BRIDLEPATHS and footpaths in parts of West Devon were re-opened for the first time since the beginning of the foot and mouth crisis by Devon County Council last weekend.
The move was timed to co-incide with the tourism boosting 'Devon Open — All Year Round' campaign.
Footpaths in a zone between Tavistock and Cornwall, bounded to the north by the Tavistock to Launceston road, and to the south by the A386 Tavistock to Plymouth Road are now open, unless marked with a red closure notice.
The move follows major consultations between farmers in West Devon and the county council.
Peter Doyle, council spokesman, said: 'Throughout this phased programme of gradually re-opening Devon, the county has struck a common-sense balance that meets the very real needs of our vital tourism industry and those of local people, while at the same time takes no unnecessary risks with foot and mouth.'
Details of open paths have been sent to town and parish councils and tourist information centres.
For information and advice, go to the council's website, http://www.devon.gov.uk">www.devon.gov.uk or call the council's public rights of way phone line on 01392 382550.
l All 2,633 miles of footpaths and bridleways in Cornwall will be open to the public from 9am tomorrow (Friday). The only exception is a small number of rights of way under DEFRA Form A notices, which will be clearly signed.
The red notice exemption scheme for livestock areas will no longer be in operation and landowners have been asked to clear the notices.
Walkers may ignore remaining notices exception those in Form A restricted areas.