The Colliers Way - National Cycle Network Route 24
Dundas Aqueduct, Radstock and Frome
The Project
This initiative (previously known as the Bath to Frome
Shared-Use Path and Rail Project), is part of National Route 24 of
the National
Cycle Network. It is intended for use by cyclists, pedestrians
and wheelchair users. Wherever possible, horse-riders are able to
use the route as well. However, the traffic-free sections of the
route are generally permissive paths, and their availability to
horse-riders depends entirely upon the conditions negotiated by
Sustrans with the landowner.
NCN24 runs from Dundas to Southampton and Portsmouth, and from
Longleat House it links to Route 25 to Poole and Route 26 to
Weymouth. It re-uses surviving lengths of former railway lines,
connected by quiet country lanes.
From Dundas to Monkton Combe, the path largely follows the route
of the old Hallatrow to Limpley Stoke Branch Line. Between Midford
and Radstock it follows the route of the old Somerset and Dorset
Railway to provide an off-road traffic-free route wherever
possible. At Radstock, the Colliers Way links with the Greenway
that enables further traffic-free cycling to Midsomer Norton.
From Radstock to Great Elm, the path follows the route
of the old Radstock to Frome Branch Line that was built by the
Great Western Railway (GWR). At Great Elm, the path will leave the
railway route as the line is operational at this point and carries
stone from Whatley Quarry. The end of the off-road section will
again be linked to Frome by relatively quiet country lanes.
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Progress So Far...
The following traffic-free lengths of the Colliers Way have been
completed, and are open to the public:
- Dundas Aqueduct to Monkton Combe (1.0 miles)
- Access for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair-users at Dundas
Aqueduct
- Access for walkers and cyclists near Monkton Combe School
- Pay and Display parking available at Limpley Stoke Visitor
Centre
- Tucking Mill to Twinhoe Lane (0.5 mile) using Midford
Viaduct.
- It is now possible for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair-users
to safely cross the B3110 using the Midford Viaduct
- NOTE - it is not possible to park your car at
Midford
- Twinhoe Lane to Wellow: (2.1 miles)
- The first 300 yards has been provided with a final surface
- The remainder has an interim surface, suitable for robust
bikes, and walkers
- Unfortunately the permissive path agreement does
not permit horses or dogs to use this section (except guide
dogs)
- There is a free public car park in Wellow
- Interim surface will be replaced by the final surface, suitable
for all bikes in 2007.
- Shoscombe to Radstock (1.2 miles)
- Access for walkers and cyclists at Shoscombe (no parking
facilities)
- Access for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair-users from Waterloo
Road, Radstock
- Free Parking available in Waterloo Road Car
Park
- Radstock to Conduit Bridge (3.8 miles)
- Access for walkers and cyclists from Meadow View (temporary
quarry dust surface at Meadow View is unsuitable for
wheelchair-users)
- Please do not park in Meadow View as it is very narrow.
There are free car parks nearby at Church Street and Victoria
Hall.
- Access for walkers via steps from public footpath near Huish
House
- Access for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users and horse-riders
via ramp, steps and bridle way at Kilmersdon
- Access for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users and horse-riders
at Mells Yard, with limited informal parking at side of private
road
- Access for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users and horse-riders
at Conduit Bridge (Mells)
- Construction has been carried out by Bath & North East
Somerset and Sustrans and has been funded by the South
West of England Regional Development Agency, the Countryside
Agency, the New Opportunities Fund, Somerset County Council, Mendip
District Council, Wyvern Trust and The Department for
Transport.
- Frome
- At the Frome end of the route, a riverside path following
the River Frome has been constructed by Mendip District
Council
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Suggested Days Out on The Colliers Way
We are very keen that The Colliers Way is utilised by as many
people as possible. To encourage this, we have produced a
downloadable self-guided cycle ride and circular walk for your
enjoyment.
A Day Out for
Cyclists
To download the cycle ride guide in pdf format please use the
link below:
*Please note that the cycle ride includes short distances on
public highway, so children must be properly supervised. Also take
special care where indicated on the route description.
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A Day Out for Walkers
To download the walk guide in pdf format please use the links
below:
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A Day Out for the
family
Why not take the family out for a family treasure hunt on
the Colliers Way? This is an 8 mile route (4 miles there and back)
that provides a fun day out for families with children.
To download the Treasure hunt map and questions please use the
link on the top right of this page (under the title 'related
documents').
To view a text only version follow this link -
Treasure hunt text only version
Answers are also available under the related documents title
also you won't want to look at these until you have completed the
hunt!
If you would prefer a paper of the treasure hunt
please email your postal address details to Transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
Once you have completed the treaure hunt please tell us what you
think of the Colliers Way by emailing Transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
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Information for Horse
Riders
Equestrian use of the stretch of Colliers Way between Radstock
and Great Elm is permitted by landowner (Railway Paths
Limited / Sustrans). Equestrian users are also able to use the
link at Kilmersdon between the Colliers Way and bridleway. There is
no access for equestrian use from Radstock.
See Also:
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Further Information
The leaflet describing the route is available from Sustrans and from
local outlets close to the Colliers Way. If you have any
difficulty obtaining the leaflet, or if you require further details
please phone 01225 394049 or e-mail Transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
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