East Mendip Way
A 19-mile long-distance footpath through beautiful Somerset countryside including rolling farmland, natural ancient woodland, quaint villages, and hill country. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: ST 550 459
Distance: 19 miles (30 km)
Time: 7–10 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
141 Cheddar Gorge, Mendip Hills, Wells and Glastonbury
142 Shepton Mallet, Mendip Hills East, Frome and Midsomer Norton
Summary
The East Mendip Way is a 19-mile route through beautiful Somerset countryside. The walk begins at Wells Cathedral and terminates in the centre of Frome. From Wells, the path goes through several woods on the way to Shepton Mallet, including King’s Castle Woods and Ham Woods, both of which are managed by the National Trust. After skirting to the north of Shepton Mallet, the route passes Insdon Hill and continues on to the highest point of the walk near the Cranmore Tower transmission masts in Great Gains Wood, before descending across countryside to Asham Wood. The walk continues descending on a southward course adjacent to Fordbury Water at Whatley Bottom and Fordbury Bottom to Bedlam. From here, it is a short distance into Frome and the conclusion of the path.