A new car-free route connecting Taunton and Wellington, two of Somerset’s largest towns, is poised to begin construction by 2028, pending sufficient funding. The ambitious project aims to provide pedestrians and cyclists with a continuous, safe alternative to the often-congested A38, following closely the route of the former Grand Western Canal.
The Grand Western Greenway Association hosted a public meeting at Wellington Scout Hall, drawing nearly 100 local residents eager to learn about the project’s progress. Chairman Charles Biscoe expressed optimism that the initial phases could begin within two years, contingent on securing funding and completing detailed feasibility studies.
John Grimshaw, founder of Greenways and Cycle Routes and a key figure in developing rural active travel paths across Somerset, spoke authoritatively at the event. He emphasized that while the greenway will be built in stages and require cooperation from landowners, councils, and volunteers, its completion is inevitable.
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The greenway will operate as a permissive path, with landowners granting long-term leases for the route to cross their properties, similar to the Strawberry Line. Biscoe detailed plans for the first phase near Wellington, which ties into the upcoming railway station and the housing development at Tonedale, extending the path toward Nynehead Road.
On the Taunton side, an existing cycle path near Trenchard Way will connect to a service road leading under Silk Mills Road by the railway bridge. The central rural stretch will run near landmarks such as The White Horse pub at Bradford-on-Tone and The Allerford Inn, with some local leaders highlighting the potential economic benefits for these rural businesses.
Wellington town councillor Keith Wheatley noted that country pubs, struggling in recent years, would likely see increased patronage from the greenway’s passing leisure traffic.
Funding for the wider county’s walking and cycling infrastructure has been bolstered by a recent Department for Transport announcement, which allocated over £9.4 million to Somerset Council for active travel projects over the next four years. Councillor Dave Mansell, a member of the council’s active travel working group, affirmed the Greenway’s high priority among these schemes and encouraged persistent advocacy for continued support.
With preliminary funds already secured for initial studies, Biscoe is hopeful that early construction work will coincide with the completion of Wellington’s new railway station by 2028.
Local MP Gideon Amos lauded the community’s enthusiasm and pledged to champion the project in Parliament, underscoring a united commitment from local councils and the wider community to bring the greenway to fruition.