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Written by Jason Rodhouse - 24 Mar 2008
last update by Marcus Dawson - 11 Jul 2009
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Location notes
This is on the busy WCML just to the south of Northampton. The 4 tracks split here, with two lines diverting via the Northampton Loop, while the 'main' lines avoid Northampton, heading north via Weedon.
Railway type and traffic
Lots of Pendolinos can be seen here, often interrupted by class 321s and 350s on local passenger duties.
The location is also very busy on the freight front, with regular DB Schenker, Freightliner and GBRf workings amongst others. Freight usually takes the Northampton Loop.
Environment
These quiet bridges are on the outskirts of Roade, next to open countryside. Neither bridge will carry road traffic and both are grass green lane type ways, but you might get a farm vehicle on very rare occasions.
Road directions
From the M1, junction 15:
Head south on the A508 towards Stoke Bruerne. After a couple of miles, you will reach Roade. You need to take the first turning on the right into Bailey Brooks Lane. This turning is also marked by a 'bottle bank/village hall' sign. Follow this road to the end, and park up by the private road / footpath. Walking up the 'private road' on the left after the last house is a gate which leads to the southern bridge. Although you can go straight on over style/gap in fence which leads up field to the middle bridge and classic shot, this is not a footpath, just field edge. So it is better to use the southern bridge to cross the line and walk up the footpath to the northern bridge.

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Roade Cutting map co-ordinates
Parking
Park considerately on the roadside in Bailey Brooks Lane.
Public transport
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Amenities
There is a pub in the village on Stratford road just by the roundabout. There are a couple of small stores in the village and a Chinese/Fish and Chip shop on 'The Ridings'.
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.
Roade Cutting

Googly map
Streetmap links
Roade Cutting general view map
Roade Cutting close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Roade Cutting



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Photographic notes
This location is difficult for photography, but may present a challenge for some!
The tracks are deep down in the cutting here, so you can expect very long shadows at certain times of the year. There is also no easy way of avoiding the overhead catenary here, but it does at least offer a different perspective. Given the deep nature of the cutting light will be better towards the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky.


General views - All photographs © Jason Rodhouse unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking North


Fig 1 - Looking North

Workings off the Northampton Loop.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking north


Fig 4 - Looking north

A shot with the sun on the 'wrong' side. This is the main line.

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