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Written by Steve Hatcher - 11 Sep 2007
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Location notes
This is a public footbridge that crosses the main line to London from Hastings and Ashford, it is one of the main commuter lines from the South-East and also used for some of the freight to and from Dollands Moor. It is just on the curve of the line to the North-West of Tonbridge.
Railway type and traffic
The majority of the traffic is SET 375s and 465s with the occasional tour including the VSOE.
Freight is a mixture of DB Schenker 66s, 59s and 92s with 59s to Allington, 92s to Dollands Moor and 66s on engineering trains, GBRF opperate the Gypsum trains to and from Mountfield (on the Hastings Line) and also engineering trains, and DRS 37s and 20s work the Dungeness flasks and the test trains. Various engineering trains use Tonbridge to get to Hoo Junction when there is engineering work in the area.
Environment
This location is a public foot path in a residential area, although the bridge is well graffitied there is little trouble there. The footpath leads to Tonbridge West Yard to the South and can be seen from this bridge.
Road directions
From the A21 take the turn for the A26 Tonbridge South, follow the signs for Tonbridge and you will come down into Tonbridge via Quarry Hill, at the first round-a-bout take the 2nd exit straight on, at the next round-a-bout take the 1st exit straight on, you will pass Tonbridge station on your left, at the next round-a-bout take the 1st left straight on to the High Street, turn first left into Avebury Avenue.
Follow the road to the end and turn right at the T junction into Bardon Road, follow the road to the end. The foot path to the bridge will be right in front of you.
Alternately turn left on to Nelson Avenue and follow the road to the end and turn left across the railway bridge, take the first left and then left again into Clare Avenue. Follow the road ahead and then down a small dirt track and park, the foot path leading to the bridge is back towards the way you came in.

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Tonbridge, Bardon Road map co-ordinates
Parking
Parking is permit only between 09:30 - 10:30 in Nelson Avenue and Barden Road (this is to stop the commuters). The alternative car park (which is the same for Tonbridge West Yard) has no restrictions.
Public transport
Tonbridge Station is about 10 minutes slow walk, turn left out of the station main entrance and walk down to the round-a-bout, just before the round-a-bout is Barden Road which turns back towards the station, follow the road to the end and the footpath will be right in front of you on Nelson Avenue.
Arriva Buses stop right out side the station and there are routes from Sevenoaks, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

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Amenities
The street in Tonbridge is well stocked with shops and there is a good cafe and Fish and Chip shop on Avebury Road. Half way along Barden Road on the left hand side travelling from the High Street is a small corner shop. Just behind the High Street is a Sainsburys which has a petrol garage and plenty of parking (pay and display).
Accommodation
There are several hotels in the area including 2 travel Inns and the Rose And Crown Hotel in the High Street.
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.
Tonbridge, Bardon Road

Googly map
Streetmap links
Tonbridge, Bardon Road general view map
Tonbridge, Bardon Road close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Tonbridge, Bardon Road



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Photographic notes
The line is a curve from the north going around to the east, on a bright sunny day the shot towards Tonbridge Station will be into the light, but the shot towards London is ok all day. Anti-vandal fences have been added to the bridge and the side of the main bridge is about 6 high so a small pair of steps can help. The undergrowth to the South of the bridge is starting to infringe but a shot is still possible between the railings under the anti-vandal fence. Due to the nature of the curve trains are limited to 50mph so even in low light it is possible to get a good picture.


General views - All photographs © Steve Hatcher unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


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