셰프턴 말렛 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

A few of the signs for the footpath have fallen down so use an ordnance map as backup

Bridleway, fine on a gravel bike in the dry, although slightly overgrown (August 21) - would be very muddy in the wet.

Take the route that goes over the top of the viaduct much easier.

Built in 1860, this folly rises imperiously out of woodland on the edge of the Mendip Hills. The tower of sometimes open to the public and it's worth hiking to the top if possible, for the views are lovely, particularly to the south, across the Somerset Levels. There's a cafe at the base.

With 27 arches, the Charlton Viaduct is an immensely impressive structure. It was built in the 19th century to carry the Somerset and Devon Joint Railway, initially a single track and later widened to carry two. A Grade-II listed building, it's easily seen from the numerous footpaths that run around it, including the Mendip Way long-distance trail.

Part of the defunct Somerset and Dorset Railway, this viaduct looms out of the trees in pretty Ham Woods. There are a further two viaducts between here and where the line leaves Shepton Mallet, each as impressive as the last. The line opened in the 1870s and was active for nearly a hundred years.

Local pub

Great fish and chips for hungry cyclists.