30th August 2012
Bridge and Trail to be a gem for local economy
Devon will forge a close link with France next Wednesday (5 September) when Drake’s Trail
is officially opened.The cycling and walking route is being opened by Devon County Council,
following the refurbishment of Grenofen Tunnel. With the nearby Gem Bridge having been
completed and opened to the public in May, the 350-metre long tunnel, which passes under
the A386, has been the final hurdle in developing the off-road connection between Plymouth
and Tavistock.
Drake’s Trail also forms part of CYCLE WEST’s cross-channel network of routes including
the Velodyssey Devon-Bretagne, from Ilfracombe in North Devon to Redon in Southern
Brittany, joining up with a further section on to Hendaye in the Pyrenees, covering a total of
1,200 km (750 miles). To celebrate the occasion, cyclists from Devon and France will hold
an entente cordiale at Gem Bridge near Tavistock at 10:45am. TV presenter, local resident
and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Angela Rippon will also be a special guest at the
opening.
The £2.1million Gem Bridge, which crosses the Walkham Valley, has been developed by
Devon County Council as the centrepiece of the route and it will also be officially opened at
the ceremonial event.
The pedestrian and cycle bridge has been the largest piece of infrastructure to be developed
as part of the CYCLE WEST project – receiving £600,000 of European funding from the
INTERREG IVA programme to establish better cycling tourism links between the South West
of England and France. It also received Investing in Devon funding from the proceeds of the
County Council’s sale of Exeter Airport.
Gem Bridge stands in the valley where Brunel’s original viaduct was built in 1859 as part of
the Plymouth to Tavistock to Launceston railway, but the viaduct was demolished in the
1960s. Gem Bridge is 200-metres long and 24 metres high, or the equivalent height of five
double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. It looks across to Dartmoor to the east
and Sticklepath Woods to the west.
Devon County Council Chairman Councillor Jerry Brook, who will officially open the Trail,
said: “Drake’s Trail is certain to become an important asset for our county’s economy and
with its connections to the Continent it could generate vital opportunities for local
businesses. We can be proud that this route is part of such an ambitious project as CYCLE
WEST’s network from the South West of England into France and beyond. Gem Bridge
provides spectacular views across the Walkham Valley and the entire route can showcase
the natural beauty of Devon and could potentially attract thousands of visitors.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and
Transportation, said: “The popularity of cycling is continuing to grow, particularly following
the success of the London Olympics and Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British rider to
win the Tour de France. We’ve already seen how well used Gem Bridge has become and
with the opening of the entire Drake’s Trail, people from home and abroad will be able to
explore a large part of Devon either on foot or two wheels. It is perfect timing to open the
Trail with The Tour of Britain passing nearby just days later, when our county will be on show
to a worldwide audience. This Trail represents our commitment to making Devon a premier
destination for cycling tourism and its completion is another perfect way to celebrate the
Summer of Cycling. Local families and visitors will be able to enjoy a leisurely cycle in the
tranquil surroundings of one of Devon’s most scenic trails.”
Councillor Philip Sanders, County Councillor for Yelverton Rural, said: “As a keen off-road
cyclist I have already cycled across Gem Bridge to enjoy the spectacular views of the
Walkham river valley, and I am really looking forward to exploring the rest of this new route.
One of my greatest pleasures will be watching other cyclists’ reactions as they enjoy the
experience of using these splendid facilities.”
CYCLE WEST is an inspiring project which has connected cycle routes to link South West
England, Brittany, and Normandy. All three of CYCLE WEST’s cross -channel routes take in
the South West, enabling cyclists to explore breath-taking and diverse scenery on both sides
of the English Channel. New signs, which feature the Velodyssey Devon-Bretagne logo, are
being located alongside parts of the new cycle trail.
Fiona Clampin, UK Marketing Manager for CYCLE WEST, said: “The opening of the Gem
Bridge and Drake’s Trail, along with new online maps and planning pages at cycle-west.com
marks another major milestone in the completion of the Velodyssey Devon-Bretagne route.
With eyes on Devon for the forthcoming Tour of Britain, we encourage visitors and cyclists
alike to come and enjoy the spectacular scenery that Devon has to offer.”
For information on CYCLE WEST routes visit www.cycle-west.com or www.velodyssey.com.
For further information about cycling in Devon go to www.cycledevon.info.