With easy access to both the Tarka Trail and the South West Coastpath North Devon is a Mecca for walkers of all standards. No visit to the area would be complete if you did not walk just a bit of it.

The South West Coast Path is a 630 mile public right of way stretching from Minehead in Somerset along the whole of the North Coast of Devon around the coast of Cornwall and ending in Poole. Offering spectacular views no visit would be complete without walking at least part of it. Starting from Westward Ho! and heading east the path is easy walking as far as Ilfracombe but if you like something a little more challenging then head west towards the Cornish border.

West from Westward Ho!

The path can  be easily accessed from our cottage in Westward Ho! just walk down Merley Road (right next to our Seaspray cottage)and when the road finishes just keep going. At this stage the path follows the route of the long defunct Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway. Don't be deceived though, after you get to Greencliff the old railway turns inland and the hard work begins. In front of you as the bay curves around in the distance you can see beyond the unique village of Clovelly and on to Hartland Point. For a few miles now the path ascends and descends the cliff until you get to the ancient fishing village of Bucks Mills. Relatively unspoilt for this is a rare reminder of what the myriads of similar villages along the route. Renown for the Braund family who reputedly lived there for centuries and legend has it that they not only made a living from fishing but also from the practice of wrecking which was commonplace along the Devon and Cornwall coast in previous centuries. Rising steeply out of the village and continuing westward you soon come to Hobby Drive, giving you a respite from the up and down as you walk through the trees at the top of the cliff. As you progress you get tantalizing views of the now famous village of Clovelly  on your right. This village with its steep cobbled main street has also remained unspoilt. If you choose to venture down to the Quay you will find it a long haul back up again to join the designated path, however the Red Lion is right on the sea wall and an ideal place for some well earned refreshment. Retuning to the path  you enter the woods and before long you will soon become acquainted with Gallantry Bower a unique wooden shelter. The intricate carvings were reputedly carried out by  a past butler at the nearby Clovelly Court. Clovelly court is open to the public at a very reasonable price, click on the link above for details. As you continue will briefly come out of the woods and with spectacular views from Saunton round to Hartland. When you enter the woods again be prepared for a steep descent down to Mouth Mill. This derelict harbour, lime kiln and mill have suffered from being so remote that it has fallen into disuse and dereliction. Another steep climb takes you up through the woods into open country again.

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The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is a 30 Mile footpath/cycle path from Braunton to Meeth  laid along the bed of the old railway. Though in railway terms some of the gradients are steep you will barely notice them on foot or on a bike. If you have not brought your own bike these can be hired at Barnstaple, Bideford or Great Torrington . The trail is easily accessed from Coachman's and Smytham Cottages and Seaspray is close to the coast path which joins with the Tarka Trail at Bideford Station

Moving out from Barnstaple Station the trail will take you along the other side of the Taw estuary along flat open countryside. On your right the salt marsh is home to a myriad of birds so keep your eyes open who knows what you will spot. Soon you will find yourself at Fremington Quay. and an oportunity to take refreshment at the converted railway station. Once a thriving seaport Fremington is now little more than a tourist attraction but the food in the cafe is highly recommended. As you leave Fremington and head towards Instow the trail takes you past the old power station. As you approach Instow look out for the Cricket Club on your right with a rare thatched clubhouse. There can be few locations in the world as beautiful to play this very British game. The trail now takes you through the village and a tunnel which when you emerge you will see Instow Station on the other side of the level crossing. The wooden signal box built by the LSWR has been lovingly restored by local enthusiasts and is now a listed building. As you leave the station you have left the Taw estuary and are riding along the bank of the Torridge. With the ancient port town of Bideford now coming into view there is a slight incline but it should not present a problem. As you pass under the new high level bridge the ancient bridge comes into view.