AFTER being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the gobe, playing a major part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada and bringing a sustainable water supply to the city of Plymouth, Sir Francis Drake is lending his name to another important venture in West Devon. Route 27 of the National Cycle Network between Tavistock and Plymouth is to be named ?Drake?s Trail? after the local hero. The first section of Drake?s Trail has recently been opened to the public, between Bedford Bridge at Horrabridge, and Grenofen Bridge. Graham Cornish, of Devon County Council, said the assembly of Drake?s Trail was one of the most challenging cycle/walkways in Devon, with a complex pattern of landownership, some monumental structures and the hilly country around Horrabridge. He said: ?Out of the total 26km between Tavistock and Plymouth, it is encouraging that only 1.3km is still under negotiation.? Graham also emphasised the interim nature of this newest stretch. He said: ?As the route is being pieced together it is not cost-effective to provide the final surface in sections. ?The surface is railway ballast, suitable for mountain bikes and the route does include some steeper gradients. The project is being planned to eradicate the steep hills through the Walkham Valley with the construction of a bridge, reinstating in modern form Brunel?s old railway viaduct. ?During the construction of the path, an original Brunel pier foundation was discovered and this massive structure is now on display.? From Bedford Bridge car park, the trail can be reached by climbing up to Magpie Viaduct, which has now been renovated and is open for the public to enjoy fine views of Dartmoor. The railway leads to the Walkham Valley, where a temporary low level bridge has been built. After this, the route climbs to the original north abutment of the former Walkham Viaduct, sadly now demolished. Here the route circumvents the huge earth structure with an innovative aerial section, running high through oak trees. The main route is planned to continue to Tavistock, but in the interim, a route descends through the riverside meadows to Grenofen Bridge. For walkers, the return route may be along the river footpath. The final route will connect various points associated with Drake, including his birthplace, the statue in Tavistock, and his house at Buckland Monarchorum. It will also follow the leat he constructed, unwittingly helping to achieve a gentle path towards Plymouth. Drake?s Trail is intended to promote the Drake connections as an additional green tourism resource for the area. Howard Boulter, chairman of Drake?s Dartmoor, a voluntary organisation representing local businesses for the project, said: ?By using the famous Devonian?s name for this spectacular tourist attraction, we are hoping to attract more visitors and create more jobs. ?Cycling helps local businesses to grow and to be less dependant on the summer season, because it is more of an all season activity.? Cllr Alan Hosking, the county council member for Yelverton Rural, said: ?This is obviously the first stage in a much bigger project but I can see that it will already bring advantages to the local community by providing a wonderful range of cycling opportunities and starting to open up this marvellous old railway line.? The picture shows the sign now installed at Bedford Bridge car park to mark this first stage of the new off road cycling route.