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WALKS IN AND AROUND FROME
Frome is perfectly located in the Somerset countryside, the beautiful surroundings offering some amazing walks. Here we celebrate just a few of them!
Frome Town Council have produced a series of walking guides to help you explore in and around our beautiful town. You can download the guides from their town walks page here.
Cley Hill
Yesterday we ventured out to Cley Hill, which anyone who has gazed approximately south-east from the southern edge of Frome will have noticed. It’s an easy drive from town, into the parish of Corsley (over the border in Wiltshire - yes, we know, we know!) and off the A362 between Corsley and Warminster. There is parking for at least 12 cars; if drivers park carefully.
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The hill was given to the National Trust by the Marquess of Bath in the 1950s and is a popular destination with walkers. It offers splendid views from the top but please note that it does not make a suitable day out for the infirm or those in poor physical health because of the steepness of its slopes. The top is 244m above sea level...continue reading here.
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Shearwater
Set in the beautiful Longleat Estate, Shearwater Lake is the perfect place for a walk, a picnic, a spot of fishing or even some den building. It’s also ideal for wheelchairs, pushchairs, bikes and scooters as much of the lake has a hard surface path running around it. This is a great spot for families and dog walkers. From feeding the ducks to watching the sailing boats head out from the sailing club, Shearwater Lake has something to offer everyone. For those more adventurous types, there is a vast woodland to explore, perfect for off road mountain biking, running or horse riding.
Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate is a Capability Brown designed viewpoint overlooking Longleat House and estate, and beyond to the Somerset countryside. A flat gravelled path takes you through azaleas and rhododendrons, past a bamboo den and through a beautiful beech woodland opening out onto giant sculptured stones and on towards stunning views. Head here on beautifully clear winter days and you will be swept away, this really could be the gateway to Heaven! At Fabulous Frome we love Heaven’s Gate on a warm summer’s day evening with a bottle of wine watching the sunset…bliss! continue reading here.
Vallis Vale
Heading out of Frome towards Great Elm, you will come across a small parking area opposite a footpath leading into the woods. This is Vallis Vale - we’re always surprised at how many Fromies still haven’t explored this place. Vallis Vale is a Biological and Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its’ industrial history has meant that great sections have been carved out of the rock face - this is a great place for the budding geologist. You can also find crayfish in its’ waters!
We love to take our little ones here in the summer months, retreating from the heat (!) for a paddle and play in the fresh clear waters of the stream in the dappled shade of the trees.
Even The Guardian has something to say about this little gem of a spot. Read what they have to say here.
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Willow Vale & Rodden Meadow
Right bang in the centre of Frome there is an escape from the traffic and shops, following the river down into Willow Vale and Rodden Meadows. This is an expanse of flood fields that is perfect for dog walking or picnics by the river. Just back from the footpath is the Frome Millennium Green (www.fmgt.org.uk), built on a steep bank where you can explore the flora and fauna, take in the views or sit amongst the roots of the ancient sycamore tree.
We love heading out here for a stroll on a Saturday morning with a River House coffee in hand.
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Alfred’s Tower
A little further afield towards Stourhead, Alfred’s Tower stands proud amongst the Somerset countryside. This is part of the expanse of the Stourhead Estate and is hidden by a beautiful mixed woodland. Alfred’s Tower is a great place for a walk in all weathers (even through the woods in the rain) - there are many routes to explore around the woodlands leading back up to the tower.
At Fabulous Frome we like to head here for an early morning stroll through the woods, ending up at the foot of the majestic tower for a little snack and a game of frisbee! The tower itself is open during the summer months and the climb of 205 steps is well worth it for the stunning 360 degree views across Somerset as far as the eye can see. You can even spot Glastonbury Tor on a clear day. Find out more about Alfred's Tower here, or find out more from the National Trust here.
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Rainbow Wood, Bath Skyline
Rainbow Wood at the top of Brassknocker Hill is part of the National Trust Bath Skyline walk. This is a beautifully managed mainly Beech woodland. In the centre of the woods lies an adventure play area for children, continue on and see if you can spot the numerous fairy and elf houses hidden at the foot of the trees. This is a great woodland to head to for a fun playtime or as a start to the Bath Skyline walk. A large part is suitable for pushchairs too.
Here at Fabulous Frome we enjoy heading here for a cool walk with the family during the summer months or even better to take on the longer walk with our faithful friend in tow.