New Section of Somerset Circle Opens in Mendip

A new 1.3-kilometre section of the Somerset Circle walking and cycling route has officially opened, providing a scenic, traffic-free path in the Mendip area.

This stretch links Hamwood Viaduct to Thrupe Lane, offering a safe route for walkers and cyclists. In addition, a signposted cycling route guides riders along minor roads from Thrupe Lane, across the Mendip Hills to Gurney Slade and Chilcompton.

The new section represents a key link in the Somerset Circle project, originally launched by the former Mendip District Council and now managed by Somerset Council. Over the past three years, other segments of the Circle have been completed in West Shepton, Dulcote, Westbury-sub-Mendip, and Easton.

The project has been coordinated by the charitable organisation Greenways and Cycleroutes, in partnership with local councils, the Strawberry Line Society, landowners, and voluntary groups. The opening ceremony included special guests such as former HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw, representatives from Shepton Mallet Town Council, contractors MP and KM Golding Ltd, and volunteers from The Strawberry Line Society, Shepton Mallet Community Woodland, and Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels.

The route was officially unveiled by Cllr Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Associate Lead Member for Active Travel and Public Transport and West Mendip Councillor, alongside Christopher Somerville from Dinder Estate.

Cllr Wyke said:

“This is an exciting moment. The section we’re opening today completes a crucial missing link in the Somerset Circle and provides a safe active travel route from Shepton into the Mendip Hills. None of this would have been possible without years of teamwork. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, skills, and support.“We live in a beautiful part of the world, and now we’ve created new ways to enjoy and share it. This route will be appreciated by locals and visitors for years to come — a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”

Once complete, the Somerset Circle will form a 76-mile traffic-free loop, connecting Bristol, Bath, the Mendip Hills, and the Somerset Levels.

Developing multi-user paths is a corporate priority for Somerset Council, supporting objectives to connect communities, reduce car travel, lower carbon emissions, and promote active lifestyles across the county.