Yatton – Cheddar
Access
There are three sizable car parks right on the Line, at Yatton station, Winscombe recreation ground, and Axbridge Hill. See the Google Map for precise locations. Except for the on-road section that runs through the heart of Axbridge, the route is mostly an off-road, traffic-free greenway. There is a steep gradient on the quiet lane of Racurium Cottage at Axbridge Hill, as well as either side of the A38 crossing near Cross. The ramp at the A370 at Congresbury has some tight bends. The surface is generally suitable for wheelchairs. The exception to this is the section between Yatton and Congresbury, which runs through a nature reserve and is quite narrow and stoney in places.
Yatton – Congresbury
Starting at Yatton station, where you may hire a bike at the Strawberry Line Cycle Project or partake of a refreshment at the community-run Strawberry Line Café, the Strawberry Line passes through the Roman port of Congresbury across the ancient Northmarsh (also known as the North Somerset Levels). Tall hedgerows, rough grassland and ditches, known as rhynes, make up the Biddle Street Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area is frequented by otters, grass snakes, toads, newts and many varieties of butterflies, birds and bats.
Congresbury – Sandford
Heading south from Congresbury, the path passes through wide open countryside. Look out for the idyllic Silver Springs Fishery and Café! Around Sandford, the Strawberry Line runs past orchards supporting a long tradition of cider-making by Thatchers Cider Company, and users can enjoy a new section constructed by the new Hinckley Point substation. Sandford railway station has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian state and now houses a fascinating heritage centre, which is open at weekends from April to the end of October (light refreshments are available). Local cider can be sampled at the nearby Thatchers Farm Shop.
Sandford – Winscombe
After Sandford, the line enters the Mendip Hills. The change to limestone is reflected in drier conditions and a different range of plants and animals. The emerging hillsides are clothed in oak and ash. Along the line there are early and common spotted orchids, ferns, bats, and, on warm summer evenings, look out for glow worms! The old station has been turned into a village green with intact platform and original Great Western Railway seats and railings. Right next to the green, you will find Winscombe's pleasant village centre, which includes numerous cafés, public toilets, and a supermarket.
On leaving Winscombe towards the Mendips, cutting and embankment alternate. Hills to both sides turn into a deep wooded cutting before the line passes under Shute Shelve Hill through an original 165-metre, lit railway tunnel. Inside, you can clearly see the change in geology from soft brick-faced soft marl to hard limestone. The tunnel is home to several species of bat and rare cave spiders. After crossing the busy A38 via a purpose-built traffic island, you can enjoy spectacular views across the Cheddar Valley to Brent Knoll, the coast and even the Quantock Hills.
Winscombe – Axbridge Hill
Axbridge
Axbridge is home to a picturesque medieval square that tells of its former wealth. Most notable are the half-timbered King John's Hunting Lodge on the corner of the square that houses the town museum, and the Church of St John the Baptist that dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Strawberry Line once passed to the north of the town. After its closure, a bypass was built on the trackbed. The cycle route runs straight through the centre of Axbridge (where you may stop for a refreshment at one of the many pubs and cafés) and rejoins the trackbed at the point where the bypass diverts from it.
Axbridge – Cheddar
The route follows the north edge of Cheddar Reservoir before entering a cutting on the outskirts of Cheddar, world-famous for its renowned gorge and cheese. The industrial park at the current end of the cycleway occupies the space of the former station yard with visible remains of the station buildings. Just around the corner, the centuries-old traveller's destination of Cheddar Gorge and Show Caves await. Watch Cheddar cheese being made at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, visit the shops and enjoy a strawberry cream tea.