The Strawberry Line follows the route of the disused Cheddar Valley Railway Line. From Yatton railway station, the route leads to Cheddar and forms part of National Cycle Network Route 26. It runs for ten miles between Yatton and Cheddar, passing through wildlife-rich wetlands and rural villages. It is mainly used for walking and cycling; most of it is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Cycle routes on the Strawberry Line and the Pier to Pier Way
Temporary works may affect some sections of the Strawberry Line before your trip, so check the latest route information in advance. The 13-mile Pier to Pier Way connects Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. It is three miles longer than the Strawberry Line and passes through different places. When choosing between the cycle routes, you can consider both the route length and the destinations you want to visit: Yatton and Cheddar on the Strawberry Line, and Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon on the Pier to Pier Way.
Coastal paths, swimming and pier history
On Weston-super-Mare’s seafront, Marine Lake offers free year-round outdoor swimming and non-motorised water sports. The lake opened in 1929 and is part of Weston-super-Mare’s seaside heritage. At Marine Lake, today’s outdoor swimming and non-motorised water sports meet the seaside history of Weston-super-Mare.
At Sand Point, a scenic three-mile circular walk follows the coast and offers opportunities for birdwatching. If you want to combine coastal exploration with a clearly defined activity, this walk is a different option from swimming and water sports at Marine Lake. North Somerset has miles of picturesque coastline; the areas around Middle Hope and Ladye Bay offer beautiful coastal scenery.
The coast also brings architectural and heritage history to the fore. Clevedon Pier opened in 1869 and is the only pier in the country with Grade I listed status. There is also a former Augustinian priory at Sand Point and Middle Hope, built in 1230. The two dates refer to different events: the construction of the priory in 1230 and the opening of today’s Clevedon Pier in 1869.
Wetlands and archaeological history
Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve covers 117 acres of wetlands, home to numerous species. Three viewing hides there provide opportunities to watch wetland birds. If birdwatching is important to your choice, the hides offer a specific point of reference for planning this part of your trip.
Another trace of history is Worlebury Camp on Worlebury Hill. The Iron Age hillfort covers ten hectares, is a Scheduled Monument and is a nationally significant archaeological site. Admission is free. Here, the focus is on a specific archaeological site, its historical period and its protected status.
Historic and archaeological sites in North Somerset can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback; access varies from site to site.
Discover more destinations: Wrington, Weston-Super-Mare, Portbury, Loxton, Clevedon, Yatton, Congresbury, Winford, Wraxall, Winscombe, Portishead, Churchill, Burrington, Blagdon, Easton-In-Gordano, Nailsea, Bleadon, Dundry.
For the wider travel overview: South West England.
