This 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

• Freebird 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 ~ Tel: 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
Broadpark Breaks	Frithelstock, nr Great Torrington	B&B	01805 622214 www.broadparkbreaks.co.uk

East the Water

The medieval Bideford Bridge connects the town of Bideford to East the Water, its ancient suburb. This was the location of Bideford Station, now the offices for the North Devon AONB and Biosphere Service. There is a restored length of railway track here and on certain days enthusiasts run a diesel locomotive up and down.

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

Places to eat

Name	Telephone No.	Info.
The Blacksmiths Arms, Torrington Street)	01237.477747	Pub Food, access from trail to Tarka Terrace ideal in the summer
The Bistro Bar, 49 Torrington Street, bideford, EX39 4DP	01237 474370	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