Wellshe one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this from Shepton Mallet to Wells, in the pouring rain. While I generally agree with the other reviewers, it is indeed largely a lovely route, there were a few tricky sections in these conditions. Locked gates, which are not pleasant to climb over in the rain, and overgrown footpaths meaning I got thoroughly soaked. These are just inconveniences. The very steep walk down into Ham Woods though was really quite difficult in the wet and slippy conditions - indeed I did slip on the narrow footpath and the steep drop made this feel a bit unsafe. I think this would actually be quite challenging for some in good summery conditions, so I wonder if it is worth uploading an alternative (no doubt slightly longer) route for winter / poor conditions. I'll get me thinking cap on!

On the whole, though, definitely a good slow way with these reservations.

An absolutely gorgeous walk on a summer's day, with a mix of woods (the NT area at Tor Hill Woods is special) as well as the grassy ridges of the East Mendip Way. I did not complete the way to Shepton Mallett as I turned off at Crapnell Farm to reach Oakhill and its wonderful inn, so I cannot comment on the eastern section. Still a great walk.

I walked / surveyed this route earlier today, traveling from S M to Wells. I recorded the route at 5.61 mi, so tipping it towards 6 mi. Whilst really enjoying it, there were a couple of issues worth noting. Walkers need to turn right when getting to Thrupe Lane ( ST 59810 45050 ) to get back to the fp, it is not straight over as on OS map [ This is not an issue coming from Wells ] You also need to keep your wits about you, as you approach Torhill Quarry ( ST 56195 45512 ). As its on the East Mendip Way, which is a great track it is easy to go straight past where you should fork right. If you do this ( as I did ) you come down to the busy road, and need to retrace your steps UPHILL. Having then got back to the fork, the field had a rather large bull in it, with a solitary cow .....both generally ignored me. I found the up and down short section in Ham Woods a bit sporty.

An enjoyable route with sone lovely views.
Beware that the path disappears about 2/3 on the way from Wells, as you descend into Ham Woods. Here you must turn left and walk for about 300m up the track to meet another path running diagonally backwards on your right. Follow this to rejoin the Slowways route.
There are buses at least every hour including Sundays to take you back to Wells.

A pleasant stroll, mostly along the East Mendip way, linking the spiritual (England's finest cathedral) and secular (Babycham). Walked backwards, the route out of Shepton is a little quotidian to begin with, but really gets going with great views of the Tor from Furzey Sleights, and stunning autumn colours (in autumn). The path is a little rocky and slippy at times, but is easy to follow, especially on the East Mendip Way.

Really nice walk, even in soggy November when the ground was a bit slippy and muddy in a few places.

Regular buses at both ends. We walked east to west, starting from Shepton Mallet and ending up following the moat around the Bishop’s Palace in Wells, by which time the route had well earned the five stars suggested by the previous reviewer.

It starts with a walk out through quiet roads and lanes, and heads up through cattle pastures, interrupted at one point by a little gully at Ham Woods, to meet up with the East Mendip Way on top of the first rise of the Mendip Hills.

The route continues using this footpath through varied farmland and woodland. The walking is often flat and easy from here on, with vIews out across the Somerset Levels. It then makes a mostly gentle descent along bridleways and tracks.

Lots of stiles, many made of rough stone, and the odd gate. Some steps and some very short steep sections. The route is mostly well signed.

A mostly well defined footpath following the Blue Signs of the East Mendip Way, on OS Maps 141 & 142. It is not suitable for cycling unless one can carry a byke over some rough fields and substantial stiles . Some of the blue signs are missing when nearer Shepton and the path can be a bit difficult to follow around an old quarry. But generally a most pleasant walk.

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