THE official opening of Chuck's Ford, Bere Ferrers, took place on August 1 in the presence of the mayor of West Devon, Cllr Christine Grills and Devon county councillor Gretta Madigan.
In the early years of the last century the ford was used as a means of taking goods to Devonport market by pony and trap.
However it fell into disuse some 30 years ago when increasing silting took place.
Malcolm Collingridge, spokesman for the local horse watch group explained that the Bere Peninsula Horsewatch Group, together with local people, had spent six months clearing the area with the aid of a European grant, and help from local councils and environmental groups.
Now walkers, carriage and horseriders will be able to cross the Tavy from the Bere Ferrers bank via Chuck's Ford to Maristow and circle around through Lopwell.
The route offers safe, mainly off-road walking, birdwatching and riding opportunities in an area of outstanding natural beauty — but beware only for two hours either side of low tide!
After crossing the ford the riders headed for a celebratory lunch at the Who'd Have Thought It at Milton Combe.