The Strawberry Line, Somerset
Cycle or walk along the Strawberry Line which was built in 1869 to connect the West Country’s strawberry fields to the rest of the UK. The former railway line ends in scenic Cheddar where you can see the world-famous cheese being made.
Cycle the Strawberry Line stopping to taste Cheddar cheese, cider and strawberries along the way
With a combination of fresh air, exercise, beautiful scenery and the opportunity to taste the Cheddar valley’s sweet strawberries, delicious cheese and cider, this is a great foodie day out. Hop on your bike or go for a walk.
- Cycle or walk along the former railway line
- Taste strawberries, Cheddar and Somerset cider
- Visit the famous caves at Cheddar
Strawberry Specials
The ‘Strawberry Specials’ were the trains laden with sweet strawberries that were grown on the sunny slopes around the village of Cheddar which is most famous for its cheese. The Cheddar Valley Railway line, known affectionately as ‘The Strawberry Line’, closed to passengers in 1963 and a couple of years later, to freight. Happily, in 1983, volunteers began converting the line for walking and cycling.
Cycle or Walk The Strawberry Line
The line is 11 miles long and runs from the village of Yatton to Cheddar. It’s a mostly off-road, traffic-free, level route. The scenery transforms spectacularly along the way. From Yatton, you’ll cycle through wetlands, grazing marshes and apple orchards before cutting through the steep limestone of the Mendips and then reaching the village of Cheddar with its dramatic gorge.
Taste Thatchers Cider at Myrtle Farm
Stop at Myrtle Farm in the village of Sandford to taste Thatchers cider. The family has been making Somerset cider for over a hundred years.
See The Only Cheddar That’s Made in Cheddar
There’s no doubting that the village of Cheddar is about as touristy as it gets but one of its many claims to fame is that it’s the only place where you can legitimately see the ‘only cheddar that’s made in Cheddar’. Stop off at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to see cheese-making in action.
Tips
- In the summer, you’ll pass roadside stalls selling punnets of fresh strawberries or you can take a detour to go and pick your own
- Stop at the community-run Strawberry Line Cafe at Yatton Station for a bite to eat
- Afterwards drive to Yeo Valley Organic Garden at Holt Farm near Blagdon for tea or have lunch at the Yeo Valley Staff Canteen (booking required)
- Looking for a gift? Check out our guide to the Best Gifts For Cheese Lovers and our recommendations for cider gifts.
Cook’s Tip
Add chopped fresh basil to strawberries as an alternative to fresh mint and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Where to Stay in Somerset
The Bath Arms
Cheddar, Somerset
Offering a restaurant and a bar, The Bath Arms Hotel is located in the picturesque village of Cheddar.
Rooms from £95 a night.
Dogs
A fabulous doggy day out for me. Put me in your bicycle basket and let’s go!
How to Find The Strawberry Line Cycle Route
Strawberry Line Cafe and Cycle Hire, Yatton Railway Station, Station Approach, Yatton, North Somerset BS49 4AJ
Website: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk
Explore
Find more Foodie Things To Do in Somerset.
Discover more Cycling Routes for Foodies and Cheese Tasting Experiences.
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.