A cherished stretch of a former Somerset railway line has been revitalized for pedestrians and cyclists thanks to central government funding. The Willow Walk, located on the outskirts of Glastonbury, gracefully winds over the Somerset Levels, closely tracing the old trackbed of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.
This railway line, once affectionately dubbed the “Slow and Dirty,” “Slow and Doubtful,” and “Serene and Delightful,” was lost in the 1960s as a result of the Beeching cuts, which led to widespread closures across Somerset.
Since the 1980s, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT), previously known as Sustrans, has maintained this section as part of National Cycle Network Route 3, which spans the Levels towards Bridgwater and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.
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Recently, the pathway has undergone a significant £147,000 transformation funded by the Glastonbury town deal, supported by government investment. The enhancements include comprehensive resurfacing and the installation of new benches for visitors to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.
These improvements are part of the Robert Richards initiative within the town deal, named for the original chairman of the Glastonbury town deal board. The initiative emphasizes walking and cycling upgrades throughout Glastonbury, with this route being a key highlight.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided £500,000 in ‘accelerator funding’ to jumpstart projects like this, which also included £45,000 towards improvements of the Glastonbury Way—a seven-mile circular trail showcasing landmarks like Glastonbury Tor and Wearyall Hall alongside the Willow Walk.
Volunteers from the Mid Somerset branch of WWCT have partnered with the charity Greenway and Cycle Routes, renowned for their work on the Strawberry Line and Windsor Hill Greenway, to deliver these upgrades. On an October 27 tour with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, volunteers Geoff Bell and David Thomas highlighted the recent improvements.
Thomas commented, “This route needed attention for years—being prone to flooding, it became rough and muddy. Thanks to the town deal, we’ve improved it for health, active travel, and leisure.”
At two-and-a-half to three metres wide, the path comfortably accommodates cyclists passing one another and provides room for wheelchair users, ensuring accessibility for all.
The Willow Walk runs from Middle Drove, near a new regenerative farming center, stretching almost one kilometer across the Levels. Visitors can admire views of Glastonbury Tor before crossing the River Brue and finishing at Back River Drove.
Importantly, the path was raised in flood-prone areas, allowing use even in wet winters. Bell recalled, “I’ve cycled here when water reached past my pedals. Now flooding will only mean a few inches of water, not feet.”
The construction company MP & KM Golding Ltd., based near Cheddar, completed much of the work, including restoring the historic bridge over the River Brue, smoothing the path and improving drainage. The path’s design ensures water drains quickly to avoid future flooding.
Benches were strategically placed with space for more in the future, encouraging visitors to pause and enjoy panoramic views. Over 100 trees were managed along the route—many pollarded to protect healthy growth, while some diseased trees were removed to safeguard safety and environmental balance.
Two “sentinel trees” remain at the western end, with new saplings planted nearby to maintain the verdant avenue in years to come. A restored bench marking the Glastonbury Way offers visitors a scenic spot looking through to the Mendip Hills, alongside a refreshed red and blue sculpture symbolizing the former railway route.
Mr. Bell remarked with fondness on the project, “It was great working on this; everyone involved gave so much time and effort.”
Beyond Back River Drove, visitors can continue westward along National Cycle Network Route 3 towards the Avalon Marshes nature reserve, connecting walkers and cyclists to even more natural beauty.
Thomas hopes the local community will continue volunteering to maintain this treasured path, which now offers a safer, wetter-weather-friendly access point to the Levels and Moors. “We want more people to discover this route—whether locals or holidaymakers—and enjoy the vibrant environment it opens up.”