Parkway Lane down to Meadgate is pleasant then I used Camerton Road (500 metres) rather than divert across another wet field path. It's not a PROW but an obvious path with no gate at the road and a safer crossing....

JohnMyerson

Short route this, I was doing it as part of a much longer route and back to front (Radstock to Midsomer Norton - 30/11/2023)....

David

In my case I went Bath to Radstock as part of a much longer walk. I did it in 2 bits 1) Bath Centre up to the Odd Down Park & Ride (9/5/2023) & 2) Odd Down to Radstock & Midsomer Norton (30/11/2023). The walk up out of Bath is steep, I just followed the main road steadily up past the Bear pub (via Holloway), it gets easier as you go up (I thought), pavements all the way up to the Red Lion island and then just a short walk to the Odd Down Park & Ride, just over an hour. Avoiding the main roads I circled right out of the park & ride and then walked a marked footpath through fields on the route proper now until it touches the A367 then there is a sharp left turn downwards following the bridleway/ old Roman road downhill in err..a straight line....

David

The surfaces were a little leafy in places but not too slippery....

JohnMyerson

A lovely, easy, straight, tarmac cycle/walking path which is particularly pleasant if you like being immersed in trees almost the whole way....

Andrew Davies

In particular the walk along limekiln lane around the edge of Harridge Wood is lovely - giving you a taste of the wonderful Harridge Wood, without actually going in. On the other hand, there are some really lovely stretches - the walk through Loocombe Wood in particular was very beautiful....

panifex

The locked gate that both Brian and I came across last time was not locked this time - I do wonder if we both just missed the not quite obvious latch?...

panifex

From Farmborough, the route crosses straight over the lively road past the village and makes its way east through tracks, paths and pastures on a well-walked and easy-to-follow route through lots of metal kissing gates. It then reaches some arable fields with good headlands around or well-worn paths through the crop, before turning south, very briefly sharing the route of Farrad two at one point (making it possible to swap between the two routes if desired), but soon turns away east, heading diagonally into a shallow valley where there is a stream course to cross. Up on the other side, after climbing over a wooden stile, the route crosses the corner of a field and continues over a rather more rickety stile through a couple of fields with big patches of cover crops for a shoot. Footpath infrastructure and signage is not good through here (unlike the rest of the route) but it is a short section. A short section of quiet lane leads on to a climb up the other side of the valley through a big pasture, leading away from the world of the worker and into the sunny uplands of the landed gentry. (Here this version of the route departs from the shared route with Farrad two. The latter heads west along the pavement of the main road for a short stretch and then takes a quiet lane down into town, should you prefer that.). To keep on Farrad three and stay off-road, head straight on over the main road and along the avenued driveway to the next grand country house. Another valley down-and-up follows, routing via a set of ornamental lakes (it is potentially wet and boggy around the spring line by the gate into the lower field on the way down, so stay left) and then up through more arable fields before skirting round another old wooded spoil tip and descending into the one-time mining town of Radstock along a quiet road and through an alleyway....

Mockymock

A bit boring and trafficky walking along the main thoroughfare through Paulton and some sections of arable fields where you may well have to go around the edge, including my least favourite mega bean field west of Bishop Sutton, which can be a fight in midsummer....

Mockymock

Based on local knowledge of Chris Selwyn, and review by Paniex of Farrad two, the road sections in Farrad one really make it a non starter. The minor roads are VERY busy, and with the many bends, a very unpleasant experience, and possibly dangerous. Farrad two is a very credible alternative...

Brian

Pleased to say I read the description by Chris, and review by Panifex, which ensured I avoided Farrad one....

Brian

I'm glad its not just me that thinks steep hills are steep, the early stage in Radstock up Woodborough Rd, and the Fosse Way from Dunkerton Hill were a bit sporty....

Brian

There is a new housing estate, and the route on the ground follows Nelson Ward Drive all the way into the centre...I think it is a slightly less convoluted route. Over 6.5 mi of 8 mi are pavement, or tarmac track, but the short steep drop into Vallis Vale is why I rated the route with only two stars...

Brian

I undertook this route from Frome to Radstock, after nearly falling down the steep slope into Vallis Vale off the East Mendip Way....

Brian

Deserves its place in the network.Plenty of hill climbing and descent and it is a mixture of rural and urban/suburban, so has quite a workaday feel at times and some pounding of pavements, but nice views around, particularly at the Bath end, and a lovely descent into town through Bear Flat, overlooking the city centre. Just note that if coming from Radstock towards Bath, that the plot is a tad unhelpful when you regain the Fosse Way after crossing the main road at Dunkerton. The way in is opposite the bus stop....

Mockymock

"Quiet route from central Radstock to Midsomer Norton High Street replacing one of two railway lines that used to serve the area. This popular route is mostly tarmac path away from traffic although it does cross a busy main road at a pedestrian crossing. It is well used by runners, dog walkers and cyclists There is long slow incline towards Midsomer Norton which would make it very hard work for a wheelchair user."...

[email protected]

Only slight negative is that the route is tree lined both sides for the majority of route so very little scenery to admire, but on the upside its shady in hot sun. I cannot see what the difference is between Midrad one and two, and have suggested Midrad two is deleted...

Brian

I regularly walk from Radstock to Clutton, and this is pretty much the route I take, so I have no complaints for this section at all. The section from Clutton to Bishop Sutton, is also easy to walk and navigate - following the Three Peaks walk for most of the way....

panifex

The route chosen down into Bath is also a good one - easy street walking, revealing glimpses of stunning vistas of Bath, and envy inspiring houses....

panifex

I've just done the rest of the route from Radstock (December 2023). Steep uphill from Radstock then following footpath signs across three fields to a farm track and 250 metres along Braysdown Lane with no footpath....

JohnMyerson

1) the very first part from Farmborough to Common Lane along the main road to Timsbury - where care really must be taken. It is a busy road with no verges to speak of.....

panifex

This route is pretty much the standard way of walking between Midsomer Norton and Radstock. And that’s for a reason - it’s a straightforward, accessible route. The only things you have to watch out for are bikes and dogs....

panifex

Goes along the disused railway for most of the way, and then follows the East Mendip Way into Frome. One section through the woods just before Frome is a little tricky (steep and would be slippery in the rain) but other than that this is a great slow way....

panifex

Lots to enjoy on this walk for walkers but mot suitable for wheels and route unclear in places. It has very pretty areas, it all felt very safe, we would happily walk it again and, I think, recommend it....

harptreemartins