THE missing link in one of Devon's most popular cycle trails has been completed.

The nine-mile Granite Way from Okehampton to Lydford has now opened in its entirety, following the development of the final stretch from Southerly to Station Road, Bridestowe.

The £505,000 section has been funded partly through the Granite and Gears project, led by Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park, with the support of the Department for Transport's Cycling Ambition fund, and with £20,000 of the total coming from Dartmoor National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund.

It plugs the final gap on the flagship route, which now provides a more direct off-road trail which, where possible, follows the former Southern region railway line, and replaces the interim route which was on-road.

The route forms part of a number of high profile national and international trails which include the Devon Coast to Coast, National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27, the Cycle West Velodyssey route which runs from North Devon down through France to Northern Spain, and the longer distance Eurovelo Route EV1 which runs from Southern Spain to Norway. In 2011, more than 34,000 trips were recorded on the route at Meldon Viaduct.

Cllr Kevin Ball, Devon county councillor for Okehampton Rural, said: 'The completion of this spectacular route demonstrates that Devon County Council is continuing to support health, well being and tourism.

'As well as being well-used by local residents, the Granite Way attracts people from far and wide. The opening of this final section will have a positive impact on the local economy and will help it to continue being enjoyed for years to come.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: 'It has taken 31 different land agreements to complete the Granite Way, so it has taken time and a lot of patience to piece together this route, as is often the case with these schemes.

'Achieving this has been made possible thanks to the co-operation of all of the landowners and with the support of Dartmoor National Park Authority.

'The trail is already established as an important asset to the local economy and now that the entire nine miles is off-road, it will become an even more popular way of enjoying this beautiful part of our county.

'Completion of this trail demonstrates our long term commitment to ensuring Devon is a first-class destination for cycling.'

The scheme will also provide a parallel horse riding trail between Station Road and the open moor at Southerly, avoiding the need for equestrians to cross the A386 main road.