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Braunton to Meeth 32 Miles of Storybook Cycling.

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This is a 32 mile long section MAP that makes use of the former North Devon Railway’s "Tarka Line" which saw service from 1854 to 1982. This provides a level, well surfaced and Traffic Free cycle path from Braunton in the North to Meeth on the fringes of Dartmoor. The route around the banks of the Taw & Torridge estuaries takes cyclist and walkers through the heart of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve the only one of its kind in the UK, it joins the likes of Ayres Rock, Mount Vesuvius and the Danube Delta in being awarded this status. The section is just one part of the 180 mile Figure of Eight Tarka Trail which loops and winds it way through the beautiful Devon Countryside taking in Chocolate Box villages and breathtaking scenery on its way, retracing the path taking by Tarka The Otter in Henry Williamson's book of the same name.

Description of Route from Biketrail to Torrington

As you approach Instow look out for the Thatched club house of North Devon Cricket Club on your right as you pass between the former railway buildings. Just past these a path leaves the trail and heads for Instow seafront and Beach. Enjoy a drink beside the beach at The Boathouse, well known for its food and very hospitable atmosphere.

If the tide is right you will find fresh fish being sold straight off the boat and you may be able to catch the ferry across to Appledore. Alternatively take time to enjoy the wide expanses of golden sands, shallow bathing waters and secluded dunes. Look out for the listed Signal Box on the old railway line as you rejoin the trail and head on to Bideford.

Bideford bridge can date its origins back to 1280 AD when a wooden pack horse bridge was built to replace a ford. It is thought that this is where the name Bideford is derived from, By The Ford. The wooden bridge stood until it was rebuilt in stone during the 16th century. The 24 arches were built as and when the funds were available, hence the varying sizes of arch. It has always been a thriving port and market town steeped in maritime history. Check out the Kathleen & May.

The quaint fishing village of Appledore is criss-crossed by a charming maze of narrow streets leading to the quay. A settlement can be traced here back to Saxon times. Viking raiders lead by Hubba the Dane, were defeated here in the Battle of Bloody Corner circa 878 AD. During Elizabethan times, along with Bideford it was the largest importer of tobacco, and tales of smugglers and a nautical air can be found around every corner.

Landcross Viaduct is the longest river crossing on this section of the trail. It is here that The Pool of Six Herons is set in "Tarka The Otter". From here the trail heads into a time tunnel, transporting you back in time. For the next 4 miles you will experience England's Green and Pleasant land the way it was in days gone by. Arguably one of the most beautiful river valley cycle trails to be found anywhere.  Truly Great British Heritage.

The Puffing Billy, approximately 12 miles from BIKETRAIL,  is the former Southern Railways Station. Many of the original buildings and sidings are now gone, however the Station building and platform remain. This a good place to think about heading back, but for those with enough time, & most importantly energy, the climb up to Torrington is well worth the effort. The Views from Torrington atop its inland cliff are spectacular and far reaching. Its position made it a site of strategic importance and it was here in 1646 that the West Country played its part in the English Civil War, when the Royalists where defeated during the Battle of Torrington.

The Trail to Meeth, is a distance of some 10 miles. Although this section is far from flat in places, views of Dartmoor afforded by the summits, are more than enough reward. Quiet open countryside and scenic wooded trails. A Little known treasure.

Description of Route from Biketrail to Braunton Burrows

Barnstaple's famous Pannier Market & Butchers Row, were built in 1855 to clean up the open air stalls and sprawling street markets that could be found along what is now the high street. Both are still thriving today and look much the same as they did 150 years ago.  Local produce is sill very much available through the market with smallholders and local companies regular stall holders. Butchers row is no longer the sole preserve of Butchers,  as with the Market goods have diversified however the local theme is still preserved as new shops must sell local produce. This area links directly with the High Street, and if you take the time to look above the new shop fronts, the architecture of the buildings will provided you with a glimpse of the past.

Ashford Strand  Approximately 3 mile out of Barnstaple on the North side of the estuary you will find Ashford Bird hide. Situated just 300 meters off the track its a great place to watch the thousands of feeding birds that in habit the shores and mud banks of the River Taw.

Some of the recently commissioned Tarka Trail Artwork can be found here and it is an ideal spot for a picnic.

Braunton Burrows A visit to the vast 2000 acre dune system of the Braunton Burrows is a must, and is easily reached if you follow the signed route from the Braunton end of the Tarka Trail. Braunton Burrows is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sensational birds and rare flowers.

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