Highlight • Trail
Shute Shelve Tunnel
Hiking
4.4
(48)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 24, 2021
Hiking
August 22, 2021
Hiking
February 17, 2021
Hiking
This tunnel is impressively cut from the hillside and was the first section of the line to be created. The tunnel extends 590 feet (180 m) and is lit.
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Shute Shelve Tunnel
4.8
(5)
25
hikers
20.0km
05:35
370m
370m
Embark on a challenging hike through the Mendip Hills with the Butcombe Trail & Beacon Batch loop from Cheddar. This difficult 12.4-mile (20.0 km) route takes you across limestone ridges, through ancient woodlands, and over expansive plateaus. You will gain 1224 feet (373 metres) in elevation, with the journey typically taking around 5 hours and 34 minutes to complete. From Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendips, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Bristol Channel to Wales, and over Weston-super-Mare. Expect varied terrain, including well-worn paths, some loose ground, and potentially muddy sections in wet conditions. You might even spot wild ponies or cattle in areas like Black Down. This trail offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a robust outdoor adventure. Prepare for a demanding hike that requires good physical fitness. Starting from Cheddar, you will navigate a diverse landscape that transitions to moorland as you approach Beacon Batch, featuring heather and bracken. Be ready for some short climbs and rocky sections. The trail is best enjoyed when conditions are dry, as paths can become very muddy after rain. This specific loop is part of the broader Butcombe Trail, famously known as the "Mendip Pub Trail" for its original connection to local pubs. Beacon Batch itself is not only the highest point in the Mendip Hills but also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is rich in history, with archaeological features ranging from Bronze Age burial mounds to remnants from World War II. This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and challenging terrain makes the route a unique exploration of the Mendips.
5.0
(3)
19
hikers
6.02km
01:37
70m
70m
Explore the Shute Shelve Hill & Kings Wood loop from Axbridge, an easy 3.7-mile (6.0 km) hike that takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. You will gain 241 feet (73 metres) in elevation, experiencing varied terrain from a level old railway track to a steep climb up Shute Shelve Hill. From the hilltop, enjoy panoramic views over Axbridge and the surrounding landscape before descending through the ancient oak woodland of King's Wood.
This circular route begins and ends in the historic town of Axbridge, making it convenient for a day out. Before or after your hike, you can find pubs, restaurants, and shops in Axbridge to relax and refuel. Be prepared for varied surfaces, including potentially muddy sections, especially after wet weather, and natural, uneven paths.
The trail offers a glimpse into the rich natural and historical tapestry of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. King's Wood, a significant part of the route, is an ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to diverse wildlife like badgers and deer, and seasonal flora such as bluebells and wild garlic. The path also follows a section of the historic Strawberry Line, a disused railway, adding a unique element to your journey.
4.8
(12)
342
hikers
7.83km
02:19
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 80 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 24 June
36°C
21°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December