A new cycle ramp is planned for the Hospital Trail in Torquay to bypass a set of steps.

Plans for the ramp on the Rainbow Drive section of the shared trail have been developed after we were awarded a grant from the Government's Active Travel Fund.

This section of the Hospital Trail runs between Shiphay Lane and Crownhill Rise and forms part of the wider route which links Torquay seafront to Kingskerswell.

The new 80-metre steel and timber ramp will give step-free access for people using bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs on the trail which runs parallel to Newton Road.

Engineering options are limited due to the location on the side of a steep slope and detailed design work on the placing and size of the ramp has been carried out.

Users are now being invited to give their feedback about the trail and their ideas on the lighting, signage, planting and method of construction for the ramp.

Work is expected to start on the ramp in early 2027 and the consultation responses will also help to guide further improvements on the Trail as a whole.

The ramp project follows the successful completion of a new lights-controlled Toucan crossing and other access improvements at Shiphay Lane in September.

It now provides a safe crossing point over three lanes of traffic between the path leading to Torbay Hospital and Rainbow Drive.

The crossing and ramp will bring significant benefits to people using the Hospital Trail and support increased use of this key route for active travel. The steps will be left in place.

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said: "This new ramp is part of our ongoing work to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and safer.

"The Hospital Trail is an important route for people using it to get to school or work, and also for leisure.

"The proposed improvements will add a ramp with a gradual slope so people can avoid the steps, making the path easier to use.

"We'd now like to hear what people think of the trail, and also ideas for the new ramp so we can make it as user-friendly as possible."

There is more information and detailed plans plus a link to the survey on our website at www.torbay.gov.uk/hospital-trail-ramp .

The consultation runs from Monday 5 October to midnight on Sunday 25 October.