Good sites around South Wales

One of the most enjoyable but difficult aspects of photographing the railways is finding good locations where all the different factors can come together.  In order to get a decent result many different aspects need to be taken into account. These can include variables such as the direction of the line and lighting, line side vegetation and access, together with unsightly obstacles. 

CoedKernew is probably one of the better known locations situated on the South Wales  mainline between Newport and Cardiff. It offers straight views in either direction although trains heading east are best in the morning and visa versa. Leave the M4 at junction 28 and take the A48 for Cardiff towards the LG Electronics Factory. Turn right onto the road that leads to the factory and follow the signs towards the golf club. Do not turn towards the golf club but proceed along the narrow lane until you cross the railway bridge. On the right is a drive leads to a field, park in this drive but leave enough room for farm access.

Margam near Port Talbot offers a locomotive servicing depot and several yards emanating from the Port Talbot steelworks and docks complex. Iron  ore, coal  together with steel form the main traffic mostly heading east towards Llanwern. Access to the eastern end of the yard is via the depot itself.  For the western end car drivers should exit the M4 at junction 38 & proceed along the road that passes the BOC plant. Continue along this road until you arrive at the crossing. 

Llanishen The Rhymney commuter trains from Cardiff are difficult to photograph near the Cardiff end of the line as suitable places are few and far between.  Llanishen provides one such opportunity with a clear if relatively tight view of the line. Access to this location is via a lane to the south of Llanishen station. Proceed out of the station across the road and the lane is directly opposite. Walk towards the sports field at the bottom and the line is on your right hand side.

Newport Alexander Dock Jct provides a good location to photograph trains leaving the yard. Road users leave the M4 at junction 28 and proceed on he A48 back towards Newport. At the roundabout head left and stay on the A48. Pass under the railway bridge and after a short distance turn right into Tesco's, then turn left into McDonald's. The yard is visible from the top corner of the car park.

Somerton also known as East Usk Yard provides great views in either direction. Leave the M4 at junction 24 and take the A48 into Newport. After about a mile turn right and  just before the railway bridge turn left into a side road. 

Miskin is located between Cardiff and Bridgend just off the M4 motorway. Its one of the best locations I know for autumnal scenery, providing a stunning setting for the regular coal and ore trains between Llanwern and Port Talbot. Lighting is at its best from mid morning through to mid afternoon. Leave the M4 at junction 34 and turn left towards the Bosch electronics factory.  Almost immediately after the roundabout take a right turn and look for the bridge straight ahead.