Tarka Trail
The new bridge being built across the Taw as part of the Barnstaple bypass is due to be completed in 2007. It will provide a new crossing for cyclists and pedestrians, segregated from motor traffic, and be an important link in the Tarka Trail.
The Trail has now been given a sealed surface between Bideford and Westleigh - the last remaining section from Torrington to Braunton.
Nearby, work to assemble the Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway, which closed in 1918, has been given a boost by the award of a major grant from the Bideford Bridge Trust. This proposed railway path will include a spectacular clifftop section beside Bideford Bay and is likely to be popular with commuters and tourists. Devon County Council will be working on a planning application and land acquisition in the next two years.
Devon Coast to Coast
With all the necessary agreements reached, work is beginning in Tavistock to create a new bridge over the Tavy. When complete, the bridge will form part of a safe route to one of Devon's largest secondary schools, and revolutionise cycle links from the south of the town.
Work has started to create the first major section of Drake's Trail, a traffic-free route from Tavistock to Plymouth. £250,000 is being spent between Grenofen and Horrabridge including conversion of Magpie Viaduct. The 'Magpie' theme is to be enhanced by using granite aggregate concrete to produce additional white stripes on this dramatic structure which is made of blue engineering brick. At the same time, compulsory purchase orders are being undertaken at both ends of the route.
Thanks to the Devon County Council RockETS scheme (compensating areas for mining operations), the trails around Saltram House have been improved for safer cycling and wheelchair use. The new cafe at Saltram is highly recommended.
The Culbone Way
The new route from Minehead station to Ilfracombe across the roof of Exmoor, has been opened and is proving popular if slightly more strenuous than our normal railway paths. For more information about route developments around Minehead, see the Somerset page.
Exe Estuary
Devon County Council are developing plans for an almost entirely traffic free cycle path on both the east and west banks of the Exe Estuary. When complete this will be a direct high quality route for the communities along the estuary between Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish, and a spectacular path for locals and the many visitors to the area.
The Exe Estuary will be a flagship section of National Cycle Network in Devon. Good progress is already being made with the submission of planning applications, and construction along the canal between Bridge Road and Turf Lock should be complete in September 06.
Planting to minimise disruption to wildlife has begun at various points along the estuary - notably near Exmouth and north of Topsham along the canal by the RSPB reserve. Along the Exeter canal bank section from Bridge Road, special solar cat's-eyes are being installed to identify the boundary, when it's dark, between the water and the path!
Seaton - Axminster
This route is at the consultation stage. Priority is being given to the section between Seaton and Colyford, a third of which has already been built and is in good use. We are also looking at how to provide a safe crossing of the A35 near Kilmington.
Teign Estuary
The route is being dealt with in three stages: Newton Abbot to Passage House Inn and Kingsteignton; Teignmouth to Shaldon & Bishopsteington; and Bishopsteignton to Passage House Inn. Land agreements are being finalised for the section from Newton Abbot railway station to Kingsteignton with a view to commencing construction this financial year. The early stages of negotiation for the remainder of the route to Teignmouth are underway. An Environmental Impact Assessment is being developed.
Free cycle maps for Devon
Barnstaple Cycle Network - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Discover Devon Cycling - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exeter Cycle Guide - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Tiverton-Culme Valley - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
North Devon Cycle Routes - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exeter Cycle map (8th edition) - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exminster/Exwick to Exeter - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
The Granite Way - Devon County Council, tel: 01392 383223
Plymouth Cycle Guide - Plymouth City Council, tel: 01752 304316
