Lovely setting and restoration of the former station. The trail runs alongside the River Torridge which inspired Henry Williamson to write Tarka the Otter. Keep an eye out for their pizza nights, too! 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. in hospitality, hope to continue the good work of the previous owners whilst putting their own stamp on the Puffing Billy! Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. Tarka Trail Map - Tarka Trail Guide Find on the map and call to book a table. It provides an excellent place to take a break whether you are following the Tarka trail or driving through the area. 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. 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. . 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. Torridge Tarka Trail - Walk - South West Coast Path If you're already a supporter please login to enable the layer control. The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. Guests are welcome to use the wetsuits, bodyboards, wellies and prawning sets which is all provided! It was warm and sunny so we sat at one of the outside tables. Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. 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. We enjoyed it so much that we went back for elevenses the next day on our way to Meeth. The Murders, Ghosts seen and heard, strange happenings, working girls and more. Next page 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. Great Torrington is a market town rich in dark history yet surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A few metres on the bus stop is on the corner). 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. Bases have been ordered for the parasols so no more Mary Poppins like scenes! Returned here for lunch for the second time in a matter of months and it was even better this time. This gently down-hill walk or bike ride is our favourite part of Devons Tarka Trail to do from Wheatland Farms eco lodges. 4,073 were here. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. Open daily with free entry to passengers and visitors. There are lots of great places to eat and drink along the way, too. Offering food and drink inside the station, and outside in the garden, the venue also hosts touring art exhibitions. Bridges, tunnels, cafesand it's off road too. 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. 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. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. Property for Sale in Beech Road, Stibb Cross, Torrington, Devon, Ex38 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. Cafe & Area Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail - Rail Trails Australia There is also a goods brake van, coal truck and buffet carriage on a restored stretch of track. Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate additional base maps (and youll get to use the site Ad free). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Magdala House, near FremingtonThis is a charming holiday home with a rustic farmhouse feel which has been designed with family fun in mind. - See 251 traveler reviews, 202 candid photos, and great deals for Devon, UK, at Tripadvisor. 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. Your email address will not be published. sport cycling distance 20.84 ml energy 0 kcal ascent 0 m descent 0 m Notes Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. Puffing Billy is currently operating with limited capacity, book your tickets early, so you don't miss out! ifsi virtual learning. 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). Getting there:Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Learn more Christmas Why not check out our guide to the best beaches in North Devon or our locals guide to North Devons best walks? 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. the station platform . If youre car-less and have young children with you we can sometimes run you down there. The entire route is centered around the ancient market town of Barnstaple, the principle town in the North Devon region. 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. It does not follow the railway in some locations and has steeper gradients. Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5244326 Route information Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy. more. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. 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 Trail Routes - Tarka Trail Cycle hire It was busy, so we were glad we had reserved a table. Highly recommended. The Tarka Valley Railway in Devon, England, is a proposed heritage railway based on plans to rebuild the Barnstaple to Halwill Junction railway line. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. 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. The bread was pretty low quality and the salad is just a sprinkle of rocket and some tomatoes/cucumber. Tarka Trail (Braunton to Meeth): 4 mile dog walk. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Would defo recommend not having food and just have a beer in the garden. From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight onlyTorrington and Marland Railway. Alongside the main north and south Tarka Trail routes are a series of short, circular walks designed to take a couple of hours, helping you to explore the villages and points of interest along the trail. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. 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. 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. Tarka at 90: hot on the otter trail in Devon Station Rd, Torrington, EX38 8JD, , United Kingdom, North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. Puffing Billy is the name of the cafe here, once the station buildings. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. One final river bridge is crossed before the trail arrives at the Puffing Billy caf. For more info on the This is the old Torrington railway station building, and is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original signs and platform notices. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Either drive or take the bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Your donation today will help keep the Network safe and open for everyone to enjoy. Home Open 7 days a week & dog friendly! Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail - Wheatland Farm 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. This article focuses on the fourth and final section of the trail (12 miles), from the Puffing Billy caf at Torrington to Meeth. 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. I have spoken to the kitchen in regards to the crisp portion to ensure we are consistent in our offering. Check out our full collection of self-catering holiday cottages. 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. 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. We have a large selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch options, and of course home-made cakes and scones! Absolutely delighted to create this fully funded programme with Active Devon and Torridge District Council this Spring at Skern Lodge. 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. Made from an upcycled 1930s sailor's dormitory, this quirky cafe has an eco-friendly focus and champions local food. We stopped for a drink on our way to Bideford. 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. Good service. The Tarka Trail shares some sections with The National Cycle Network. 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. . Puffing Billy Station Hill, Great Torrington EX38 8JD England +44 1805 623050 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours See all (67) 4.0 344 Travellers' Choice 2022 RATINGS Food Service Value Details PRICE RANGE 397 - 596 CUISINES British, Cafe Special Diets Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options View all details 0 Tarka Valley Railway - Wikipedia The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Stay In Devon | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. Here are some rainy day activities in Devon to keep you occupied and out of the bad weather. Set in the beautiful Torridge Valley, alongside The Tarka Trail in. Youll soon come to the bridge at Beam Weir. It extends for 180 miles. Great Torrington is a friendly and welcoming town, with good local amenities, independent shops, cafes and regular local markets. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. 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. to Fremington Quay . It extends for 180 miles. If you walk you can get the bus back. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. PUFFING BILLY - Station Hill, Torrington, Devon, United Kingdom - Yelp The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling trail that follows the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson. m. Notes This is the least well known but most peaceful and tranquil part of the Tarka Trail. Menu of Puffing Billy Cafe, Great Torrington - reviews and ratings Walking and cycling routes change over time. 20.84 Puffing Billy Claire and Jade are the current owners, and having spent a lifetime (or more!) You can read more about both routes below & use the map to plan your stops along the way. But due to both theChina Clayand the milk train traffic, freight trains and the occasional passenger special used the line until 1982. Thomas Humphreys on LinkedIn: Conference info Lovely garden area. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Home - Torrington Cycle Hire If you're already a supporter please login to enable embeds. 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. Maps are available to purchase from the Tourist Information Centre and the Puffing Billy. Theres ample cycle storage and lovely views over the river, plus the highly Instagrammable interior will please any teen cyclists in your peloton. Lovely outdoor seating area, a very extensive menu and very prompt service. Skern Lodge on LinkedIn: (SOLD OUT!) Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN The Tarka Trail takes you right to the old station, where theres a cafe in an old carriage (summer months and some weekends). Torrington Tarka Trail Haunted History Tour, Puffing Billy, Launceston 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. If thats not open, the is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, The Tarka Trail runs close the house, so you couldnt be closer to the action.