Frome and Cranmore Leg Buster

Frome in Somerset is on the edge of the Mendip Hills; consequently, this ride is hilly and not for the faint-hearted. Although this ride is only 24 miles long, it has over 1800ft of climbing, so legs, lungs and mind will be tested. As the route unfolds, many of the climbs push beyond 5–6%, with a few even creeping just over 8%. A very short stretch also hits 15%, so prepare yourself for a leg‑testing, lung‑busting day out.

Route Description

From the start point at Frome Railway station, it’s a busy and uphill stretch for the first mile or so. Fortunately, it’s not too long before you turn off right and downhill along Egford Lane and into Egford itself. Soon after crossing Egford Brook, it’s time for the climbing to start again. The next seven miles or so are almost exclusively uphill with only a couple of short downhills to break it up. 

Following Elm Lane from Egford its a gentle run to Great Elm and then a longer climb past Mells and on to Vobster where there is a brief breather as the route drops into Lower Vobster. From here, the route climbs steadily again as it passes through Highbury and loops round to Holcombe.

Dropping down Edford Hill and into Green Lane the route subsequently crosses Mell Stream. After the second crossing of Mell Stream, steel yourself for the fiercest challenge of the entire ride — the brutal 15% haul up Limekiln Lane. In time, after a brief flat, it crosses the Fosse Rd and carries on up Midway and on to the highest point of the ride at the junction with the old Frome Road.

Time to take it easy now as the route runs downhill to Cranmore and then to East Cranmore before the inevitable climb upto Downhead. After passing through Downhead, it’s a straight run on Pound Lane and Park Lane to Old Wells Road.

As you turn onto Old Wells Road and Somers Hill, it becomes a relatively easy run into the small town of Nunney. Before you roll on, we’d recommend taking a little time in Nunney to explore the castle and give your legs a rest.

After leaving Nunney, the ride to Frome is fairly straightforward, although you’ll need to tackle a small incline on the outskirts of town.

If you decide to take on this ride we take our hats off to you, and if you manage the climb up Limekiln lane without needing to get off and walk then we can only say – Chapeau!

 

Route Summary

Start Point – Frome Railway Station BA11 5JU, O.S. Grid Ref – ST 78450 47605

Distance – 24.0 miles /38.5 km

Elevation Gain – 1810ft / 552 metres

Places of Interest

• East Somerset Heritage Railway – just off the route in Cranmore.
• Nunney Castle – just off the route in Nunney.

Refreshment Stops

• A number of places in Frome at the start / finish.
• Vobster Inn- on the route at the 5.7 mile point.
• Holcombe Farm Shop and Kitchen – on the route at the 9.0 mile point.
• The Strode Arms in Cranmore – on the route at the 14.0 mile point.
• The Cafe at Nunney – on the route at th 20.0 mile point.

Local Bike Shops

• Pronto Bikes – 18 Bath St, Frome BA11 1DN.  Tel 01373 471439
• Frome Community Bike Project – Station Approach, Frome BA11 1RE, Tel 07404 182713
• Sturdy Cycles – The Old Tannery, Lower Keyford, Frome BA11 4AR. Tel 07906 435943

Closest Railway Stations

• Frome – at the start / end point.

 

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39163177

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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