Feasibility study for traffic-free multi-use route

by The Greenway Project in Chagford, England, United Kingdom

Feasibility study for traffic-free multi-use route
We did it
On 24th February 2021 we successfully raised £6,641 ( + est. £777.75 Gift Aid ) with 117 supporters in 28 days

To finance a feasibility study by Sustrans for The Greenway Project, a traffic-free multi-use route between Moretonhampstead and Chagford.

by The Greenway Project in Chagford, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

The money will be used for the next exciting phase of our project.


The Greenway Project 


A new Moretonhampstead - Chagford Pathway, creating a traffic-free multi-use route for leisure, health and work.


Over the last year there has been a huge increase in people choosing to cycle and walk instead of travelling in their car.

We want to be part of that change and encourage more people to leave their car at home and ride or walk the short distance between Moretonhampstead and Chagford.

Our vision is of a safe route which could be used for all kinds of different purposes: for leisure, to keep fit, to get to work, to visit friends and family.1611607357_family.jpg

A group of enthusiasts from the two towns came together and conducted a survey in the local communities, asking people what they think about a safe walking and cycling route between Moretonhampstead and Chagford.

We received an overwhelmingly positive response, with nearly a thousand people responding to say they would support a multi-use trail and recognising the benefits it would bring to the both communities.

A new route will link up with the existing Wray Valley Trail, from Moretonhampstead to Bovey Tracey and beyond, so eventually it will be possible to cycle, walk, use a wheel chair or horse-ride from Chagford on Dartmoor to the sea at Teignmouth on safe, well-signed paths.

The support so far

A safe multi-use route would be welcome for both our communities and the wider region. It has broad support within the local authorities, all of whom will need to work together to make it happen.

Comments from the survey include:

“As a Chagford resident with young children and also as a local GP who works in Moretonhampstead, I strongly support the development of this cycle path. Huge benefits for physical and mental health. Best of all I could cycle to work on a regular basis on a safe (and relatively flat) route. “

“This is a great initiative and it would have far reaching benefits for businesses and residents in both Moreton and Chagford. A safe route for cyclists, walkers and runners will support local trade and boost tourism.  I also firmly believe it will strengthen the connection between the two communities and can see joint initiatives to make the most of the project both in its development stage and after opening.”

“ The British Horse Society wholeheartedly supports the development of the cycleway network as multi-use trails in rural locations such as the Wray Trail, with all user groups all sharing the same surface as has been promoted by Sustrans. “ - The British Horse Society

“I believe this is a super idea and a lasting one for the future. The extension of the Wray Valley trail in this beautiful landscape will generate pleasure for everyone who uses it for many years to come. “ - Jerry Brook, County Councillor for Teign Valley and Moretonhampstead Division

“West Devon Borough Council is happy to support the plans to extend the Wray Valley Trail. Multi-use trails like this support green exercise, promote carbon reduction, encourage good health and provide additional connectivity for communities.” - Councillor Neil Jory, Leader West Devon Borough Council

“As County Councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford Division, I’m fully supportive of this project. Getting a multi-use trail between Moretonhampsted and Chagford, and extending the Wray Valley Trail will help residents and the communities of both areas, in recreation and the economy”. - James McInnes, County Councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford Division

“I am working with Chagford Councillor, Nicky Heyworth to secure an extension of the Wray Valley Trail from Moretonhampstead to Chagford. The extension would be good for the environment and good for local businesses”. Mel Stride MP for Central Devon.

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Next level

Now we are ready to take this project to the next level: commissioning a feasibility study by Sustrans, the charity who have developed the National Cycle Network over the last 20 years.

Sustrans will look at the different route options, taking account of environmental, access and other issues to suggest the best “accessible to all” route.

The expertise of Sustrans will be key to realising this exciting project. Our crowdfunding will provide us with the means to getting the research done and being a step closer to realising a multi-use and safe path between the two towns.

Prize draw

If you donate, please leave your details, we would like to invite everyone who has made a donation to join us to celebrate the completion of the feasibility study. You will be given a free entry into a prize draw with some fabulous prizes including:

  • Child’s bike, thanks to Big Peaks
  • Gift vouchers, thanks to Halfords
  • Cycle service, thanks to The Bike Fixer
  • Gift vouchers from local cafes and local shops


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