From Bristol Temple Meads, the line heads east, diverging from the Great Western Main Line, Wessex Main Line and Heart of Wessex Line at Bristol East Junction. The line curves to the north, passing under the A4320 and then joining with a chord from the Great Western Main Line at Dr Day's Junction. At this point there are four tracks, but this narrows to two before Lawrence Hill. Continuing north, the line passes under the old Midland Railway Bristol to Gloucester Line, passes through Stapleton Road, then diverges west from the Cross Country Route at Narroways Hill Junction. The line from here is single track, passing through some woodlands and circling the St Werburghs area, passing under the B4052 (Ashley Hill) before reaching Montpelier. The line then passes over the A38 Gloucester Road