The Tarka Trail

If you are a keen cyclist or cycling family why not use Smythen Farm for your holiday base.  Locally to Smythen Farm we one of the best Cycle paths in England, the Tarka Trail.

The Tarka Trail is one of the UKs longest traffic free cycle paths ambling its way through the beautiful North Devon Countryside and is only a few miles from Smythen Farm Holiday cottages. The Tarka Trail is the set on the old railway lines and runs from Braunton to Barnstaple and then Barnstaple to Meeth.  It is flat and mostly ash felt and is ideal for walkers or cyclists, young and old.  The Tarka Trail has cafes and pubs at various points ideal for stopping and grabbing a bite to eat or a drink.  If you want to take a picnic you can stop of at numerous locations taking in the wonderful views.

If you would like to hire bikes you can in Barnstaple or Fremington Key, both only 15 to 20 minutes away from your holiday cottage, both locations have bikes for children, adults, drag tailors, tandems and electric bikes. In busy periods you may need to pre book.  

The Braunton to Barnstaple section is about 6 miles long and starts of by running along the side of the Chivenor Marine base and follows the Taw estuary to Barnstaple.
Once you reach Barnstaple you cross the Taw River and then turn right and follow the Taw along the Estuary to Flemington Key, where you can hire bikes or stop at the café.  The next section is along the Taw Estuary with marsh lands, mud flats and beaches to Instow, a bird watchers paradise. Instow has a sandy beach, pub and Johns a great café and deli.

The istow to Bideford section takes you along the mouth of the River Torridge, past the ship yards and on to the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre which is about 3..6 Miles. The Tea on the Train Café is also located at the Bideford Heritage Centre. The next stage winds its way from Bideford to Great Torrington following the Torridge River through beautiful meadows and woodland. This stretch is about 11miles long. A great place to stop just before Great Torrington is the Puffing Billy Trading Co.
The final stage to Meeth the Tarka Trail switches to the other side of the Torridge River running through woodland and meadows for 11 miles to Meeth via Watergate, East Yarde
and Petrockstowe.

Once you have returned to Smythen Farm Holiday Cottages after you afternoon of cycling you can enjoy a sauna, relax in the hot tub or have a leisurely swim.

Back to Blog Home

Find Your Break
Short Break

Read More Testamonials

--

Our Luxury Holiday Cottages


Honey Pot Cottage
Honey Pot Cottage

Honey Pot is a beautiful, compact cottage ideal for couples. Honey Pot is dog-friendly and fully equipped for a comfortable break in North Devon.

  • Sleeps: 2. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Primrose Lane  Cottage
Primrose Lane Cottage

Primrose Lane cottage is a dog-friendly, compact cottage. Boasting a double bedroom, Primrose Lane cottage can sleep up to 3 with a pull out sofa bed ideal for children

  • Sleeps: 2. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Buttercup Cottage
Buttercup Cottage

Buttercup Cottage is an ideal cottage for families, especially those with fury members as its dog-friendly. Located in the courtyard, Buttercup cottage can sleep 4

  • Sleeps: 4. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Honeysuckle Cottage
Honeysuckle Cottage

Located in the courtyard, Honeysuckle Cottage is dog-friendly and ideal for families of up to 4.

  • Sleeps: 4. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Sea View  Cottage
Sea View Cottage

Sea View cottage is a superb, dog-friendly holiday cottage with stunning views across the North Devon coast. Ideal for families of 5. The bedrooms have the amazing view across the Sterridge valley and the Bristol Channel to Wales

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:

Sunalways Cottage
Sunalways Cottage

Sunalways Cottage is a spacious, family-friendly cottage sleeping 5 with beautiful views of the Sterridge valley. The vaulted ceilings give a large bright spacious living area

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Fisherswood  Cottage
Fisherswood Cottage

Fisherswood Cottage is a large and spacious cottage with beautiful vaulted ceilings. Sleeping up to 5 guests.

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Forest View  Cottage
Forest View Cottage

Forest View Cottage is a large, spacious cottage ideal for large families. This cottage is dog-friendly and can sleep up to 6 guests.

  • Sleeps: 6. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Meadow Sweet Cottage
Meadow Sweet Cottage

Meadow Sweet is dog friendly and the largest cottage at Smythen Farm. Book this cottage early as its well sort-after for large families or 2 families sharing. Meadow Sweet boasts stunning views across the Sterridge Valley.

  • Sleeps: 10. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly: