Barnstaple Town Centre

Tarka Trail

For those who love cycling, The Tarka Trail, over 180 miles in length taking a looping route through North and Mid Devon, from the rugged Atlantic Coast, the Estuaries of the Two Rivers of Tarka the Otter fame, the Rivers Taw and Torridge through rural Devon Countryside onto the Northern Slopes of Dartmoor, and the source of the River Taw. The Trail between Barnstaple, down the Taw, upriver to Bideford, following the Torridge to Torrington takes the route of a disused railway line and is particularly suited for both cyclists and walkers.

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You can follow the Tarka Trail along the North Devon Coast, following the South West Coast Path, taking in Baggy Point, Mortehoe, Lynmouth up Contisbury Hill to Exmoor, Lorna Doone Country.

With such a wonderful natural heritage waiting, it is no wonder that camping in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset is so popular. And with 100's of campsites, from farmer's fields to fully equipped luxury tented villages, there is sure to be a campsite suited to your.

Challenge yourself with a Rock Climbing adventure or caving, a day on the water Powerboating, Wind Surfing, Diving, Surfing or maybe you like the dry! Mountain biking, Kite Surfing or Quad Biking or a nice hike on the moors. Ballooning or Flying or an Assault Course!

Outdoor Activities in Devon

Exmoor

Just a few miles from Barnstaple is the spectacular countryside of the Exmoor National Park. A paradise for nature lovers, offering a remarkable variety of flora and abundant rare wildlife including red deer, wild ponies and several birds of prey.

National Trust footpaths, numerous stables and the rivers Exe, Mole, Barle, East and West Lyn make this first class walking, riding and fishing country. (If your interested in then visit www.tackstore.co.uk)

Combe Martin is near Watermouth and Lynmouth. This lovely fishing village is set in a warm sheltered valley amidst Exmoor countryside. It has a long meandering street with a good selection of pubs, shops and restaurants. The village has two small sandy beaches scattered with rock pools.

Surfing and Surf Events

With a coastline as diverse as its landscape, Devon has waves to suit all abilities. Croyde Bay, on the north coast, is one of the main draws courtesy of its hollow powerful low tide waves which on their day produce beachbreak waves as good as anywhere in the world. Winds from an easterly direction are offshore. (more on surfing) and (surf training)

Legacy Events, Surf Live Saving Events Tel: 07813 727816 Click Here

Click 'here' for Surf Times, Cams and Weather, 'here' for local beaches and 'here' for tourist information centres....

Water Sports:

Atlantic Action, Exeter Rd, Braunton, Tel: 01271 817144
Charles Pearce Skimmers, 77, East St, SMolton Tel: 01769 572343
Croyde Bay Surfing, 7, Moor Lane, Croyde, Tel: 01271 890453
Genesis Surfshop, 18, St. James Place, Ilfracombe Tel: 01271 865251
Hunter Boardwear, 4-5, West Rd, Woolacombe Tel: 01271 870872
House of Surf Mail Order, Caen St, Braunton Tel: 01271 815757
Hunter Boardwear, 10, The Square, Braunton Tel: 01271 814157
Hunter Surf School, The Red Barn, Woolacombe Tel: 01271 871061
Hunter Warehouse, Unit 2, Knowle Ind Est, Knowle Tel: 01271 816257
Point Breaks Extreme Water Sports, Chivenor Bus Tel: 07776 148679

Pro Designs, Summer Haze Cottage, H. Warcombe Tel: 01271 870503
Redwood Surf, Bridge Hs, Hobbs Hill, Croyde, Tel: 01271 890999
Second Skin Surf Shop, 26, Caen St, Braunton Tel: 01271 812195
Surfed Out, 6, Caen Field Shopping, Braunton Tel: 01271 812512
Surfersworld, North Buckland House, Braunton Tel: 01271 890037
Surfing Croyde Bay, 8, Hobbs Hill, Croyde, Tel: 01271 891200
The Bay Surf Shop, 3, Barton Court, Barton Rd Tel: 01271 870961
The Surf Shack, 24, Saunton Rd, Braunton Tel: 01271 815619
Tiki International, Vellator Ind Est, Vellator, Tel: 01271 812442
Tiki Surf Shop, Caen St, Braunton, Tel: 01271 816070
Walking on Waves Surf School, Breakers, Tel: 07786 034403

Welcome to the Devon and Cornwall Accommodation Directory. Featuring all the towns and cities and over 1500 accommodation types. From Barnstaple to Bude, St Ives to Woolacombe, Cornwall to Somerset. Guest Houses, Camp Sites, Bed and Breakfast and Hotels...

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Markets & Shopping

Small town and village pannier markets are usually only open mornings. Barnstaple markets are usually open all day.

Barnstaple Daily: Pannier market in the Market Hall opposite Marks & Spencer, each day a different theme
Barnstaple:
Barnstaple - a huge shopping area with mall and all the big names and chain store brands
Berrynarbor Post office will deliver groceries to Watermouth each day
Bideford, Atlantic Village - a good sized shopping mall with some designer outlets, and Pannier Market Tues & Sat
Combe Martin has two small supermarkets and two post offices
Ilfracombe has numerous shops, most are individual, family-run stores rather than chain stores
Lynmouth has a post office
Lynton has one small supermarket
South Molton - Pannier Market Thu & Farmers Market Sat
Torrington - Pannier Market - Mon & Sat

Swimming

Ilfracombe - public indoor heated swimming pool. Also Tunnels Beach, a safe, tidal bathing pool available from May to September., Cascades Indoor Fun Pool, near Croyde. Flume rides and Jacuzzis, Barnstaple - public indoor heated pool with ocean wave, Aqua Splash at Minehead.

There's a huge range of tasty food and drink available in North Devon, from freshly caught fish to scrumptious homemade cream teas. Visit our directory of all things food and drink shaped including fish and chips to vineyards. Click here for more.... Click here for the latest addition, The Old Mill at Woolacombe

Cycling

Many places in Barnstaple also offer cycle hire. There is the Tarka Trail to enjoy, which follows an old railway line. It is therefore level and so ideal for cyclists of all ages and fitness. Drive to Fremington Quay where you can park, hire a bike and have a spot of lunch overlooking the sea and bird sanctuary. Great for ornithologists too!

Course Fishing

Bakers Farm, Moortown, Torrington
Melberry, near Bideford
Mill Park, Berrynarbor (two minutes drive from Watermouth Cove)
Jennetts, near Bideford
Riverton House & Lakes, Swimbridge near Barnstaple
Wistlandpound, enter via Calvert Trust Gate

Deep Sea & Mackerel Fishing

Boats can be hired, daily, at Ilfracombe and Lynmouth.
Stillwater Trout
Blakewell Fishery, Barnstaple
Wistlandpound, enter via Calvert Trust Gate

Diving

The North Devon Sub Aqua Club will take visitors out to Lundy or other areas where diving is permitted. The region does have strong tides and offers a very different type of diving to many coastal resorts, so please be sure to discuss your diving experience with the club.

Horse Riding (Click here for stables and here for riding schools)

Mullacott Cross Equestrian Centre, Ilfracombe
Bodstone Barton, Farmworld, Berry Down, near Combe Martin
Keepits Off Road Centre at Ilfracombe (they have horses too!)
Dean Riding Centre, Dean, Trentishoe, Parracombe
Eastacott Farm, Wollacombe
Brendon Manor, near Lynmouth
Outovercott, Barbrook, Lynton

Walking - idyllic area for walkers and dog lovers!

Tarka Trail - coastal trail that wends its way through Watermouth Cove
South West Coastal Path - this also runs through Watermouth Cove and Lynmouth - see www.swcp.org.uk or www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath
There are numerous self-guided walks, maps and details available from Ilfracombe Tourist Info Centre.
Exmoor teems with footpaths and bridal paths
North Devon Walking Festival May

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