THE Granite Way cycle path between Okehampton and Lydford has become more accessible to disabled people thanks to the Countryside Mobility South West scheme.

The project is working to improve access to the countryside for people with limited mobility living in and visiting the South West region.

Those with limited mobility will now be able to explore ten miles of the off-road section of the popular cycle route by using a tramper all-terrain mobility scooter provided by the scheme.

Jean Mills, on holiday from Somerset, tried out the scooter with a two and a half hour ride. She said: 'We went across the viaduct and past the station.

'The path was very pretty. My partner likes walking and I find it difficult now so it was great.

'It's the first time I've tried one of these scooters, and I'll go again. Next time we'll go in the other direction and see the castle and the rest of the trail.'

Catherine Goff from Devon Cycle Hire said: 'We are really pleased to be involved in the scheme and we are really looking forward to helping more people experience this wonderful part of the region.'

The Granite Way joins Haldon Forest Park at Exeter and Stover Country Park near Newton Abbot among other sites to be currently operating tramper scooters. Schemes at the Cotehele and Saltram estates as well as six other sites are intended to start in the near future.

The scheme is based on the principles of the town centre Shopmobility initiative, which lends wheelchairs and scooters to members of the public with limited mobility so they can shop and visit leisure and community centres.

The Countryside Mobility scheme is run by charity Living Options Devon (LOD).

LOD exists to ensure people with physical and sensory disabilities can make an active and equal contribution in society.

James Maben, Countryside Mobility project manager for Living Options Devon, said: 'We are really pleased to get yet another site involved in hiring trampers.

'People with mobility problems have long been excluded from exploring beautiful areas of countryside and this scheme enables people to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views like anyone else.'

The Granite Way path runs along the course of the former Southern Region railway line.

It is renowned for its mainly traffic-free route and superb views, with unique perspectives overlooking the likes of Okehampton's motte and bailey castle, Meldon viaduct, and the dramatic features of Sourton Tor.

The Countryside Mobility South West scheme has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme, funded from the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme.

The scheme at the Granite Way is being supported with additional funding from Devon County Council.

To be eligible to hire the scooter, you must join the Countryside Mobility South West scheme. Membership covers all sites with tramper scooters in the UK, and ensures users have proper training in how to use them safely. For further information, visit the website http://www.countrysidemobility.org">www.countrysidemobility.org