Delivering the Exe Estuary Trail cycling and walking route, UK

The Exe Estuary Trail is a 25 km long sustainable cycling and walking route on the south coast of Devon, UK. The largely off-road facility links Exeter city centre to the coastal towns of Exmouth and Dawlish on either side of the Exe Estuary. The route mainly runs parallel to existing railway lines, and allows public access to the unique European environment and wildlife site. This paper describes the design and construction of the route. Designed for both leisure and commuter use, sustainable development was a key driver of this project. Delivery was led by Devon County Council working in close partnership with Parsons Brinckerhoff and key statutory authorities. The social and health benefits of this green infrastructure project are mirrored by the economic gains of new and existing businesses around the River Exe.