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Written by Paul Davis - 08 Aug 2004
last update by Marcus Dawson - 26 Oct 2014
and by Brian Carter - 26 Nov 2014
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Location notes
Just south of Cambridge where the line to Audley End and branch to Hitchin diverge.
Over the last 6 years this location has undergone some changes the most recent of which is the most significant. In September 2014 a new foot bridge has been installed at the location. At the time of visiting the bridge was not yet open to the public and the foot crossing was still in place so it was not possible to get shots from the bridge itself. Views of southbound workings, north of the bridge are unaffected.
Railway type and traffic
Frequent EMUs operated by Great Northern (317s, 321s and 365s) and Abellio Greater Anglia (317s and 379s), plus hourly class 170 DMUs operated by Cross Country. There's a very small amount of scheduled freight, plus less regular engineers' trains to and from Whitemoor.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
The crossing is situated in open fields. To the east of the line is a cycle route into Cambridge.
Road directions
From the A1301 in Great Shelford take Granham's Road and park near to the railway level crossing. Park there and follow the public directions.

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Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge map co-ordinates
Parking
If it best to park in Shelford Village on the residential roads near the Liverpool Street line level crossing. From there head back across the level crossing and follow the cycle route up to the junction and it's foot crossing.
Public transport
Shelford station is approx 3/4 mile south. Turn right out of the station, along Station Road and then bear right on Cambridge Road . Granham's Road is on the right just before the railway turn up it and walk along till you reach the lay by. From here follow the westbound footpath across the railway and then walk north to reach the location.

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Amenities
No toilets known of nearby. There are shops (including food) in Trumpington (on the corner of Anstey Way), and some in Addenbrooke's Hospital. Plenty of shops in central Cambridge. Pubs in Trumpington, plus a Chinese restaurant.
There is a pub and post office all in Shelford Village.
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.
Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge general view map
Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Shepreth Branch Junction, Cambridge



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Photographic notes
Better in the afternoon and evening, though possible all day. Bright sun in morning would make northbound shots tricky. The sun is on the front of northbound trains from about 17:00-18:00. There are several locations here, depending on how far one walks along the track at the edge of the field.
2014 Update
Having a set of steps is very useful, especially for any of the positions to the south of the bridge as a new mesh fence which is about 6 foot high has been installed at the location. The foot bridge will offer some new height perspectives on, primarily, northbound workings as the steps face south. Southbound should also be possible but the angles will be much tighter from the steps.
Currently (Oct 14) the fencing on the north west side of the line has not been 'renewed' and remains the 3 wire waist height variety, how long this will remain is unknown. But steps would now be worth bringing just in case.


General views - All photographs © Paul Davis unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south

A train joins the Hitchin Branch.

Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south

A train comes off the Hitchin Branch heading towards Cambridge.

Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south

An engineers working heads for Cambridge.

Fig 4 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking north

Crossing over the main line to gain access to the Hitchin branch.

Fig 5 - Looking north



Fig 5 - Looking north


Fig 6 - Looking north - Image © Marcus Dawson



Fig 6 - Looking north - <i>Image © Marcus Dawson</i>


Fig 7 - Looking north



Fig 7 - Looking north


Fig 8 - Looking south



Fig 8 - Looking south


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