THE RUSSET CIDER TRAIL
A Safe, Sustainable Pathway Connecting Our Communities
A SAFER, GREENER WAY TO CONNECT OUR VILLAGES
The Russet Cider Trail is a bold local vision for a new countryside greenway linking Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke, Norton Fitzwarren and the wider route towards Taunton. It would give people a safe, accessible and enjoyable alternative to the busy road, opening up everyday walking and cycling for families, commuters, older people, young people and anyone who wants to travel more easily without relying on a car.
Set away from main roads wherever possible, the trail would do more than create a path. It would connect communities, support healthier lifestyles, reduce short car journeys and help people enjoy the landscape on their doorstep. We are now working to build local support, explore route options and turn this much-needed idea into a practical and lasting community asset.
THE PROPOSED ROUTE
WHO
The trail will benefit local residents, families, school communities, commuters, walkers, cyclists and people with limited mobility, providing a safer and more enjoyable way to travel between nearby villages and towards Taunton.
WHAT
The existing road route is increasingly busy, narrow and hazardous, making it unsuitable for many walkers, cyclists and families. A safer alternative is needed to support healthier travel, reduce car dependency and connect growing communities.
WHY
We aim to develop a peaceful countryside route, set away from main roads wherever possible, that can be used for everyday journeys, commuting, leisure, exercise and family travel by people of all ages and abilities.
BENEFITS FOR ALL
Links to Taunton cycle network and others
Ideal for children and novice cyclists to gain confidence in safe environment. Greater need as population and traffic numbers increase.
Current road busy and unsafe for cyclists
Suitable for short journeys to work or school and ideal for children and novice cyclists to gain confidence in safe environment
Great connections with West Somerset Railway
Links to public transport hub Taunton Railway Station, with enhanced access to West Somerset Railway
Available for exercise and recreation for everyone
Access for all, regardless of mobility, within a safe and natural environment.
CHARITABLE AIMS
The object of our Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is:
To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Somerset and the surrounding areas, the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.