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Written by Dr. John Binch - 09 Aug 2008
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Location notes
The location is a public footbridge, on the Lincoln to Sheffield railway line in Retford, North Nottinghamshire.
The nearest cities are Lincoln, Nottingham and Sheffield. Doncaster and Newark-upon-Trent are around a 30 - 40 minute drive way on the A1. The location is also know as Thrumpton West Junction.
Railway type and traffic
The Lincoln to Sheffield line is double track. Trains are controlled by colour light signals.
The spur on to the East Coast Main Line (ECML) forms two single tracks running on each side of the mainline which disappear under a bridge visible in the distance (looking East.)
Passenger services are operated by Northern Rail on the Adwick / Scunthorpe to Lincoln (via Sheffield) route. There is also a Saturday-only Sheffield to Cleethorpes service.
Freight services are operated by DB Schenker, Freightliner Heavy Haul and GBRf, and are mainly coal trains serving West Burton and Cottam Powers Stations. Several trains run daily mainly to / from Immingham, but some trains originate from Thoresby and Welbeck Collieries.
The spur onto the ECML currently sees little use. However, there is an early morning return train from Sheffield to Retford (High Level) station but other than that, only occasional light engine, engineers or charter trains use the line.
Environment
On one side is a golf course and the other a wood with a sports field nearby. The location is well away from roads or residential areas. The location is unlit.
The footbridge is mainly used by golfers walking to and from the 3rd Tee. It is also popular with dog walkers.
The footbridge is narrow so please be aware of golfers crossing with their associated trolleys and equipment.
Road directions
Head out of Retford along the A620 Worksop road and cross the ECML bridge.
Shortly after, turn left down Ordsall Road to a railway bridge just after Northumberland Drive (left.) Cars need to be parked in this area.

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Whisker Hill Junction Footbridge, Retford map co-ordinates
Parking
The footbridge is accessed by walking along a path running to the right adjacent to the railway cutting just beyond the railway bridge.
Therefore, cars need to be parked in this vicinity. Please bear in mind that this is a busy residential area especially during school time.
Parked cars in this area are not visble from the footbridge.
Public transport
By foot:
From Retford railway station turn left down Station Road and then along Westfield Road, keeping the ECML on the left.
At the footbridge, cross the ECML onto West Carr Road. Cross this road and carry straight on down Ordsall Park Road.
At the T junction turn left along Ordsall Road. Just over the railway bridge, a path leads right between the railway cutting and golf course. Follow this path to the footbridge.
This is around a 25 minute walk.

By bus:
Local bus services operate from Retford town centre and stop on Ordsall Park Road and Ordsall Road.
Information about local bus services can be obtained from:
East Midlands (01246 277 451)
Dunn Line (0115 916 9000)

By rail:
For rail services please visit the National Rail Enquiries site.

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Amenities
There are no shops, places to eat or toilets in the area. The nearest amenities are at Retford railway station or in the town centre.
Accommodation
Bed and Breakfast and Hotel accommodation is available to suit most budgets in Retford town centre.
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.
Whisker Hill Junction Footbridge, Retford

Googly map
Streetmap links
Whisker Hill Junction Footbridge, Retford general view map
Whisker Hill Junction Footbridge, Retford close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whisker Hill Junction Footbridge, Retford



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Photographic notes
The line runs in an East to West direction and is in a cutting.
The footbridge is quite high above the track and good views can be taken in both directions, although the vista looking East is particulary good.
Photographs of trains running up the incline on the ECML spur are hampered by vegetation when looking East. However, a good shot can be obtained looking West as trains branch off the Lincoln-bound line at the junction.
Good photographs of trains running down the incline from the ECML onto the Sheffield-bound line can also be taken.


General views - All photographs © Dr. John Binch unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west

On Saturday 2 August 2008, Flamboyant Charters and Doncaster Power Signal Box operated a rail tour from Peterborough to Barrow Hill visiting several freight lines in the South Yorkshire area. Motive power was provided by two West Coast Railway Company Class 47 locomotives operating in ‘top and tail’ mode’. In this view, 47245 (leading) and 47826 take the little used spur from the Sheffield to Lincoln line onto the East Coast Mainline at Whisker Hill, Junction, Retford with the 0732 (1Z47) outward leg from Peterborough.

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east

DB Schenker Class 66/0 no. 66144 powers the 4R23 West Burton Power Station to Immingham empty HTA coal train past Whisker Hill Junction, Retford on Saturday 2 August 2008. The train is on its way to Worksop Yard to reverse.

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