A NEW route being established for walkers called the 'Devonshire Heartland Way' is to start from Okehampton Railway Station at its western end.
The route is approximately 43 miles in length stretching from Okehampton to Stoke Canon.
The main section of 25 miles is in Mid Devon but there are 15 miles in West Devon and three in East Devon.
It will pass through 16 parishes in the heart of the Devonshire countryside and will use part of existing public rights of way — these being footpaths and bridleways. The rest of the route will make use of minor county roads or unclassified county roads.
It is anticipated that the route, which connects with the West Devon Way and Tarka Trail, will be well used and help to further establish Okehampton as the walking centre of Devon.
It is also expected to bring a financial benefit to many businesses operating in the town with persons using the route looking for accommodation, food, drink and other goods.
The route is the brainchild of Crediton man, David Durrant, who is working in conjunction with Mid Devon District Council to see the walk established.
Public rights of way officer for Mid Devon District Council Richard Spurway said, at the moment, funding was being sought for improvements to the route and the production of a leaflet to publicise it.
It was also hoped that Devon County Council would become involved in the initiative.