Hamfra one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A very nice walk.
We walked it in April after a reasonably dry spell, but there were still some muddy & slippery sections.

Lovely walk if you are prepared to get muddy, even in dry months there can be some lingering mud north of the viaduct/Huckford quarry. Also be careful if you are taking a dog, there can be cattle and occasionally bulls in the fields north of Huckford.
Wouldn't suggest this route is suitable for mobility issues or young children in the winter, especially if it has been wet.

A muddy, suburban-edge stroll with the constant earworm of the M4, but don't let that put you off. This is a well-loved wander along the River Frome which at times is a joy to regard as it burbles over rocks and twists and turns. The highlight is the Huckford Viaduct which you pass under just before a nature reserve and the slow way takes the pleasing detour over Bury Hill fort. Good access to buses, pubs at both ends and a pleasing church in Frampton Cotterell.

I would almost certainly have given this slow way a full five stars had I walked it at a dry time of year. It is a really nice green route through fields, woods and nature reserves along the course of the River Frome, with the added bonus of passing under a dramatic viaduct carrying the main railway line to London half way along. It is easy to navigate as it follows the clearly-signed Frome Valley walkway pretty much all the way, and there is a frequent bus service that passes both ends.

However, in this populous part of South Gloucestershire it is an understandably loved local walk and some sections of the path are not quite up to the near suburban level of foot traffic it gets. In mid-January, even though the weather had been dry for a week before we walked it, some stretches, (particularly in the northern half) were unavoidably muddy and slippery, and a few of the gateways were swamps. Think wet Festival and you get the idea. Wellington boots are the best footwear in such conditions and it was slow going. So, for me, it loses that fifth star for just for that. Hopefully the path will get a bit more tending into the future to help it withstand the impact of its fans better.

Close to the Hambrook end of the walk at Bury Hill, there is a choice of routes. If you want a shorter walk and to make less of an effort, keep following the Frome Valley Walkway straight along the quiet lane. The mapped route, though, takes the high road here, kinking around and heading fairly steeply uphill (with big steps on the northern approach) to cross an old hill fort, which has stiles to climb at either end. This is a really nice diversion with a view out at the southern end, so worth the bother if you are having a leisurely walk.

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