Stage Distance: 10 miles (Total Distance: 80 miles)
The tiffin cake at Barntaple station is quality stuff! Fortified, we head off to join the Tarka Trail again, this time along the old Barnstaple to Bideford line. A fantastic day! The walk follows the trail all the way to the old station at Fremington Quay,where Devon clay used to be shipped out all over the world. By this time it’s lunchtime (food is starting to feature almost more than the walking in these accounts). There are lovely views across the Taw, made more interesting because the tide is low with the channels flowing across the sand. There are a few birds out there, egret, oystercatcher and curlew, but fewer than in the winter months. The path crosses Fremington Pill and then there is an option to turn off the trail and follow the river through East Yelland Marsh and Instow Barton Marsh. Take it! It makes a nice change from the tarmac of the trail. After passing the old power station site the path eventually drops down onto Instow Sands. Through the village you arrive at the signal box and rejoin the old line towards Bideford.
As you travel along towards Bideford, there are good views back to Instow and Appledore facing each other across the Torridge. The path continues into Bideford with a final signal box to add to the collection. Then across the river via the long bridge and back to the car.
Logistics: Parked at Bideford and 21A, 85 or 315 bus back to Barnstaple railway station).
GPS Track: 10 - Barnstaple to Bideford (20110319).kmz
Images: 10 - Barnstaple to Bideford
