Walking and cycling trail to launch in Cranbrook
A walking and cycling trail is being launched in Cranbrook next month (January) to help local residents explore the area.
The “Discover Cranbrook: The Long Orchard Trail” is being established by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Cranbrook Town Council and Cranbrook New Community Partners Consortium to encourage people to get active and find out what’s on their doorstep.
Starting at the entrance of the Country Park at Long Orchard, the trail includes five posts which feature different rubbings – four around the park and a fifth at Cranbrook Train Station.
Activity cards for the rubbings will be available from the café @143, Younghayes Library, and the fortnightly market.
As an added incentive, completed activity cards can be exchanged for a free refreshment at the cafe @143 between January and March 2017.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “We want to encourage residents to explore the area on foot or by bike, and the discovery trail is a simple idea to get people to give it a try. It’s a fun way not just to find out what wildlife lives in the Country Park but also to discover just how close by the station for anyone who might want to use the sustainable travel links to and from the town. All you need is an activity sheet, a pencil or crayon, find the posts and complete the rubbings.”
Councillor Iain Chubb, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The new trail is a fabulous way for people of all ages to enjoy the wonderful East Devon countryside and keep active at the same time. So we hope that it will encourage people to put on their walking shoes or to get on their bikes. The health benefits of fresh air are frequently underestimated and with the modern pace of life people tend to forget the importance of spending time outdoors. Did you know that fresh air actually makes you happier and gives you more energy and a sharper mind?"
Councillor Kevin Blakey, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, said: “Cranbrook Town Council very much welcomes the creation of the Country Park Discovery Trail and would like to encourage the development of further trails in the future. The Country Park is a real asset to the town and we are very excited to see its use being promoted. The creation of the Trail also provides excellent links with the development of Cranbrook as a Healthy New Town.”
A free cycling and walking map is available for Exeter and Cranbrook. Copies are available at the Younghayes Centre or download or order a copy at www.traveldevon.info
For travel information visit www.traveldevon.info on Twitter follow @travel_devon or tweet #traveldevon
