42 miles, 2140ft ascent, 2805ft descent.
Start at the newly re-opened Okehampton Railway Station for this section of the Devon Coast to Coast NCN27. The routes passes through Okehampton town and Jacobstowe before reaching Hatherleigh. Follow the Ruby Way from Hatherleigh to Highampton then cross the River Torridge and have a break in Sheepwash village. The NCN3 from Bude joins the NCN27 at Sheepwash. Follow the roads north and east and join the traffic-free Tarka Trail at the remains of Petrockstowe Station.
The Tarka Trail heads uphill to Yarde Orchard Cafe at the site of Yarde Halt. Then it is downhill and over the River Torridge on a long, curved bridge to the Puffing Billy. There are some lovely bridges, weirs and tunnels from Torrington to Bideford - part of the old railway was build over the Rolle Canal. At Instow, the route turns east towards Fremington and finishes at Barnstaple Railway Station where there are hourly trains back to Exeter.
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4954581274
Okehampton
...is situated on the northern edge of Dartmoor in West Devon. Okehampton is an ancient town and was initially settled in the Bronze Age. It lies at the confluence of the East and West Okement Rivers from which is takes its name. Okehampton has been described as the walking centre of Dartmoor. It is also popular with cyclists and walkers taking the Granite Way, a beautiful trail from Okehampton to Lydford.
The town has many attractions including the spectacular ruins of Okehampton Castle which date back to Norman times and the beautiful expansive parkland at Simmons Park with leisurely river side walks, ornamental gardens and a Swiss style chalet, multi sports facilities and playing areas for all ages as well as the Parklands Leisure Centre. The impressive tower of St James Chapel (15C) dominates the main street which in times gone by was the Old London Road lined with coaching inns which can still be seen today. The Town Hall, a handsome building with granite facade built in 1685 adds a touch of elegance to the town centre which also boasts a number of vibrant shopping arcades as well as the acclaimed Museum of Dartmoor Life. https://www.okehampton.gov.uk/
Map made by Grant Sherman using OpenStreetMap https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/50.7791/-3.9983
Okehampton Railway Station
... re-opened in December 2021. The station first opened in 1871 but closed to regular traffic in 1972. Heritage and occasional mainline services ran from 1997 to 2019. Trains run on the GWR Dartmoor Line with services to Exeter St Davids via Crediton.
Okehampton to Jacobstowe 5.1 miles, 290ft climbed, 635ft descent
Head left when leaving the station and then right down Station Road. Continue down Station Rad to the junction with Mill Road. A left then right turn will take you on to St James Street. Dismount to cross the pavement past the Chapel of St James. Re-join the road on Fore Street and head right across East Bridge. Take the first left onto North Street (cyclists are signposted down this one-way street). Continue along North Road past the Industrial Estate and take the signposted left to cross the River Okement on Knowle Bridge.
Knowle Bridge. Grade II listed road bridge over Okement River. Circa mid C19. Granite ashlar. Wide single span segmental arch. Straight parapets, the coping stones with chamfered tops. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1165643
The River Okement is a tributary of the River Torridge in Devon, England. It used to be known as the River Ock. It rises at two places in Dartmoor, as the West Okement and the East Okement. These meet with other minor streams and join together at Okehampton. The river flows generally north, past the villages of Jacobstowe and Monkokehampton, and has its confluence with the River Torridge near Meeth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Okement
Climb the hill past Hook Wood, West and East Hook Farms and follow the road straight through Abbeyford Woods at the eastern end of the Broadbury Ridges.
Broadbury Ridges
The landform creates a repetitive pattern of ridges and valleys, over which is lain landcover mosaic comprising the dark green of coniferous forests; the lighter green of pastoral fields; occasional patches of rough grassland; ribbons of deciduous woodland following the valleys; and scattered grey huddles of farms and villages. This was one of the last areas of Devon to be enclosed, as is revealed in the regular pattern of straight roads and rectilinear fields. Time-depth is particularly apparent in the west, where prehistoric barrows form an extensive funerary landscape. Views southwards are dominated by the mass of Dartmoor which lies close to the south – the colour of its moorland changing from brown to green to purple throughout the year – and this gives the area a strong sense of place.
Abbeyford Woods Explore the sights and sounds of Abbeyford Woods, near Okehampton. These beautiful woods with stunning walks have paths for all. You can walk the Tarka Trail and follow the River Okement, or just wind your way through the woodland. Abbeyford is also a great place to discover the changing colours of the seasons. On a walk through this beautiful wood you will see majestic Douglas fir trees, and pass through areas of autumnal gold beech trees alongside the banks of the Okement River. With its varied tree species structure and crystal clear river, it is no wonder that wildlife also flourishes in these woods.
Leaving the woods carry straight on at Goldburn Cross. After a short rise the road starts to descend to the High Torridge Culm Plateau.
High Torridge Culm Plateau
This open landscape of pastoral farmland, rough ground and forests has an elemental, empty character, dominated by wet, unenclosed moorland, including Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor in the distance. The colours of the moorland – yellow gorse, purple heather and golden grasses – contrast with the dark green of coniferous plantations and the patchwork of brighter green pastoral fields. The Lew valley has a softer, more enclosed and intimate character, but is not easily accessible. Occasional clustered villages are linked by straight lanes flanked by rush-filled ditches.
Jacobstow is just over 2 miles from Goldburn Cross. Here the route meets the A3072 for the first time. Carefully turn right on to the A3072 then immediately turn left on to the B3216
Jacobstowe
...is a small but beautiful village with only 194 people recorded in the parish in the 2011 census. The Church of St James is Grade II* and may have 12th Century origins. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1326489
For the last 25 years Curworthy Cheese has been made at Stockbeare Farm, Jacobstowe situated in the mid Devon countryside under the shadow of Dartmoor. A perfect area for grass growing with its unique climate of rain and humidity. http://www.curworthycheese.co.uk/index.php
Jacobstowe to Hatherleigh 4.2 miles, 235ft climbed, 310ft descent
Leave the B3216 by turning right at Summers (or Sommers) Cottage and follow a winding road to Hatherleigh Moor.
Hatherleigh Moor is 425 acres of rough grazing and pasture located to the East of Hatherleigh. Since the 1950s the land and finances have been managed by a committee of Potboilers, which is now a major local funding body for local projects.
Turn left at Deckport Cross and head down into Hatherleigh. There is a a Mediaeval wayside cross at Stoning Cross, you can take either fork into Hatherleigh Town
This scheduled monument includes a wayside cross on a junction between Park Road and Victoria Road on the outskirts of Hatherleigh, on the road to Monkokehampton. It is a Latin cross with truncated arms, hewn roughly from a single piece of granite, and probably of late medieval date. It does not appear to have a socket stone. There is an Ordnance Survey bench mark at the foot of the eastern face. The cross, which is leaning slightly, measures 0.32m wide at the base, 0.5m wide at the arms and 0.3m wide at the head. The shaft is 0.19m thick, the head is 0.16m high and the overall height of the cross is 1.57m. The cross is Listed Grade II. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013715
Hatherleigh
Situated in the valley of the River Torridge just outside of Dartmoor National Park and about 6 miles north of Okehampton, Hatherleigh has long since been a meeting place for local people and important to the local economy
The River Lew can refer to either of two short rivers that lie close to each other in Devon, England. The more northerly of the two rises just south of the village of Beaworthy, and flows east, then turns north to run past Hatherleigh before joining the River Torridge about 1 km north of the town. Its name is incorporated into that of the village of Northlew. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Lew
Map made by Grant Sherman using OpenStreetMap https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/50.8517/-4.0849&layers=C
Hatherleigh to Sheepwash 6.3 miles, 540ft climbed, 470ft descent
Cross the River Lew and take care on the roundabout that joins the A386 to the A3072. Take the A3072 (towards Holsworthy) and after 1/3 of a mile turn right on to Runnon Moor Lane (the sign post was obscured by trees on 20th July 2022)
The Ruby Way links Holsworthy and Hatherleigh via roads, bridleways and disused railway lines https://www.ridetherubycountry.co.uk/home/
Follow Runnon Moor Lane for almost 2/3 mile and turn left onto an off-road section of former railway line. Turn right when the track re-joins the road at Pulworthy Moor and follow the NCN27 signs to Highampton
Highampton
...is a parish of approximately 110 dwellings, with around 236 on the electoral role, spread over an area of about four square miles. It stands on a conspicuous ridge from which there are splendid views, particularly of Dartmoor, although Exmoor can also be seen. http://highampton.org/
Turn right at Highampton Cross and head downhill to Sheepwash Bridge
Sheepwash Bridge over the River Torridge. C17 considerably rebuilt in C19. Stone rubble walls with some ashlar. Four spans with flood arch. Four centred arches with triangular cutwaters and a pilaster above each one on east side (down stream). Cambered stringcourse. Refuge on upstream side above extended cutwater. The cutwaters extend further on this side and are more likely to be original. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1105225
River Torridge rises on Meddon Moor and describes a long loop through Devon farming country where its tributaries the Lew and Okement join before meeting the Taw at Appledore and flowing into the Bristol Channel. The river is spate dependent and often flows between wooded banks which can be steep.
At Sheepwash Bridge we cross from West Devon into Torridge. Climb the hill to Sheepwash village where NCN3 from Bude and Holsworthy joins NCN27.
Sheepwash
...is surrounded clockwise from the north by the parishes of Buckland Filleigh, Highampton and Black Torrington. Looking at the village of Sheepwash now, it is hard to imagine that, in the days when agriculture was at its height, there was a large market held in the village square, making it one of the most important villages in North Devon. Increasing mechanisation of farming forced many people to reshape their lives and seek jobs elsewhere. However, farming still has strong influences in the area, with employment also being found in the neighbouring towns, local clay works or in the village itself. http://www.sheepwashparishcouncil.co.uk/
West Torridge Upland Farmland
An undulating, agricultural landscape with a strong sense of history and long management. The extensive woodlands, hedgerows and parklands give the area a pastoral character and a verdant, settled quality. Its historic character is enhanced by the stone bridges, linhays, medieval castles, square church towers and prehistoric barrows which are features of the landscape. The lanes are winding and enclosed by colourful flower-rich hedgebanks, but through gaps in the hedgebanks the views from high ground are long and open, stretching away to Dartmoor.
Sheepwash to Yarde 7.5 miles, 475ft climbed, 420ft descent
Head north out of Sheepwash on the now combined NCN3 and NCN27. There is a left-right dog-leg at Swardicott Cross. Turn right at Hembury Gate and enjoy the wide views from this ridge before descending to Petrockstowe North Town.
Petrockstowe (or Petrockstow)
...is a small village surrounded, clockwise from the north, by the parishes of Peters Marland, Merton, Huish, Meeth, Highampton and Buckland Filleigh
Continue straight on and down the hill to the site of the former Petrockstow Station. Turn right then left and join the Tarka Trail.
Tarka Trail
...a series of footpaths and cyclepaths (rail trails) around north Devon, England that follow the route taken by the fictional Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. It covers a total of 180 miles (290 km) in a figure-of-eight route, centred on Barnstaple. The 31-mile (50 km) section between Braunton and Meeth is car-free, level and mostly tarmacked, and is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, with horse riding also permitted on part of it. https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk/
At Petrockstow Station you are only 2 miles from Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Nature Reserve A series of colour-coded trails allows access on foot, bicycle, horseback or mobility scooter. The Quarry adjoins DWT's existing nature reserve at Ash Moor and is adjacent to the Tarka trail for those wishing to explore the area. A three-mile Meeth Quarry Wild Walk acts as great introduction to the area. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/meeth-quarry
Dunsbear Halt
Follow the Tarka Trail along the route of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. The route rises steadily to Yarde Halt and Yarde Orchard Cafe.
Yarde to Great Torrington 4.5 miles, 135ft climbed, 460ft descent
From Yarde, the route passes through an old railway cutting and then descends down a wooded valley towards the River Torridge.
Torridge Valley
The River Torridge flows in a series of looping meanders through dramatic gorges with dark forested sides; through open pastoral valley floors with valley sides cloaked in ancient woodland, and through tidal mudflats echoing to the call of seabirds. The river is home to otters, which dart about in its clear waters, and is overlooked by ancient defences and historic villages perched high above on the valley sides. This is an intricate, complex and varied landscape, with unexpected views suddenly revealed as landform and vegetation open out.
Carefully cross the B3227 at Watergate Bridge and continue along the Tarka Trail through Pencleave Wood. The long curving railway bridge over the River Torridge is the first of four bridges that cross the meandering river in the next mile. The Trail takes us under the A386 to the site of old railway station which is now the Puffing Billy pub. Torrington Cycle Hire is also based here.
Looking back across the railway bridge Photo: David Smith https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2751245
Rothern Bridge is a multi-span bridge of four arches, spanning the River Torridge between Great Torrington to the east and Frithelstock to the west. The line of the former Torrington and Marland light railway runs adjacent, and the site of the former Torrington Station is just east of the bridge. The earliest surviving fabric of the bridge probably dates from the early-C15. It was later widened in the early-C19 with new arches springing from the cutwaters. In 1928 the bridge was rendered redundant when the adjacent Rolle Bridge was constructed and the road diverted over the new bridge. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1305790
Great Torrington to Bideford 5.1 miles, 225ft climbed, 255ft descent
Follow the Tarka Trail north past Beam Weir and other places mentioned in Tarka the Otter.
Otters are occassionally seen here but I've never seen one in the wild. The Devon Wildlife Trust say that it is easier to see the signs of Otters than see the animals themselves. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/european-otter
Continue north along the Tarka Trail past Weare Gifford Cross, through the long tunnel at Landcross, and over another long curved railway bridge over the River Torridge. The river here is tidal, part of the...
Taw-Torridge Estuary
This is a flat, sky-dominated landscape with strong sensory characteristics. The habitats within the mosaic (dunes, beach, saltmarsh, mudflats and farmland) each have unique qualities of pattern, colour and texture which are juxtaposed in different combinations. The salty smell of mudflats and the sea are ever-present, as are the calls of birds. Within the dunes, the landscape feels disorientating, and has a strong sense of enclosure, isolation and wilderness. This contrasts with the open views towards the surrounding settlements, and the time-depth associated with the strip fields at Braunton. The estuary settlements have a strong maritime character, with historic quays and impressive bridges.
Tarka Trail south of Bideford Photo: David Smith https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6556121
Seven Oaks Local Nature Reserve stretches along the river bank to the left of the Tarka Trail. It is a short distance from here to...
Bideford
...is a historic port town on the estuary of the River Torridge in north Devon, south-west England. It is the main town of the Torridge local government district.
Bideford to Yelland 4.5 miles, 130ft climbed, 160ft descent
Follow the Tarka Trail north over the road and past the Royal Hotel (which had its own platform for the benefit of its guests). The trail hugs the river as it continues down stream to Instow.
Instow
...is a village in north Devon, England. It is on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, between the villages of Westleigh and Yelland and on the opposite bank of Appledore.
At Instow, the Tarka Trail continues inland along the former railway while the South West Coast Path follows the river bank.
Yelland to Barnstaple 4.6 miles, 115ft climbed, 110ft descent
Yelland is the site of a
RSPB Isley Marsh This area of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the Taw & Torridge estuary has become an important haven for ducks (such as teal) and waders (including significant numbers of curlew, greenshank and dunlin). Spoonbills may be spotted during the cold winter months. https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/isleymarsh/
Home Farm Marsh at Lower Yelland, was an intensive dairy farm with arable production of fodder crops. Situated on the Taw/Torridge estuary, it borders the Tarka Trail, a popular long-distance path and cycleway. The Gaia Trust is keen to enhance biodiversity within Home Farm Marsh, working to restore the Marsh to its former status as a wetland. This is important because it adjoins the Taw & Torridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it lies close to the Braunton Burrows International Biosphere Reserve, England’s largest, and one of its best sand-dune systems. Home Farm Marsh lies between Salt Duck Pond and the RSPB’s Isley Marsh Reserve, both of which are SSSIs. The Gaia Trust acquired the 71 hectare site in 2002 with the support of a number of funding bodies. http://www.gaiatrust.org.uk/home-farm-marsh.html
Fremington Quay was formerly a port on the River Taw, half a mile north of the village centre. Fremington railway station was located here and served the village from 1855 to 1965. The station buildings are now a cafe and cycle-hire business.
Fremington
...is a large village, civil parish and former manor in North Devon, England, the historic centre of which is situated three miles (5 km) west of Barnstaple. The village lies between the south bank of the tidal estuary of the River Taw and a small inlet of that river known as Fremington Pill. The parish is surrounded clockwise from the north by the parishes of Heanton Punchardon, Ashford, West Pilton, Barnstaple, Tawstock, Horwood, Lovacott and Newton Tracey, and Instow
Barnstaple Railway Station
is the terminus of the Tarka Line. There is an hourly service to Exeter. All trains stop at Eggesford and Crediton. Tarka Trail Cycle Hire is based here as well as the Station Master's Cafe.
Barnstaple
...is the main town of North Devon, England and possibly the oldest borough in the United Kingdom. It is a former river port, located at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, flowing into the Bristol Channel.
From the 14th century, it was licensed to export wool, since the merchants claimed that the town had been declared a free borough in Saxon times. This brought great wealth to Barnstaple, whose town centre still preserves a medieval layout and character. Later the town became an importer of Irish wool, but its harbour silted up, and it developed other industries, such as shipbuilding, foundries and sawmills. Its Victorian market survives, with its high glass and timber roof on iron columns.
North Devon Biosphere
The North Devon Biosphere is a place where people and nature come together in our world-class environment of dunes, grassland and moors, towns and villages, and coast and sea. We are proud to be a UNESCO World Biosphere and our mission is to connect people and nature to inspire a positive future today.
https://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/
Social Media:
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This route is part of:
EuroVelo1
West Country Way NCN3
Devon Coast to Coast NCN27
Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a series of footpaths and cyclepaths (rail trails) around north Devon, England that follow the route taken by the fictional Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. It covers a total of 180 miles (290 km) in a figure-of-eight route, centred on Barnstaple.
https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk/
The 31-mile (50 km) section between Braunton and Meeth is car-free, level and mostly tarmacked, and is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, with horse riding also permitted on part of it. There is a guidebook available for this section.
http://www.exploredevon.info/activities/cycle/tarka-trail-braunton-meeth/
Future Shared-Use Paths
The Beacon Pathway
The Beacon Path is a project to create a cycle/active-travel route between South Tawton, South Zeal, Sticklepath, Belstone and Okehampton.
A group of villagers have got together to try and get a dedicated shared/cycle path from Sticklepath to Okehampton, about five kilometres away. We also want to link the path to the primary school in South Zeal.
We have a vision of safe, active travel for everyone across our area. Many more people would walk or cycle if it was safer to do so. Enabling children and young people to get to school and college other than by car or bus would enhance health and wellbeing. Reducing traffic congestion associated with schools would be beneficial also.
A shared path would provide a route onto Dartmoor for walkers and cyclists from Okehampton and train users too, so has potential for tourist businesses.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/beaconpath
https://dartmoorlinks.co.uk/the-beacon-shared-path/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeaconpathway/
One Train From Exeter
One Train from Exeter can take you to some great cycle paths. From Okehampton you can cycle the East Dartmoor moorland fringe to Newton Abbot, or up the Okement and Torridge valleys to Barnstaple. From Axminster you can cycle through the East Devon AONB and the Jurassic Coast to Exmouth. From Plymouth you can cycle through wooded slopes and the western edge of Dartmoor to Okehampton. For a greater challenge, you can cycle from Barnstaple across southern Exmoor to Tiverton Parkway.
Take your bike on the train and get closer to a traffic-free adventure. A Devon Day Ranger ticket will give you a days unlimited travel within Devon for £14.50 (it's even cheaper with a railcard!). Residents of Devon and Cornwall can buy a Devon & Cornwall Railcard for £12 and save 1/3 on off-peak journeys within the two counties.
