Downside Abbey to Frome

 11 miles / 5 hours

Downside Abbey is a Benedictine monastery, home to a community of monks who were established here two centuries ago.  It is located at Stratton on the Fosse in Somerset.  The day starts with an optional Mass in the Abbey's crypt chapel at 9.30am.  Then the walk proceeds through the attractive Mendip Hills and through the pictureque villages of Coleford, Mells and Great Elm, each of which hosts an interesting historic church. 

The walk finishes in the town of Frome at the church of St John the Baptist and the well of St Aldhelm.  There will be time to linger in the town before taking a taxi back to Downside.