For more info on the Sign up now to hear more about our latest news, views, events, campaigns, policy, impact and other activities. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. place for refueling . 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. Sleeping two, its an ideal romantic getaway and is half an hours walk from the Tarka Trail at the point where it crosses the River Torridge. Work in partnership with us to tackle the challenges of congestion, air pollution, physical inactivity, and social inequality, by making it easier for people to walk and cycle. Great Torrington. This route offers you superb views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary and features several wonderful sculptures and shelters created specially for the route. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Make a mid-way pitstop at The Waterside, just past Chivenor. Breaking News!!! The Puffing Billy: Great stop on the Tarka Trail - See 344 traveler reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Tree Trail (about 3km) 2. Be the first to review "Puffing Billy" . There is also a goods brake van, coal truck and buffet carriage on a restored stretch of track. Puffing Billy, ,Torrington, United Kingdom, Launceston, United Kingdom. Specialising in great food made with local ingredients, it's worth visiting for the roasts alone! 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. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station buildings. 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. If you want to cycle youll have to go out and back again. Instow has a wide selection of pubs, many of which are dog friendly. 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. 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. It's also flat and traffic-free, making it perfect for families. The most popular part of the Tarka Trail is the 31-mile section along disused railway lines between Braunton and Meeth, which breaks down conveniently into 4 separate sections. This is the old Torrington railway station building, and is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original signs and platform notices. cycled from Barnstaple . How about making it an independent day out for early teens? 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;. 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. Your email address will not be published. It extends for 180 miles. The Tarka Trail runs close the house, so you couldnt be closer to the action. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. Escape to Devon on a South West getaway. the station platform . The bread was pretty low quality and the salad is just a sprinkle of rocket and some tomatoes/cucumber. Tarka View, Bideford A passenger service operated until 1965 when the line again reverted to carrying goods only until the line through Torrington was closed completely. 3 reviews of Puffing Billy "The Puffing Billy has changed owners and is currently not a Pub. Find out what we stand for and how our work around the UK is making a difference. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Devon Eco Lodge: Hot Tub + Lake Views, Sleeps 8, Lodge with hot tub sleeps 6 in double, twin + bunk, Quiet holiday lodge, sleeps 4, dogs welcome, borrow a farm bike and lock it up at the bus stop, Standing up for Dartmoor wild camping rights, Wheatland Farms new favourite coffee shop in Winkleigh. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Delightful!Our tea and scone were good, and reasonably priced. Any contributions from walkers interested in the area would be very welcome. Find a route on the National Cycle Network. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Heres our full collection of self-catering cottages in North Devon were sure youll find the perfect place to rest your head. 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. 0 Attend, Share & Influence! The final section of the trail starts at the Puffing Billy caf - the old Torrington railway station building which is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original . The shared access section of the Tarka Trail runs for 31 miles along disused railway lines between Braunton and Meeth in north Devon, and was opened in 1997. . A few metres on the bus stop is on the corner). Description Reviews (0) Description. Puffing Billy is the name of the cafe here, once the station buildings. Would visit again if passing. Along the route you will find beautifully designed benches and shelters by Katy Hallett, Ben May, John Butler, Geoff Stainthorp and Paul Anderson. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When you arrive in Barnstaple, make tracks for the Station Masters Cafe next door to the railway station. kcal, ascent 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. 0 Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate additional base maps (and youll get to use the site Ad free). We even got to see the diesel shunting engine being exercised on it tiny 50m track! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It's a soothing ride past the enormous lakes and meadows of the old clay quarries and mines here, and you may even spot the reserve's herd of Exmoor ponies. Bridges, tunnels, cafesand it's off road too. A small car park enables easy and immediate access to the Tarka Trail. Here are some rainy day activities in Devon to keep you occupied and out of the bad weather. sport cycling distance 20.84 ml energy 0 kcal ascent 0 m descent 0 m Notes Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. There are times when the sun doesn't shine in Devon and the rain comes to say hello. Popular shops and eateries are within walking distance and the beach is a short ten minute drive away. Youll cross the Torridge again over the Iron Bridge where people often fish the tidal waters, then pass close to saltmarsh and a reedbed as you approach Bideford. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Beginning in the pretty village of Braunton, the route is incredibly easy to follow. You could borrow a farm bike and lock it up at the bus stop. Find properties for sale in Lavender Cottage, Frithelstockstone, Torrington, Devon, Ex38 from the thousands of available properties on the market today. It encompasses roads, footpaths, bridleways and cycleways. A passenger service operated until 1965 when the line again reverted to carrying goods only until the line through Torrington was closed completely. The most popular stop along this section of the trail is Fremington Quay Cafe. Getting there:Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. 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. A museum and cafe in the town named Torrington 1646 will transport you back in time to those dark days and give you a chance to relive the battle for yourself. 16 hours 23 minutes, 99.7% Traffic-free | 69.9% Asphalt, 28.0% Unsealed firm, 2.1% Unsealed loose. (view on map). Specialising in great food made with local ingredients, it's worth visiting for the roasts alone! We had cycled along the Tarka trail from Bideford for afternoon tea. Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5244326 Route information Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy. A detour into Barnstaple town centre, where you can take in the Pannier Market and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, is worthwhile. Take them to the bus stop, set them off exploring, and hear their adventures at the end of the day. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station . Agents JD Commercial said it urges interested parties to view soon, as it finds cafe and tea room operations tend to sell. Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. Look out for information boards along the way, with interesting facts about the former Rolle Canal. The Tarka Trail makes use of disused railway tracks to take you into the beautiful North Devon countryside. 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. Looking for more places to stay in North Devon? Horse riding is also permitted on this section. Sustrans is committed to fundraising in a way which is legal, open, honest and respectful. An Intimate VIP Afternoon with Paul Gascoigne "GAZZA", Launceston Folk Dance Club Centenary Dance, St Piran's Day - Celebration of All Things Cornish with Launceston Community Connections, Imagine yourself to wellness with the Causley Trust. 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. puffing billy tarka trail. Subscribed to personalized events updates! Following the success of the inaugural Moor2Moor Challenge in May, Launceston Velo in conjunction with Firebrand Brewery, Launceston Cycles, Westgate Street Deli and Maunders are running a bigger and better event on 14th May 2023. Great Torrington (generally abbreviated to Torrington, though it should be noted that the villages of Little Torrington and Black Torrington are situated in the same region) is a small market town in the north of Devon, England.Parts of it are sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. Stopped here on a Cycle rather than Fremington Quay and massively regretted it! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Tarka Trail is a wonderful route for nature lovers. Situated at the centre of the North Devon Area of With car parking, cafe and facilities, Fremington Quay is an Arguably the most spectacular coastal views along the Tarka Trail, lovely walks with dogs cycle rides great views very pleasant, hi all me & a friend done the Devon coast to coast & loved it. We're offering a FREE programme of activities this Spring for over 55s: - There are so many things to do in Devon that youll be spoilt for choice wherever you choose to base yourself during your holiday. There are lots of great places to eat and drink along the way, too. It extends for 180 miles. If youre there really early and its quiet you may see an otter. 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. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes. It's one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or less experienced cyclists. In 1925 the narrow gauge Torrington and Marland Railway was rebuilt as a standard gauge line and opened through to Halwill Junction as the. It provides an excellent place to take a break whether you are following the Tarka trail or driving through the area. If you dont have your own bikes, you can hire some from Torrington Cycle Hire, just opposite the cafe (01805 281461). Puffing Billy is about 15 miles from our eco lodges and cottage at Wheatland Farm, but if you take the bus your day out starts a mile and a half away at the Winkleigh Bus stop. We didnt eat but the food looked good and seemed to be enjoyed by those that were eating. 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. The station was closed for regular passenger services in 1965 under theBeeching Axe. On grouping in 1923 the Torrington to Barnstaple line became part of the, . With no road crossings, this part of the trail is suitable for kids but keep an eye on them in the long tunnel. The Tarka Valley Railway in Devon, England, is a proposed heritage railway based on plans to rebuild the Barnstaple to Halwill Junction railway line. from Braunton . to Meeth . You can also download a PDF (231kb) of the map using the button below. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. 2 hours 33 minutes From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight onlyTorrington and Marland Railway. Puffing Billy is Australia's favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Offering food and drink inside the station, and outside in the garden, the venue also hosts touring art exhibitions. We have a large selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch options, and of course home-made cakes and scones! Actions Graphs Show Elevation Show Gradient Refresh Elevation Preferences Advertisements The Tarka Valley Railway Group was formed in 2008 to preserve what remained of the railway at Torrington. The Tarka Trail is a combination of footpaths and bridleways with a large section being an old, converted railway line. Offering food and drink inside the station, and outside in the garden, the venue also hosts touring art exhibitions. This large family home sleeps six and has plenty of space for a group or family to have a comfortable break. These make the perfect place to rest and enjoy your surroundings. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. The Tarka Trail shares some sections with The National Cycle Network. 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. The Puffing Billy: Lovely stop on the Tarka trail - See 344 traveler reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. It's a really wonderful quiet and scenic stretch that heads north on the old railway path from Torrington and through East Yarde, Petrockstowe and Meeth. The service is always excellent. What's not to like? The trail runs alongside the River Torridge which inspired Henry Williamson to write Tarka the Otter. 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. 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. Stopped here on a Cycle rather than Fremington Quay and massively regretted it! Lovely outdoor seating area, a very extensive menu and very prompt service. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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 . Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, 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 Situated a stones throw from the old signal box in Instow, this newly refurbished apartment has sliding doors opening out to a patio area, with the Tarka Trail just beyond.Its the perfect size for a small family and includes allocated parking an absolute must in popular Instow. 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. We think its the prettiest part of the trail. 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. Thank you for your lovely comments, especially the one about the staff as it is feedback like this that keeps us all motivated to keep delivering friendly consistent service. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Burger and chips looked okay but nothing fancy. Check out our full collection of self-catering holiday cottages. But due to both theChina Clayand the milk train traffic, freight trains and the occasional passenger special used the line until 1982. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Absolutely delighted to create this fully funded programme with Active Devon and Torridge District Council this Spring at Skern Lodge. Watch out for kingfishers and herons. Covers the North Devon area, including Exmoor, Ilfracombe and the North Devon coast, Exeter, Okehampton and Bude. The station was closed for regular passenger services in 1965 under the. So far only a short demonstration line has been set up, and planning permission was granted for 300 ft (91 metres) of track in the direction of Bideford.The railway has been fenced off from the Tarka Trail ensuring the safety of all involved. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Giu 11, 2022 | how to calculate calories per serving in a recipe. Good service. The entire route is centered around the ancient market town of Barnstaple, the principle town in the North Devon region. Great Torrington is a friendly and welcoming town, with good local amenities, independent shops, cafes and regular local markets. Your support helps to give children access to the training and equipment they need to ride a bike safely - starting a cycle of good that can go on to benefit their health, education and future. These are great places to stop off for refreshments as they have lots of cafes and restaurants. Or visit Johns of Instow to sample the mouth-watering selection of freshly baked pasties, sausage rolls and cakes.Once you get to Bideford, chain up the bikes and head up the high street to Cafe Collective. We stopped here for lunch on the Tarka Trail and the food was lovely. 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. If thats not open, the is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. Either drive or take the bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Chill out in the suntrap garden with an all-day breakfast what better way to refuel for the journey home? Set in the beautiful Torridge Valley, alongside The Tarka Trail in. ml, energy The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. Would defo recommend not having food and just have a beer in the garden. Unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and the longest, continuous cycle path in the UK are waiting to be discovered. When youre worn out, relax in the enclosed garden with a BBQ or in the bubbling private hot tub. Tarka Trail (Braunton to Meeth): 4 mile dog walk. 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Built by theNorth Devon Railway, it opened on 18 July 1872, operated by theLondon and South Western Railway. fine for parking in handicap spot in ohio. Select your desired options and 'Save' then copy & paste the code into your website. . Your email address will not be published. A lovely clean place to eat and drink. 20.84 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A little further south is a section of the trail that is open to horses. PuriMental 2023 This Tuesday- Londons Biggest & Craziest Purim Fancy Dress Party! The route then takes you up the Torridge Estuary, passing Instow and Bideford. Lovely garden area. The Tarka Trail will take you through ancient villages, wooded valleys, along the banks of rivers, high over moorland with spectacular views of Dartmoor and Exmoor and along dramatic sea cliffs and vast expanses of beautiful beaches. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. It was busy, so we were glad we had reserved a table. If you dont have your own bikes, you can hire some from Torrington Cycle Hire, just opposite the pub (01805 281461). Youll soon come to the bridge at Beam Weir. The trail takes you right to the old station, where theres a cafe in an old carriage. If you're already a supporter please login to enable embeds. Find out how we're improving accessibility on the Network. The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure-eight loop inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter. Break up the journey with a visit to Yarde Orchard Cafe at East Yarde. 1. 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. Youll cross the Torridge again over a bridge where people often fish the tidal waters, than pass close to saltmarsh and a reedbed as you approach Bideford. Beyond the Puffing Billy the Trail yet again crosses the Torridge, this time on a high level viaduct, offering good views along the River, before heading South west towards Meeth, passing Pencleave Woods and Watergate Halt. At the highest points, you might spot Dartmoor on a clear day. Popped in here after a visit to Dartington Crystal. Free for all train ticket holders, passengers can also explore the Menzies Creek Museum - home to more than 80 railway-related exhibits. east Yarde . The Tarka Trailis part of the National Cycle Network, cared for by Sustrans. The Murders, Ghosts seen and heard, strange happenings, working girls and more Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. Required fields are marked *. We stopped for a drink on our way to Bideford. Its a lovely walk for anyone, but especially suitable for walkers with a dog that prefers a gentle pace and even terrain. 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. Located in a former Victorian railway station, The Puffing Billy is right on the Tarka Trail, making it a perfect stop at either end of this section. Enjoy a relaxing train journey between Barnstaple and Exeter, stopping Beautiful scenery and a warm welcome awaits at Instow. We called in here for our halfway stop having cycled 21 miles from Braunton and what a pleasant surprise. The Puffing Billy: Friendly cafe on Tarka trail - See 337 traveller reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. (SOLD OUT!) Good coffee & tea. 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. Its worth the effort, though the countryside is wilder here, as you head through woodland and further into deepest, darkest Devon! unique traits of plants, animals and humans. Watch out for the Giants in the Forest, put up in the trees in 2013 A great new website is now available called One Great Torrington with more information about Great Torrington and the surrounding area: This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This gently down-hill walk or ride crosses the Torridge at Beam Weir, made famous in Henry Williamsons book Tarka the Otter, before meandering along the valley, through a long tunnel, across another bridge and into the former station at Bideford, where theres a cafe in an old railway carriage. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The station dispatched trains toBidefordandBarnstaple, as well as toExeter St Davids. highly recommend it, wild camping & stayed at a few camp sites. 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. Do not miss the Puffing Billy, a relaxed pub at the former Torrington railway station. 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. m, descent 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210. However, following closure of the railway, there was a proviso that that the tracked should not be built on in the event that . - See 251 traveler reviews, 202 candid photos, and great deals for Devon, UK, at Tripadvisor. These cookies do not store any personal information. 0 Lovely huge slabs of cake, just what we needed to get us all that way! This is unspoilt Devon countryside at its best. 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.