Children and young people in the growing Somerset village of Cheddar can now benefit from a safer, car-free route to school thanks to the latest extension of the Strawberry Line multi-user path. Stretching from Yatton railway station to Cheddar, and planned to eventually reach Collett Park in Shepton Mallet, the pathway now offers an enhanced link through the village.
Since early April, local contractors and dozens of volunteers have worked diligently to build the new section that skirts around the Kings Academy playing fields and crosses the Cheddar Yeo via a newly constructed 30-metre bridge. This extension opens up a safer and more pleasant route connecting the village center with southern residential areas.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, highlighted the project’s significance during a guided tour shortly after its official opening on November 22. He explained that while similar pathways expanded rapidly in North Somerset, progress in this part of Somerset was slower due to land sales from the old railway track. “This new piece is an important part of piecing the route back together,” Fletcher noted. The path offers cyclists and pedestrians a stress-free route through Cheddar, avoiding traffic and narrow roads.
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Beginning near Cheddar Leisure Centre on Station Road, the path gently curves along the western edge of Kings Academy’s playing fields, separated from sports activities by a securely fenced barrier installed by volunteers. This fencing not only protects both path users and students but also provided the school with improved overall security.
The heavy lifting—such as drainage and path foundations—was handled by Rodney Stoke-based company MP & KM Golding Ltd., known for its involvement with other regional greenway projects. Securing access to land took about 18 months of negotiation with various local stakeholders, including the Wessex Multi-Academy Trust, school governors, and the leisure center. Fletcher emphasized the benefits: “More people cycling or walking eases car park congestion and traffic near the school, helping everyone.”
The pathway carefully avoids existing trees and landmarks, including a small slice of land borrowed from a generous neighbouring smallholding that improved the route’s layout and safety. The path surface blends naturally with the countryside, using local crushed stone donated by Holcim UK and Heidelberg Materials UK—two companies that also provided volunteer manpower on site.
Southwards along the Cheddar Yeo, a newly cleared picnic area with a Dutch hardwood bench offers a charming rest stop for users. The 30-metre wooden bridge, assembled by volunteers using a pre-fabricated kit designed by Greenways and Cycle Routes, is a particular highlight of the project. The names of many dedicated volunteers are etched into the concrete supports as a tribute.
Funding for the extension came largely from grants, initially allocated by Mendip District Council before its dissolution in April 2023, with continued support from Somerset Council. Councillor Ros Wyke, responsible for active travel and public transport, praised the initiative, highlighting its benefits for health and independence. Students and staff now enjoy a secure off-road path to school, and parents feel more confident allowing their children to walk or cycle.
The newly extended route continues east along the Cheddar Yeo to Old Bridge Lane, linking with existing pedestrian and cycle paths through nearby residential areas. Fletcher added that negotiations with additional landowners aim to close remaining gaps between Cheddar and Wells by 2026, with new sections already underway.
Local business owner Jules Sayer, of Petruth Paddocks campsite near the route’s end, expressed excitement about plans to build a dedicated cycle hub to support increasing recreational use.
Looking ahead, further enhancements through the Cheddar Two reservoir project are planned, promising additional walking and cycling facilities that will support the area’s growth while reducing car dependency.
This expanding active travel network fosters a healthier, safer environment for residents and visitors, encouraging a shift toward sustainable mobility in Somerset’s beautiful countryside.