Volunteering on the National Cycle Network

On 6th July 2024 a small band of volunteer Scouts and a Cub Scout from 1st Lifton Scout Group, picked up their paint brushes. The aim was to brighten up two of the Millennium Mileposts along the Granite Way (on Route 27).  Back in 2000, one thousand of these special signposts were installed the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. The Cycle Network continues to encourage hundreds of thousands of people, young and old, to get on their bicycles and enjoy the countryside.

Route 27 runs from the north Devon coast to the south Devon coast, totalling over 80 miles. The route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy and the Walkham. It also skirts around the western flank of Dartmoor. Views of Cornwall and the surrounding area are superb.

Jacob is one of the Scouts who has completed his Chief Scout’s Gold Award. He said, ‘Despite the rain which interrupted our painting, it was fun. We were able to complete the task much quicker than I expected. It is good to be involved in a community project like this. Now we’ve painted two posts, maybe we should check all of the posts from Okehampton to Lydford! There are probably many more in need of a fresh coat of paint.’

Laura, a Cub Scout Leader with children in Scouts and Cubs also helped out on the day, ‘It was a good job we had protective gloves as the paint seemed to get everywhere! Thankfully, some of it is on the milepost. I’m looking forward to painting another post with some of the Cub Scouts, but we’ll look for a sunnier day next time.’

(see Scout Gallery for photos of the painting team)

(visit the Sustrans website for more information about the National Cycle Network)