Barnstaple Town Centre

Tarka Trail

For those who love cycling, The Tarka Trail, over 180 miles in length taking a looping route through North and Mid Devon, from the rugged Atlantic Coast, the Estuaries of the Two Rivers of Tarka the Otter fame, the Rivers Taw and Torridge through rural Devon Countryside onto the Northern Slopes of Dartmoor, and the source of the River Taw. The Trail between Barnstaple, down the Taw, upriver to Bideford, following the Torridge to Torrington takes the route of a disused railway line and is particularly suited for both cyclists and walkers.

You can follow the Tarka Trail along the North Devon Coast, following the South West Coast Path, taking in Baggy Point, Mortehoe, Lynmouth up Contisbury Hill to Exmoor, Lorna Doone Country.

Exmoor

Just a few miles from Barnstaple is the spectacular countryside of the Exmoor National Park. A paradise for nature lovers, offering a remarkable variety of flora and abundant rare wildlife including red deer, wild ponies and several birds of prey.

National Trust footpaths, numerous stables and the rivers Exe, Mole, Barle, East and West Lyn make this first class walking, riding and fishing country. (If your interested in riding then visit www.tackstore.co.uk)

Combe Martin is near Watermouth and Lynmouth. This lovely fishing village is set in a warm sheltered valley amidst Exmoor countryside. It has a long meandering street with a good selection of pubs, shops and restaurants. The village has two small sandy beaches scattered with rock pools.

Markets & Shopping

Small town and village pannier markets are usually only open mornings. Barnstaple markets are usually open all day.

Barnstaple Daily: Pannier market in the Market Hall opposite Marks & Spencer, each day a different theme
Barnstaple:
Barnstaple - a huge shopping area with mall and all the big names and chain store brands
Berrynarbor Post office will deliver groceries to Watermouth each day
Bideford, Atlantic Village - a good sized shopping mall with some designer outlets, and Pannier Market Tues & Sat
Combe Martin has two small supermarkets and two post offices
Ilfracombe has numerous shops, most are individual, family-run stores rather than chain stores
Lynmouth has a post office
Lynton has one small supermarket
South Molton - Pannier Market Thu & Farmers Market Sat
Torrington - Pannier Market - Mon & Sat

Swimming

Ilfracombe - public indoor heated swimming pool. Also Tunnels Beach, a safe, tidal bathing pool available from May to September., Cascades Indoor Fun Pool, near Croyde. Flume rides and Jacuzzis, Barnstaple - public indoor heated pool with ocean wave, Aqua Splash at Minehead.

Cycling

Many places in Barnstaple also offer cycle hire. There is the Tarka Trail to enjoy, which follows an old railway line. It is therefore level and so ideal for cyclists of all ages and fitness. Drive to Fremington Quay where you can park, hire a bike and have a spot of lunch overlooking the sea and bird sanctuary. Great for ornithologists too!

Course Fishing

Bakers Farm, Moortown, Torrington
Melberry, near Bideford
Mill Park, Berrynarbor (two minutes drive from Watermouth Cove)
Jennetts, near Bideford
Riverton House & Lakes, Swimbridge near Barnstaple
Wistlandpound, enter via Calvert Trust Gate

Deep Sea & Mackerel Fishing

Boats can be hired, daily, at Ilfracombe and Lynmouth.
Stillwater Trout
Blakewell Fishery, Barnstaple
Wistlandpound, enter via Calvert Trust Gate

Diving

The North Devon Sub Aqua Club will take visitors out to Lundy or other areas where diving is permitted. The region does have strong tides and offers a very different type of diving to many coastal resorts, so please be sure to discuss your diving experience with the club.

Horse Riding (Click here for stables and here for riding schools)

Mullacott Cross Equestrian Centre, Ilfracombe
Bodstone Barton, Farmworld, Berry Down, near Combe Martin
Keepits Off Road Centre at Ilfracombe (they have horses too!)
Dean Riding Centre, Dean, Trentishoe, Parracombe
Eastacott Farm, Wollacombe
Brendon Manor, near Lynmouth
Outovercott, Barbrook, Lynton

Walking - idyllic area for walkers and dog lovers!

Tarka Trail - coastal trail that wends its way through Watermouth Cove
South West Coastal Path - this also runs through Watermouth Cove and Lynmouth - see www.swcp.org.uk or www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath
There are numerous self-guided walks, maps and details available from Ilfracombe Tourist Info Centre.
Exmoor teems with footpaths and bridal paths
North Devon Walking Festival May