A cherished section of a former Somerset railway line has been transformed to better serve walkers and cyclists, thanks to funding secured through central government support.
The Willow Walk, situated on the outskirts of Glastonbury, winds gently across the Somerset Levels, tracing the historic trackbed of the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. Famously nicknamed the ‘Slow and Dirty,’ the ‘Slow and Doubtful,’ and the ‘Serene and Delightful,’ this railway suffered closure during the infamous Beeching cuts of the 1960s, which dramatically reduced train services and stations across Somerset.
Since the 1980s, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT, formerly Sustrans) has maintained the Willow Walk as part of National Cycle Network (NCN) route 3, which stretches across the Levels to Bridgwater before connecting to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.
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Recently, the route received a major upgrade valued at £147,000, funded through the Glastonbury town deal. The improvements include resurfacing the entire path and adding new benches for visitors to rest and appreciate the stunning surroundings.
This upgrade is part of the Robert Richards initiative within the town deal, dedicated to expanding walking and cycling infrastructure in Glastonbury. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conservative government provided £500,000 in ‘accelerator funding’ for projects like this, including a £45,000 enhancement of the seven-mile Glastonbury Way circular route, which features sites such as Glastonbury Tor, Wearyall Hall, and the Willow Walk itself.
Volunteers from the Mid Somerset branch of WWCT have collaborated closely with Greenway and Cycle Routes, a charity experienced in delivering trail projects like the Strawberry Line and Windsor Hill Greenway extensions near Shepton Mallet, to bring the Willow Walk improvements to fruition.
On October 27, volunteers Geoff Bell and David Thomas welcomed the Local Democracy Reporting Service for a walkthrough of the newly resurfaced route. Mr. Thomas explained, “This path really needed attention—it was often muddy and flooded. Now, being two-and-a-half to three metres wide, it comfortably allows cyclists to pass each other and provides ample space for wheelchair users.”
The Willow Walk starts at Middle Drove, near a new regenerative farming center, another town deal initiative. At the eastern entrance rests Amy’s Picnic Area, a tribute with benches installed by the family of Amy Thomas, a local resident who passed away in 2017 at age 14.
The path spans nearly a kilometre across the Levels with breathtaking views of Glastonbury Tor and the surrounding countryside, crossing the River Brue before concluding at Back River Drove. To combat frequent flooding, the path has been raised in strategic spots, ensuring year-round accessibility for commuting and leisure.
Reflecting on the improvements, Mr. Bell shared a vivid memory: “Previously, water was sometimes so high that my bike pedals were submerged. Now, any floodwater will be just a few inches, not feet.”
Much of the restoration was carried out by MP & KM Golding Ltd., a nearby construction firm also experienced with similar projects. Mr. Thomas added, “The path has been designed with safety in mind, ensuring visibility for cyclists traveling at speed and effective drainage to maintain usability.”
Benches have been thoughtfully placed along widened areas, encouraging visitors to pause and take in the scenery. Management of the surrounding trees has been vital: about 100 were removed, while many others were pollarded to preserve their health and prevent obstruction of the path.
The selective clearing and reshaping protect the trees from wind damage and allow undergrowth to thrive, enhancing biodiversity along the route. Mr. Bell emphasized careful planning to minimize the impact on mature trees, noting that some removed were diseased or unstable due to wet soil conditions.
Two ‘sentinel’ trees have been retained at the western end, alongside new plantings to replace older trees over time. A restored bench, fondly called the ‘love bench’ by locals due to its cozy seating, has been repositioned for better views of the Mendip Hills.
Opposite the bench stands a distinctive red and blue sculpture—a ‘millennium post’ marking the year 2000 and originally sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland. Volunteers repainted it in the railway’s traditional colors, linking past to present.
The historic bridge over the River Brue has been carefully restored. The path crossing the bridge has been raised and flattened, eliminating previous hazards from cracked planks, steep ramps, and flooding.
From Back River Drove, the route continues westward along NCN route 3, following the old Glastonbury Canal path and leading into the scenic Avalon Marshes nature reserve.
Mr. Thomas encourages local residents to join ongoing maintenance efforts to preserve this valuable community asset. “The route now connects Glastonbury with Sharpham and Shapwick Heath, opening access to some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes,” he said. “We hope more people will discover and enjoy this safe, welcoming path, whether for leisure or daily travel.”