Frome

Pronounced ‘Froom’, this attractive and vibrant little town has a real buzz about it and is a great end to your Mendip Way walk.

For the walker, there are a great range of facilities with plenty of eateries and atmospheric inns to choose from along its medieval streets. Frome has a lively arts scene so why not check out the local arts centre Black Swan Arts.

For some history of the area pay a visit to Frome museum just over the town bridge from the market place. Pedestrianised Catherine Hill is great for wandering around the vintage shops and the Cheese and Grain Hall has regular markets and often live music too.

The centre of Frome has many historical buildings which are best explored on foot as you wander the narrow-cobbled lanes. Look out for the well-preserved medieval Cheap Street where the leat runs down the middle of the street just as it has done for centuries.

Other suggestions after finishing The Mendip Way

Nunney

If you have an extra day here then you can visit the delightful little village of Nunney, four miles south-west of Frome (buses run here Monday to Saturdays) which also is the home of Somerset’s best-preserved castle. Built in the 1370s by the local baron Sir John de la Mare, one of the knights of King Edward III, the castle took a pounding in the English civil war when it was besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell.

Colliers Way

Frome is also the start of the Collier's Way, a 23 mile walk and cycle ride along the course of the old Somerset Coal Canal, later a railway and now a traffic free cycle and walking route to Limpley Stoke and on to Bath.