Bristol to Bradford on Avon

Bristol Temple Meads to Bradford on Avon

Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol 21st April 1976 as a Class 123 unit forming a Cardiff-Portsmouth Harbour stands at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

An honourable visitor pauses at Temple Meads in April 1986 Copyright Keith Jenkin

D1010 Western Campainer Departing Bristol for a railtour heading for Birmingham, Oxford , Mortimer, Yeovil Junction , Exeter and Plymouth . Copyright Roger Winnen The Westerns haven't long to go it's the 27th November 1976.

The remains of Bristol East Box can be seen in the distance as D1010 Western Campaigner departs. 27th November 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Smart red Post Office sets pas the daylight hours at Bristol Barton Hill depot on the 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bristol East Junction A quarter mile from BTM

Bristol North Somerset Junction Approx three quarters of a mile from BTM

North Somerset Junction. 12th April 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

Lifting the yard at Bristol East. Copyright Roger Winnen. In 2015 the yard on the left remains much modified. This fan of sidings was served off a hump located out of sight at the bottom of the photograph.

Bristol East Yard on the 27th October 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

Another view on the 27th October 1984 shows in more detail the 47 on the head of an Engineers train. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Annes Park One and half miles from BTM

A down HST thunders past the site of St Annes Park Station. 27th October 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

Shortly after St Annes is host to a down class 33 hauled service probably on a Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff duty. 27th October 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

The tunnel prior to St Annes Park seen from a down train 17th July 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

St Annes Park tunnel 17th July 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Somerdale was a chocolate factory located in Keynsham near Bristol. It was closed by Kraft foods in 2011. It was the home of a Cadbury's plc production facility, which was was originally built by the Fry family when they expanded through consolidation of a number of existing facilities located in the centre of Bristol. The factory was served by a short branch line. This connection to Fry's chocolate factory was taken out of use on 26–27 July 1980.

The plans in progress include the demolition of 'block d' of the factory, to provide space for a rebuilt Fry Club. By August 2014 some of factory had been demolished and by September 2014 show homes were opened, and sales of houses began.

A view from an up train shortly before Keynsham station of the Frys factory. Seen on 10th November 1979. Copyright Roger Winnen

Keynsham and Somerdale Approx four and half miles from BTM

For the more senior of our viewers Keynsham will be remembered for Horace Cyril Batchelor (22 January 1898 – 8 January 1977) was notable in the United Kingdom during the late 1940s to early 1960s as an advertiser on Radio Luxembourg. He advertised a way to win money by predicting the results of football matches using his "Infra-Draw Method"

A down HST approaches Keysham. Note the Fry's Siding turning off on the left. 1st November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Keysham. The same train continues non stop on its way to Bristol Temple Meads 1st November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 33 probably on a Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff service arrives at Keynsham on the 10th November 1979. The former goods shed has found other uses now outside the fence. Copyright Roger Winnen

The chocolate Siding at Keynsham. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

The chocolate Siding at Keynsham. 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen This connection to Fry's chocolate factory was officially taken out of use on 26th & 27th July 1980, though it doesn't look to have seen much use recently!!

Cadbury's Factory at Keynsham seen from after the station from an up train. 20th October 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen

Closed in 2011 by Kraft Foods the factory finds a new use - taken on the 6th October 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Just out of interest, around the back of the factory lies the canal. Cadbury's Factory at Keysham. 1st May 2000 Copyright Roger Winnen

Saltford Approx seven miles from BTM
Closed to passengers 5th January 1970 and to goods 1st September 1959

Twerton Tunnels

Above Twerton Tunnel looking towards Bristol. 24th February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Portal of Twerton Tunnel West End. 24th February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Detail of Tunnel Portal of Twerton Tunnel West End. 24th February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 31 leaves Twerton Tunnel bound for Bristol. 24th February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Here we see an up HST service heading for the tunnel and London. Copyright Roger Winnen

Oldfield Park Approx ten and a quarter miles from BTM

Oldfield Park with Class 33s on trains to Bristol and Portsmouth Harbour 10th November 1979, Copyright Roger Winnen

Oldfield Park Station, Bath. 30th August 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen

Down loop and goods sidings formerly used for 'Bin Liner' trains. 791110 10th November 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

820130a Approaching Oldfield Park Bath sidings were laterly used for the rubbish Trains.30th January 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bath Spa Approx eleven and a quarter miles from BTM

A 158 unit crosses the River Avon at Bath on 19th April 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 58 on the Avon Bin-liner Train. 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen

A pair of 37s pass 'light engine' through Bath. 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen

An HST for London runs into Bath. 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen

27th June 1995 an HST for London Paddington arrives at Bath Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Class 158 Sprinter at Bath Station, taken from Beecham Walk. The river Avon passes under the main line twice both before and after Bath Spa station. The Kennet and Avon Canal leaves the Avon under the bridge to the extreme right in this picture and then climbs through a series of lock to continue a course more or less parallel to the main line, but higher, as far as Bathampton Junction. 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen

A most interesting view of Bath Spa station taken in 1965 showing the centre road and the elevated signalbox. This picture is dated June 1965 and was taken by Mike Roach, Copyright. ---- Note features such as the semaphore signalling and the water column on the down platform. Tony Cooke advises that there were at one time two through sidings between the main up and down lines.One of which was removed in 1962, The trailing connection to the up line was taken out of use in November 1962 and removed the next month.

A closer view of that signalbox mounted above the platform canopy. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Bath showing on the down canopy where the signal box once was and the generous space between the up and down lines for the two through sidings once there. was. Here in 1999 an up HST commences to pull away. Copyright Roger Winnen

Prototype HST at Bath on the 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Prototype HST departing Bath on the Weston Super Mare service. 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

The fine frontage of Bath Station, up side. Seen on 28th December 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 50 heads a London to Bristol service at Bath. 7th July 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Taken from the London end of the up platform 31402 enters Bath with the 1310 Portsmouth to Cardiff on the 20th February 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

A very unusual view taken from Railway Place. Two 55XX DMU's (Bubble cars) in the up bay at Bath. The bay taken out of use w.e.f 31st March 1967. N.B. The bay platform albeit trackless can be seen in the view above. Copyright John Thorn

Widening the platforms at Bath Spa - April 2017

Network Rail have made good progress so far on rebuilding the first of the two platforms at Bath Spa station. Platform 1 (Bristol bound) is being widened and the height increased in preparation for the arrival of the new class 800-801 super express trains later this year. Frankly, this work should have been completed decades ago as the height difference between the platforms and door steps on HSTs in particular was particularly wide and made alighting difficult for many passengers.

Full use is being made of the bi-directional signalling between Bathampton Junction and Bath Goods (distance approx 2.5 miles) with P2 handling all trains booked to call. Next week should see the rebuilt P1 in use with P2 then getting similar treatment.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy for this report and pictures.

Photo 1. Works take place on Monday 10th at the point where the signalling rodding and wires used to pass under the platform up to Bath Spa Signal Box which was situated above the canopy. 10th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 2. The west end of P1. Note the increase in height here. 10th April 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 3. New precast platform slab section being moved into position for fitting. 10th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 4. While works progress it's business as usual on P2 with trains arriving and departing very efficiently every 10-15 minutes. 11th April 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

Timetable 18th June to 23rd September 1951

Sydney Gardens

An HST on a down service heads for Bath through Sydney Gardens. The tail end is still in Sydney Gardens East tunnel. 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen. Note the elegant railings on the bridge and the general ambiance of the area. Unfortunately recently it has proved necessary to provide higher fencing alongside the wall.

A Class 31 bound for Bath & Bristol and probably from Portsmouth Harbour passes Sydney Gardens. 2nd August 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

While we wait and see what is about here is a weight warning on one of the overbridges at Sydney Gardens. Pictured on the 2nd of August 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Now here's something a bit different, a Turbo 166 unit passing through Sydney Gardens, Bath. 1st April 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

Taken on 27th June 1995 Class 37's on a working on the Bristol Weymouth run were very popular with enthusiast. Here is one from Weymouth heading for Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 158 probably on the Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff shuttle at Bath Sydney Gardens. on the 27th June 1995 Copyright Roger Winnen

Meadow Lane bridge, Bathampton

66607 hauls the 6Z85 High Output Ballast Cleaning train east towards Meadow Lane Bridge. 2nd November 2009 Copyright Julian Stephens

Turning about, we see the 6Z85 High Output Ballast Cleaning train east approaching Bathampton Junction. on the 2nd November 2009. The 'green' indicates that the train is heading straight ahead towards Swindon. An interesting collection of signals, the left one being for the up loop at this location. Copyright Julian Stephens

Bathampton Approx thirteen and a half miles from BTM

On the 14th March 1981 a London bound HST rushes past the site of Bathampton station. This closed on the 3rd October 1963 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bathampton Junction

It's the 14th March 1981 as a Class 33 hauled train almost certainly from Portsmouth Harbour rounds the curve to join the main Bristol to London line at Bathampton Junction. Yhe main line to Wotten Bassett, Swindon and London lies straight ahead, Box tunnel cuts through the distant hills. Copyright Roger Winnen

Again on the 14th March 1981. This time a Bristol bound HST rushes on towards its next stop at Bath. Copyright Roger Winnen

A real treat is in store for the passengers on this class 47 hauled train as it heads for Westbury up the beautiful Avon Valley 28th June 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Near Dundas Aqueduct 47335 unusually works a Portsmouth to Cardiff on an extremely misty day. 7th May 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Dundas Aqueduct

The bridge, almost a tunnel, carrying the Kennet and Avon Canal across the railway, notice the single line arches under the canal section. Seen on a minibus excursion on the 28th June 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view across the Dundas Aqueduct before restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal. 28th June 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

It is 1975 in fact the 8th of August as Roger views a pair of Southern Thumper units approaching Dundas Aquaduct from Bathampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

By the 4th June 1988 Dundas Aqueduct was looking more fit for puspose carrying 70' barges in addition to ducks!!. Copyright Roger Winnen

Camerton Branch The branch was served by a junction to the north of Limpley Stoke. It was closed to passengers 21st September 1925 survived as a goods branch until 1951. However the line has fame in the fact that it was used for the filming of the 'Titfield Thunderbolt'.

This is a view of the Camerton branch as it swings away from the main line to head towards Camerton. The junction with the main line was to the left. This view taken on the 10th April 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

This is a view of the Camerton branch trackbed taken on the 10th April 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

Limpley Stoke Seventeen and a half miles from BTM

Limpley Stoke Station prior to preservation seen here on 2nd August 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

The station building at Limpley Stoke as seen from a close by level crossing in April 1986. Copyright Keith Jenkin. This station, once junction for the Camerton branch closed to passengers on the 3rd October 1966, it had previously closed to goods on the 4th January 1960. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Cornwall Railway Society visit to Limpley Stoke. On the 3rd July 1999 a CRS party were 'on tour' visiting various spots in the Westbury, Bristol, Bath area when we chanced to come across an open gate which led off the by road up some steps to the preserved building at Limpley Stoke station. One of us went to see if it might be possible to visit and met the owner who welcomed us up to his station and was very pleased to see a gathering of interested folk. Many thanks to whoever that gentleman was.

The very pleasant garden and train viewing area at Limpley Stoke station which we were privileged to visit on 3rd July 1999. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Things are a bit confined for viewing on the actual station but we were encouraged to look around. 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

The complete minibus party at Limpley Stoke on 3rd July 1999. For once Roger Winnen is in front of the camera - seen here to the extreme left. Roger has over many years organised the outdoor events for the CRS, a service for which we are extremely grateful. We are also grateful to the owner of the station who took this photograph using Rogers camera.

While at Limpley Stoke this Alphaline 158 passed through. 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen

Limpley Stoke seen from across the valley. 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Freshford Eighteen and a half miles from BTM

Roger visited Freshford Station on the 7th August 1975. He was quick up the footbridge steps as you can still see his departing DMU. 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

From this photograph, and by comparison with a following photograph you can see that this structure has been replaced. This early version also, at one time, had the luxury of a covered roof. 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

General view of a tidy station. April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Freshford Halt. The old sign tastefully painted April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Freshford Station Gardens Memorial Plaque Photographed by Kevin Jenkin April 1986

The station has a tidy appearance with a variety of flowers announcing the spring. April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Looking along the Bath/Bristol platform towards Bradford on Avon April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Looking across at the platform for Westbury and looking in that direction. April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Pedestrian access to the south bound is by means of the footbridge. The level crossing is for use of walkers using a public footpath. April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Seen from the car park a class 66 thunders by with a freight bound for the Bristol area. April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The best way to explore the Avon Valley is by using a collapsible bicycle, ride the train or the canal tow path. You takes your choice, however watch out , a train approaches! April 1986 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

In the Avon valley near Freshford 37235 in Coal Sector livery on the 11th May 1988 with the East Usk-Exmouth coal. Copyright Ron Kosys

Focus on Freshford in 2018 - Guy Vincent

Network Rail contractors have recently started work to extend both platforms at Freshford station by 30 metres at the Westbury end to accommodate 5-car class 165-6 'Turbo' formations. Platform 1 (Bath-bound) is currently 78 metres and P2 (Westbury-bound) is 82 metres. When one considers how many such formations will actually stop here, the relatively low number of passengers who use the station compared to other stations catering for far greater numbers, and the long-established practice of passengers for this station happily travelling in the front three coaches of existing trains, it is very hard to see how such expense has been justified. Freshford is an unstaffed 'halt' with no ticket-buying facilities available (other than on board the train or in advance), is situated in an idyllic spot in the Avon valley with very limited car parking available (approx. 12 spaces) and in my personal view this level of work, frankly, seems unnecessary.

Guy Vincent Many thanks to Guy for this in depth report and pictures.

Freshford Platform Extension 1 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 2 With 166207 on the 2E24 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 3 158950 2E25 1528 WMN-GMV 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent .

Freshford Platform Extension 4 166219 2C20 1441 GCR-WSB 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 5 Worksite 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Avoncliff Nineteen and three quarter miles from BTM

Ever been to Avoncliff? It really is a delightful place, about a mile or so down stream from Bradford on Avon located on a cul-de-sac so very little traffic. Here you have the River Avon, and the Avoncliffe Aquaduct, passing canal traffic and of course trains - the end of the platform can just be seen to the left. So sit here for a while enjoy your sandwiches, or visit the pub just over to the right. There is a pleasant walk either way along the bank of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Roger sums up the scene in this deligtful photograph. 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Avoncliffe Apri 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

A heritage DMU approaching Avoncliff Halt from the Bath direction. The river Avon is on the left in the valley and the canal now bends to the left to follow the valley on the railway side. 7th August 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

The heritage DMU seen above stops at Avoncliff Halt 7th August 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

A diverted HST passes Avoncliff Halt. 10th April 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen N.B A reasonably clear early spring view up the Avon - you can also see the Mill buildings on the bank.

A Swindon built four car class 123 which was built at Swindon in 1963. Info from RW. Unit is seen here at Avoncliff, next stop Bradford on Avon Note the weir to the right hand side of the picture. The date is 8th July 1986 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Underneath the arches (1) Class 47 approaches Avoncliff Halt. 10th April 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

Underneath the arches (2) Avoncliff, from track level Apri 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

Underneath the arches (3) A Class 33 heads through Avoncliff Halt. 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 33 operating in 'push mode' at Avoncliff Halt. 4th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

Having crossed the aquaduct the canal turns through a right angle and heads towards Bradford on Avon. Copyright Graham Mann

Avoncliff Aqueduct work Copyright Graham Mann

Looking through the aqueduct - Copyright Graham Mann

Avoncliff Aqueduct Copyright Graham Mann

In January 2017 Network Rail carried out extensive work in the proximity of Avoncliff Aqueduct. A detailed report and pictures of this work can be seen by clicking below :- Features Jan to June 2017 and scrolling down to find Major Work in Wiltshire January 2017, Avoncliff tracks being refettled Guy Vincent

Avoncliff June 1967 Copyright Keith Jenkin

33008 pulls away from Bradford on Avon with a Portsmouth – Cardiff working on the 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

A lovely winter scene taken of 4472 Flying Scotsman crossing the river Avon downstream of Bradford on Avon. Taken from the packhorse bridge 100 yards downstream. Copyright Lorraine Cave

Bradford on Avon Twenty one and quarter miles from BTM

The excellent plaque at Bradford on Avon station. Picture taken by Adrian King.24th March 2018

Bradford on Avon 2nd June 84 Copyright Mike Roach

Our transport awaits - the CRS minibus, complete with headboard at Bradford on Avon 2nd June 84 Copyright Mike Roach

Bradford on Avon as 33040 rolls in on a Bristol/Cardiff service in April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

33040 awaits the right away in the mid afternoon sun. April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

47277 provides entertainment for the CRS party as it passes through on the 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

A heritage set rumbles in at Bradford on Avon the 2nd June 1984 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Preparing to catch an ordinary commuter train at Bradford on Avon. 7th August 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bradford-on-Avon with 70803 with the 6C28 Cable Train 09.02 12th November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

The consist of the Cable Train stands at Bradford-on-Avon 12th November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

A chilly start this morning (12th November) to record Colas loco 70803 standing in Bradford-on-Avon station with a signalling cable train. This had been working overnight, dropping off new armoured cables in the Avon Valley between Bathampton and B-on-Avon. The line is due to be transferred from Bristol PSB to the Thames Valley Signalling Centre, Didcot, next year. Of note is that this stretch of line formed Stage 1 of the Bristol MAS Scheme in August 1969, initially controlled from Bathampton Signal Box for 12 months until Stage 5 of the Bristol scheme, Keynsham to Bathampton, was commissioned 14/15 August 1970. The train departed Bradford at 0925 as 6C28 0905 B-on-Avon - Bristol East Depot via Westbury.
Best Regards, Guy V Many thanks for your chilly visit this morning, Guy.

166207 at Bradford-on-Avon on 2E24 1308 Weymouth-Gloucester on 19th February 2018 formerly a class 150 job. This unit still retains First Class branding and the older blue livery. Copyright Guy Vincent

South West Trains liveried 158882 also at B-on-A on 19th February 2018 working 2O93 1250 Great Malvern-Weymouth. A 2 car 158 unit is hired daily by GWR from South Western Railway's Salisbury depot as it has been for over 10 years now. Copyright Guy Vincent

37218 & 37069 passing through B-on-A on 19th with a diverted ECS working (5Z98 1410 Gloucester New Yard-Eastleigh). This was following a weekend Pathfinder railtour to Cumbria from / to Gloucester and was originally scheduled to run via Swindon/Reading West and Basingstoke. Despite the noise and speed of this train passing, the occupants of the platform seats seem hardly bothered at all! Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford on Avon. Tornado tears through too fast for the camera to stop. 24th March 2018 - Copyright Adrian King

The shape of things to come. Class 800 calls at Bradford on Avon. 24th March 2018 Copyright Adrian King

The early bird gets the 'Syphon' rather than the worm. 37099 with an overnight slow-speed Ultrasonic Rail Test train pauses at Bradford-on-Avon during a booked pathing stop working 3Q60 2250 (Wednesday) Reading Triangle Sidings-Westbury via Cardiff. The loco has only just returned to service following a spell out of traffic at Barrow Hill depot where it received a replacement power unit.

37099 Bradford-on-Avon with the 3Q60 at 07.07 on the 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

9703 (37099) Bradford-on-Avon 3Q60 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford tunnel 159 yards followed by Greenland Mill Half barrier crossing

Looking from Greenland level crossing at the tail end of a train standing at Bradford on Avon station. April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

An HST, Bristol bound, rushes over the last few feet of metals before Greenland Level Crossing and then the tunnel. 7th August 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

A class 33 Bristol bound passes Greenland Wier before going over the minor road crossing to enter Bradford tunnel. April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

A rare sight today (Thur 30th 2017) with the appearance on the Railway Touring Co's Poole-Bath-Bristol 'Bath Christmas Market' day excursion of recently overhauled and mainline certified LMS Black 5 no 45212. This loco was built by Armstrong-Whitworth in 1935 and remained in service until August 1968 when it was withdrawn from Lostock Hall shed. It was then sold direct from service to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and has since worked both there and on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. A full overhaul to main line standards was recently completed by Ian Riley Engineering at Bury, Lancs and the loco is now able to fully 'stretch it's rods' again after almost 50 years in preservation.

Picture of 45212 approaching Bradford-on-Avon, possibly the first time this particular loco has ventured this way.
Regards, Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Bradford-on-Avon (Greenland Mill) LMS 45212 30th November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

For a continuation beyond the outskirts of Bradford on Avon please see the section entitled:- Bradford Junction to Thingley and Salisbury