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Written by Paul Bowery - 01 Jan 2005
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Location notes
On the border between Surrey and Greater London, near Purley. The line is the branch line to East Grinstead and Uckfield.
Railway type and traffic
Usually just Southern passenger units, with EMUs for East Grinstead and DMUs (mostly class 170 nowadays) for Uckfield.
Environment
On a footpath between a public open space and residential/industrial areas. The path is very lightly used, probably because it is on a very steep slope. The viaduct crosses an old quarry which is now a fenced off nature reserve.
Road directions
From the M25, junction 6:
Take the A22 and head towards London. After you have passed 2 roundabouts look for the Jewson builders merchants on the right hand side of the road, the footpath is right next to Jewsons.

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Riddlesdown Viaduct map co-ordinates
Parking
Usually easy to park in Old Barn Lane, which is on the other side of the A22.
Public transport
Leave Purley station through the back exit by platform 5. Take the 407 bus, turn right and then walk down the steps to the bus stop. On the bus look for Jewsons on the left and get off at the next stop. Travelcards are valid on this bus.

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Amenities
Not much nearby, but there is a large Tesco store and other shops at Purley, about a mile away.
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.
Riddlesdown Viaduct

Googly map
Streetmap links
Riddlesdown Viaduct general view map
Riddlesdown Viaduct close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Riddlesdown Viaduct



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Railway Gen Group
South East Gen
Photographic notes
The line runs roughly north-south and the light is usually good for shots of the viaduct at all times of the day, from the east side of the line in the morning and the west side in the afternoon.
For southbound shots the sun can be a problem in the morning. On the east side of the line there are steps up the hill with good views down to the viaduct. There are metal railings about 4 inches apart alongside the footpath, so if your camera won't fit through the gap some steps would be useful. On the other side there is an unrestricted view across the viaduct from the trackside. Southbound trains will be climbing uphill so diesel trains can be heard well in advance.
The A22 is fairly close so there is a bit of road noise.


General views - All photographs © Paul Bowery unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2- Looking north


Fig 2- Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking south


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