rural over bridge overlooking the former Chipping Sodbury Station. A quiet area of common land, open fields and a few former railway houses.
Road directions
From M4, Junction 18 for Bath:
Take the northbound A46. At the first set of lights turn left on the A432 towards Chipping Sodbury. After passing through the village of Old Sodbury, look for an area of common land on your left. Turn left off the main road just after passing the bus stop and drive up the track to the bridge. The track has a few potholes so be careful.

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Railway Cottages, Chipping Sodbury map co-ordinates
Parking
Plenty of parking right next to the bridge, though if coming here after wet weather you will not want to venture off the gravel!
Public transport
Nearby Yate has a railway station (on the Bristol - Birmingham line), but you may have to change at Bristol or Gloucester as only local services stop there. Then you would have to use an infrequent bus.

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Amenities
There is a pleasant-looking pub, The Dog, and a garage/shop in Old Sodbury. Yate and Chipping Sodbury have anything else you are likely to need including supermarkets.
Accommodation
There is a Premier Travel Inn on the nearby Bristol ring road. The local area is quite 'touristy' so should be some B&Bs available.
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.
Railway Cottages, Chipping Sodbury

Googly map
Streetmap links
Railway Cottages, Chipping Sodbury general view map
Railway Cottages, Chipping Sodbury close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Railway Cottages, Chipping Sodbury



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Railway Gen Group
Wiltshire and Avon Gen
Photographic notes
The line runs east-west, so you can find a good angle at most times of day. Good clear view in both directions, especially given recent tree clearance. There are several other bridges in the area so you could move between them to vary your shots.


General views - All photographs © Matt Weston unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


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