A KEY section of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route between Okehampton and Meldon Viaduct is due to be completed following a grant of £140,000 to Sustrans.
A spokeman for Sustrans — the sustainable transport charity — said the grant from the Countryside Agency meant the new traffic-free section would avoid a very strenuous and circuitous on-road section of the cycle route.
The current Meldon-Lydford route uses roads.
'It will open up access from Meldon to Lake Viaduct and to Lydford and will provide stunning views and access to Dartmoor.'
The stations at either end of the new section would be particularly attractive to cycling and walking tourists, he said.
'The works will help encourage people into an area that has been hard hit by foot and mouth.'
It is hoped that work on the Coast to Coast route will be completed by mid-March.
The grant will also fund the upgrading of the Plym Valley Path from Bickleigh towards Coypool in the Yelverton to Plymouth section of the cycle route, which is part of the National Cycle Network, making it suitable for wheelchair users.