A NEW mile-long bridleway has been created near Salcombe in Devon.

The path, which helps to keep users of the roads, stretches between Jacob's Lane, which is close to Bolberry Down and Rew near East Soar Farm. The new route is 1.6km long.

There is now access across Southdown Farm, where the charity are farming with nature. The area is a haven for wildlife, with incerasing numbers of cirl buntings, skylarks and hares. 

The bridleway is part of a larger scheme in the area planned by the National Trust to provide better access for horse riders, cyclists and walkers. 

Emma Reece, area ranger for the National Trust, said: "It has been really rewarding to work with the local horse riding and cycling community to enable better access through Southdown Farm for different user groups on a permissive bridleway.

"As part of the nature recovery work on the farms between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail we are also working to improve access and hope this project will be part of wider improvements in the area over the next few years."

The British Horse Society helped to input the design of the new path. Philip Hacket, who is from the organisation, said equestrians will 'appreciate' the route. 

"The British Horse Society are delighted that the National Trust have created this new Permissive Bridleway at Southdown Farm which provides 1.6km of safe offroad access over stunning countryside with breathtaking views over the Devon coastline," he added.

“Equestrians will appreciate this route which will avoid them having to negotiate the narrow local lanes which have limited visibility due to the high hedges and bends, combined with the lack of safe refuges. The BHS would like to thank the National Trust for making this route possible, which will also be enjoyed by cyclists and walkers alike.”