A cherished long-distance footpath in Somerset has recently benefitted from significant improvements, thanks to a generous contribution from a local quarry operator. The East Mendip Way, stretching from the Bishop’s Palace in Wells through the northern outskirts of Shepton Mallet to the centre of Frome, is now more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
A key spur along Egford Brook in Vallis Vale, west of Frome, had been temporarily closed to allow essential repairs. These works have now been completed, with the path resurfaced using stone sourced from Whatley Quarry by Heidelberg Materials, who hold a major resurfacing contract with Somerset Council. The project was supported by the Environment Agency, Natural England, and The Wild Trout Trust.
The resurfacing aimed not only to restore the path but also to enhance biodiversity and the walking experience, especially for dog owners. The path surface alongside the brook was stabilised to prevent erosion, particularly near its junction with the Mells River, ensuring greater durability for visitors.
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To preserve the river habitat, new features have been installed to regulate the brook’s flow. Specifically, designated ‘dog-dipping’ zones have been created, enabling dogs to safely paddle in the water without damaging the fragile banks. Coppicing of numerous riverside trees was carried out to strengthen the banks, with the resulting materials repurposed to provide habitats for fish and invertebrates.
Alex Hemming, principal landscape architect at Heidelberg Materials UK, commented, “Recognising that many walkers use the footpath with their dogs, we introduced these dog-dipping areas to protect the riverbank from erosion while maintaining access for four-legged visitors.”
Looking ahead, Heidelberg plans to install informational boards to educate visitors about the riverbank environment and its wildlife inhabitants.
These enhancements to the East Mendip Way improve connectivity to the village of Great Elm. From there, walkers and cyclists can join the Colliers Way, part of National Cycle Network route 24, leading to Radstock.
Notably, the Frome’s Missing Links campaign recently completed approximately one mile of protected off-road cycle path from Bucklers Bridge to Elliotts Lane in April 2025 and continues to seek landowner agreements and funding for a vital northern section connecting Elliotts Lane to Coalish Lane, which includes a safe crossing over the A362.
A spokesperson for Frome’s Missing Links shared insights into ongoing efforts: “We have developed a detailed report outlining an ideal route for the next phase, bridging the gap from Whatcombe Fields/Spring Gardens to Great Elm. This roadmap supports our funding applications to bodies like the National Lottery and Highways England. Key challenges include constructing an A362 crossing, as well as over the Mells River and local lanes. We are also pursuing a licence from Network Rail to utilise the corridor alongside the freight line, which could reduce costs and ensure gentle gradients.”
Volunteers remain dedicated to progressing these projects despite the complexities and funding hurdles involved, with a continued focus on improving active travel options in the region.