Shock as 60 metres of beauty spot washed away in Devon

Storm Bert has left walkers gutted after completely washing away a path at a popular beauty spot. The area, which was under a rare red flood alert, experienced torrential downpours leading to severe flooding.

Currently, walking routes near Stover Canal are closed "until further notice" following the destruction of 60 metres of the towpath near the MT Tums cafe. The Stover Canal Trust has cordoned off the area, stating that there is no safe passage for pedestrians along the canal.

Alarming images show the old railway track suspended over the area where the path used to be, with deep floodwater still surrounding the canal.

The trust has indicated that due to the extent of the damage, it's unlikely the path will be restored "for the foreseeable future". A note posted near the entrance to the path reads: "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."

Local residents have expressed their sorrow over the loss of the path, describing it as "devastating". One local told PlymouthLive's sister title 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."

In response to Stover Canal Trust's Facebook announcement about the path closure, local residents shared their grief. 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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