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
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
Cycle Hire
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 |
East-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 |
Back to top