Estuary Trail at heart of cycling campaign

Caitlin Clark
Authored by Caitlin Clark
Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - 5:07pm

The Exe Estuary Trail between Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish is a star attraction of a new national cycling campaign launched by VisitEngland.

As the biggest nationwide cycling event in the UK, Bike Week, gets underway, the 26-mile family-friendly route is being promoted across the country as part of ‘Cycling Breaks in England’.

Featured in a guide distributed with the Guardian newspaper on Saturday (June 14) and being promoted on social media, including on Twitter #morecycling, the mainly level and off-road route offers stunning views of the Exe Estuary and its wildlife reserves.

The promotion is part of a VisitEngland led campaign, Growing Tourism Locally, funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership is working with VisitEngland on the initiative.

Derek Philips, Heart of Devon chairman, said: “We are able to benefit from Government funding to promote what is fast becoming one of the country’s best cycling destinations – the Heart of Devon. The Exe Estuary Trail is a stunning family-friendly route that is without doubt a star of our array of cycling attractions.”

Devon is one of a number of destinations to participate in the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Heart of Devon member Heather Baker, at Saddles and Paddles, Exeter Quay, said: “We are very lucky to have the Exe Estuary Trail running directly outside our shop, providing fantastic, picturesque cycle routes from our doorstep to the seaside. Most of the routes are traffic-free which makes it perfect for families to cycle together or those wanting a leisurely day out.”

Developed and funded by Devon County Council, the Exe Estuary Trail is part of the National Cycle Network Route 2, and connects with ferry links across the estuary, to create a circular option. It is due to officially open in autumn 2014. It is also now part of the Tour de Manche, a long distance route travelling through Plymouth, Dorset and across the channel to Brittany and Normandy.

Fellow member Chris Johns, of bike hire company EXEplore, on the route, said: “This investment in Devon has encouraged business growth and diversity, bringing cycling closer to all. Being accessible means that Route Two is now a true alternative to travel via the road network.

“Being a small business owner that relies on customer use of this stunning piece of infrastructure, I am a user and avid supporter of the trail. From cycle hire delivered to your door, to kite surfing on the Exe Estuary, the area has a lot to offer the modern and active holiday maker.”

The eastern section between Exeter and Exmouth is fully completed, with the final stretch on the western side from Turf Lock to Powderham Church, scheduled to be opened this autumn.

For a downloadable map, plus information on pubs and attractions along the route, go to www.heartofdevon.com/cycling

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