East Mendip Way

The East Mendip Way is 31.25 km, or about 19.4 miles, from Wells to Frome. Most walkers complete it in 1 long day or split it into 2 easier days, often using Shepton Mallet or Waterlip as a break point. The route is generally classed as easy, but the full distance and 577 m of climbing still make it a solid outing.

The East Mendip Way runs east across Somerset from Wells to Frome. The signed route begins around Cathedral Green by Wells Cathedral and the Wells & Mendip Museum, then finishes in central Frome. It forms the eastern half of the wider Mendip Way long-distance route.

Yes. The East Mendip Way is commonly broken into shorter sections rather than walked all at once. The current Mendip Way guide splits the east section into Wells to Shepton Mallet at 6.1 miles, Shepton Mallet to Waterlip at 2.6 miles, Waterlip to Great Elm at 7.5 miles, and a final leg into Frome, which makes it practical as a 2- to 4-stage walk.

The East Mendip Way links Wells, Shepton Mallet, Waterlip, Great Elm, and Frome. Notable features on the route include Wells Cathedral, Tor Hill Nature Reserve, King’s Castle Wood, Charlton Viaduct near Shepton Mallet, and Cranmore Tower above the woodland section before Great Elm. There are also views back toward Glastonbury Tor on the Shepton Mallet side.

The East Mendip Way is rated easy overall, but that does not mean flat. Across 31.25 km it gains 577 m, with a mix of pavement leaving Wells, field paths, woodland tracks, hedge-lined lanes, minor roads, steps, gates, and stiles. Some sections are gentle, but there are steeper gradients and muddy ground after wet weather.

Yes. The East Mendip Way is one of the more practical point-to-point walks in Somerset because both ends are in towns with bus links. Wells has bus services to places including Bath, Bristol, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Street, and Weston-super-Mare, and Frome has both bus services and a railway station, which makes return travel easier without a car.

Dogs can generally be taken on public rights of way in Somerset, so much of the East Mendip Way is suitable for walking with a dog. The route crosses farmland and uses gates, kissing gates, and stiles in places, so close control is important, especially around livestock. Some sections may be awkward for larger dogs because of the path furniture.