A CYCLEWAY set to be one of the most spectacular in the South West has been completed near Okehampton — signalling a timely boost for Devon's foot and mouth recovery campaign.
The new link from Sourton to Lake in Devon's Coast to Coast cycle route has been carried out by Devon County Council and forms part of the National Cycle Network.
The last few days of work to complete the scheme have been held up since February due to foot and mouth restrictions. As these have recently been lifted, contractors have been able to return to complete the last few metres of path.
The new path runs from Sourton to the magnificent Lake Viaduct before leaving the former railway to join the village of Lake. From here quiet lanes can be used to rejoin the existing Devon Coast to Coast route, which extends over 100 miles from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, and is a key part of the Devon Foot and Mouth Recovery Plan.
This new section is an extension to the path already built from Meldon Viaduct, making a total length of 6.5km. In addition, work has now started on the link from Okehampton as well as a further 3km running south towards Lydford.
Cyclists will see superb views of Dartmoor and west to Cornwall and the path has been carefully designed to show the best views and allow people to enjoy the countryside without harming it.
Devon County Council's project manager for the coast to coast route Graham Cornish said he was very pleased this path could finally be opened.
'People can now visit this part of western Dartmoor in a sustainable way, for example coming by train to Okehampton, catching the Dartmoor Pony train to Meldon and cycling or walking through to Lake,' he said.
'We are also hoping this will help to restart the local economy after foot and mouth by encouraging more visitors to use local shops and facilities.'
Mr Cornish expressed thanks to the various landowners whose co-operation had made this scheme possible.