The Colliers Way, a disused railway line between Frome and Radstock, now serves as a flat cyclepath and footpath, offering a rare level route in the hilly Mendip Hills. The 6-mile path, funded by public donations, features a brick grid with personalized messages, including one that reads “Yippee it’s flat!” by the Wheadon family.
A Level Playing Field in the Mendips
In a region known for its steep climbs, Colliers Way provides an exception. The path follows the old railway cutting, with views of fields and hedgerows. The original railway line, complete with sleepers, is still visible alongside the path, now overgrown with plants and trees.
Wildlife and Scenery
Summer brings green screens of hazel, hawthorn, and blackthorn. Walkers can glimpse silver-washed fritillaries and pyramidal orchids. The path passes under bridges and offers glimpses of cowpat-spattered lanes.
Historical Significance
The railway line once carried coal-laden trucks; now it carries cyclists and walkers. The path is a testament to the area's industrial heritage, with the original tracks still in place.
