Proposed new cycle path offers hope to frustrated cyclists and motorists

Cyclists looking for new routes and motorists fed up with traffic jams will soon be able to enjoy a safer and more scenic alternative, thanks to a proposed new cycle path in the South Hams.

The aim of the ‘Dart Valley Cycle Trail’ is to connect Totnes with Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor National Park via a path stretching over seven miles.

The project is the brainchild of community group Sustainable Staverton, working in partnership with charity Sustrans, which is also responsible for the national cycle network.

John Forte of Sustainable Staverton said the intention was to allow cyclists to use the track for both work and recreation.

“It’s actually a double whammy because not only are we getting people to use an active travel route, which is safer than what’s available now, but we’re also getting people to enjoy the scenery,” he said.

“It also gives people in Buckfastleigh the opportunity to cycle to Totnes in a safer way than via the infamous A384, which is absolutely awful.”

In 2020, Sustrans lost around a quarter of its national cycle network (around 16,000 miles) following a review to improve safety standards. There are now reportedly around 5,200 miles (8,400 kilometres) of traffic-free paths across the country, with just over 7,500 miles (12,100 kilometres) on road.

Mr Forte, who first began looking for a viable route about three years ago, added that there was widespread support for the project among local authorities, and an open day at the weekend to showcase the plan attracted more than 100 cyclists.

Organic farming company Riverford, which funded the feasibility study, and the Dartington Trust have also donated land to the scheme, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles for this type of project.

“What’s holding back the development of cycleways is the landowners, who often don’t want cycleways anywhere near their land. But we’re lucky because Darlington Trust and Riverford Farms are both keen supporters of this route,” Mr Forte said.

The project is split into two phases. The first from Totnes via the Dartington Estate to the Riverford Field Kitchen could be completed within a few months as it mainly requires only upgrades to existing paths.

However, phase two requires more engineering preparation as it would cross the A384 at Austin’s Bridge.

And despite the fact that authorities have expressed their support for the plan, there has still been no actual financial support.

Mr Forte said: “We’ll wait and see. Right now their budgets are so tight that I doubt there will be any grants coming from there, but we have several people who are very active in finding grant money.”