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Bike touring routes & trails

River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple

Moderate

4.7

(55)

580

riders

River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple

02:55

49.4km

270m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.82 km

River Taw

Highlight • River

Running from Dartmoor into the Atlantic Sea, the River Taw is a wild and beautiful river. Home to various fish species such as recreational trout and sea trout, the area is popular with anglers. The river is easy to explore by bike thanks to the Tarka Trail bike path. It carves 45 miles (72 km) through agricultural landscapes, valleys and woodland.

Tip by

4.69 km

Fremington Quay Café

Highlight • Rest Area

Now a cycling centre with bikes for hire.

Tip by

10.6 km

Instow Signal Box

Highlight • Historical Site

13.8 km

View of Bideford and the River Torridge

Highlight • River

From this vantage point you can see Bideford and Bideford Bridge as you look over the River Torridge.

Bideford has plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, B&Bs for a pit stop, meal stop or overnight break.

Tip by

22.1 km

Beam Weir

Highlight • Other

24.7 km

Pencleave Wood

Forest

27.7 km

Beam Aqueduct

Highlight • Historical Site

The sound of rushing water is evocative and relaxing on the warmest of days, washing any fatigue downstream.

Tip by

33.7 km

Tarka Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

Covering 180 miles (290 km) through Devon, the Tarka Trail is one of the longest traffic-free bike paths in the UK. There's a lot more to it than just this section. The route leads through stunning and diverse scenery, from white beaches to green countryside and impressive sea cliffs. The route is flat and well surfaced, making it an ideal cycling location for any level of rider. You can read more about the Tarka Trail, here: tarkatrail.org.uk

Tip by

37.9 km