Children and young people in the growing Somerset village of Cheddar now have a safer, car-free route to school thanks to the latest extension of the Strawberry Line, a long-distance multi-user path. The Strawberry Line currently stretches uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Cheddar and will eventually reach Collett Park in Shepton Mallet.
Since early April, local contractors and volunteers have been working on the new extension which skirts around the Kings Academy playing fields and crosses the Cheddar Yeo via a newly constructed 30-metre bridge. This section officially opened to the public in November, providing a secure link between the village centre and residential areas at its southern edge.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, explained that the development of the route has taken time, particularly in Somerset, where previous local council decisions saw sections of the old railway track sold off. However, the society is now making steady progress in piecing the route back together.
READ MORE: What to Do When Your New Recycling Red Bag Falls Apart
READ MORE: Decision on 1,450-Home Taunton Development Delayed Amid Highways and Viability Concerns
The new section begins at Cheddar Leisure Centre on Station Road, passing safely adjacent to the school’s sports fields, separated by a secure green mesh fence installed with the help of volunteers. This fencing not only safeguards students but allows volunteers to work confidently on the path side without impacting school grounds.
Heavy engineering tasks, including drainage and path foundations, were carried out by local company MP & KM Golding Ltd., while donations of over 1,200 tonnes of aggregate from Holcim UK and Heidelberg Materials UK helped create a natural, aesthetically pleasing surface using ground local stone rather than tarmac.
The new bridge over the Cheddar Yeo was assembled by volunteers following an engineered kit design, exemplifying the strong partnership between the Strawberry Line Society, local landowners, and community groups. Many volunteers’ names have been etched into the bridge’s concrete supports as a tribute to their hard work.
This safer active travel route benefits not only schoolchildren and leisure centre visitors but also reduces morning traffic congestion around the village. Local councils have supported the project through grants and expertise, recognizing it as an important active travel initiative.
Looking ahead, ongoing negotiations with landowners aim to close remaining gaps in the route between Cheddar and Wells, with new sections anticipated in the near future. Plans are also in place for cycling infrastructure improvements tied to the Cheddar Two reservoir project, underscoring a community-wide commitment to enhancing sustainable travel options.
Visitors and residents alike can now enjoy a scenic, secure path for walking, cycling, and equestrian use, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reduced traffic impact across the growing Somerset community.