Walkers and riders in Devon can take advantage of 85 brand new farmland routes which have been published for the first time on a new online register.

The free county-by-county guide sets out the routes for more than 1,600 farmland walks and rides across the UK.

A huge variety of routes have been opened up to the public - from riverside and coastal walks to open downland and flower-rich meadows.

There are routes for ramblers, for horse or bike riders, families with pushchairs, or people with disabilities.

New routes for both riders and walkers have been opened up

Over 1,000 miles of access routes - enough to stretch from John O'Groats to Land's End and beyond - are featured on the Defra Conservation Walks and Rides Register.

Farmers and other land managers receive grants to allow walkers and riders access over farmland which otherwise wouldn't be available to them.

South Hams farmer Harry Kerswell is one of those involved in the new scheme.

"I really welcome it. There are lots of things we now get payments towards that make us countryside stewards rather than just farmers."

"It's a lovely walk around our farm, we get a lot of local people walking around here on holiday in the summer and in winter a lot of local people enjoy the riding."


Gentle stroll

Most of the routes involve no more than a gentle stroll and many take in some of Devon's most spectacular landscapes.

Many of the walks in Devon have stunning views

The Register includes maps and references to the type of wildlife, plants and scenery which can be experienced.

"We are working with 170 farmers across Devon and Cornwall," said Phil Stocks of Defra.

"You can see wild flower rich meadows, ancient hedgerows and restored ponds."

"Many of the sites have access for people with disabilities, they might give access to a site of archaeological interest or a site of particular wildlife interest."

All the walks and rides can be found on Defra's conservation register, as well as tourist information centres and local libraries.

First published: 25th June 2003