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....

panifex

Be aware that the main street of Chilcompton looks lovely with a stream beside it but has no pavement for walkers....

Andrew Davies

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....

Andrew Davies

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 )....

Brian

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

This is a fantastic walk, mostly along the well used and well waymarked East Mendip Way, diverting to visit Leigh-Upon-Mendip at the half-way point. The route out of Shepton is possibly a little confusing for anyone not acquainted with the town - but it is well mapped, so no problems if you follow the route. The diversion from the East Mendip Way to Leigh upon Mendip is necessary to make this route compliant to the Slow Ways methodology (and the church and pub there are well worth a visit - and it is possible to make yourself a cup of tea in the church for a small donation). The trick is to NOT join the road - even though the sign there has an old East Mendip Way sticker on it - but rather follow the path round to the left....

panifex

Beware that the path disappears about 2/3 on the way from Wells, as you descend into Ham Woods....

[email protected]

It is not a particularly accessible route - there are quite a few styles, and some steep and narrow footpaths - but it is quite direct, and mostly very easy to navigate - especially the sections out of Midsomer Norton, and along the Fosse Way into Shepton....

panifex

It was a nice route out the town, then we hit the mud for mile 2 and 3 until we got to the road that took us into North Wootten (we actually avoided some of the route to stay on tarmac). The second half was interesting and scenic, across fields, following a track that was part stream, and then into Shepton Mallett....

[email protected]

A good route but best to avoid in the winter because of a very muddy section after Glastonbury across fields with cattle. Some lovely views at the beginning from Bove Town & then at the end before dropping down into Shepton. There was a nice section through fields & a valley after N Wootton....

[email protected]

The path is a little rocky and slippy at times, but is easy to follow, especially on the East Mendip Way....

Steve_Roser

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....

Mockymock

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...

Ben Davies

South of Evercreech it's field after field full of cows and rather dispiriting....

James Hood