Major work begins on Paignton’s long-awaited new cycle path

Work on a long-promised new cycle trail which will one day link one of Paignton’s busiest beaches to South Devon College has begun.

It is almost five years since the new off-road trail through Clennon Valley and up across fields to Roselands was approved by Torbay Council.

Now work is under way to create the first section of the path, the flat route through Clennon Valley alongside the lakes and nature reserve.

READ NEXT: Stolen boat found wrecked in Brixham after Torquay harbour theft

In September 2020, when the plans were approved, objectors said an alternative through Lancaster Drive would be cheaper and more accessible, avoiding the need for a landscaped zig-zag hillside section and a stretch through the middle of meadows used by dog-walkers.

Concerns were also raised about the possibility of conflict between cyclists, other users and wildlife at Clennon Lakes.

But the council’s planning committee agreed to the two-mile track after hearing the selected off-road route was designed to national standards and was shorter and not as steep as the alternative.

When the project moves on to the hill, the zig-zags will have solar-powered bat-friendly lights, the tight curves are expected to slow downhill cyclists, and there will be barriers at the entrances to the nature reserve to avoid conflicts.

The aim is to improve access to the nature reserve as well as providing a link between the east and west of the town, from the beaches at Goodrington to South Devon College, homes and employment sites in the White Rock area.

Responding to a question from Cllr Christine Carter (Lib Dem, Roundham with Hyde) at a recent meeting, Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said the work would take around two more months.

It will provide a widened path from Goodrington pedestrian crossing past the velopark and changing rooms to join the existing gravel path beside the lakes.

“This will enable a loop of the lakes to be in place,” he said.

He also said de-silting work on the lakes would begin soon, working in conjunction with the nature reserve’s friends group.