A new campaign highlighting the links between Exeter’s train stations and the city’s Green Circle walking route launches this month as part of celebrations marking 200 years of the modern railway.
The project aims to raise awareness of how Exeter St Davids, Marsh Barton and Polsloe Bridge stations can be used as gateways to explore the city’s treasured green spaces.
The Green Circle is Exeter’s accessible walking network, connecting beautiful valley parks and nature reserves around the edge of the city. New maps and information boards will make it easier for people arriving by train to set out on foot, combining sustainable transport with active travel.
Core funding for the work has been provided by Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Customer and Community Improvement Fund, with additional support provided by partners including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter and Devon Wildlife Trust.
Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Healthy Living, said: “This is a fantastic project which we hope will open up our wonderful Green Circle to even more people. We hope residents and visitors alike will use our newly created route maps and signage, to get out and about.
“Using the train stations means people can do the route a section at a time. Providing access to these treasured green spaces which in some cases are just a stone’s throw from the city.”
This year has seen national Railway 200 celebrations marking 200 years of the modern railway with September 27 marking the day the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in 1825, connecting places, people, communities and ideas and ultimately transforming the world.
David Whiteway, GWR Regional Growth Manager, said: “This project is a great example of how railway stations can connect with active travel and help residents and visitors make more sustainable choices. It’s been hugely rewarding for GWR to work with local partners in this way and we look forward to seeing residents and visitors make use of the information available.” Route maps and further information on the Green Circle can be found at: visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-green-circle-walk-p1457813
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