Exe Estuary Trail opens
The Exe Estuary Trail, Devon’s flagship cycle route, will be fully open to the public from this weekend.
The opening of the final £1.6 million section of the trail, which links Turf Lock and Powderham, means that the 16 mile route around the Estuary, can now be enjoyed in its entirety for the first time.
Although minor work on the new 1.9km section will be completed in the Spring, from tomorrow (Saturday 8 November) walkers and cyclists can access the three-metre wide off-road cycle path and newly constructed bridge, near the existing level crossing at Powderham. When fully completed the route will feature carefully designed viewing areas which will provide trail users with the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the Estuary.
The predominantly off-road network, designed by Devon County Council, now links Exmouth to Dawlish Warren, via Topsham and Exeter, and forms part of National Cycle Network 2.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: "The opening of the full route of the Exe Estuary Trail is great news and a fantastic achievement. It has been an ambitious project but well worth it. The route provides a spectacular showcase of the excellent cycling opportunities on offer in Devon, and it is one of the best ways to take in the Exe Estuary. There is still some minor work to be undertaken but the new section of the trail is accessible and open, and we will look forward to an official ceremony at a later date."
Councillor Alan Connett, Devon County Councillor for Exminster and Kenton, said: "I'm delighted to see this long awaited section of the trail is now open and ready for the winter. Many complex and difficult issues have been overcome to achieve the trail. The County Council will need to keep a close watch on potential increases in traffic and parking locally - because the trail is likely to be very popular, but deservedly so."
Work on this final section has been carried out by local contractor Dawnus Construction.
