A magnificent railway path from the heart of Devon to the north coast along the estuaries of the Rivers Taw and Torridge, passing through the historic town of Barnstaple. The trail forms part of Sustrans West Country Way which runs from Padstow to Bristol.

NB: For bus times, please ring Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. For a timetable booklet covering bus services in this area, please ring 01392 382800.

The Route: Petrockstowe (12 miles northeast of Okehampton) - Great Torrington - Instow - Bideford - Barnstaple - Braunton.

Distance: Anything up to 30 miles one way. 60 miles round trip.

Start & Parking: Several possible starting points - Petrockstowe, East Yarde, Torrington, East-the-Water, Instow, Barnstaple, Braunton.

Surface & Hills: Stone / gravel path. Steady 200 ft climb from Torrington to Petrockstowe.

Roads & Road Crossings: There is a short section on roads through Barnstaple to link the route along the south side of the Taw estuary (from Instow) to the route along the north side of the estuary to Braunton.

Links or other nearby trails: The Tarka Trail forms part of two sections of Sustrans National Cycle Network - The West Country Way (Padstow to Bristol, 250 miles) and the Devonshire Coast to Coast Route (Plymouth to Ilfracombe, 90 miles). There are woodland trails in Abbeyford Woods (just north of Okehampton) and at Eggesford (12 miles northeast of Crediton on the A377).

Cycle Hire: Otter cycle Hire, Braunton. Tel: 01271 813339. Bideford Cycle Hire. Tel: 01237 424123. Tarka Trail Cycle Hire at Barnstaple railway station. Tel: 01271 324202.

Map & Leaflet: OS Landranger maps 180 & 191. Pack of laminated route cards can be purchased from Tarka country Tourism Association, Tel: 01837 345008.

Nearest Railway: Barnstaple.

Refreshments: Puffing Billy pub at Torrington, lots of choice in Bideford and Barnstaple.