A SOMERSET walking and cycle route has grown with the opening of a new section.

The 76-mile Somerset Circle walking and cycling route aims to span from Bristol to Bath, to the Levels and the Mendips, and was launched by the former Mendip District Council three years ago.

Sections of the Circle have already been completed at West Shepton, Dulcote, Westbury-sub-Mendip and Easton.

And now, a 1.3-kilometre section linking Hamwood Viaduct to Thrupe Lane, providing a traffic-free route for people to enjoy, has been opened.

A cycling route will be signposted taking riders along minor roads from Thrupe Lane, over the Mendip Hills to Gurney Slade and Chilcompton.

READ MORE: Health & Wellbeing news from your Somerset Leveller

The Somerset Circle project has been coordinated by charitable organisation Greenways and Cycleroutes, working in partnership with councils, the Strawberry Line Society, landowners and voluntary groups.

Invited guests for the opening included former HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, representatives from Shepton Mallet Town Council, contractors MP and KM Golding Ltd and volunteers from The Strawberry Line Society, Shepton Mallet Community Woodland, and Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels.

The route was officially opened by long standing campaigner for traffic-free paths, Somerset Council’s associate lead member for active travel and public transport, West Mendip Councillor Ros Wyke, and Christopher Somerville, representative of Dinder Estate.

Cllr Wyke said: “This is an exciting moment. The new section we’re gathering to open today completes a key missing link in the Somerset Circle and opens up a safe, active travel route from Shepton right into the Mendip Hills.

“None of this would have been possible without years of teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part, and to all who gave their time, energy, skills, and support to make it happen.

“We live in a beautiful part of the world, and now we’ve created new ways to enjoy it and share it. This route will be loved by local people and visitors to our county for years to come. A fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”

The proposed Somerset Circle would measure around 76 miles