Walking route extended to mark 50th anniversary

A walking route has been extended by 15 miles (24km) as part of celebrations for its 50th anniversary.

The Two Moors Way, which first opened in 1976, has had the Erme-Plym Trail added to it, taking the route to Wembury in south Devon.

The addition to the route, which goes up to Lynmouth through several areas of Devon and Somerset including Dartmoor and Exmoor, extends the total distance it covers to 117 miles (188km).

Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity at Devon County Council, said the route - which originally stopped in Ivybridge - was one of the county's "crown jewels".

"The route showcases the very best of Devon's natural and cultural heritage from wild moorland and wooded valleys to farmed landscapes and dramatic coastlines at both ends of the journey," she said.

The council said the Erme-Plym Trail would continue to exist as a named trail in its own right, but had been formally recognised as being part of the Two Moors Way.

Elle Spicer, who runs She Hikes group, said she had visited parts of the Two Moors Way in Brixton, Yealmpton, Ivybridge and Wembury and thought it was "beautiful".

"It's one of my goals this year to do the whole thing," she said.

"There's a beautiful part of it around Brixton which goes past Cofflete Creek and is absolutely stunning."

John Howell, chairman of the Two Moors Way Association, said the route had the ability to inspire people to experience the beauty of the region.

"For 50 years, the Two Moors Way has been shaped by volunteers, walkers and partners who care deeply about this landscape," he said.

Dan James, enterprise and communications manager at Exmoor National Park Authority, said the route showed "the power of national parks working together".

He added: "It helps people connect with nature, supports local communities, and demonstrates why protected landscapes matter – not just for conservation, but for wellbeing and enjoyment – while supporting our rural economy."

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