Barnstaple is the main town of north Devon, and the Crow point is an unspoiled haven of natural beauty and Bideford, known locally as 'The little white town' is an A traditional bustling market town and the gateway to Dartmoor. The route then takes you up the Torridge Estuary, passing Instow and Bideford. Sleeping two, its an ideal romantic getaway and is half an hours walk from the Tarka Trail at the point where it crosses the River Torridge. A detour into Barnstaple town centre, where you can take in the Pannier Market and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, is worthwhile. Returned here for lunch for the second time in a matter of months and it was even better this time. If youre car-less and have young children with you we can sometimes run you down there. Lovely huge slabs of cake, just what we needed to get us all that way! How about making it an independent day out for early teens? (SOLD OUT!) Puffing Billy, ,Torrington, United Kingdom, Launceston, United Kingdom. If you want to cycle youll have to go out and back again. The well-marked, 180-mile Tarka Trail winds through undisturbed countryside and is inaccessible by car. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. Claire and Jade are the current owners, and having spent a lifetime (or more!) You can either leave the Tarka Trail on the line of the old tramway route and finish in the beautiful town of Great Torrington or continue on the route across the river on the railway to where the path currently ends at Meeth. 3 reviews of Puffing Billy "The Puffing Billy has changed owners and is currently not a Pub. Great Torrington is a friendly and welcoming town, with good local amenities, independent shops, cafes and regular local markets. Great Torrington is a market town rich in dark history yet surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. Cycling the Tarka Trail - Directions Start at the old platform of Meeth Halt Station and head into the trees of the Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry. The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Stay In Devon | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Youll go through a tunnel, then down to Landcross (had enough? Attend, Share & Influence! The Tarka Trail makes use of disused railway tracks to take you into the beautiful North Devon countryside. Highly recommended. Between the 5 of us we selected a variety of sandwiches, panini and burgers all of which were well presented and of very good quality. m, descent
Cross Bidefords famous long Bridge and come back on the bus ml, energy
Puffing Billy Station Hill, Great Torrington EX38 8JD England +44 1805 623050 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours See all (67) 4.0 344 Travellers' Choice 2022 RATINGS Food Service Value Details PRICE RANGE 397 - 596 CUISINES British, Cafe Special Diets Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options View all details The 180-mile trail forms a figure-eight around the North Devon coast and countryside, but were looking at the most popular section: the 32 miles of traffic-free, flat path between Braunton and Meeth. Built on the site of an ancient settlement atop an inland cliff with the River Torridge below, the town enjoys spectacular views across rolling hills and unspoilt green countryside. Alongside the main north and south Tarka Trail routes are a series of short, circular walks designed to take a couple of hours, helping you to explore the villages and points of interest along the trail. loved it. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It extends for 180 miles. Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) returns to Skern Lodge for 2023! If thats not open, there is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. Your journey will continue along the banks of the River Taw, passing through Chivenor and crossing the tributary river Yeo on the new swing bridge at Barnstaple. Heres our full collection of self-catering cottages in North Devon were sure youll find the perfect place to rest your head. You can read more about both routes below & use the map to plan your stops along the way. We used to allow embedded maps for free but Google made a change to the way they charge for maps which means we can no longer do this, sorry. We think it's the prettiest part of the trail. Puffing Billy is the world's oldest surviving steam locomotive, [1] [2] constructed in 1813-1814 by colliery viewer William Hedley, enginewright Jonathan Forster and blacksmith Timothy Hackworth for Christopher Blackett, the owner of Wylam Colliery near Newcastle upon Tyne, in the United Kingdom. Would visit again if passing. Twitter. - See 251 traveler reviews, 202 candid photos, and great deals for Devon, UK, at Tripadvisor. The Puffing Billy, which is in Great Torrington is at present a very nice cafe/restaurant/bar which runs alongside the Tarka Trail, but it's history starts b. The Murders, Ghosts seen and heard, strange happenings, working girls and more Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. Beyond the Puffing Billy the Trail yet again crosses the Torridge, this time on a high level viaduct, offering good views along the River, before heading South west towards Meeth, passing Pencleave Woods and Watergate Halt. Situated a stones throw from the old signal box in Instow, this newly refurbished apartment has sliding doors opening out to a patio area, with the Tarka Trail just beyond.Its the perfect size for a small family and includes allocated parking an absolute must in popular Instow. Bases have been ordered for the parasols so no more Mary Poppins like scenes! Guests are welcome to use the wetsuits, bodyboards, wellies and prawning sets which is all provided! Your email address will not be published. Youll cross the Torridge again over a bridge where people often fish the tidal waters, than pass close to saltmarsh and a reedbed as you approach Bideford. Puffing Billy is currently operating with limited capacity, book your tickets early, so you don't miss out! A passenger service operated until 1965 when the line again reverted to carrying goods only until the line through Torrington was closed completely. Built by theNorth Devon Railway, it opened on 18 July 1872, operated by theLondon and South Western Railway. Jack is first name and Mandanka is last name. You may also like the following events from St Anne's Arts & Community Centre: Tickets for Torrington Tarka Trail Haunted History Tour can be booked here. to Meeth . Why not check out our guide to the best beaches in North Devon or our locals guide to North Devons best walks? Bookings & Enquiries Driving Directions 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, 3160, Australia www.puffingbilly.com.au/ info@pbr.org.au 0397570700 Closed | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. more. Walk or. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. Agents JD Commercial said it urges interested parties to view soon, as it finds cafe and tea room operations tend to sell. Southlands Retreat, BrauntonSleeping five, this stylish and modern home is only half a miles walk to the cycle hire centre in Braunton.Theres a surfboard rack if you fancy exploring up the coast with your boards, and two four-legged visitors are welcome, too. The Puffing Billy: Great stop on the Tarka Trail - See 344 traveler reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. We stopped here for lunch on the Tarka Trail and the food was lovely. Either drive or take the bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. The Tarka Trail is a recreational route opened in May 1992 which describes a figure of eight, centred on Barnstaple, through the beautiful countryside of North Devon. Open daily with free entry to passengers and visitors. The station dispatched trains toBidefordandBarnstaple, as well as toExeter St Davids. During the English Civil War, the town was of strategic importance and in 1646 was the location for the Battle of Torrington. You can even make this a car free day out, if you can get yourself to the bus stop 1.5 miles from Wheatland Farm. Nothing fancy about it we let the ingredients speak for themselves. . Watch out for the Giants in the Forest, put up in the trees in 2013 After the railway line was closed the station became a public house and then a restaurant and finally, as you see it today, a licensed cafe. The leasehold interest of The Puffing Billy is on sale for 65,000. We have a large selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch options, and of course home-made cakes and scones! unique traits of plants, animals and humans. The paninis have hardly any fill in and are served with a childs portion of some cheap crisps. View all facilities along The Tarka Trail. Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail. east Yarde . Work in partnership with us to tackle the challenges of congestion, air pollution, physical inactivity, and social inequality, by making it easier for people to walk and cycle. With no road crossings, this part of the trail is suitable for kids but keep an eye on them in the long tunnel. Take them to the bus stop, set them off exploring, and hear their adventures at the end of the day. 2 hours 33 minutes
Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. PUFFING BILLY OPERATES DAILY (except Christmas Day). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Lovely place to stop and have a break when cycling the Tarka Trail. Read our fundraising promise. Reviews There are no reviews yet. E.g. Lovely garden area. The Puffing Billy Cafe Torrington | Torrington Theres ample cycle storage and lovely views over the river, plus the highly Instagrammable interior will please any teen cyclists in your peloton. Date: January 17, 2009 Author: maggie2watson Category: car free, Cycling, Local Devon walks, Things to do Post navigation. (view on map). Offering food and drink inside the station, and outside in the garden, the venue also hosts touring art exhibitions. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate additional base maps (and youll get to use the site Ad free). Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. and the milk train traffic, freight trains and the occasional passenger special used the line until 1982. Instow has a wide selection of pubs, many of which are dog friendly. From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight only, . The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. This is the least well known but most peaceful and tranquil part of the Tarka Trail. distance
Do not miss the Puffing Billy, a relaxed pub at the former Torrington railway station. Torridge Tarka Trail - Walk - South West Coast Path Walk Sleep Do Walk - Torridge Tarka Trail 3.0 miles (4.8 km) Catch Bus to Instow - EX39 2BU Bideford Easy - Since the route uses a former railway, it is also suitable for use by cyclists, wheelchair users or as a pushchair walk. Tarka Trail Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter from Henry Williamson's famous 1927 novel, the Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling route that traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches enabling you to explore and experience the very best North Devon has to offer. Station Rd, Torrington, EX38 8JD, , United Kingdom, North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. This section criss-crosses the River Torridge, combining lush greenery with river views.
Zoom in to see updated info. if you are planning to visit The Tarka Trail, then why not take a look at our list of places to stay located near to The Tarka Trail, where hotels, guesthouses, self-catering properties, B&Bs and campsites are listed. Good service. Good parking at both front and rear and right on the Tarka Trail, superb. Walk to the Puffing Billy cafe from home and its always great to meet for a coffee. 6:30am We're opening the event to 150 participants with a choice of two rides: Ride 1 is the classic 200km Moor2Moor Challenge taking in the . If you dont have your own bikes, you can hire some from Torrington Cycle Hire, just opposite the cafe (01805 281461). Breaking News!!! Tree Trail (about 3km) 2. If youre there really early and its quiet you may see an otter. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. The service is always excellent. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Puffing Billy Cafe is #5 of all Great Torrington restaurants: online menu, 1396 visitors' reviews and 85 detailed photos. On grouping in 1923 the Torrington to Barnstaple line became part of the, . please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. Unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and the longest, continuous cycle path in the UK are waiting to be discovered. Actions Graphs Show Elevation Show Gradient Refresh Elevation Preferences Advertisements In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. This is the old Torrington railway station building, and is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original signs and platform notices. Whether walking or cycling, set off passing in front of the pub on the tarmac path that was once the railway track. At this point the trail criss-crosses over the winding River Torridge through wooded valleys and vast river expanses, offering some of the most scenic sections of the Tarka Trail. The shared access section of the Tarka Trail runs for 31 miles along disused railway lines between Braunton and Meeth in north Devon, and was opened in 1997. . Sustrans is a registered charity in England and Wales (326550) and Scotland (SC039263) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (1797726) at 2 Cathedral Square, Bristol, BS1 5DD. It is temporarily operating as a cafe offering good coffee, other non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of sandwiches, pastries and other snacks during the daytime only. Relax in the garden after a busy days adventures, or if the weather turns bad, light the wood burner and choose something good to watch on the Sky TV.Feeling inspired to get out and explore? Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. The paninis have hardly any fill in and are served with a childs portion of some cheap crisps. We believe our pricing is reasonable and good value for money and often get many a comment on this from our regulars. Learn more Christmas It was busy, so we were glad we had reserved a table. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes. Break up the journey with a visit to Yarde Orchard Cafe at East Yarde. Terrain varies from flat family-friendly sections to more challenging stretches. Specialising in great food made with local ingredients, it's worth visiting for the roasts alone! There are so many things to do in Devon that youll be spoilt for choice wherever you choose to base yourself during your holiday. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Located in a former Victorian railway station, The Puffing Billy is right on the Tarka Trail, making it a perfect stop at either end of this section. The Puffing Billy: Lovely stop on the Tarka trail - See 344 traveler reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. The most popular part of the Tarka Trail is the 31-mile section along disused railway lines between Braunton and Meeth, which breaks down conveniently into 4 separate sections. Make a mid-way pitstop at The Waterside, just past Chivenor. 16 hours 23 minutes, 99.7% Traffic-free | 69.9% Asphalt, 28.0% Unsealed firm, 2.1% Unsealed loose. Tours will start promptly at the advertised time. If you are in need of refreshments, then take a look at our list of places to eat and drink along The Tarka Trail where cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis and food markets are listed. The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. The old railway station at Torrington is an ideal place to start your Tarka Trail adventure. (Their cafe is not dog friendly :-( ). Just enjoyed a delicious and plentiful carvery at the Puffing Billy, and definitely a bargain. The Tarka Trail makes use of disused railway tracks to take you into the beautiful North Devon countryside. Youll start at the Puffing Billy cafe, cross the River Torridge at Beam Weir, made famous in Henry Williamsons book Tarka the Otter (theres probably a copy in your eco lodge), before meandering along the valley, through the old railway tunnel, across another bridge and into the former station at Bideford, where theres a (summertime) cafe in an old railway carriage. kcal, ascent
Along the route you will find beautifully designed benches and shelters by Katy Hallett, Ben May, John Butler, Geoff Stainthorp and Paul Anderson. It does not follow the railway in some locations and has steeper gradients. It's a really wonderful quiet and scenic stretch that heads north on the old railway path from Torrington and through East Yarde, Petrockstowe and Meeth. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Lovely setting and restoration of the former station. Discover the best North Devon has to offer, The UK's longest, traffic-free cycle path, The Tarka Trail between Braunton and Meeth, places to stay located near to The Tarka Trail, places to eat and drink along The Tarka Trail, Aarons unicycle challenge for Childrens charity. along the Tarka Trail . Ask OrienteerfromUK about The Puffing Billy, Ask karenhuttonakela about The Puffing Billy. A bit further and youll come to a wooden bench, one of 30 pieces of art originally commissioned for the trail as part of the Sustrans Art in the Travelling Landscape project.Near here you can detour into the woods on a permissive path that takes you to Weare Giffard. Voir ce Tour et d'autres similaires, ou planifiez le vtre avec komoot ! Heres our guide to the Tarka Trail, including the best places to eat and drink, where you can hire bikes, and most importantly where to stay when you visit. The south loop follows the river Torridge deep into the heart of Otter country, through Torrington, turning at Okehampton on the fringe of Dartmoor National Park and heading back towards Barnstaple. Youll soon come to the bridge at Beam Weir. Your donation today will help keep the Network safe and open for everyone to enjoy. For family days out along The Tarka Trail you may want to visit our places to visit page, or our Get Inspired page featuring towns, villages and places of interest along the trail. It's a soothing ride past the enormous lakes and meadows of the old clay quarries and mines here, and you may even spot the reserve's herd of Exmoor ponies. When youre worn out, relax in the enclosed garden with a BBQ or in the bubbling private hot tub. Have had coffee and cake on many occasions but this was the first time we had enjoyed a Sunday lunch. Would defo recommend not having food and just have a beer in the garden. I hope based on my response you will give us another shot, if you would like to discuss your experience any further please email me directly on sargeantandsargeant@gmail.com. Great Torrington, often referred to as just Torrington is a market town rich in history and surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. Find out how we're improving accessibility on the Network. Thanks Again, Hi Luke, Sorry to hear you felt the food was not upto your standard, we often get many good/great comments on our paninis, unfortunately we have had some issues with our paninis which was addressed by our supplier and will not be a issue moving forwards. A small car park enables easy and immediate access to the Tarka Trail. This section of the trail from Barnstaple to Bideford is great for a family day out as there are lots of places to stop for refreshments on the way. We have got 40,000 cities covered worldwide, Discover Online Events - Attend from anywhere , Torrington Tarka Trail Haunted History Tour, bWFpbCB8IHRoZXBsb3VnaGFydHNjZW50cmUgISBvcmcgISB1aw==, There is no photo available at this moment, We'll find event recommendations just for you. Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail This gently down-hill walk or bike ride is our favourite part of Devon's Tarka Trail to do from Wheatland Farm's eco lodges. Getting there:Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Theres a rack to lock your bikes to. Offering food and drink inside the station, and outside in the garden, the venue also hosts touring art exhibitions. We even got to see the diesel shunting engine being exercised on it tiny 50m track! Puffing Billy is the name of the cafe here, once the station buildings. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne. If you walk you can get the bus back. The trail takes you right to the old station, where theres a cafe in an old carriage. So far only a short demonstration line has been set up, and planning permission was granted for 300 ft (91 metres) of track in the direction of Bideford.The railway has been fenced off from the Tarka Trail ensuring the safety of all involved. An Intimate VIP Afternoon with Paul Gascoigne "GAZZA", Launceston Folk Dance Club Centenary Dance, St Piran's Day - Celebration of All Things Cornish with Launceston Community Connections, Imagine yourself to wellness with the Causley Trust. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Tarka Trail (Braunton to Meeth): 4 mile dog walk. It's also flat and traffic-free, making it perfect for families. This route offers you superb views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary and features several wonderful sculptures and shelters created specially for the route. The Tarka Trail will take you through ancient villages, wooded valleys, along the banks of rivers, high over moorland with spectacular views of Dartmoor and Exmoor and along dramatic sea cliffs and vast expanses of beautiful beaches. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station . Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5244326 Route information Tarka Trail, Meeth to The Puffing Billy. Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. Puffing Billy is Australia's favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. A bit further and youll come to a wooden bench, one of 30 pieces of art comissioned for the trail as part of Sustrans Art in the Travelling Landscape project.Near hear you can detour into the woods on a permissive path that takes you to Weare Giffard, but apart from a bit of exploring I think Id stick to the trail. . Be the first to review "Puffing Billy" . If youre looking for a fun day out in Devon that all members of your family will enjoy, wed recommend heading to the Tarka Trail. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station buildings. A lovely clean place to eat and drink. Puffing Billy Steam Train Ticket Package Options Return Ticket - Belgrave to Lakeside (Departs 11:15AM & 12:45PM) Free cancellation (24-hours notice) Instant confirmation Fixed date booking