A Weekend on the Tarka Trail
Where to hire bikes, an easy ride to a café in an old railway station, and a flat, traffic-free path the whole way.
Flat, traffic-free, and close by
The Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line along the Taw and Torridge estuaries, which means it's beautifully flat and completely traffic-free, ideal for families and anyone who wants the views without the hills. It's one of the longest continuous off-road paths in the country, with access about a 17-minute walk or cycle from Waves & Walkways, or a quick drive to join it at Bideford. This is our own favourite stretch, mapped from a ride we did ourselves.
Where to hire bikes
No bikes with you? No problem. There's hire at several points along the trail.
Tidal & Trail, Bideford
Formerly Bideford Bicycle Hire, right on the riverbank in Bideford with direct access onto the trail, a big fleet of bikes, and onsite parking if you drive over. The natural starting point from Westward Ho!.
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
By Barnstaple railway station at the other end of this stretch. Adult and children's bikes, tandems, trailers, child seats, and electric bikes if you'd like a little help along.
Waterside Bike Hire
Another option a little further north in Braunton, handy if you're exploring that end of the trail toward Barnstaple and beyond.
Opening times and fleets vary by season, so it's worth booking ahead in summer and checking directly before you set off.
Bideford to Fremington Quay
Our pick for an easy day out: join the trail at Bideford and head north along the estuary toward Barnstaple. It's flat the whole way, with wide estuary views, wading birds, and the old railway atmosphere.
- Bideford to Instow: about 3 miles, past the historic signal box to Instow's sandy beach, pubs and cafés
- Instow to Fremington Quay: about another 3 miles along the water to the café (a lovely spot to turn around)
- Roughly 12 miles there and back from Bideford, at your own pace, with no hills and no traffic
- Feeling keen? Carry on to Barnstaple (about 3 miles further), or do as we did and ride the whole way from home and back
We rode this ourselves from the house to Fremington Quay and back, about 27 miles all in, but you really can make it as short or as long as you like. Turn around whenever you fancy; it's the same gorgeous path back.
Fremington Quay Café, in the old station
The highlight of the ride, and reason enough to go on its own.
A café in a disused railway station
Fremington Quay Café sits in the beautifully restored old Fremington station, right beside the trail, with bike parking so you can wheel straight up and stop for a coffee and cake.
Space to run around
There's an outdoor area for younger legs to stretch after the ride, so it works well as a family turnaround point.
Right on the estuary
It's a peaceful spot where the Taw and Torridge meet, with wide water views and plenty of birdlife, a proper reward at the halfway mark.
Before you set off
Flat & traffic-free
The old railway gradient means no real climbs and no cars, so it's relaxed going even with children or if you're out of practice.
A lock and a layer
Take a bike lock for café stops, and a windproof layer, the estuary can be breezy even on a bright day.
Starting from Bideford
There's parking near the hire centre in Bideford. If you'd rather start nearer the beach end, see our free parking guide.
Distances are approximate and café details can change with the seasons, so please check ahead. For more of the area, see our guide to things to do in Westward Ho!.
Planning a cycling break?
Staying a few days? Make Waves & Walkways your base for the trail. Check our availability and book direct.
Check Availability