The preferred alignment for the Boniface Trail, a new walking and cycling route linking Exeter and Crediton, has been endorsed by our Cabinet.

The decision on Wednesday, 14 January, follows detailed technical assessmentsand and public engagement and marks a step towards delivering a safer, sustainable travel corridor along the busy A377. However, further funding and design would be required before any sections of the trail could be constructed.

The approved alignment would run adjacent to the A377 for most of its 12km length, apart from a section between Newton St Cyres and Langford, where existing quiet lanes would be used due to physical constraints between existing buildings and structures along the A377.

Starting at Crediton Railway Station, it would serve the communities of Smallbrook, Newton St Cyres and Cowley, before connecting to Exeter St David’s via Cowley Bridge Road.

Purpose-built shared-use paths would be constructed, along with new crossings and junction improvements.

At Cowley Bridge, two new bridges would be required to cross the Rivers Creedy and Exe and the main railway line, ensuring a continuous and safe route into Exeter.

This option was chosen because it offers a direct and coherent route, providing strong connectivity to local communities, public transport and key destinations.

While the A377 alignment would be more costly than using quiet lanes throughout, it minimises steep gradients and complex diversions from the desire line, making it more attractive for everyday journeys and commuting.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:

“The Boniface Trail would provide a safe, direct route for walking and cycling, helping improve health and wellbeing, reducing congestion on a busy corridor and reduce Devon’s carbon footprint. 

“Whilst further funding would be needed before any sections could be constructed, endorsement of a preferred route may help the Council secure external funding to progress the scheme.”

She added: “We support the increase in enthusiasm for walking and cycling and we are pressing forward to deliver more of the routes that communities have been working with the Council to identify and develop. 

“However, funding remains an issue, so we are working to have endorsed plans in place in preparation for seeking the necessary funds.  Some parts of this route as it stands are not the preferred choice of some parts of the community but given the significant challenges of delivering a safe route along certain sections of the A377, a short section of quiet lanes is included to enable this route to come forward.”