British and French cyclists met on the magnificent Gem Bridge last month to exchange flags and celebrate the official opening of Drake’s Trail.

The 21 mile off road cycling and walking route links Tavistock and Plymouth, and also forms part of ’s cross-channel network of routes including the Velodyssey Devon-Bretagne.

Now cyclists can hop on their bikes in Ilfracombe and pedal all the way to Redon in Southern Brittany (via the cross channel ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff), joining up with a further section on to Hendaye in the Pyrenees, covering a total of 1,200 km (750 miles).

The final section of the route was opened by Devon County Council following the refurbishment of Grenofen Tunnel. The 350 metre long former railway line tunnel passing under the A386 was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The ceremonial event also included the official opening of the £2.1m Gem Bridge, which was completed and opened to the public in May. Developed by Devon County Council as the centrepiece of the route, the bridge spans the Walkham Valley where Brunel’s original viaduct once stood.