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15 Oct 2025

Major investment to enhance North Devon’s walking and cycling infrastructure

Devon County Council secures funding for new walking and cycling projects in North Devon to improve accessibility and safety

Cyclists on a section of the Tarka Trail - Credit: Lewis Clarke

A new 6km shared-use trail will be developed along the Tarka Trail, offering a safer and higher standard route for pedestrians and cyclists, avoiding the busy A361. Credit: Lewis Clarke

A total of £7.7 million will be invested in walking and cycling schemes across Devon in 2025/26.

This funding, which is a combination of Devon County Council’s Transport Capital Programme and the additional £3.9 million Active Travel England funding announced last month by the Government, will support a series of projects.

For North Devon, these proposals and secured plans will help improve transport infrastructure, increase access to safer walking and cycling routes, and contribute to local environmental goals. 

They will encourage more sustainable travel and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, making the area more accessible and attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Tarka Trail: Secured funding will further the ongoing delivery of a new 6km, mostly road, shared-use trail between Willingcott Holiday Village and Knowle. This will offer a higher standard alternative to the existing NCN27 and remove pedestrians and cyclists from the fast and busy A361.

Longbridge Junction in Barnstaple: Funding will go towards improving the walking, wheeling, and cycling experience for users in the vicinity of Longbridge junction by enhancing the public realm and increasing junction capacity.

Great Torrington crossing: The proposed scheme will provide an improvement to the existing uncontrolled crossing along the A386, next to the junction with Dick Hills Lane and Well Park Road. Upgraded facilities will improve safety for schoolchildren, staff, and other residents in the area.

Manteo Way, Bideford: Funding will enable design work to be carried out exploring improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure along Manteo Way between Alverdiscott Road roundabout and B3233 Barnstaple Street.

These schemes and initiatives are in addition to active travel funding committed by the Cabinet in October.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “Investment in schemes that increase walking, cycling, and wheeling is important for improving physical activity, tackling congestion and meeting our carbon reduction targets, and I’m pleased to see that we’re investing in a number of areas across the county. We’re rightly proud that Devon’s share of Active Travel Funding announced in February was the largest settlement for any authority in the South West as it reflects the track record of delivery we have in the county.”

Schemes designated for construction need to be ready to start by March 2026 and delivered by March 2027.

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