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Written by Glen Batten - 14 Apr 2008
last update by Matt Prosser - 16 Apr 2013
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Location notes
The location is an over bridge carrying a green lane over the Bath to Bristol line a short distance from the western portal of Twerton Tunnel.
The spot is about 2 miles from the centre of Bath.
Railway type and traffic
Traffic is mainly HSTs on the Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington route and class 143, 150, 153 and 158 diesel units on the route to Westbury and other points south.
The line carries a good number of loco-hauled charter services to Bath, including the atractive VSOE, en-route to and from Bristol for stabling.
Regular freight includes the weekday Bath and Bristol 'Binliner', coal to Westbury cement works, weekly fuel oil to St Philip's Marsh depot and ballast from Machen quarry to Westbury.
Other freight is often diverted this way at weekends (including 6B33, the 'Murco' tanks from Theale and Didcot coal).
Environment
The location is just beyond the western extremities of Bath and is rural in aspect. The green lane is home to an encampment of 'New Age Travellers' living in superannuated vans but the residents, and their dogs!, are friendly enough and there is rarely any other traffic on the lane itself. There is a bowling green and a sports field nearby.
Road directions
Head west along the A36 Lower Bristol Road away from Bath and through Twerton. Just beyond the built-up area, a set of traffic lights control the junction with the A4 which joins from the right. Immediately before the lights a track heads left, south, towards the railway line.
Either drive along the track or continue and park in the lay-by on the dual carriageway towards Bristol and walk back.
If using the track, be very careful as drivers tend to race the lights and will not expect turning traffic.

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Twerton Tunnel map co-ordinates
Parking
There is limited parking on the bridge itself. Alternatively, use the lay-by just after the main road crosses over the railway.
Public transport
Buses on the Bristol to Bath route stop nearby - ask for Newbridge.

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Amenities
There is a McDonalds on the Lower Bristol Road at Twerton and decent pubs at Newbridge (The Boat House) and Newton St Loe (The Globe) which serve food.
There is a pub or two in Bath as well, apparently!
There is an excellent and inexpensive curry house in nearby Oldfield Park!
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay in Bath but prices reflect the city's popularity with tourists.
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.
Twerton Tunnel

Googly map
Streetmap links
Twerton Tunnel general view map
Twerton Tunnel close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Twerton Tunnel



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Photographic notes
The location is best for down trains leaving the gothic-portalled Twerton Tunnel in the afternoon or early evening. There is also a good shot looking the other way in the mornings with Kelston Hall visible on the hill in the background. In cloudy conditions shots can be taken from either side of the line in both directions. The one drawback is that you need to stay alert as trains can appear suddenly from the tunnel or from beneath the A4 road bridge.


General views - All photographs © Glen Batten unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking east


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