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Tarka Trail

Bideford to Torrington

Iron BridgeThis section (again entirely traffic free) takes you up the Torridge Estuary. With the river on your left, the path continues on the old railway bed. You pass along causeways and through cuttings, through tunnels and across bridges. It was the river bank in the shadow of Beam Aqueduct that Henry Williamson Describes as Tarka’s birthplace.

Route Distances

  • Bideford to Great Torrington 6miles /10km
  • Great Torrington to Meeth 11miles/18km

Bideford

Please select Bideford town for more information

Bideford is a very attractive town, situated on the slopes dropping down to the west bank of the Torridge. It maintains a maritime feel, the quay usually being a bustle often with boats alongside, including the passenger ferry to Lundy. Lots to see and do – an attractive coastal town.

Cycle Shops

  • Free bird Cycle Surf Skates, 8 the Quay, Bideford Tel: 01237 470791

Cycle Hire

  • Bideford Bicycle Hire, Torrington Street, East-the-Water, Bideford Tel: 01237 424123

Tourist Information Centre - Victoria Park, Bideford Tel: 01237 477676

Pannier Market ~ (01237) 478777

Accomodation between Bideford and Meeth

Name Location Type Telephone No.
Royal Hotel East-the-water, , Barnstaple Street,Bideford, EX39 4EA Hotel

01237 472005, Fax: 01237 472005

reservations@royalbideford.co.uk, - www.brend-hotels.co.uk

open to non-residenst for bar meals, afternoon tea etc...

The Sunset Hotel Landcross Hotel 01237 472962
Bracken Haven Weare Giffard B&B 01237 472918
Quay House Weare Giffard B&B 01237 473325
Aish Villa Petrockstowe B&B 01837 810581
Stone Cottage Meeth B&B 01805 804459

Bideford StationEast-the-Water

The Medieval Bideford Bridge connects the town to East-the-Water, its ancient suburb. This was the location of Bideford Station, now the offices for the Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service a local information centre. There is a resorted length of railway track here and on certain days enthusiasts run a diesel locomotive up and down.

Railway Carriage (refreshment, maps, souvenir and displays information open 10-4pm summer weather permitting)

Places to eat

Name Telephone No. Info.
The Black Smith Arms, Torrington Street) 01237.477747 Pub Food, access from trail toTarka Terrace ideal in the summer
The Swan Inn,( 49 Torrington Street, bideford, EX39 4DP) 01237 473460 Good home cooked food and real ales

Weare Giffard

Places to eat

Name Telephone No Info.
The Cyder Presse 01237 425517 Traditional village inn, award winning cuisine, lunchtime & evening meals booking advisable

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Page Updated 18/05/03