The Strawberry Line, the walking and cycling path near Wells and Shepton Mallet, has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity following its recent expansion.

The new stretches, particularly the section through the Shape campus in Shepton Mallet, have become a community favourite, drawing in over 100,000 users annually.

This path offers a safe underpass beneath the busy A371, enhancing the safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Other sections of the Strawberry Line have also seen a significant user increase. The 1.5-mile path at Westbury sub-Mendip, providing a traffic-free route between the village and Easton, records around 90 visits per day.

This path is utilised for various activities including commuting, shopping, and leisure. The Dulcote path near Wells has also attracted about 25,000 users over the year, offering convenient access to the Charlie Bigham's factory site and a scenic route from the city to the countryside.

Mick Fletcher, Chair of the Strawberry Line Society, is thrilled with these numbers.

He believes that a continuous off-road path between communities would be a major asset for Somerset, much like the long-standing Strawberry Line path in North Somerset.

As plans to extend the path towards Wells and Cheddar are underway, there is an expectation of further increases in user numbers.

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To gather feedback and enhance the user experience on the older sections between Yatton and Cheddar, the Strawberry Line Society is conducting a survey. This initiative is part of their efforts to engage the community in the development and improvement of the path.

The society's vision is to create a comprehensive network that promotes physical activity and strengthens the area's social and communal fabric.

The success of the Strawberry Line in Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas underscores the community's desire for safe, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor spaces. As the path evolves, it continues to showcase the impact of community-driven initiatives in creating spaces that enrich urban life.