The consultation on the Hospital Trail Ramp runs from Monday 5 October 2026 to midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026.
About the Hospital Trail Ramp scheme
Following public engagement in 2021, the Torbay Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan was adopted. It contains a proposal for a new cycle ramp to be provided off Rainbow Drive down to the shared path. This important walking, wheeling and cycling corridor links Shiphay Lane with Crownhill Rise and forms part of the wider 'Hospital Trail' which links Torquay seafront to Kingskerswell.
We been successful in obtaining funding from Active Travel England to support the delivery of this project and plan to complete construction in early 2027. It is anticipated that the scheme will provide many benefits for residents and visitors using the trail, who currently have to utilise a steep flight of steps. The 'Hospital Trail Ramp' will provide step-free access for people using the trail as an alternative option to the steps (which will also remain in place). People wheeling (e.g. wheelchairs, mobility scooters), using walking aids, using pushchairs and cycling stand to particularly benefit from the scheme.
The projects follows on from the recent improvements at Shiphay Lane (completed September 2026), which provided a new Toucan crossing and new entrance to improve safety for people crossing this road. Taken together, both projects will provide substantial benefits to people using the Hospital Trail and support increased use of the route for active travel.
• Hospital Trail Ramp Location Plan
Plan showing the location of the proposed Hospital Trail Ramp scheme and its position within the surrounding area.
• Hospital Trail Ramp General Arrangement Plan
Drawing showing the proposed layout of the Hospital Trail Ramp, including the route of the new ramp, existing steps and connections to surrounding paths.
• Hospital Trail Ramp Design Elevations
Technical drawing showing side views and key dimensions of the proposed Hospital Trail Ramp to illustrate its appearance and height changes.
Tell us what you think
From Monday 5 October through to Sunday 25 October, we will be carrying out some engagement to promote awareness of the project and invite comments from the public. The design of the scheme is well advanced and responds to a number of site constraints and best practice design guidance criteria that together act to determine the size and the positioning of the ramp itself. So, the general size and extent of the ramp is not likely to be subject to much further change ahead of construction. However, other design factors such as lighting, signage, planting, method of construction, etc. are to be determined. We are also keen to learn more about how people currently use this section of the route and the wider area as we consider future improvements along The Hospital Trail.
Paper copies of the survey will be available from Torquay Library during normal opening hours.
As part of the engagement, our officers will be available on occasion to speak to people in person in the vicinity of Rainbow Drive about the scheme. Dates and times will be updated here and on our social media channels.