WEST Devon?s Granite Way cycle path has been singled out for praise following the presentation of a prestigious national award. Devon County Council received the award for excellence for its work in developing the National Cycle Network. The award has been given by Sustrans, the UK?s leading sustainable transport charity, to recognise the work of local authorities around the country in creating the first 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network. Picked out for special mention was the council?s work on the Granite Way on National Cycle Route 27, around the western edge of Dartmoor from Okehampton to Lydford, Tavistock and on to Plymouth, which included constructing paths over Meldon and Lake viaducts. Devon County Council won the ?Inspired Countryside Routes? category for its achievement in creating a network of routes throughout the county. The Sustrans award citation said the county council had been ?outstanding in its determination to complete a rural network of routes? and referred to the ?memorable Granite Way?. The chief executive of Sustrans, John Grimshaw, praised the county council?s achievement in tackling such a large network. ?Devon County Council has recognised the value of recreational and tourist cycling and has committed staff and funds. It has shown it is willing to tackle tough sections without which there would be no network, only fragments of routes,? he said. Looking ahead, Mr Grimshaw praised the council?s approach to developing the Exe Estuary route which he said had the potential to be a fantastic route which could make a step change in getting more people to cycle in that area. To date the county council has completed over 300 miles of the National Cycle Network routes. Devon County Council?s executive member for environment, Cllr Margaret Rogers, said: ?I am very pleased we have won this national award. It reflects the outstanding efforts and expertise of Devon County Council and its officers, working with partners, to develop these wonderful cycle routes. ?It is a clear recognition of our commitment to cycling at all levels. ?These routes bring such valuable support to our local economy and enable so many people to enjoy our superb countryside in a sustainable and healthy manner.?