Cyclists are able to stop to take in the spectacular views along a new cycle route in Devon which was opened in May, 2002.

The 12km route links Okehampton to Lydford, in the west of the county, and is called The Granite Way.

Pretty as a picture: Lydford pub

Along the route, there are views of Meldon Viaduct, the Meldon Lake, Okehampton Castle, and across the moors. Look one way, and you can see as far as Exmoor: look the other way, and you can just about pick out Bodmin Moor in the distance.

And then there's magical Dartmoor...which is at the heart of this route.

The great thing about the route is that it is mostly off-road. It starts at Okehampton Station, and continues to Meldon Viaduct. It then follows quiet lanes to the former Bridestowe Station, and continues off-road for another 2km to Lydford.

The view from below...Meldon Viaduct

The cycle path also links into a number of attractions and services - including Okehampton Youth Hostel, bike bus services featuring bike racks, and the new visitor centre and station at Meldon.

The station is served by the Dartmoor Pony steam train service from Okehampton, which runs alongside the new cycle path.

So, if you like, you can cycle one way, and then make the return journey using the bike-friendly train service.

This route is part of the National Cycle Network, and is being developed by Devon County Council, with support from the Regional Development Agency, European funding and the Millennium Commission. The last two sections have cost £750,000.

Devon County Council is hoping the route will atrract thousands of visitors every year, to an area which was badly hit by foot-and-mouth in 2001.

The cycle route takes in some lovely areas of countryside

Head of environment, Cllr David Morrish, said: "As a major sustainable tourist attraction, the investment placed in the cycle path will hopefully encourage many more people to visit the area, and provide a welcome boost for the local economy - particularly in light of the recent foot-and-muth epidemic."