But due to both theChina Clayand the milk train traffic, freight trains and the occasional passenger special used the line until 1982. If you dont have your own bikes, you can hire some from Torrington Cycle Hire, just opposite the cafe (01805 281461). The trail runs alongside the River Torridge which inspired Henry Williamson to write Tarka the Otter. We stopped here for lunch on the Tarka Trail and the food was lovely. This is unspoilt Devon countryside at its best. 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. The Tarka Trailis part of the National Cycle Network, cared for by Sustrans. We have a large selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch options, and of course home-made cakes and scones! These cookies do not store any personal information. Ask OrienteerfromUK about The Puffing Billy, Ask karenhuttonakela about The Puffing Billy. Bike back again, or if on foot, cross Bidefords famous long Bridge and come back on the bus if youve had enough (the bus leaves from Bideford Quay and will take you back to Puffing Billy check the latest times online). 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 Puffing Billy Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. Youll soon come to the bridge at Beam Weir. With the glistening river and estuary on one side, lush countryside and woodland on the other, and trails leading through nature reserves, the Tarka Trail allows you to enjoy the very best of the North Devon scenery and wildlife. A guided walk down the old railway track, hearing true tales of Torrington and surroundings. Theres loads to see and do in both Braunton and Barnstaple, and the slightly shorter distance of this section makes it a breeze to fit in spending time in both locations as well as squeezing in the return cycle!With only a couple of places where you meet a road (and even then, there are designated crossing points across the quiet roads), this section is perfect for younger cyclists. Description Reviews (0) Description. On grouping in 1923 the Torrington to Barnstaple line became part of the, . Check out our full collection of self-catering holiday cottages. , it opened on 18 July 1872, operated by the, . 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 Your donation today will help keep the Network safe and open for everyone to enjoy. Would defo recommend not having food and just have a beer in the garden. 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. 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. 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 . 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. 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. A little further south is a section of the trail that is open to horses. 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. Absolutely delighted to create this fully funded programme with Active Devon and Torridge District Council this Spring at Skern Lodge. The paninis have hardly any fill in and are served with a childs portion of some cheap crisps. 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. 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 Trading Co. occupies the Victorian railway station, full of railway memorabilia and original features. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Set in the beautiful Torridge Valley, alongside The Tarka Trail in. It provides an excellent place to take a break whether you are following the Tarka trail or driving through the area. Jack is first name and Mandanka is last name. This gently down-hill walk or bike ride is our favourite part of Devons Tarka Trail to do from Wheatland Farms eco lodges. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Escape to Devon on a South West getaway. Your support helps to give children access to the training and equipment they need to ride a bike safely - starting a cycle of good that can go on to benefit their health, education and future. 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. Torrington is home to Dartington Crystal, the UKs only remaining glass factory who offer a fascinating factory tour where you can watch skilled glass blowers creating some of the most beautiful glass products. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you walked, you can catch the 315 bus back from Bideford Quay just cross the bridge, turn right and youll find the bus stops.Puffing Billy is about 17 miles from our lodges and cottage, but if you take the bus your day out starts a mile and a half away at the Winkleigh Bus stop. It's one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or less experienced cyclists. The large farmhouse table is perfect for big sociable mealtimes and the enclosed garden with patio is the perfect suntrap for those days you want to stay at home! A lovely clean place to eat and drink. 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. to Fremington Quay . Station Rd, Torrington, EX38 8JD, , United Kingdom, North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. It extends for 180 miles. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. From 1880 it connected with the narrow gauge freight onlyTorrington and Marland Railway. 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. The Tarka trail is a bird watchers paradise, with stunning river estuary scenes, and don't forget to keep an eye out for evidence of the trails former use as a railway line! Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group. Whether walking or cycling, set off passing in front of the pub on the tarmac path that was once the railway track. Created from a disused railway line, this walking and cycling route is great for all ages and all abilities and as its tarmacked and relatively flat, wheelchairs, buggies and less confident cyclists will have no problem following the trail. Stopped here on a Cycle rather than Fremington Quay and massively regretted it! Situated at the centre of the North Devon Area of With car parking, cafe and facilities, Fremington Quay is an Arguably the most spectacular coastal views along the Tarka Trail, lovely walks with dogs cycle rides great views very pleasant, hi all me & a friend done the Devon coast to coast & loved it. Puffing Billy, ,Torrington, United Kingdom, Launceston, United Kingdom. Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate additional base maps (and youll get to use the site Ad free). Adjacent to the Tarka Trail, this character cottage for two is nestled in a picturesque wooded valley just outside Torrington. Twitter. Or visit Johns of Instow to sample the mouth-watering selection of freshly baked pasties, sausage rolls and cakes.Once you get to Bideford, chain up the bikes and head up the high street to Cafe Collective. With no road crossings, this part of the trail is suitable for kids but keep an eye on them in the long tunnel. . From here to Bideford is about 5 miles. Tours will start promptly at the advertised time. fine for parking in handicap spot in ohio. The Puffing Billy: Friendly cafe on Tarka trail - See 337 traveller reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. It was busy, so we were glad we had reserved a table. The Murders, Ghosts seen and heard, strange happenings, working girls and more Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. Whether walking or cycling, set off passing in front of the cafe on the tarmac path that was once the railway track. Youll soon come to the bridge at Beam Weir. 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 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. If you walk you can get the bus back. The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Stay In Devon | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. The station was closed for regular passenger services in 1965 under theBeeching Axe. Select your desired options and 'Save' then copy & paste the code into your website. The service is always excellent. Hopefully we will see you again the Tarka Trail is great for riding in all seasons and we will be open 9-5 everyday with welcoming open fires when the winter months draw in. The old railway station at Torrington is an ideal place to start your Tarka Trail adventure. 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. You can read more about both routes below & use the map to plan your stops along the way. Specialising in great food made with local ingredients, it's worth visiting for the roasts alone! The Tarka Valley Railway in Devon, England, is a proposed heritage railway based on plans to rebuild the Barnstaple to Halwill Junction railway line. Great Torrington is a friendly and welcoming town, with good local amenities, independent shops, cafes and regular local markets. The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride. If youre car-less and have young children with you we can sometimes run you down there. 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. When youre worn out, relax in the enclosed garden with a BBQ or in the bubbling private hot tub. 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. 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. We didnt eat but the food looked good and seemed to be enjoyed by those that were eating. Great Torrington. Terrain varies from flat family-friendly sections to more challenging stretches. Any contributions from walkers interested in the area would be very welcome. Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail. Great Torrington Flights to Great Torrington 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. We stopped for a drink on our way to Bideford. Theres even a grassed area for kids complete with wooden pirate ship where they can let off steam! Do not miss the Puffing Billy, a relaxed pub at the former Torrington railway station. Looking for more places to stay in North Devon? Explore fantastic walking and cycling routes across the UK. Zoom in to see updated info. distance Theres also only one point where you may meet a car at Fremington Quay but even then, cyclists and cars have their own lanes so its a super-safe route for younger ones.If little legs get tired more quickly than you thought, waypoints at Fremington and Instow make it easy to refuel and loop back if necessary. These are great places to stop off for refreshments as they have lots of cafes and restaurants. Find on the map and call to book a table. Watch out for the Giants in the Forest, put up in the trees in 2013 cycled from Barnstaple . Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Torrington Cycle Hire: Cycle trip - See 84 traveler reviews, 24 candid photos, and great deals for Great Torrington, UK, at Tripadvisor. I have spoken to the kitchen in regards to the crisp portion to ensure we are consistent in our offering. 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. Make a mid-way pitstop at The Waterside, just past Chivenor. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. . 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. unique traits of plants, animals and humans. 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. Book Puffing Billy Train tickets - kids from $30pp, adults from $58pp Make sure you book your Puffing Billy ticket online Getting There Via train: Puffing Billy's Belgrave Station is an approx 70-minute journey from Melbourne on the Belgrave line. Tree Trail (about 3km) 2. The north loop travels up through Exmoor into Lynton and the Valley of Rocks then back along the coast. This is the old Torrington railway station building, and is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original signs and platform notices. The final section of the trail starts at the Puffing Billy caf - the old Torrington railway station building which is crammed full with railway memorabilia, including original . from Braunton . 3 reviews of Puffing Billy "The Puffing Billy has changed owners and is currently not a Pub. Unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and the longest, continuous cycle path in the UK are waiting to be discovered. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. Sustrans is committed to fundraising in a way which is legal, open, honest and respectful. Good parking at both front and rear and right on the Tarka Trail, superb. On bikes its a doable and adventurous day out for kids and an easy ride for adults (so long as you can pedal 10 miles, 5 out, 5 back). You can also download a PDF (231kb) of the map using the button below. It does not follow the railway in some locations and has steeper gradients. Thank you for your lovely comments, especially the one about the staff as it is feedback like this that keeps us all motivated to keep delivering friendly consistent service. Support Mapometer from 8 (9, $10 USD) per year well activate embedded maps in your account and youll be able to use the site Ad free. 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. 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. Either drive or take the bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. 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. Passenger services had closed in late 1965 and by the 1990's the track had been lifted and the area overgrown. 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. m, descent Puffing Billy to Bideford on the Tarka Trail. Getting there:Either drive or take the 315 bus from Winkleigh to the Puffing Billy stop just the far side of Great Torrington. Find a route on the National Cycle Network. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon. Map updates are paused. Cross Bidefords famous long Bridge and come back on the bus 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. Thu Jul 13 2023 at 07:30 pm, Puffing Billy, ,Torrington, United Kingdom, Launceston, United Kingdom Find properties for sale in Lavender Cottage, Frithelstockstone, Torrington, Devon, Ex38 from the thousands of available properties on the market today. 1. We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes. There are so many things to do in Devon that youll be spoilt for choice wherever you choose to base yourself during your holiday. 209 Puffing Billy Stock Photos, Images & Pictures Most relevant Best selling Latest uploads Within Results People Pricing License Media Properties More Safe Search first first vacuum cleaners falls creek billy teenager roller coaster Browse 209 professional puffing billy stock photos, images & pictures available royalty-free. 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. Breaking News!!! The Tarka Trail is a combination of footpaths and bridleways with a large section being an old, converted railway line. ifsi virtual learning. This route is on the National Cycle Network. Have had coffee and cake on many occasions but this was the first time we had enjoyed a Sunday lunch. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Of course, youll need somewhere just right to come back to after a busy day out. Puffing Billy is the name of the pub here, once the station . Claire and Jade are the current owners, and having spent a lifetime (or more!) Not cheap, but reasonably priced, tasty coffee which is hot and reasonable choice of cakes etc. We enjoyed it so much that we went back for elevenses the next day on our way to Meeth. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. If thats not open, the is a pub close by and plenty of other cafes etc over Bideford Long Bridge in the town itself. sport cycling distance 20.84 ml energy 0 kcal ascent 0 m descent 0 m Notes Ride with Steve, Sunny cool day. Theres ample cycle storage and lovely views over the river, plus the highly Instagrammable interior will please any teen cyclists in your peloton. We believe our pricing is reasonable and good value for money and often get many a comment on this from our regulars. Horse riding is also permitted on this section. 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. puffing billy tarka trail. Watch out for kingfishers and herons. A simple, flavour filled menu in a relaxed ambience. Learn more Christmas Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. The well-marked, 180-mile Tarka Trail winds through undisturbed countryside and is inaccessible by car. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. 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. This longer and hillier section of the Tarka Trail is slightly more challenging than the flatter parts before it, making it more suitable for older children. A small car park enables easy and immediate access to the Tarka Trail. in hospitality, hope to continue the good work of the previous owners whilst putting their own stamp on the Puffing Billy! Covers the North Devon area, including Exmoor, Ilfracombe and the North Devon coast, Exeter, Okehampton and Bude. There are times when the sun doesn't shine in Devon and the rain comes to say hello. The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure-eight loop inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter. This is the least well known but most peaceful and tranquil part of the Tarka Trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Own or manage this property? We're offering a FREE programme of activities this Spring for over 55s: - The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling trail that follows the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson. Bookings & Enquiries Driving Directions 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, 3160, Australia www.puffingbilly.com.au/ info@pbr.org.au 0397570700 Closed 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. ml, energy Thank you for your nice comments re; the burger you are correct it is nothing fancy, it is prime beef burger from our local butcher, served with our twice cooked hand cut chips, burger relish and a small garnish. You could borrow a farm bike and lock it up at the bus stop. In the evening, bats hunt for moths along the river bank. When on a visit to Devon, youve got to pop into one of this countys quaint country pubs for a tasty Sunday roast or a pint. Be the first to review "Puffing Billy" . Magdala House, near FremingtonThis is a charming holiday home with a rustic farmhouse feel which has been designed with family fun in mind. Great Torrington is a market town rich in dark history yet surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside in the heart of Tarka country. 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. Tarka Trail (Braunton to Meeth): 4 mile dog walk. Great Torrington (generally abbreviated to Torrington, though it should be noted that the villages of Little Torrington and Black Torrington are situated in the same region) is a small market town in the north of Devon, England.Parts of it are sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. 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. The station was closed for regular passenger services in 1965 under the. to Meeth . Tarka View, Bideford The Tarka Trail takes you right to the old station, where theres a cafe in an old carriage (summer months and some weekends). Lovely outdoor seating area, a very extensive menu and very prompt service. A carvery on Sunday is great way to end your Tarka Trail journey. Your email address will not be published. E.g. The Tarka Trail makes use of disused railway tracks to take you into the beautiful North Devon countryside. The most popular stop along this section of the trail is Fremington Quay Cafe. Find out what we stand for and how our work around the UK is making a difference. 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. A passenger service operated until 1965 when the line again reverted to carrying goods only until the line through Torrington was closed completely. A carvery on Sunday is great way to end your Tarka Trail journey. youre close to the bus route again here just come off the trail and cross over the Torridge on the road bridge. Lovely place to stop and have a break when cycling the Tarka Trail. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Serving everything from cold drinks and ice creams to quench summer thirsts, to restorative roasts in the winter, this cafe is popular with tourists and locals alike for its picturesque location overlooking the River Taw.