The Strawberry Line Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Strawberry Line is a disused railway in Somerset that was converted to a shared path. It runs for 10.5 miles, from Yatton to Cheddar. Do bear in mind that it does include a few short stretches on roads. There’s a very short section on a quiet rural lane by Congressbury, just before Sandford and a slightly longer section at Axbridge.
As is expected from a route mainly running over the Somerset Levels, it’s very flat.
There are plans to extend it, so it runs from Clevedon all the way to Shepton Mallet, but that won’t happen for a fair amount of time. The Strawberry Line forms part of my Somerset Circle GoCycle multi-day route guide.
Surface on the Strawberry Line
The surface, almost throughout, is self-compacting gravel, and is rideable almost in all weather. However, there are plenty potholes in several parts, and it also can get muddy after rain. Parts of it is quite bumpy, especially between Yatton and Congressbury.
In lots of places, the surface is smooth, and offers easy riding.
On the new section that goes behind the Thatcher’s Brewery, there’s a patch of very loose gravel, right on a bend.
Bikes
Bikes with bigger tyres are better, and road bikes may struggle.
Toilets
There are toilets at Yatton train station (only when the station is open), at Winscombe (but slightly off the trail), in Axbridge and in Cheddar.
Ratings
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Points of Interest
Cheddar Gorge is stunning, and worth exploring, though cycling it can be a challenge.
The Wookey Hole is nearby, as is Wells, England’s smallest city, and Glastonbury Tor isn’t overly far away, either.
The route runs near the Thatcher’s brewery, and you can book a brewery tour.
Routes in Somerset
- Taunton & Bridgwater Canal traffic-free cycle route
- Bristol and Bath Railway Path
- Two Tunnels Greenway
- Colliers Way traffic-free cycle route
- The Strawberry Line cycle route
Barriers
There are many of the dreaded A-frame barriers along the Strawberry Line. Because of these, if you ride a trike, or an adapted bike, you may get stuck. Some of the A-frames are so tight that it’s a struggle on a loaded touring bike, with panniers on.
Forecast for the Strawberry Line
What it looks like
Video of the Strawberry Line
This video plays at 4 times the speed.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below) from which you can download the GPX file for the route.