Bristol TM to Bath Green Park

Bristol Temple Meads
to
Bath Green Park

From the Timetable 9th September 63 to 14th June 64

Bristol Temple Meads

From the Keith Jenkin Collection

Bristol TM - the Brunel Terminus often used by Midland train services. 82030 prepares to leave. 11th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Barrow Road

The old trackbed into Bristol Barrow Road shed was sited dead ahead before the viaduct the arches of which carried Midland Road. St Phillips passenger station, opened 2nd May 1870 was a small terminus off to the right. This closed 21st September 1953. The double track formation obviously recently lifted continued on to Bristol Temple Meads. This picture dated 11th November 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Barrow Road Shed was the LMS steam shed in Bristol and was coded 22A. In the late fifties it became part of the Western Region and was reooded 82E. The other two Bristol sheds, St Philip’s Marsh and Bath Road, were Great Western. It consisted of one roundhouse and a number of locomotive sidings and was situated alongside the mainline from Bristol to Gloucester, about a mile from Temple Meads Station. Unlike the Western Sheds in Bristol, Barrow Road had a modern Coaling Plant.
On the closure of Bath Road Shed in September 1960, Barrow Road received some Western engines and some of their turns. When St Philip’s Marsh closed in June 1964, the remaining engines were allocated to Barrow Road. The last of the Midland engines were withdrawn or transferred away in June 1965 and the shed closed completely on November 20 in that year.
Within 12 months the shed had been demolished, but the famous arches over the railway complex were to last another 20 years or more, before they too were demolished to make way for a major dual carriageway road scheme. Very little remains of the original shed as the whole site is now an industrial estate.

The approach to Temple Meads - Peter Jenkin

Pictured by Roger Winnen

The former Midland main line double track bridge which once carried rail traffic over the GWR main line is now carrying much lighter traffic, pedestrians and bicycles. A view taken by Keven Jenkin in 2010.

Refurbishment of the former railbridge north of Lawrence Hill Station in progress 2nd May 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

A most interesting view taken in 2010 of the north end of Lawrence Hill station with much of the main platforms now overgrown. The shiny metals to the right led to the former goods yard - now used to serve the Refuse, Bin Liner, Terminal. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Fishponds Three miles from BTM

45297, a 'Black Five' climbing through Fishponds on the 21st July 1951 - a classic shot of a popular locomotive at the head of a substantial train. Courtesy of the Mike Morant collection.

Fishponds (From a Bristol bound train) 22nd February 1966 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The site of the former Fishponds Station. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

An aging picture of an aging sign. The Peckets Flyer Pub now known as the Railway Tavern at Fishponds. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Staple Hill Three and three quarter miles from BTM

A train passes through Staple Hill. 20th October 1979 Roger Winnen Collection

The site of the former Stable Hill Station. Note In addition to the platforms remaining also to be seen is one of the footbridge support columns. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Curious metal work now decorates the site of Staple Hill station - the track is now the Bath - Bristol cycleway. Picture by Kevin Jenkin in 2010. Copyright

Just to the east of Staple Hill station the double track railway passed through Staple Hill tunnel, 518 yards long. After lying derilict for some years this has thankfully been re-opened as a cycleway. This picture in 2010 by Kevin Jenkin Copyright.

The double track tunnel is now reduced to two ways on a single track as the Bath to Bristol cycleway passes under Staple Hill. Picture in 2010 by Kevin Jenkin. Copyright

Mangotsfield Five miles from BTM

Mangotsfield Station 1st October 1979 Roger Winnen Collection

Mangotsfield from the train - 22nd February 1966 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The cycle way splits at Mangostfield station site one route, to the left heading for Yate, and to the right towards Bath. 2010 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

We are on the line heading for Bath, a very attractive feature is that the station buildings remain, albeit roofless. This picture in 2010 by Kevin Jenkin.

Off route!! - to Yate.

Not on our route today but here is Yate Station which is first station about five miles north on the Midland route beyond Mangotsfield. Seen here on a CRS minibus trip - the minbus parked in the station yard. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen

The former Midland Main line from Mangotsfield now singled and cut at MP 122 where Westerleigh Yard is located. This line joins the main network at Yate South Junction. 5th May 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Following this route back towards Mangotsfield it now terminates at the Murco Oil Terminal. Pictures below are kindly provided by Colin Burges.

We are beneath the M4. Beyond the buffer stops lay Mangostfield and the lines to Bath Green Park for the S & D and also to the right from Mangotsfield to Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Colin Burges

Turning about from the previous picture we look back on the now singled line towards Westerleigh. The Midland route looking towards Westerleigh. A branch went off right along the course of the road to serve Froglane Pit and Mayshill Colliery. Copyright Colin Burges

Back on route.

An attractive collection of redundant metalware alongside the track. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Warmley Six and a quarter miles from BTM

Warmley 22nd Feb 1966 - Copyright Keith Jenkin

Warmley Signal Box. 17th September 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen

The waiting room at Warmley 17th September 1983 (Perhaps that's Rogers bike?) Copyright Roger Winnen

The Warmley station site has been considerably updated with the signalbox restored and the waiting room absorbed into a restaurant.

Warmley, looking towards Bath on 10th July 2013 Copyright Chris Osment

An attractive refreshment stop at Warmley, seen here in 2010. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A close up of the Refreshment Room in 2010. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

It is good to see Warmley Signalbox which once controlled the level crossing here and rail traffic has survived the test of time and is still in position 40 years after closure. (You can see it on Google Earth, Street View) This picture taken in 2010 by Kevin Jenkin.

A reminder that it is time for a refreshment stop at Warmley. Pictured by Kevin Jenkin in 2010. Copyright.

Looking towards Bristol along the trackbed at Warmley 17th September 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen

Oldland Common Seven and three quarter miles from BTM

Oldland Common 22nd February 1966 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The former Oldland Common Station. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Oldland Common under private ownership - the Avon Valley Railway

Arrival at Oldland Common. 26th August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

Running around its train at Oldland Common. The line beyond the bridge once continued to Mangotsfield and Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking towards Warmley. The cycleway is busy passing Oldland Common Station. 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

Taken from the public footpath. 26th August 2007

Bitton Eight and three quarter miles from Bristol

Slightly blurred through the Through the carriage window - from a Bristol bound train 22nd February 1966 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The Avon Valley Railway
For full details, contacts, events and timetable please click here http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/

WELCOME TO THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAYOpened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through-route between Birmingham and the South Coast the line was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960's the Avon Valley Railway was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Today, 40 years on, three miles of track has been re-laid, locomotives and carriages restored, and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley.

Bitton the early days

In the early days of preservation. Bitton Signal Box. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bitton on the 10th November 1979. Nice and tidy. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Freshly ballasted track, polished metals. A shunter lurks in the goods shed - the dawn of a new era for Bitton. Well done, 10th November 1979. Copyright Roger Winnen

A nice study of the Midland Station Buildings at Bitton.4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

'You have been told', A view from the platform end looking towards Oldland Common. 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bitton looking west with a signal box in the distance. 17th September 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen

The CRS headboard decorates a train from Oldland Common approaching Bitton. 17th September 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen

The exterior of Bitton Railway Station. 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

The platforms and buildings of Bitton Railway Station. 4th June 1988. Copyright Roger Winnen

CRS member Graham Hooper leans out the carriage window at Bitton. 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

Proof that the Cornwall Railway Society visited Bitton Copyright Keith Jenkin

Bitton Station. Now in private ownership and with a healthy crop of potential passengers. 26th August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

4015 Karel departs Bitton for Avon Riverside on the 14.00hrs service. 26th August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

The restoration area at Bitton

The goods shed at Bitton. 26th August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

The coaling facility at Bitton. 1st May 2000 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view of the yard at Bitton from a train proceedings towards Oldland Common. 26th August 2007. Copyright Roger Winnen

Rather 'over awed' by 34058 'Sir Frederick Pile. 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

Restoration of a Bullied Pacific at Bitton. 34058 Sir Fredrick Pile from the 'front end' 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Sentinel from the Fry’s (Cadburys) factory at Somerdale (Keynsham) under restoration at Bitton on 15th July 2015 Copyright Chris Osment

Any other questions? You have all the answers here. Photograph courtesy Chris Osment 15th

A visit to Bitton by bike in 2010

Bitton station in 2010 looking towards Oldland Common. The ground frame can be seen to the left. Kevin Jenkin Copyright

Bitton looking towards Mangotsfield on the 24th August 2011. Copyright Chris Osment

An update - a visit to Bitton in October 2016
Guy Vincent

Good evening Keith,
A visit to a family friend this afternoon at Bitton near Keynsham took us past the entrance to the Avon Valley Railway preservation site so, naturally, it made perfect sense to stop for twenty or so minutes and have a quick look at what was going on. Bitton station lies on the former Bath Green Park-Mangotsfield-Yate (or Bristol Temple Meads via Fishponds) section of the former Midland Railway route from Derby to Bath, which of course until 1966 fed the lamented Somerset & Dorset line that ran southwards out of the city towards Shepton Mallet and Bournemouth. Just running in was D5518 (31101) with four maroon Mk 1 carriages complete with working steam-heating ready to form the 1445 departure to Oldland Common and back to Bitton before then heading south to Avon Riverside and returning again to Bitton. The loco was immaculate and reminded me of years gone by when such a sight was common on Bristol-Weymouth off-season local stopping trains. In the yard beyond the station were diesels 07010 08202 31130 and DMU cars SC52006 and SC52025 along with an assortment of industrials, small steam locos, carriages and wagons. SC52025 was actually a 'cop', never having been seen by me in BR service! A return visit is definitely planned for March 2017 when diesel services recommence after the winter 'Santa' season and winter break. There is a wide footpath adjacent to the line for it's entire length which continues in one direction to central Bristol and the other to the outskirts of Bath while Keynsham is the nearest mainline station approx 1.5 miles away. Bitton station has all the usual visitor facilities one would expect (cafe, souvenir shop, displays etc) and the staff we met during our brief stay were very friendly and approachable.

Guy Vincent Frome, Somerset

31101 ready to depart for Oldland Common on the 14,45 service. 29th October 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

07010 at Bitton 29th October 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

31130 & SC52006 at Bitton 29th October 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

A general view looking towards Oldland Common. 29th October 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Avon Valley Works train at Bitton Works - 18th March 2022 Paul Negus

This works train was in the platform in Bitton using the lines' resident 08 shunter and the Penzance Toad. Happily the sun is now shining on our efforts ...

Kind regards, Paul.

Bitton Avon Valley. Works train. (2) 08 202 an ex Eastleigh loco. 18th March 2022. Copyright Paul Negus

Many thanks to you Paul - for your record.

Avon Riverside

Fortunately the double track bridge over the River Avon survived the demolition gang and trains once more cross the Avon. 2010 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A delightful spot - crossing the river Avon - your river cruise awaits! 26th August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Train at Avon Riverside waiting to depart to Bitton on 26th April 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

Kelston Eleven and three quarter miles from BTM
Opened 1869, Closed 1948, Demolished 1954

For pictures of Kelston station click here https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=kelston+station&biw=747&bih=471&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwirqNuW77rMAhWKVxoKHYnECRUQsAQINg&dpr=1_ If you follow this link to the photos, where Kelston is top left, then the one to its right, also the one immediately below Kelston, are both Weston in closure days. The one below the one below Kelston (with the level-crossing gate just visible in the foreground and a long siding on the right) is Weston when operational (looking towards Bath).

For the experts, those who know were to look we see, courtesy of Chris Osment on the 26th April 2016, the down platform at Kelston. Copyright

The end or beginning of the Bath to Bristol path.

Getting near! A sign on the towpath alongside the canal ‘cut’ at Weston Island. The MR line was a few hundred yards away to the left and the start of the ‘formal’ railway path is about 1/4 mile behind the photographer – hence the signpost pointing in that direction. Copyright 2010 Kevin Jenkin

Weston Fourteen miles from BTM
Opened 1869, name changed to Weston Bath in 1934 and closed in 1953

Weston station At the RH (Bristol) end can be seen part of a modern extension.12th May 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

Weston Station Masters house The level-crossing was on the right where the bushes are now. 12th May 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

For more pictures of Weston station click here https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=kelston+station&biw=747&bih=471&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwirqNuW77rMAhWKVxoKHYnECRUQsAQINg&dpr=1_ If you follow this link to these photos, Kelston is top left, then the one to its right, also the one immediately below Kelston, are both Weston in closure days. The one below the one below Kelston (with the level-crossing gate just visible in the foreground and a long siding on the right) is Weston when operational (looking towards Bath).

Bath Green Park Fifteen miles from BTM

Taken from a train at Bath Green Park on the 22nd February 1966 Note the interesting collection of old lorries. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Bath Green Park in the 80's Copyright Roger Winnen

From the Keith Jenkin Collection