24 January 2012
Devon County Council has committed £240,000 to complete a missing link of the Tarka Trail in North Devon.

The County Council’s Cabinet recently approved the funding to create the off-road route between Willingcott, near Woolacombe, and Knowle, near Braunton, as part of its Local Transport Plan.

The proposed route would follow the former railway line, where possible, and would aim to benefit the local community and local businesses, supporting economic growth and carbon reduction. The Trail also forms part of the Cycle West project which links Devon to France and is expected to attract thousands of visitors into the county.

This latest announcement follows the recent completion of a new section of the Tarka Trail from Corffe Green, near Braunton, to the village of Knowle.

The opening of this stretch reduces the gap between two important off-road sections of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route, the Tarka Trail, and the railway path from Willingcott to Ilfracombe. All that remains to make the route through this area completely off-road is the four miles from Knowle to Willingcott.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “The Devon Coast to Coast must be one of the most beautiful and iconic cycling and walking trails in the country, with the majority of it off-road and much of it using old railway paths through spectacular scenery. Cycling tourism is continuing to grow in popularity and we have an opportunity to make our route even more attractive and family friendly by eliminating this on-road section. The route is also part of the European ‘Velodyssey’ route leading to Hendaye near the French/Spanish border, so this link will help boost its international appeal.”

The newly opened section connecting Braunton with the centre of Knowle village includes a new bridge provided by a local developer. The new trail will enable villagers to cycle off-road between the two communities as well as encouraging visitors to the area.

Councillor Andrea Davis, local Devon County Councillor for Combe Martin Rural and lead member for health, said: “My family and I took part in the coast to coast challenge last year, but I wasn’t confident about taking my children on the road section, so it’s absolutely brilliant news that the entire trail will now be off-road, and should be a huge boost to the local economy, as more families use it.
“Cycling or walking the trail is a great activity for the whole family, with the chance to explore our beautiful countryside and spend quality time together, and it’s also great exercise. And what better place to do it than this spectacular route through some of the county’s finest landscape?”

Councillor Caroline Chugg, local County Councillor for Braunton Rural, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this project will now be helped to move ahead. I am sure it will encourage more visitors to the area, as many people like to cycle but find this particular stretch of road too dangerous, especially when they have young children. The sooner we can get it completed the better.”

Councillor Geoff Fowler, local County Councillor for Ilfracombe, said: “As a member of the initial steering group, along with my Devon County and Ilfracombe Town Council colleagues, I’m really pleased the County Council has committed this funding. We can now identify and formalise the route options and press forward with closing the missing part of the Tarka Trail. Ilfracombe can then be truly promoted as a cycleway destination.”

Connecting the missing link is also a key objective for Ilfracombe Town Council, being the town at the terminus of the line.

Ilfracombe Town Councillor Ron Ley is one of the members of the working group helping to move plans forward. He said: “I am delighted to hear that the county is investing in this important route. The proposed connection would make the Coast to Coast almost entirely off-road from Ilfracombe down to Meeth. This gives the whole of North Devon a real advantage in catering for people who are looking for more active holidays.”