The Strawberry Line, a traffic-free path linking the Mendip Hills to the sea, has won the accolade of being named Britain’s favourite path by The Ramblers.
The path is a pioneering multi-partnership project between, charities, volunteers, contractors, community groups, councils, Historic Railways Estate and private landowners.
Somerset Council, and previously Mendip District Council, has been a staunch supporter of the Strawberry Line, providing support and investment.
Councillor Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Associate Lead Member for Active Travel, has championed the path for many years.
She said: I could not be prouder. There was stiff competition for the title and the Strawberry Line submission emphasised that it is special in that it is a live community project supported by local authorities as well as hundreds of volunteers who give thousands of hours each year to promote, develop and maintain the path.
The search to find the nation’s favourite path began in May, National Walking Month. People were asked to submit pictures and explain why their choice was so special.
A panel of judges whittled the entries down to a shortlist of eight, covering all parts of the country, from Scotland and Wales to the South West.
The Strawberry Line has grown from the seed of an idea planted almost 50 years ago to the route it is today: more than 20 miles of the eventual 29-mile path. It also forms part of the Somerset Circle, 76 miles of mainly off road routes including Bath to Bristol link.
It is accessible to walkers and wheelers and incorporates some of the old Great Western Railway branch line – nicknamed the Strawberry Line because it transported the famous Cheddar strawberries to markets across the country.
It runs through historic Somerset, the area covered by Somerset Council and North Somerset Council.
Cllr Wyke added:
It’s not only a path to discover and enjoy Somerset countryside, wildlife, and our diverse rural settlements, but also a greatly valued off road route for local residents.
The Strawberry Line represents a long term delivery of a vision held by many of us, a commitment by hundreds of volunteers over decades, overcoming numerous obstacles to create a path that is truly needed. It is enjoyed, cared for, continually enhanced and shared with our visitors, so it’s no wonder that it was voted by many as their favourite path.
