On Sunday 30 November, residents from Newton St Cyres, Dunscombe, Half Moon

and Crediton joined Newton St Cyres Parish Councillor Steve Parker in an

exploration of a proposed cycle and footpath route between Quickes farm and

Half Moon. This route forms part of an overall plan for a cycle way between

Crediton and Exeter.

An enormous amount of work has already been done and things have reached  a

significant point: "I've  taken things as far as I can," said Councillor

Parker, "There is a lot of support for the project. Now is the time to

organise more formal help so that we can take things further, while there is

so much good will."

Quickes, who play a crucial role in making the path possible, have confirmed

their support, and Steve is finding that other local landowners are willing

to get behind the project. "We also have every hope of getting the Parish

Council on board", he said.

The walk began at Quickes, where the proposed route runs outside the Home

Farm walled garden, before emerging to cross fields to exit on Station Road.

Then the group drove to Half Moon where the walkers took the former British

Rail road down to the footbridge over the Creedy. They followed the public

footpath on the south side of the river past Ashfields House and up to

Tytheing Close before descending to the rear of the Crown and Sceptre,

crossing Shuttern Brook at the permissive stile and emerging onto Station

Road opposite the entrance to Newton House. The cycle route would exit onto

Station Road further down, if the hoped-for link with the planned new school

is achieved. Steve has great hopes that one day local children, including

his own grandchildren, will be able to get from home to school, on foot and

by bike, without having to venture on to the A377 at all.

The route, and plans for a way forward will be discussed at the next meeting

of the Boniface Trail Campaign, on Wednesday 17th December at the Crediton

Inn, 7.30pm.