You can either leave the Tarka Trail on the line of the old tramway route and finish in the beautiful town of Great Torrington or continue on the route across the river on the railway to where the path currently ends at Meeth. This large family home sleeps six and has plenty of space for a group or family to have a comfortable break. One final river bridge is crossed before the trail arrives at the Puffing Billy caf. if you are planning to visit The Tarka Trail, then why not take a look at our list of places to stay located near to The Tarka Trail, where hotels, guesthouses, self-catering properties, B&Bs and campsites are listed. Torridge Tarka Trail - Walk - South West Coast Path Walk Sleep Do Walk - Torridge Tarka Trail 3.0 miles (4.8 km) Catch Bus to Instow - EX39 2BU Bideford Easy - Since the route uses a former railway, it is also suitable for use by cyclists, wheelchair users or as a pushchair walk. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Built on the site of an ancient settlement atop an inland cliff with the River Torridge below, the town enjoys spectacular views across rolling hills and unspoilt green countryside. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5244326 Route information Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy. Returned here for lunch for the second time in a matter of months and it was even better this time. A few metres on the bus stop is on the corner). With no road crossings, this part of the trail is suitable for kids but keep an eye on them in the long tunnel. The large farmhouse table is perfect for big sociable mealtimes and the enclosed garden with patio is the perfect suntrap for those days you want to stay at home! As you travel through this beautiful area of North Devon you may spot Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Otters, Kingfishers, Salmon and many other species of birds, wildlife and flowers. Read our fundraising promise. The station was closed for regular passenger services in 1965 under theBeeching Axe. 1. Your email address will not be published. Built by theNorth Devon Railway, it opened on 18 July 1872, operated by theLondon and South Western Railway. (view on map). If you walked, you can catch the bus back from Bideford Quay just cross the bridge, turn right and youll find the bus stops. In 1925 the narrow gauge Torrington and Marland Railway was rebuilt as a standard gauge line and opened through to Halwill Junction as theNorth Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. We're offering a FREE programme of activities this Spring for over 55s: - puffing billy tarka trail. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. For family days out along The Tarka Trail you may want to visit our places to visit page, or our Get Inspired page featuring towns, villages and places of interest along the trail. Discover the best North Devon has to offer, The UK's longest, traffic-free cycle path, The Tarka Trail between Braunton and Meeth, places to stay located near to The Tarka Trail, places to eat and drink along The Tarka Trail, Aarons unicycle challenge for Childrens charity. Puffing Billy is Australia's favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. With the glistening river and estuary on one side, lush countryside and woodland on the other, and trails leading through nature reserves, the Tarka Trail allows you to enjoy the very best of the North Devon scenery and wildlife. Youll start at the Puffing Billy cafe, cross the River Torridge at Beam Weir, made famous in Henry Williamsons book Tarka the Otter (theres probably a copy in your eco lodge), before meandering along the valley, through the old railway tunnel, across another bridge and into the former station at Bideford, where theres a (summertime) cafe in an old railway carriage. After the railway line was closed the station became a public house and then a restaurant and finally, as you see it today, a licensed cafe. I have spoken to the kitchen in regards to the crisp portion to ensure we are consistent in our offering. to Fremington Quay . Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) returns to Skern Lodge for 2023! Thanks Again, Hi Luke, Sorry to hear you felt the food was not upto your standard, we often get many good/great comments on our paninis, unfortunately we have had some issues with our paninis which was addressed by our supplier and will not be a issue moving forwards. From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight onlyTorrington and Marland Railway. . Actions Graphs Show Elevation Show Gradient Refresh Elevation Preferences Advertisements If you're already a supporter please login to enable the layer control. m. Notes The old railway station at Torrington is an ideal place to start your Tarka Trail adventure. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The entire route is centered around the ancient market town of Barnstaple, the principle town in the North Devon region. Chill out in the suntrap garden with an all-day breakfast what better way to refuel for the journey home? Tree Trail (about 3km) 2. The centre of the town therefore commands spectacular views, though lower-lying . You may also like the following events from St Anne's Arts & Community Centre: Tickets for Torrington Tarka Trail Haunted History Tour can be booked here. It was warm and sunny so we sat at one of the outside tables. But due to both theChina Clayand the milk train traffic, freight trains and the occasional passenger special used the line until 1982. Interesting building, free wifi, friendly staff, great (mostly locally sourced) food (big fan of the porridge with mixed berries), decent portions, reasonable prices, a variety of coffee and cakes for those so inclined and cask ale.Yes, staffing levels can sometimes seems bit low and it does get very busy at times but there are worse places to wait for your food (and I've never actually had to wait very long in any event).A must if enjoying this end of the Tarka Trail. We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. fine for parking in handicap spot in ohio. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. Find out how we're improving accessibility on the Network. If youre looking for a fun day out in Devon that all members of your family will enjoy, wed recommend heading to the Tarka Trail. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Thank you for your nice comments re; the burger you are correct it is nothing fancy, it is prime beef burger from our local butcher, served with our twice cooked hand cut chips, burger relish and a small garnish. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Adjacent to the Tarka Trail, this character cottage for two is nestled in a picturesque wooded valley just outside Torrington. It is right on the Tarka Trail and the restored waiting room serves as the restaurant. 0 The Tarka Trail runs close the house, so you couldnt be closer to the action. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station buildings. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 0 Puffing Billy is currently operating with limited capacity, book your tickets early, so you don't miss out! Theres also only one point where you may meet a car at Fremington Quay but even then, cyclists and cars have their own lanes so its a super-safe route for younger ones.If little legs get tired more quickly than you thought, waypoints at Fremington and Instow make it easy to refuel and loop back if necessary. Bike back again, or if on foot, cross Bidefords famous long Bridge and come back on the bus if youve had enough (the bus leaves from Bideford Quay and will take you back to Puffing Billy check the latest times online). Puffing Billy is the name of the cafe here, once the station buildings. Bases have been ordered for the parasols so no more Mary Poppins like scenes! Take them to the bus stop, set them off exploring, and hear their adventures at the end of the day. If thats not open, the is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. Tarka Trail Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter from Henry Williamson's famous 1927 novel, the Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling route that traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches enabling you to explore and experience the very best North Devon has to offer. Puffing Billy Station Hill, Great Torrington EX38 8JD England +44 1805 623050 Website Menu Closes in 46 min: See all hours See all (67) Ratings and reviews 4.0 344 reviews #3 of 13 Restaurants in Great Torrington Travellers' Choice 2022 RATINGS Food Service Value Details PRICE RANGE 4 - 6 CUISINES British, Cafe Special Diets A detour into Barnstaple town centre, where you can take in the Pannier Market and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, is worthwhile. Good coffee & tea. (SOLD OUT!) Burger and chips looked okay but nothing fancy. Whether walking or cycling, set off passing in front of the cafe on the tarmac path that was once the railway track. ifsi virtual learning. The trail runs alongside the River Torridge which inspired Henry Williamson to write Tarka the Otter. east Yarde . The south loop follows the river Torridge deep into the heart of Otter country, through Torrington, turning at Okehampton on the fringe of Dartmoor National Park and heading back towards Barnstaple. Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate embedded maps in your account and youll be able to use the site Ad free. We did wait a while for the food to arrive but it was a peak time so only to be expected. This is the old Torrington railway station building, and is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original signs and platform notices. Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter from Henry Williamsons famous 1927 novel, the Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling route that traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches enabling you to explore and experience the very best North Devon has to offer. This longer and hillier section of the Tarka Trail is slightly more challenging than the flatter parts before it, making it more suitable for older children. Find out more We have a large selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch options, and of course home-made cakes and scones! Relax in the garden after a busy days adventures, or if the weather turns bad, light the wood burner and choose something good to watch on the Sky TV.Feeling inspired to get out and explore? 20.84 Enjoy a relaxing train journey between Barnstaple and Exeter, stopping Beautiful scenery and a warm welcome awaits at Instow. Twitter. sport cycling distance 20.84 ml energy 0 kcal ascent 0 m descent 0 m Notes Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. While walking or cycling you will experience many wildlife habitats including estuary mudflats and salt marshes, oak woodland, hazel coppice, hedges, ponds, streams, ditches and meadows. If thats not open, there is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. The 180-mile trail forms a figure-eight around the North Devon coast and countryside, but were looking at the most popular section: the 32 miles of traffic-free, flat path between Braunton and Meeth. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. If youre car-less and have young children with you we can sometimes run you down there. However, following closure of the railway, there was a proviso that that the tracked should not be built on in the event that . Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail This gently down-hill walk or bike ride is our favourite part of Devon's Tarka Trail to do from Wheatland Farm's eco lodges. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210. Puffing Billy Steam Train Ticket Package Options Return Ticket - Belgrave to Lakeside (Departs 11:15AM & 12:45PM) Free cancellation (24-hours notice) Instant confirmation Fixed date booking A lovely clean place to eat and drink. Reviews There are no reviews yet. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. along the Tarka Trail . Popular shops and eateries are within walking distance and the beach is a short ten minute drive away. Cycling the Tarka Trail - Directions Start at the old platform of Meeth Halt Station and head into the trees of the Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry. How about making it an independent day out for early teens? Attend, Share & Influence! Torrington is home to Dartington Crystal, the UKs only remaining glass factory who offer a fascinating factory tour where you can watch skilled glass blowers creating some of the most beautiful glass products. The Tarka Trail is a wonderful route for nature lovers. Escape to Devon on a South West getaway. Keep an eye out for their pizza nights, too! Why not check out our guide to the best beaches in North Devon or our locals guide to North Devons best walks? Theres even a grassed area for kids complete with wooden pirate ship where they can let off steam! 3 reviews of Puffing Billy "The Puffing Billy has changed owners and is currently not a Pub. WikiZero zgr Ansiklopedi - Wikipedia Okumann En Kolay Yolu Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! 4,073 were here. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. We have got 40,000 cities covered worldwide, Discover Online Events - Attend from anywhere , Torrington Tarka Trail Haunted History Tour, bWFpbCB8IHRoZXBsb3VnaGFydHNjZW50cmUgISBvcmcgISB1aw==, There is no photo available at this moment, We'll find event recommendations just for you. This route is on the National Cycle Network. Walk to the Puffing Billy cafe from home and its always great to meet for a coffee. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. 6:30am We're opening the event to 150 participants with a choice of two rides: Ride 1 is the classic 200km Moor2Moor Challenge taking in the . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This gently down-hill walk or bike ride is our favourite part of Devons Tarka Trail to do from Wheatland Farms eco lodges. Highly recommended. Horse riding is also permitted on this section. Good parking at both front and rear and right on the Tarka Trail, superb. Great Torrington is a market town rich in dark history yet surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. Our salad is only a small garnish as advertised on our menu however upon your feedback I have made sure the kitchen team are aware of you comments and again are offering a value for money portion. more. Beginning in the pretty village of Braunton, the route is incredibly easy to follow. We stopped for a drink on our way to Bideford. Many locals consider it the best cafe in town, and it serves up a wide range of light bites, lunches and legendary cakes. PUFFING BILLY OPERATES DAILY (except Christmas Day). The service is always excellent. Popped in here after a visit to Dartington Crystal. We enjoyed it so much that we went back for elevenses the next day on our way to Meeth. At the highest points, you might spot Dartmoor on a clear day. Its one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or less experienced cyclists. When on a visit to Devon, youve got to pop into one of this countys quaint country pubs for a tasty Sunday roast or a pint. Lovely outdoor seating area, a very extensive menu and very prompt service. Whether walking or cycling, set off passing in front of the pub on the tarmac path that was once the railway track. Your journey will continue along the banks of the River Taw, passing through Chivenor and crossing the tributary river Yeo on the new swing bridge at Barnstaple. The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Stay In Devon is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary. 2 hours 33 minutes Bridges, tunnels, cafesand its off road too. Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group. Theres loads to see and do in both Braunton and Barnstaple, and the slightly shorter distance of this section makes it a breeze to fit in spending time in both locations as well as squeezing in the return cycle!With only a couple of places where you meet a road (and even then, there are designated crossing points across the quiet roads), this section is perfect for younger cyclists. In regards to the price a panini is 6.80 or 5.44 Ex Vat we try to keep our prices to a minimum but we pay our staff fairly and use local suppliers for our coffee, meat, fruit and vegetable etc;. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There is also a goods brake van, coal truck and buffet carriage on a restored stretch of track. Tarka Trail Map - Tarka Trail Guide The Tarka Trail in its entirety is a 290km figure '8' shaped long-distance route centered roughly on the town of Barnstaple in North Devon. Puffing Billy is the world's oldest surviving steam locomotive, [1] [2] constructed in 1813-1814 by colliery viewer William Hedley, enginewright Jonathan Forster and blacksmith Timothy Hackworth for Christopher Blackett, the owner of Wylam Colliery near Newcastle upon Tyne, in the United Kingdom. I hope based on my response you will give us another shot, if you would like to discuss your experience any further please email me directly on sargeantandsargeant@gmail.com. kcal, ascent Explore fantastic walking and cycling routes across the UK. Lovely garden area. Either drive or take the bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. It does not follow the railway in some locations and has steeper gradients. , it opened on 18 July 1872, operated by the, . The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. View all facilities along The Tarka Trail. A few metres on the bus stop is on the corner). Station Rd, Torrington, EX38 8JD, , United Kingdom, North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. If you walk you can get the bus back. Look out for information boards along the way, with interesting facts about the former Rolle Canal. A bit further and youll come to a wooden bench, one of 30 pieces of art originally commissioned for the trail as part of the Sustrans Art in the Travelling Landscape project.Near here you can detour into the woods on a permissive path that takes you to Weare Giffard. It's one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or less experienced cyclists. These cookies do not store any personal information. A passenger service operated until 1965 when the line again reverted to carrying goods only until the line through Torrington was closed completely. Barnstaple is the main town of north Devon, and the Crow point is an unspoiled haven of natural beauty and Bideford, known locally as 'The little white town' is an A traditional bustling market town and the gateway to Dartmoor. It extends for 180 miles. Routes 27 and Route 3 criss-cross The Tarka Trail with sections where off-raod cycling is available. Southlands Retreat, BrauntonSleeping five, this stylish and modern home is only half a miles walk to the cycle hire centre in Braunton.Theres a surfboard rack if you fancy exploring up the coast with your boards, and two four-legged visitors are welcome, too. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Lovely huge slabs of cake, just what we needed to get us all that way! Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate additional base maps (and youll get to use the site Ad free). You can read more about both routes below & use the map to plan your stops along the way. Created from a disused railway line, this walking and cycling route is great for all ages and all abilities and as its tarmacked and relatively flat, wheelchairs, buggies and less confident cyclists will have no problem following the trail. We called in here for our halfway stop having cycled 21 miles from Braunton and what a pleasant surprise. Home Open 7 days a week & dog friendly! There are lots of great places to eat and drink along the way, too. We think its the prettiest part of the trail. From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight only, . A small car park enables easy and immediate access to the Tarka Trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Just enjoyed a delicious and plentiful carvery at the Puffing Billy, and definitely a bargain. Free for all train ticket holders, passengers can also explore the Menzies Creek Museum - home to more than 80 railway-related exhibits. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. Agents JD Commercial said it urges interested parties to view soon, as it finds cafe and tea room operations tend to sell. Tarka View, Bideford Find out what we stand for and how our work around the UK is making a difference. Between the 5 of us we selected a variety of sandwiches, panini and burgers all of which were well presented and of very good quality. Supporters can choose from road map, terrain, cycle map & satellite imagery. Of course, youll need somewhere just right to come back to after a busy day out. Do not miss the Puffing Billy, a relaxed pub at the former Torrington railway station. The Tarka Trail is a recreational route opened in May 1992 which describes a figure of eight, centred on Barnstaple, through the beautiful countryside of North Devon. Date: January 17, 2009 Author: maggie2watson Category: car free, Cycling, Local Devon walks, Things to do Post navigation. Its worth the effort, though the countryside is wilder here, as you head through woodland and further into deepest, darkest Devon! Getting there:Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Sustrans is committed to fundraising in a way which is legal, open, honest and respectful. Zoom in to see updated info. place for refueling . Sign up now to hear more about our latest news, views, events, campaigns, policy, impact and other activities. Open daily with free entry to passengers and visitors. A guided walk down the old railway track, hearing true tales of Torrington and surroundings. Find properties for sale in Beech Road, Stibb Cross, Torrington, Devon, Ex38 8hz from the thousands of available properties on the market today. Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. If youre there really early and its quiet you may see an otter. The most popular stop along this section of the trail is Fremington Quay Cafe. This section of the trail from Barnstaple to Bideford is great for a family day out as there are lots of places to stop for refreshments on the way. On grouping in 1923 the Torrington to Barnstaple line became part of theSouthern Railway. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Great Torrington, often referred to as just Torrington is a market town rich in history and surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. The paninis have hardly any fill in and are served with a childs portion of some cheap crisps. 16 hours 23 minutes, 99.7% Traffic-free | 69.9% Asphalt, 28.0% Unsealed firm, 2.1% Unsealed loose. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, We even got to see the diesel shunting engine being exercised on it tiny 50m track! The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure-eight loop inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter. It is temporarily operating as a cafe offering good coffee, other non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of sandwiches, pastries and other snacks during the daytime only. Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail. Subscribed to personalized events updates! Walking and cycling routes change over time. Great Torrington Tourism Great Torrington Hotels Bed and Breakfast Great Torrington Great Torrington Holiday Rentals We used to allow embedded maps for free but Google made a change to the way they charge for maps which means we can no longer do this, sorry. At this point the trail criss-crosses over the winding River Torridge through wooded valleys and vast river expanses, offering some of the most scenic sections of the Tarka Trail. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. the station platform . The north loop travels up through Exmoor into Lynton and the Valley of Rocks then back along the coast. Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. Torrington Cycle Hire: Cycle trip - See 84 traveler reviews, 24 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. Where to stay? in hospitality, hope to continue the good work of the previous owners whilst putting their own stamp on the Puffing Billy! The paninis have hardly any fill in and are served with a childs portion of some cheap crisps. Looking for more places to stay in North Devon? Specialising in great food made with local ingredients, it's worth visiting for the roasts alone! This is the least well known but most peaceful and tranquil part of the Tarka Trail. Puffing Billy 220mm x 110mm Black Ink on Cream Card . A little further south is a section of the trail that is open to horses. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne. highly recommend it, wild camping & stayed at a few camp sites. The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow theTowpath Code. Lovely setting and restoration of the former station. Watch out for kingfishers and herons. View this route on OS maps Heres our guide to the Tarka Trail, including the best places to eat and drink, where you can hire bikes, and most importantly where to stay when you visit. We had cycled along the Tarka trail from Bideford for afternoon tea. 209 Puffing Billy Stock Photos, Images & Pictures Most relevant Best selling Latest uploads Within Results People Pricing License Media Properties More Safe Search first first vacuum cleaners falls creek billy teenager roller coaster Browse 209 professional puffing billy stock photos, images & pictures available royalty-free. The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Stay In Devon | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales.