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Mendip Way - East Section

Mendip Way - East Section

A self-guided walk from Wells to Frome, exploring the eastern section of the Mendip Way.

3 nights
22 miles
Moderate

From £290 per person

Find out about the tour

About this route

The east section of the Mendip Way starts in the tiny city of Wells and continues through the countryside of the Mendip Hills to the ancient town of Frome. The trail utilises an old Roman road and enjoys tranquil woodland scenery, visiting quiet villages and market towns along the way.

The views from Cranmore Tower, the highest point on the trail, are far-reaching and stunning, while other sites of interest include the impressive Cathedral at Wells, traces of prehistoric settlements at Shepton Mallet and the magnificent Bishop’s Palace.

Standard
Interactive
© Contours Walking Holidays Mendip Way - East Section map
Wells to Frome
22 miles (35 km)
2nd January to 24th December

Holiday highlights

Exploring the wonderful collection of historic houses in Wells, including Bishop’s Palace and Vicar’s Close.

Reaching the highest point on the Mendip Way at Cranmore Tower and admiring the far-reaching views.

Experiencing the peace and tranquillity of ancient woodlands on route to Frome.

Available tours

CodeTourDurationDifficultyPrice per person
MWE1 From Wells to Frome 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate£290

Mendip Way - East Section 3 nights, 2 days walking

£NNN per person
  • Itinerary
  • What's included?
  • Extra nights?
  • Tour facts
  • Travel info
  • Weather
Start

Travel to Wells where your first night's accommodation has been booked

Day 1

Wells to Shepton Mallet. 8 miles (13km)

Day 2

Shepton Mallet to Frome. 13.5 miles (21.5km)

Finish

Depart from Frome after breakfast

Your Itinerary

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.

Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.

The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard.

Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:

A note about transfers
Solo Traveller Supplement
£40.00 per person / per night
Single Supplement
£30.00 per person / per night


You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Extra night (Standard)
£50.00 per person / per night

What's included?

  • 3 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms (where available) in selected B&B’s, hotels, inns and guesthouses along the trail, or a short distance away via taxi provided at our expense.
  • Breakfast each day.
  • Door to door luggage transfer.
  • Maps with the route marked on and a guidebook or route notes describing the trail.
  • An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night and a kit list.
  • Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday and back from the end of it.

Extra Nights & Rest Days

An extra night is the perfect way to extend your holiday, whether you spend your day resting, exploring the area on foot, or visiting one of the many local attractions in Somerset.

Consider an extra night in the medieval city of Wells, England's smallest city. Its spectacular 13th century cathedral is one of the many buildings that demonstrate the city's long and fascinating history, including the Bishop's Palace, Moat and Gardens, Vicars' Close and the bustling market place.

The market town of Shepton Mallet is a delight to explore. The fine buildings that line the high street are occupied by small, independent shops and boutiques, while reminders of the town?s past lie in every corner, from pastel coloured Georgian buildings, to old wooden tresses, once used by the butcher to sell his wares. A Norman church, 17th century Almshouses, and Market Cross are but a few of the town?s historic buildings, while the nearby Kilver Court Gardens offers a stunningly beautiful display of gardens, as well as a farm shop and cafe, set amid beautiful surroundings.

Frome is another interesting town, with more listed buildings than anywhere else in the region. There are a range of shops, boutiques and cafes, as well as a museum and arts and crafts centre. The renowned Longleat Safari Park is located just a few miles from Frome, where you can explore the magnificent Longleat House, meet a variety of animals and discover the large adventure park.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Extra night (Standard)
£50.00 per person / per night

Tour Facts

Total distance: 21.5 miles (34.5 km)
Duration: 3 nights, 2 days walking
Minimum daily distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Maximum daily distance: 13.5 miles (21.5 km)
Code: MWE1 Grade: Moderate
Season: 2nd January - 24th December
Start of holiday: Wells
End of holiday: Frome

Travel Information

Useful information and travel links that will assist you in your plans to travel to the start of the holiday and back from the end of it are sent to you with your full tour pack. A summary is given below:

By Air - The most convenient major city and international airports are Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.

By Rail - The nearest rail station to the start of the trail (Wells) is Castle Cary (about 13.5 miles away). There is a rail station at the end of the trail (Frome).

By Bus - Two buses would be required to get from Castle Cary to Wells (Monday to Saturday only), so a taxi would be the best option. Various bus services run from Frome.

From London - Trains run from London Paddington station to Castle Cary. From there a taxi will be required to Wells.

Return To The Start - The easiest way to return to the start of the trail, is to take a taxi from Frome to Wells.

Weather Information

To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:

  • MetCheck - This website allows you to look up detailed weather information for specific locations as far as six months in advance.
  • Met Office - This website shows regional area forecasts a few days in advance, with a general UK forecast description of up to 30 days in advance.
  • Mountain Forecast - This website shows what the forecast is like up on specific hills and fells, and offers forecasts a few days in advance.

Routes on this trail

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