Following the old railway line safe from the dangers of traffic, through tranquil Tarka Country.
The route North follows the Torridge Estuary, soon coming to the village of Instow. Stop here for lunch or laze on the beach. Then, if you wish, carry on towards Barnstaple, another six miles, past fields, marsh and mudflats, a haven for bird watchers.
The Tarka Cycle Trail
The trail South is totally different as, at first, it follows the valley of the River Torridge, crossing side to side through woods and a tunnel, until reaching Torrington Station, far below Great Torrington Town.
Onwards from here the trail climbs gently but steadily, through sheltering woods, over 4 miles until at last you reach East Yarde. The cycling enthusiast with lots of energy remaining can continue for another six miles on top of the world with great views all around.
Two routes are available, both scenic, level and traffic free. Enjoy a family day out with Tarka Trail Cycle Hire, the premier bike hire company, based at Barnstaple Railway Station.
Two routes are available, both scenic, level and traffic free. They run alongside the estuary which abounds with water birds.
The longest route is to Torrington and return - approx. 30 miles. Instow, is the greatest favourite (12 mile round trip), with its sandy beach, wonderful views and many refreshment choices.
The other route to Braunton is a 12 mile round trip.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1271 879617
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
Kelanjo, Cairn Road, Ilfracombe, Devon. EX34 8DL
Route A
We are here at Barnstaple Railway Station
ROUTE A
From Barnstaple see flocks of estuary birds, wild duck, widgeon, teal, mallard, dunlin, curlew, redshank , oystercatcher on RSPB's Isley Marsh.
Cycle from Barnstaple along the shores of the estuary of the rivers Taw & Torridge past Fremimgton Pill, once the port for « unloading ball clay, where you can see a lime kiln and if you are lucky, a rare Kingfisher. Onto Isley Marsh now a RSPB reserve and pass the site of the former power station at Yelland.
At Instow with its sandy beach, time to have some refreshments and a swim. Depending on the tides, it is possible to visit the quaint resort of Appledore by ferry from Instow and take your bikes with you. Appledore has been famous for the building of sailing ships for centuries. Areplica of the Mayflower was constructed here in 1970 and sailed to America. Returning to Instow we cycle on to inspect the restored signal box open during the summer on Sundays. 3 miles further on brings us to Bideford.
To explore Bideford you must cross the 14th century bridge built by the Grenville family. Richard Grenville commanded ships from Appledore when he joined Francis Drake against the Spanish Armada. The Kingsley statue also has a commanding position at the end of the quay. Back on the trail we cross the Landcross viaduct over the River Torridge and for the next four miles you cycle along the Torridge valley. Torrington station now a pub called the Puffing Billy is another refreshment stop.
Route B
Leave the cycle hire depot and cross the magnificent stone bridge held up by 14 piers and make for the right hand bank of the Taw estuary. At Ashford Strand watch the birds feeding (3 '/imiles).
Quench your thirst at Heanton Court (4 miles) Visit Braunton for refreshments or shopping (6'/ miles) Crow Point — (a very rewarding extension on a public road and a toll road where slow moving vehicles may be encountered). Picnic on the raised river bank to observe swans, ducks and moorhen in the drainage channels. Imagine the old quay at Vellator. Have a glimpse of Braunton's Medieval Great Field and on to see the sand dunes an SSSI. The kids will love this. (Round trip including Braunton 20 miles)
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