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Written by Gary Coupe - 21 Sep 2006
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Location notes
The footpath has been closed as of 2013

A wide foot crossing over the 4-track Midland Mainline and the joining roads from the Lafarge plant at Mountsorrel. Set a short distance back from the main road through Barrow-upon-Soar, the location is fairly rural.

Update from Daniel Cramp:
The bridleway crossing over the railway is currently (08/08) closed. I visited today and could not get across. According to the notice on the signpost it is only temporary, but it does not state a start or end date.
Railway type and traffic
Mainline passenger traffic consists of MML HSTs, and Class 222 Meridians (both 4 and 9 car) on the fast lines. The slow lines see an hourly Ivanhoe service, which is usually worked by a 156, although any Central Trains DMU can be rostered for this service.
Freight services are usually 66s, with locos from DB Schenker, Freightliner and GBRf. Various industrial shunters can be seen doing their thing in the Lafarge sidings, as well as 66s / aggregate wagons arriving, waiting, and departing.
Environment
Barrow-upon-Soar, the other side of the crossing is a public bridleway through fields, and as such has a fairly isolated feel. On one or two occasions I have seen local youngsters hanging around, although this usually involves sneaking into the fields for a crafty beer. The crossing is not lit, so may be best to avoid after dark.
Road directions
From the A6 Southbound (Loughborough Road), take the sliproad onto Sileby Road. Take the next Left, onto Slash Lane. Again, take the next left to come back onto Sileby Road. After approx half a mile, you will see a private road, just as a row of terraced housing begins. This is as close as you can get by car, unless you wish to risk using the private road which leads to the crossing.
As the road leading to the crossing is private, the nearest public road is Sileby Road, which passes just a few yards from the crossing.

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Mountsorrel, Bridleway and Foot Crossing map co-ordinates
Parking
The only road access is a private driveway, and parking on the main road is limited.
Public transport
Central Trains services between Lincoln and Leicester call at Barrow-upon-Soar station, which as the nearest station, is around 15 minutes walk from the crossing.

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Amenities
I am told there is a Somerfield supermarket within walking distance, and there are a handful of pubs on the main road between the Barrow station and the private road leading to the crossing.
Accommodation
There are numerous Bed & Breakfast /Hotels in and around Mountsorrel.
Details can be found on the Mountsorrel Bed and Breakfast page.
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.
Mountsorrel, Bridleway and Foot Crossing

Googly map
Streetmap links
Mountsorrel, Bridleway and Foot Crossing general view map
Mountsorrel, Bridleway and Foot Crossing close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Mountsorrel, Bridleway and Foot Crossing



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Photographic notes
There is very little to restrict light at this crossing, which can sometimes be a problem in bright sun (there is a possibility of some lens flare when shooting towards the sun). A bright, but cloudy day is perfect here. All 4 tracks of the MML are clearly visible in both directions, with the track taking a long, sweeping curve towards Leicester, and a double curve towards Barrow. Both sides of the crossing are great for photos and videos alike. The only influence is your preference of which way you prefer to shoot.


General views - All photographs © Gary Coupe unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south

The view of the foot crossing taken from a road bridge at Barrow-upon-Soar station.

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