ABOUT THE TRAIL

Our vision and aims for the Russet Cider Trail

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a shared‑use path or ‘greenway’ set away from main roads, offering a peaceful countryside route that people of all ages and levels of mobility can enjoy in complete safety.

With the A road between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton becoming ever busier and more hazardous, travelling to and from the town centre has become a near‑impossible option for all but the bravest walkers and cyclists. For families with children, it is effectively a ‘no‑go’ route. As the population in local communities continues to grow — and with the pressing need to reduce car journeys — action is urgently required.

This trail will create inter generational opportunities, connecting the communities of Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke, Norton Fitzwarren and nearby villages, while linking onwards to paths into Taunton to maximise the benefits for everyone. Integral components of the project include the promotion of health and well being, to upport local economic growth, and encourage co-operative, forward thinking development.

SAFE

A traffic-free greenway that gives families, walkers, cyclists and people of all abilities a safer alternative to the hazardous A358.

CONNECTED

A practical countryside link between Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke, Norton Fitzwarren and Taunton, helping local people travel without relying on the car.

INCLUSIVE

A welcoming route designed for all ages, all abilities and everyday journeys, from commuting and school runs to leisure and exercise.

BACKGROUND

Summary of early planning
The Russet Cider Trail is at an early but important stage, with work focused on identifying a practical route, understanding landowner considerations, and shaping a proposal that can gain local, environmental and strategic support.

Community input
Local voices will be central to the project. We want residents, families, commuters, schools, businesses and community groups to help demonstrate the need for a safer, greener connection between the villages and towards Taunton.

Feasibility
Initial feasibility work has already explored the potential for a safe shared-use route away from the busiest roads. The next stage is to test route options in more detail, including access, land, ecology, cost, permissions and long-term maintenance.

For many years there has been a strong local aspiration to create a shared use path linking the rural communities of Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren, with onward connections into Taunton via existing paths.

In 2025, responsibility for progressing this long standing ambition passed to a new charity, The Russet Cider Trail, which was established specifically to deliver a safe, accessible greenway for the area.

A detailed report by SUSTRANS (October 2013) proposed a route running largely alongside the West Somerset Railway, from the north west side of Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard station. This alignment aligns closely with the charity’s aims: a route away from major roads, set within a natural, quiet and visually appealing landscape. Building on this earlier work, the charity has further developed the concept, and a preferred route—still based on the railway corridor—is now being finalised, with negotiations with landowners actively underway.

A more recent study by STANTEC UK PLC (March 2023) examined an alternative route alongside the A358, but this option was dismissed for two key reasons:

  • an estimated project cost in the region of £12 million, and
  • the A358 alignment does not meet the charity’s vision for a tranquil, countryside greenway away from heavy traffic.

The project enjoys strong local support, including from the Parish Councils of Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren, as well as from County Council representatives for the wards involved. Rachel Gilmour MP has been briefed and is fully supportive of the initiative.

VALUABLE ASSISTANCE

The Russet Cider Trail has already benefited greatly from the generous advice, enthusiasm and practical support of John Grimshaw, one of the UK’s most experienced advocates for greenways and cycle routes. John has been closely involved in the development of many similar projects across the country and is Chair of Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd, an organisation dedicated to supporting the creation of safe, attractive and sustainable routes for walking, cycling and wheeling.

John has kindly walked the proposed route, shared his considerable knowledge, and prepared an initial route workbook to help us understand the opportunities, constraints and practical next steps. We are grateful for his encouragement and for the early support of Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd as we work to turn the Russet Cider Trail from a local ambition into a deliverable community asset.