Somerset Council has unveiled plans to improve and potentially expand a vital cycling route connecting communities across the Somerset Levels. National Cycle Network Route 3, stretching from Bristol to Sennen Cove in Cornwall and passing through key Somerset towns, is overseen by Sustrans, the government’s active travel charity.
The segment linking Glastonbury and Wells currently follows quiet back roads northeast of Glastonbury, eventually connecting to the Strawberry Line multi-user path near the Charlie Bigham food campus on the outskirts of Wells. This route is now set for an upgrade, as outlined in the council’s recently published local transport plan.
Glastonbury already enjoys solid walking and cycling infrastructure along the A39, from the town center to the Tin Bridge roundabout, where the A39 Wells Road meets Old Wells Road near West Mendip Community Hospital. North of the roundabout, pedestrians and cyclists can access a brief off-road path running alongside the A39, dipping beneath it near Twelve Foot Rhyne.
However, this stretch, which terminates at Long Drove, is narrow, overgrown, and dotted with farm access points. From there, travelers face a choice: risk the busy A39 Wells Road into Wells via Coxley or take Route 3 northeast through Launcherley, passing under the A371 Bishop’s Park Way to join the Strawberry Line and enter Wells from the southeast.
The council’s transport plan includes a detailed evaluation of Wells, Street, Glastonbury, and Shepton Mallet—closely linked towns that would benefit from stronger car-free connections due to their proximity. It pledges to “develop proposals for [a] Glastonbury to Wells active travel route,” either by enhancing the existing National Cycle Network or creating a more direct path along the A39.
A council spokesperson explained, “We’ll collaborate with partners to accelerate the rollout of active travel networks, both on- and off-road. Our approach will balance rural and urban needs—think route planning, safety upgrades, and encouraging more people to walk or cycle. We’re aiming to innovate by empowering local communities to lead, like they have with the Strawberry Line.”
Previously flagged as a critical “missing link” in Somerset’s active travel network by Mendip District Council in February 2021, the Glastonbury-to-Wells corridor was among five top priorities for walking and cycling improvements in the district. Both Mendip and its successor, Somerset Council, have been pushing for a car-free route along the A39, linking new developments at Wells’ gateway to the nearby village of Coxley.
The new local transport plan aligns with a recent government pledge of £291 million for walking and cycling enhancements by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Most of this funding will go directly to local authorities, with Somerset Council securing £2,775,438 on top of prior allocations. “This is encouraging news,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll need to review the details and funding terms before fleshing out plans.”
Sustrans will also receive £30 million to improve the National Cycle Network, potentially benefiting routes like the Stop Line Way. National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman emphasized the broader impact: “Safe, easy access to walking and cycling for everyday trips is a proven way to boost health, the economy, and progress toward net zero. It’s standard in Europe—free exercise, no emissions, no traffic jams. This funding will make our communities healthier and more vibrant.”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP added, “Walking and cycling are affordable, good for your wellbeing, and key to our growth agenda. This investment will improve connectivity, support local businesses, stimulate economies, and lighten the load on the NHS—delivering real change.”
Beyond the cycling route, the transport plan promises additional upgrades around Glastonbury and Street, including a 20mph zone in parts of both towns, better bus stops along the A39, and expanded evening bus services to the community hospital.
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