Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) route 24
Colliers Way: Great Elm to Frome preferred route
|
|
- This overview map shows the route preferred by the group drawn from the local community and the Town Council.
- The route has been informally surveyed. Not all private landowners have been consulted at this stage, so no permissions should be inferred.
- This route depends on cooperation from Network Rail and the rail operator (Mendip Rail). Land acquisition is likely to be necessary and upgrading of public rights of way, which could be contested.
- There are significant structural issues with new bridges, excavating existing structures, and high costs associated with this route.
- The route is traffic free and most suitable for novice or less confident cyclists, families and the mobility impaired.
|
|
|
Description of the proposed route
|
The singled railway bridge under the A362 which would have to be tunnelled through
|
The northern end of the old railway from Frome to Radstock has been converted to a multi user path running through lovely countryside. It has proved very popular with all refugees from motorised traffic that need a smooth path; this includes mobility scooter users, walkers, horse riders and families with young children in pushchairs or learning to cycle. There have been over 10,000 cycle trips recorded in 2008 and this is rapidly increasing.
At the moment the route stops at Buckland bridge near Great Elm denying easy access to the people of Frome.
There is a temporary cycle route from Frome down Egford Lane and up the very steep hill after Little Elm pond all signed as National Cycle Route 24. Not surprisingly not many people use it!
Originally land was bought for two tracks for the railway from Innox to Mells Road station though only one track was ever laid apart from a siding near the Mells River crossing. To use the vacant side would need substantial fencing, three new bridges and tunnelling through a singled bridge under the A362.
Other routes are possible but none would have such easy gradients as the rail route. They would be on roads so would not be safe for children nor would they necessarily be much cheaper.
Colliers Way is part of National Cycle route 24 which then continues along the Riverside Path through Frome.
|
Where a new bridge would be needed over the Mells River
|
Where a new bridge would be needed over Coalash Lane
|
View of railway showing space for a path on the right side
|
For more information about the existing cycle path please have a look at http://www.colliersway.co.uk/ where you can download a PDF of the Colliers Way leaflet.
|
|