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Written by Glen Batten - 29 Dec 2008
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Location notes
An over bridge taking a quiet cul-de-sac lane over the main line between Yatton and Highbridge, a few miles from Weston-Super-Mare.
Railway type and traffic
Brent Knoll is on the main line from Bristol to Taunton and the south west. It sees FGW HSTs on services from Paddington routed via Bristol, Cross Country services (currently both Voyagers and HSTs) and FGW local Cardiff-Bristol-Taunton services which, at the time of writing, include 'top and tail' class 67 operations.
Freight is very limited but includes 6V62, the weekly fuel oil working from Fawley to Bristol and Plymouth and DRS nuclear waster traffic to Bridgwater. The line sees excursion traffic from north of Bristol to the West Country, including steam-hauled workings such as the 'Torbay Express' and specials to the West Somerset Railway.
Environment
The location is a quiet lane that leads only to fields and some stables. 'Traffic' is usually limited to occasional walkers and horse-riders.
Road directions
From the M5, Junction 22:
Take the A38 towards Weston-Super-Mare. After the roundabout for Burnham-on-Sea, watch for a left turn ('Brent Street') signed for Brent Knoll. Pass through the village and at the end of the road, turn left into the A3140, and then left again into Crooked Lane. After about half a mile, the lane rises to cross the main line on a rusting steel bridge with a weight restriction.

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Brent Knoll map co-ordinates
Parking
With care, it is possible to park on the over bridge itself. Otherwise, park by the verge nearby.
Public transport
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Amenities
There is a pub in the village of Brent Knoll, which does food and real ale, and at least one local shop.
Accommodation
There are plenty of of B&Bs at nearby Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge or Weston-Super-Mare.
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.
Brent Knoll

Googly map
Streetmap links
Brent Knoll general view map
Brent Knoll close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Brent Knoll



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Photographic notes
The location is best for down trains from lunch-time until mid-afternoon or a little later. Up trains can be captured at a pinch, and subject to vegetation, it is also possible to do down trains in the morning, although the angle here can be a little narrow. The line here is straight and level and heavy trains pulling away from the Weston loop may be working hard to accelerate to line speed making for a good video sequence.


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


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking south


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