MOVES to name a cycle route between Plymouth and Tavistock after famous seadog Sir Francis Drake have taken an important step forward with the award of a grant from Devon Renaissance to help progress the initiative. West Devon Borough Council has been working alongside Drake?s Dartmoor, a Yelverton-based group of local businesses who use Western Dartmoor?s links with the Elizabethan hero to boost tourism in the area. The group and the Council want to name the cycle route ?linked with the Plym Valley out of Plymouth to the Granite Way north of Tavistock ? the Drake?s Trail. The track forms part of the Sustrans Route 27, which runs north to south across Devon from coast to coast. Devon County Council is due to spend £600,000 this year on the establishment of the cycle track itself and plan to spend even more over the next few years, but currently the section between Plymouth and Tavistock is just labelled Route 27. Drake?s Dartmoor was established around five years ago to capitalise on the strong association the area has with the seafarer. Drake?s home was at Buckland Abbey; his birthplace was just outside Tavistock at Crowndale Barn; Drake?s Leat, which winds its way across the moor, supplied water to Plymouth and Plymouth Hoe was the scene of his finest hour as he prepared to fight the Armada. It is hoped that the small grant will help to support bids for major funding and unlock the money to properly sign the Trail with the Drake theme and promote it to would be users and visitors. This will include links to the various sites of interest in the local area relating to Sir Francis Drake. Cllr Margaret Garton, who is a Buckland Monachorum Councillor for West Devon Borough Council, said : ?This project is a perfect combination, bringing together local history, help for small businesses and the best of healthy and sustainable lifestyles. ?There?s a real momentum here to push forward this great idea.? For further details please contact Robert Plumb, West Devon Borough Council?s Regeneration Officer on 01822 813620 or email [email protected]">[email protected]
