Shepton Mallet is poised to become a pivotal link in the Strawberry Line cycle route, with recent expansions bringing the town into the spotlight.

In March, two new sections of the Strawberry Line were opened in Shepton Mallet, marking a significant step in integrating the town into this popular route.

The Strawberry Line, which currently runs uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Cheddar, is known for providing a safe, car-free path for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting numerous small towns and villages in Somerset.

These new sections in Shepton Mallet are part of an ongoing effort to complete the Somerset Circle, a proposed 76-mile traffic-free circuit that will link Bristol, Bath, the Mendip Hills, and the Somerset Levels. The Strawberry Line is set to extend even further, with plans to eventually terminate at Shepton Mallet. This will allow the route to link up with the new Windsor Hill active travel route and the Frome Missing Links, both currently under construction.

In addition to the progress in Shepton Mallet, the Strawberry Line Association has confirmed the opening of a new off-road section near the villages of Sandford and Winscombe, scheduled for November 25. Known as the 'Sandford Link', this nearly one-kilometre stretch will provide a safer route for cyclists, avoiding busy roads like the A368. This section, unique among recent Strawberry Line extensions, has been developed through a partnership with National Grid, which is constructing a 400,000-volt substation as part of the Hinkley Point C power station project. This collaboration has also resulted in a reduction of overhead electricity pylons, preserving the natural beauty of the Mendip Hills area.

A spokesman for the Strawberry Line Association said: "We all owe a huge thank you in advance to National Grid and North Somerset Council for making this all possible – it shows the strength of partnership."

North Somerset Council will maintain the new Sandford Link, transferred from National Grid, ensuring its long-term upkeep. The opening event on November 25 will include a gathering off Station Road at 10am, followed by family entertainment and activities until 2pm. Participants are encouraged to attend in superhero costumes.

Further expansion of the Strawberry Line is underway, with construction of an additional extension to the east of Wells, near the Dulcote recycling centre, expected to be completed in the coming months.

This development highlights the collaborative effort between volunteers, National Highways, and local councils in enhancing the cycling infrastructure in Somerset.

For more details on these developments and the Strawberry Line, visit www.thestrawberryline.org.uk.