Railtrack left dangling after Devon beauty spot washed away

Walkers have been left devastated after Storm Bert completely washed away the path at a beauty spot near Newton Abbot. The area was covered by a rare red flood alert and saw torrential downpours, resulting in heavy flooding.

Walking routes near Stover Canal are currently closed "until further notice" after 60 metres of the towpath near the MT Tums cafe was completely washed away. The Stover Canal Trust has sealed off the area, saying there is no safe route for pedestrians along the canal.

Shocking photos show the old railway track hanging over the area where the path has washed away. There is still deep floodwater around the canal.

The trust says that the severity of the destruction means that the path is unlikely to be reinstated "for the foreseeable future". In a note near the entrance to the path, it says: "A 60 metre section of towpath between Jetty Marsh and Old Exeter Road has been destroyed by the recent flood event.

"There is no safe route available alongside the canal and pedestrians are directed to the Stover Trail on the western side of the railway. Due to the severity of the bank breach it is unlikely that the towpath will be reinstated for the foreseeable future."

Locals have described the loss of the path as "devastating". One told DevonLive: "Stover cycle path near MT Tums has completely gone, the towpath the other side has gone also, washed away by the force of the rain. This is devastating. So sad for Newton Abbot, the path is well used by locals."

Under a Facebook post by Stover Canal Trust, announcing the closure of the path, others have expressed their sadness. One said: "So sad after all of that hard work". Another added: "That's so sad, all that history just washed away".

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