The Tarka Trail cycle route is one of Devon’s best loved cycle routes. It’s traffic-free, which makes riding it a lovely, relaxed experience, whatever bikes you’re riding and however fast or slow you decide to take it.
We rode the Tarka Cycle Trail route with a friend on an ebike and two children on a sunny day in August. We loved the estuary landscapes of the River Taw and River Torridge, as well as the backdrop of vivid, green hills and pretty waterside villages. The selection of cafés and places to eat on route also got the thumbs up!
From what we saw, the Tarka cycle trail was popular both with adults, perhaps those who love flat easy-going cycling paths, and also those looking for family cycle routes.
Below we share more detail on each section of the Tarka Trail cycle route, and also include info on bike hire and cafés.
Looking for answers to questions about Tarka Trail cycling? Want to know more about the history of the route and its namesake, Tarka the Otter? Want info on Tarka Trail bike hire and route surfaces? Read this.
Highlights of the Tarka Trail cycle route
Alongside experiencing cycling Devon and the gorgeous Devon coast and countryside, here are some of our favourite things about the route:
- Taw Estuary: The stretch between Braunton and Barnstaple offers stunning views of the Taw Estuary.
- Instow: This charming village on the estuary is known for its sandy beach, picturesque views, and quaint pubs. There are also pretty views over to Appledore on the other side of the estuary.
- River Torridge: As you follow the trail alongside the River Torridge, you’ll encounter peaceful, wooded sections that feel miles away from the hustle and bustle. The river itself, with its meandering curves, adds a sense of tranquillity to the ride.
- Industrial history: I loved all the stations and the various degrees of restoration they were in. The signal station at Instow, Bideford station and Puffing Billy Café at Great Torrington were particular highlights. All the bridges and tunnels of this disused railway path, between Instow and Great Torrington, were fun too.
- Cafes and restaurants: The route is well serviced by really nice café stops, which add to the overall enjoyment.
- Artwork: The Tarka Trail is one of Sustrans Art Trails, so keep your eyes peeled for some lovely sculptures along the way. We particularly enjoyed the benches made out of sleepers in Pencleave Wood.
Route notes: Tarka Trail cycle route
Braunton to Barnstaple: 5 kilometres
Summary
Glorious easy cycling along the River Taw.
Notes
We started the route from Waterside Bike Hire on an industrial estate immediately adjacent to the trail. Officially the route starts a little earlier, near the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton. However, retracing our steps didn’t make sense and starting here would have required a little bit of on-road riding which was easier to avoid with kids in tow.
From here, you’re straight out onto the Tarka Trail cycle route, which runs alongside the Taw Estuary, providing lovely views of the water and surrounding stunning countryside. The flat, well-maintained path makes for a relaxing start to your journey.
What really captures your attention though is the estuary; we rode this section at low tide and were wowed by the panoramic views over the salt marshes, mudflats and sandbanks, which are a real haven for wildlife.
The new Taw Bridge (opened in 2007) comes into sight and you can either cross here or divert off the route and head into Barnstaple. If you want to see Barnstaple, you can divert in and explore the largest town in North Devon, with its historic Pannier Market, shops, and cafés.
We went over the new bridge and to do this, you need to turn left just before the bridge, following a sign to Cycleways 3 and 27. If you are cycling with kids, take good care going over the bridge as the Tarka Trail path is beside a main road which is very busy.
The other side of the bridge, the Tarka Trail is signed.
Tips
- If you start the route in Braunton, rather than Waterside Bike Hire, you pass the Velator Wetland and then the RMB Chivenor base, which was an RAF airfield during the Second World War and later until 1995 when it was handed to the Ryal Marines.
- Close to Braunton are three impressive points that might be worthy of a detour from the route, if they’re of interest: Braunton Marsh, Braunton Burrons (one of England’s largest areas of sand dunes and a UNESCO protected biosphere) and Braunton Great Field (surviving from medieval times).
Barnstaple to Instow: 5 kilometres
Summary
A popular stretch, along the banks of the River Taw to charming Fremington and Instow
Notes
Having crossed the River Taw, you ride back along the estuary on the southern side of the river. You’re treated to yet more spectacular views. The Penhill salt marshes have been reclaimed for stock grazing and are carefully managed without chemical fertilizers and using low density grazing schemes.
Before long you come to the pretty old train station (and café) at Fremington Quay. There’s also a small heritage centre with a viewing tower. Apparently in the 1840s, Fremington was the second busiest port in the country thanks to all the exports of clay from here; difficult to believe that today!
After Fremington, you come to the RSPB salt marsh of Isley Marsh and the old East Yelland coal-fired power station (demolished in 1984). From here there are views across to Braunton Burows and one of the largest sand dune systems in England.
On the right, you pass what is reputedly the only thatched cricket pavilion and scoreboard in the country (dating from 1832). Just after, the path arrives at an old level crossing. Watch out for the road crossing here.
If you detour a short way to the right, you come to the charming village of Instow, where you can enjoy views of the estuary. One of the most prominent sights are the large buildings of Appledore shipyard which was founded in 1855. You can also enjoy a stop at the beach if you have time; at least treat yourself to an icecream and soak up the views!
The signal box at Instow was built in 1837 and has been restored to its former glory. In its heyday, up to 14 trains a day would pass though with passengers and freight (clay from Meeth and milk from Torrington).
Tip
There’s a relatively busy road to cross over between sections of the Tarka Trail cycle route at Instow. Take care!
Instow to Bideford: 5 kilometres
Summary
Another popular section, along the Torridge, to Bideford.
Notes
From Instow, you pass the Royal Marines Arromanches Camp as well as another MOD training facility. On the river, to the right, are gorgeous views over the river and you pass several houseboats moored up to the bank.
Once you pass under the new bridge, you can see the old bridge built in 1286 (and rebuilt in stone in 1474) with 24 point arches, each a different width.
The Tarka Trail cycle route doesn’t go through Bideford itself, but it’s a town with an ancient history and beautiful buildings; we’d have stopped if we’d had time.
The trail takes you through the old Bideford Railway Station, which is well-preserved.
As you come into the station, there’s a platform that was built to allow first class passengers to get out of their carriage and enter straight into the Royal Hotel (rather than having to get out at the station and walk around to the hotel’s front entrance!).
There’s also a replica signal box and the main building that remains at the station was originally one of the waiting rooms. There’s a tea room in the train carriage (we didn’t sample it).
Bideford to Great Torrington: 8 kilometres
Summary
Bridges, tunnels and industrial archaeology.
Notes
This section of the Tarka Trail cycle path takes you deeper into the Devon countryside, passing through wooded areas and open fields.
The old railway system reached Bideford in 1855, with the extension to Torrington opened in 1870. The Torrington section closed to passengers in 1965 but continued for fright until 1982.
You pass along causeways and through cuttings and tunnels. The birdlife here is impressive – we spotted a huge heron and, if you are lucky, you may spot kingfishers too.
The first crossing of the River Torridge is on the Landcross viaduct, known by locals as the “Iron Bridge”. You then continue through the Landcross Tunnel; it’s 18 metres long so, while it is lit, it’s still sensible to remove sunglasses before entering!
The trail continues and crosses a bridge over the River Torridge. There’s also an 82 metre aqueduct bridge to the right, supported by five stone arches and built between 1824 and 1827. Shortly after is another bridge, Beam Bridge. There’s a final bridge and then you come to the Puffing Billy café.
Puffing Billy is a lovely cafe to stop at; it’s housed in the old station building and is full of railway memorabilia. There are also trains on the tracks outside. The cakes look great too!
Tip
If you like history, you might want to detour into the beautiful town of Great Torrington, which is known for the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646. It marked the end of Royalist resistance in the west of England during the Civil War. The castle apparently offers great views over the Torridge valley.
Great Torrington to Meeth: 18 kilometres
Summary
Quiet solitude, woodland, moorland and a climb or two
Notes
This section of the trail feels quite different to what’s gone before. The path is predominantly through pastures and woodland, with little in the way of the expansive views you will have enjoyed at the start of the route.
This is the least known part of the Tarka Trail cycle route and you’ll likely have it to yourself. Note that this section is on cinder track; finely crushed stone and dirt. It could be dusty if it was very dry and possibly a bit sticky after a lot of rain.
You are surrounded by Pencleave Wood. There are three unusual sculpture benches you come across at intervals along the route. They were designed by John Butler and built from old railway sleepers.
You pass the old platform of Watergate Halt and the trail then starts a climb up to Stowford Moor. This is the first climb on the trail and takes you up to the summit of the trail at 136 metres.
It’s then on to Yard Halt and a café in the orchard (it’s well-thought of but sadly closed by the time we arrived!).
There’s an old platform for Dunsbeare Halt and you continue on up to Marland Moor. You pass Petrockstow Station. Soon after watch out for the 90 degree turn, which is a diversion from the original course or the railway in order to skirt various quarry and pits.
From here there is access to Ash Moor Nature Reserve, a special network of meadows and wetlands. The final section of woodland is particularly gorgeous. You cross over two fords before climbing upwards. Here you could detour to the Meethe Quarry Nature Reserve.
We continued and found ourselves in a large car park; the end of the ride!
Tips
- There are various tunnels, some longer than others. Remember to take off your sunglasses so that you can see through them; they are lit by electric lights, but not brightly, so you won’t be able to see if you have your sunglasses on!
- The route crosses a few small roads. Take care if with kids. One of the roads you cross provides access to the buildings of the old North Devon Clay Works. If you’re interested in industrial history, at its peak, thousands of tons of clay left this area by rail and lorry. This is the centre of “clay country”.
- At the end of the route, I think we missed a better finale to the ride; if we had turned right along the unmade path, rather than the road, I think we would have reached the old Meeth Halt platform (rather than just the car park!).
- If you want to celebrate in a pub, turn left onto the busy main road and climb 200 metres to the village where you can enjoy a celebration in the Bull and Dragon inn, dating from the 16th Century.
Cafés on the Tarka Trail cycle route
Here are some popular spots to consider when you cycle the Tarka Trail:
- Braunton: At the start of the trail, Braunton has several cafés and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat before setting off.
- Barnstaple: As a larger town, Barnstaple offers a wide selection of dining options. You can find everything from coffee shops and bakeries to full-service restaurants. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or a mid-ride snack – though you’ll need to take the short diversion off the route to get here.
- Instow: This charming village is a favourite among cyclists for its scenic beach and waterfront dining. You’ll find pubs and cafés offering local seafood, light lunches, and drinks with a view of the estuary. We bought mouth-wateringly delicious pasties from John’s of Instow Delicatessen and followed it up with an equally delicious ice cream from Hocking’s. Their ice cream van, converted from a Landrover, and conveniently placed on the beach, is very distinctive.
- Bideford: In Bideford, there is a café in an old buffet carriage at the former Bideford East-the-Water Station. If you want to divert off the Tarka Trail, there are also plenty of places to eat along the quayside in Bideford, from traditional pubs to modern cafés.
- Great Torrington: We loved the Puffing Billy Café on the Tarka Trail. However, if you want to divert off, Great Torrington is home to a variety of places to eat.
- Meeth: The Bull and Dragon inn has a great reputation, but it’s just off the trail and we didn’t get a chance to visit unfortunately.
In addition to these towns, there are several picnic spots along the trail, perfect if you prefer to bring your own food and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

Delicious treats from John’s
Tips
There are several tips included above within the relevant sections of the Tarka cycle trail route.
We have also prepared this list of FAQs for cycling the Tarka Trail. It covers tons of questions we get asked about riding the Tarka Trail, so do you have a read!
Note that while the route itself is traffic free, it does cross a few roads. There are barriers in place but take care if with kids.
Don’t miss our guide to cycling Devon.
Have you cycled the Tarka Trail cycle route before?
We’d love to hear about how cycling the Tarka Trail went! Perhaps you have found a better bike trails in Devon? Or even ventured over to Dartmoor National Park? We’d love to hear from you, drop us a comment below.
Looking for more cycling routes in the UK?
Don’t miss these:
- Guide to cycling the Camel Trail and FAQs
- Cycling the Hebridean Way, Scotland
- The Isle of Wight
- The Celtic Trail, Wales
- Best family cycling routes in the UK
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