In Autumn 2016, a new bridge was installed as part of an extension of the Wray Valley Trail Project which will link Mortonhampstead with Bovey Tracey with new sections of shared-use path and quiet country lanes to form a safe corridor for Cyclists, Walkers and Horseriders away from the busy and fast A382.
The route follows the old railway line where it can, with detours only when unavoidable. Much work has gone into working with locals and landowners to gain permissions and ease concerns.
The 100-mile Dartmoor Way cycle route detours off shortly after this, although it is hoped that it will be re-routed when the Wray Valley Trail is completed to make better use of it and avoid the steep climb to the Reservoirs at Trenchford and Tottiford.
The work is jointly managed by the Moor That Meets the Eye project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund - and Devon County Council.
This bridge cost around £350,000 and was designed in two halves to allow it to be delivered by lorry. It was designed, along with it's sister bridge to the North, to reflect the railway heritage and also be sympathetic to horses by having a solid lower half to reduce the chance of them being startled.
The original rail bridge was dismantled in the 1900s due to larger lorries using the road, and one abutment also had to be destroyed to widen the road and make the corner safe. However this bridge re-uses the other support.
There is no signed parking nearby - why not park in Mortonhampstead and take a ride or walk down?