SOMERSET walkers and cyclists are being encouraged to use the recent good weather to explore active travel routes in the heart of the Levels and Moors.

Somerset Council is responsible for maintaining and promoting the county’s extensive rights of way and active travel network, which includes footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways.

In the former South Somerset area, existing routes link up into the South Somerset Cycleway, an 80-mile circular route which links the Somerset Levels to the Blackmore Vale.

The council has now produced updated materials to promote this route and other related routes, such as the River Parrett Trail, to encourage more people to get active over the summer.

The South Somerset Cycleway has been divided into eight sections, which take in a number of market towns and historic villages, using either dedicated cycle-paths or quiet country lanes.

The shortest section, running from Ilminster to Merriott, clocks in at 10.5km (just over 6.5 miles) and skirts around the Stop Line Way, which connects Ilminster to Chard.

The longest section, running from Somerton to South Petherton, weighs in at 24km (14.9 miles) and runs alongside the River Parrett Trail near Langport.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, housing and culture, said: “It’s a beautiful and varied route that offers a perfect combination of enjoying the magic of the southern side of Somerset’s landscape, all whilst experiencing it in a greener way.

“Spring is a great time to explore rural Somerset as lanes are lined with blooming wild parsley and the blossom is at its best.”

The South Somerset Cycleway runs through Langport town centre, through the Westover trading estate and follows the former railway line down to Law Lane, a few yards from the River Parrett Trail where it crosss the road between Drayton and Muchelney.

The River Parrett Trail runs from the river’s source in Cheddington past a recently-approved solar farm site, over the Levels via Langport and ends at the Bristol Channel near Bridgwater.

The 50-mile route follows the course of the river and is almost totally unimpeded, save for a tunnel under the A30 at Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne, which has been blocked up since 2006.

Local councillors Mike Hewitson and Oliver Patrick are pushing for the land on the southern side of the tunnel to be secured (possibly through a compulsory purchase order) to enable the passageway to be reopened.

The Langport stretch runs through the neighbouring parish of Huish Episcopi, entering the town from the south at the Black Bridge, passing through the communal Cocklemoor green space and ending at the Bow Street bridge.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, portfolio holder for the environment and climate change, said: “Green tourism initiatives are particularly important topics as part of our wider climate change programme and thinking about ways in which we can help to protect our environment and assets here in Somerset.

“By developing and promoting cycling routes and eco-bike packing trips it enables us to continue to promote our beautiful part of the country but in a sustainable manner.”

To view a map of the entire South Somerset Cycleway, visit www.visitsouthsomerset.com/listings/cycling/eighty-mile-cycle-route.htm. To view the Somerset rights of way network, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-rights-of-way.