Easy
20 August 2024
Braunton to Instow is a flat and easy estuary stage following the old railway along the Tarka Trail, offering big skies, birdlife, and quiet historic spots as the River Taw meets the Torridge.
Points of Interest: Braunton to Instow
Here’s what to look out for along the way:
The Quay Café, Braunton
Starting point of the walk and a natural continuation from the previous stage.
Chivenor Barracks
The trail passes the Royal Marine base at Chivenor before opening out onto wide estuary views.
Taw Estuary Saltmarshes
Flat, open walking with saltmarshes and creeks—great for spotting birdlife and enjoying the peace of the estuary.
Barnstaple Long Bridge
A 13th-century stone bridge with fantastic estuary views—one of the oldest still in use today.
Barnstaple Town
The oldest borough in England with cafés, shops, and a museum just off the route. A good place to pause.
Fremington Quay
Formerly a major port for clay export, now home to a heritage café and restored station buildings.
Tarka Trail & Old Railway
The route follows raised embankments and crosses old railway bridges—passing signal posts and remnants of Devon’s railway age.
Instow Sands
A broad, flat beach with views to Appledore. The official path curves behind the dunes before joining the shoreline.
Maritime Relics
Old boats, timber posts, and quays scattered along the shore tell stories of Instow’s seafaring past.
Instow Village
A quiet village with pubs, a sandy dog-friendly beach, a preserved signal box, and views across to Appledore.
Logistics
| Sleep Dog Friendly Accommodation | Wayfarer’s Inn, Instow |
| Eat & Drink | Wayfarer’s Inn, Instow and The Quay John’s Deli, Instow |
| Travel Transport back to Instow! | Whereto Taxis with Jason (07712154555) |
Alternative: There are regular bus options, but they all involve a change at Barnstaple. You can take the 21/21A from Instow and change to the 21B/21C in Barnstaple. There are around 3 services an hour, and the journey time will be approximately an hour.