We were in Devon for a few days staying in Combe Martin and on our last day, yesterday, before heading home, we hired bikes from Bideford and rode some of the Tarka Trail (converted old railway track).
route
Starting at Bideford (at East-the-Water ) we went north, following the edge of the River Torridge towards Instow. The water is tidal from the Bristol Channel and the tide was out, which was a shame, since its would have been nice to see a bit less mud, but still pretty anyway.
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Bideford Bridge in the distance, where we started from
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| Looking across to Appledore |
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Approaching Instow
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As we arrive at Instow "station" the cycle path crosses over, away from the beach. We knew there were loos in Instow, so detoured into the town, and comfort stop over, we thought also about time for a tea break (10.30 by this time). We stopped at The Instow Arms.
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Interesting protection for the sand dunes in Instow
(looking across to Appledore)
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Sawing a sizable piece of driftwood.
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Instow Arms on the right, with John having his coffee
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delicious brownie!
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Back on the official cycle path, it's all easy going, apart from the 20mph wind! Which will be behind us on the way back.... won't it?
Crossing a bridge as we came into Fremington "station", a nice pattern of water in the mud. But it was sooooo bright that my point and shoot camera couldn't really cope with the contrast.
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| Fremington "station" |
The plan to continue through Barnstaple to Braunton came to shuddering halt as, as 100 yards further on, the Tarka Trail was CLOSED for 48 hours. What are the chances!!! Anyway as it turned out, not a problem as it gave more time to head back to Bideford and see further south on the trail.
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On our way back to Bideford with the wind behind us
Wheeeee. |
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Our Land Rover hire bikes
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As we approach Instow, we stuck to the trail this time, so go through a tunnel.
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Straight over and back on the trail
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A little more water now in the River as we head back to Bideford
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We cross the bridge into Bideford for a lunch stop at the first cafe we come to (for convenience) Not the best, but served the purpose since we were against the clock.
The next part of the trail South of Bideford was very different, as we crossed the river 3 times, went through 2 more tunnels and also under a lot of trees. Very pretty.
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| Beam Aqueduct |
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Torrington "station"
The brochures all mention a good stop here at Puffing Billy Restaurant, but sadly Billy is puffing no longer since Covid. Fortunately we checked this before we left.
Now back to Bideford to hand back the bikes and drive home. Lovely 25 miles in total on a beautiful day. |
