Ramblers create 100-mile walking route

Debbie Board said she knew the variety of Devon landscapes would be an "attraction"

A new 100-mile (161km) trail has been created by a walking group in a bid to show off Devon's countryside.

The circular South Hams Way takes in sections of the South West Coast Path, South Devon National Landscape and Dartmoor National Park.

Alan Mighall, from the South Hams Ramblers, said they used "existing paths and linked them together" and raised £5,000 and bought 860 waymarkers for the route.

The trail had been split into 10 sections and each route had been centred around a community, with access to public transport and shops, organisers said.

Mr Mighall said: "We contacted all the councils, town and parish, we contacted Dartmoor National Park, South West Coast Path, National Trust and the Dartington Estate – the areas we were walking through.

"Most came back very enthusiastic, which gave us a great deal of encouragement."

Fellow rambler Debbie Board said that, as walkers, they knew the variety of landscapes would be "an attraction".

She said: "We just thought we'll put it altogether and make a trail that takes it all in."

Alan Mighall said the trail officially started in Totnes

Group member John Lloyd added that sections varied from seven to 10 miles (11km to 16km).

He said: "We're already getting interest from people much further afield.

"There are a couple of adventure companies which lead trails and they've already put our walk on their portfolio."

Mr Mighall said Totnes was the trail's official starting point but "being a circular route, you can start anywhere".

He said: "We want to get local people out as well because it's good for health – mental, physical and emotional"

The official launch of the route is on Saturday 11 October at Borough Park, Totnes.

More than 850 waymarkers have been installed on the route