Vallis Vale

Valley in Somerset Mendip

England

Vallis Vale

The Royal Oak Public House in Frome. — The Royal Oak Credit: Wayland Smith

Vallis Vale is a picturesque valley located in Somerset, England. Nestled between the Mendip Hills and the Chew Valley, it is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. The valley stretches for approximately three miles, following the course of the Vallis Brook.

The landscape of Vallis Vale is characterized by lush green meadows, dense woodlands, and towering limestone cliffs. These cliffs, known as the Vallis Vale Limestone, provide a dramatic backdrop to the valley and are popular with rock climbers and hikers alike. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and a wide array of bird species.

At the heart of Vallis Vale lies the enchanting St. Cuthbert's Church, surrounded by ancient yews and a peaceful graveyard. The church has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century, and is a popular site for visitors seeking a moment of tranquility or a glimpse into the past.

For nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, Vallis Vale offers numerous walking trails and footpaths that meander through its stunning landscapes. One such trail is the Monarch's Way, a long-distance footpath that passes through the valley, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Vallis Vale while exploring a wider network of trails.

Vallis Vale has captivated visitors for centuries with its natural beauty and historical charm. Its idyllic setting, diverse wildlife, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a chance to explore the great outdoors.

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Vallis Vale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.241422/-2.3484121 or Grid Reference ST7549. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Royal Oak

Public House in Frome.

Wayland Smith

Egford Hill

Downhill towards Frome.

Wayland Smith

Frome - Catherine by Gaslight

Catherine Street and historic gas lamp (The Valentine Lamp) in central Frome.

Colin Smith

Frome - The Valentine Lamp

Historic gas lamp on Catherine Street - note the small heart.

Colin Smith

Bed of the abandoned Dorset and Somerset Canal

The Dorset and Somerset canal was intended to ascend Barrow Hill using a flight of five boat lifts. Counting from the bottom, there is no evidence that work ever commenced on the first lift. The other four were never completed, and their chambers, set into the hillside, are overgrown and in various states of dereliction. This image was taken in the short section of canal above the third lift and looks northwest towards the chamber of the fourth.

David Tyers

Dangerfield farm

Rob Purvis

Flowers Farm Bridge

Another small pedestrian bridge over the old railway bridge. Today it's Route 24 on the National Cycle Network, but it was originally a GWR branch line from Radstock to Frome, built in 1854 to Brunel's Broad Gauge initially, and carried coal from the local mines. A year later it began carrying passengers too. But as the viability declined passengers were stopped in 1958; freight soldiered on until the line closed completely in 1988. It made a natural cyclepath which has a tarmac surface only recently completed, but the old rails remain for much of its length. An old fashioned benchmark still exists at the foot of the arch - see ST7450 : Projecting Bracket at Barrow Hill.

Neil Owen

Projecting Bracket at Barrow Hill

The old Radstock-Frome railway line was opened in the mid-1850s, but this Ordnance Survey benchmark was installed in the early part of the 1900s. It is fairly common on the railways of the area but the type itself was replaced by the Flush Bracket shortly after the start of the Second Geodetic Levelling. Indeed, it appears to be a collector's item as the Conduit Bridge item (some 1.5Km to the west) has been removed. See ST7450 : Flowers Farm Bridge a wider location view, ST7350 : Lost! for the missing mark and Link

for the entry in the Benchmark Database.

Neil Owen

Any which way

More old-time enamel pointing fingers, adorning the undersides of bridges along the Colliers' Way. This one is Flowers Farm Bridge, with more to be enjoyed at ST7151 : Is it me?.

Neil Owen

Gate to the field

A simple gate opposite Flowers Farm Bridge - see [[[3329125]] - that allows non-motorised passage to the other field on the other side of the railway. See also ST7450 : For all travellers for the cattle grid here.

Neil Owen

For all travellers

Despite a simple cyclepath running alongside the old railway line, these gates are clearly designed to control a variety of wheeled, two-legged and four-legged users through. The adjoining bridge crossing the line is not one for motorised traffic as it leads to a field. See ST7450 : Gate to the field for the gate and [[[3329125]] for the little bridge.

Neil Owen

Onwards to Bucklands Bridge

National Route 24, leading eventually to Frome. Permission is granted to travel along it!

Neil Owen

Nightingale Lodge, Murtry Hill

Private drive, with public footpath running along it.

Vieve Forward

Course of the Dorset and Somerset Canal

Looking along the bed of the abandoned canal when the wild garlic was in full bloom. This section of the Dorset and Somerset Canal was constructed in about 1798, but the canal was never completed or opened.

David Tyers

Murtry Aqueduct across the Mells River

Murtry Aqueduct was built in about 1798 to carry the Dorset and Somerset Canal across the Mells River. However, the canal was never completed or opened.

David Tyers

Murtry Aqueduct across the Mells River

North side of the three arched Murtry Aqueduct, which was built in about 1798 to carry the Dorset and Somerset Canal across the Mells River. However, the canal was never completed or opened.

David Tyers

Entrance to a small tunnel beneath the embankment of the Dorset and Somerset Canal

Immediately to the east of the Murtry Aqueduct is a small tunnel beneath the canal embankment. This is its northern entrance.

David Tyers

Bed of the abandoned Dorset and Somerset Canal crossing the Murtry Aqueduct

Looking southeast along the course of the Dorset and Somerset Canal where it crosses the Mells River on the Murtry Aqueduct. The canal was never opened, and no boats ever passed this way.

David Tyers

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Vallis Vale is located at Grid Ref: ST7549 (Lat: 51.241422, Lng: -2.3484121)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset