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Barnstaple & Bideford WalksWhat makes Barnstaple a better destination for walkers than many others? It’s on the Tarka Trail! Making North Devon a haven for those who love to ramble, The Tarka Trail connects the patch worked North Devon countryside and best of all, is traffic-free! Whether you choose to explore on foot or bike during time in Bideford and Barnstaple holiday cottages, you’ll find a walk that’s just right. |
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Braunton to BarnstapleGreat for cycling or as another Barnstaple walk, Braunton to Barnstaple follows the picturesque Taw estuary and links the historic town of Braunton and Barnstaple’s bustling quay. This walk starts at the car park which stands at the site of the former train station, from here, walkers or cyclists can pick up the Tarka Trail and follow along the old railway line. Highlights of this route are far-stretching views of the estuary, a wetland conservation site, St Augustine’s Church and Barnstaple’s historic long bridge over the Taw. The walk’s end at Barnstaple quayside is a great excuse for a drink or lunch while you rest!
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Barnstaple to BidefordThe Barnstaple to Bideford walk is 10 miles long, so the more easygoing walkers may wish to split this one into two! Starting at Barnstaple station, this walk can be crowded in the summer as it’s very popular with cyclists - and parts of the trail also follow the South West Coast Path. Choose whether you’d like a more coastal view from Yelland as the path splits until Instow. The old Instow station still stands, and the former signal box opens on Sunday afternoons for passersby to have a look around. The walk ends at Bideofrd station, where you can continue the railway theme with a refreshing cup of tea in a train carriage and museum.
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Barnstaple to Landkey5 miles long, this Barnstaple walk is fairly unchallenging and largely centres around Barnstaple town. Walkers can pick up the local bus service to Barnstaple for the journey back. The walk starts at Barnstaple and ends in Landkey, passing through Bishops Tawton on the way, and there are ample facilities and refreshment stops to keep your energy up along the way. Landkey is 3 miles from Barnstaple, and a small, pretty village rumoured to have been founded by Sir Francis Drake himself! Look out for Venn Quarry as you walk from Bishops Tawton to Landkey.
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Torridge Estuary Rail TrailPicking up North Devon’s Tarka Trail between Instow and Bideford, the Torridge Estuary Rail Trail follows the old South Western railway line. Because of this, the walk is fairly flat, so those with pushchairs and wheelchair users can follow it too. The walk is 3 miles long and passes some fantastic sights, including estuary views, Appledore Shipyard, Braunton Burrows in the distance at Saunton Sands and the former mileage posts along the way. This trail also passes Tapeley Gardens, spectacular Italian-inspired gardens that on lucky days are open to visitors. Look out for the commemorative plaque at Instow Station where further information on the Tarka Trail is displayed.
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For more area guides and info on Bideford & Barnstaple holidays please see below: Dog friendly Bideford & Barnstaple |
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