AMBITIOUS proposals to improve cycling access to Dartmoor National Park have received £4.4-million of Government funding.

Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park, who are leading the successful bid, have welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport.

The project will open up access to the moor by improving and completing a number of multi-use trails on Dartmoor as well as creating 'cycling hub' sites at Princetown and Moretonhampstead, which will provide dedicated facilities for visitors.

The aim of the investment is to encourage visitors to explore more of the routes along existing disused railway track beds and canal tow paths, and extend their stay in the area.

The new scheme is expected to encourage more people to cycle to the moor, with up to 43% increase in cycling between 2015 and 2018, bringing an extra £6 million to the local economy and creating the potential for around 100 new jobs.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon county councillor for Highways, said: 'This scheme will enable us to deliver family-friendly, multi-use routes which will improve traffic-free access to Dartmoor.

'By investing in high quality off-road facilities, all visitors and local communities will benefit as well as cyclists. Not only does this Government recognition re-affirm our commitment to making Devon a premier destination for cycling, but this scheme also improves safety for cyclists and will hopefully inspire people to cycle more regularly for their everyday journeys.'

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon county councillor for economy and growth, said: 'Improving access to Dartmoor will make it easier for everyone to enjoy it, especially as this scheme connects to public transport such as the railway stations in Plymouth and Newton Abbot.

'Providing a year round activity will also provide sustained visitor numbers, which is also good news for local tourism.'

Bill Hitchins, chairman of Dartmoor National Park Authority said: 'We are delighted to receive this funding. 

'Cycling is an increasingly popular activity within and around the National Park. 

'Dartmoor provides a wide range of opportunities for cycling, from professional road riders taking part in The Tour of Britain, to gentle rides along quiet lanes, or for challenging rides along moorland bridleways and trails.

'We will be working jointly with Devon County Council to deliver cycling schemes and improvements that will enable more people to access and travel around Dartmoor National Park by bicycle, which will also help support the local economy and tourism through increased visitor spend.'

Targeted improvements within the scheme include upgrading existing routes on Dartmoor, developing a route from Exeter to Dartmoor via Haldon Forest Park, and completion of the Wray Valley Trail.

The Granite Way will also be upgraded to fill in any remaining gaps and complete part of a wider Devon Coast to Coast route which is not only part of the National Cycle Network but also part of the Eurovelo network and Cycle West, a partnership project which has established better cycle links with Normandy and Brittany through the ferry port and rail station at Plymouth.