Chailm two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This route follows an extremely straightforward route from Ilminster to Chard using the old railway line that used to run between them. The route forms part of SusTrans route 33 and takes in many World War 2 defences forming part of the Taunton Stop Line. The Stop Line was a continuous emplacement of tank traps, barriers and pill boxes in case of a Nazi invasion up along the south west peninsula of England.

The path is firm, largely tarmac, although it can be rough and muddy in places. The route is easy to follow, although there are a few diverging, almost parallel, paths in places to keep an eye on navigation. It is well walked by dog walkers, so there is very often someone to ask if unsure. It is lit at both ends for a short distance near the towns, but not along it's length. The route is usually completely clear, however there are a few gates along the way that can be closed across the path to allow farm access, in whcih case you will need to use the cattle grid protected access alongside. At least one of these gates only has a tall metal narrow cycle access structure with limited width. Having said that, I have never seen the gates across the path in many years.

The path moves through wooded areas, deep cuttings and beside farmland, with a highlight being the Chard sewage treatment plant halfway long! There are excellent interpretation panels for the World War 2 defences at points along the route and also a wildlife interpretation panel.

Both towns of Ilminster and Chard have local amenities including food and accomodation, although public transport is limited. There is a (fairly) regular bus route between Axmoinster and Taunton that serves both

This route follows an extremely straightforward route from Ilminster to Chard using the old railway line that used to run between them. The route forms part of SusTrans route 33 and takes in many World War 2 defences forming part of the Taunton Stop Line. The Stop Line was a continuous emplacement of tank traps, barriers and pill boxes in case of a Nazi invasion up along the south west peninsula of England.

The path is firm, largely tarmac, although it can be rough and muddy in places. The route is easy to follow, although there are a few diverging, almost parallel, paths in places to keep an eye on navigation. It is well walked by dog walkers, so there is very often someone to ask if unsure. It is lit at both ends for a short distance near the towns, but not along it's length. The route is usually completely clear, however there are a few gates along the way that can be closed across the path to allow farm access, in whcih case you will need to use the cattle grid protected access alongside. At least one of these gates only has a tall metal narrow cycle access structure with limited width. Having said that, I have never seen the gates across the path in many years.

The path moves through wooded areas, deep cuttings and beside farmland, with a highlight being the Chard sewage treatment plant halfway long! There are excellent interpretation panels for the World War 2 defences at points along the route and also a wildlife interpretation panel.

Both towns of Ilminster and Chard have local amenities including food and accomodation, although public transport is limited. There is a (fairly) regular bus route between Axmoinster and Taunton that serves both