Easy

21 August 2024

Instow to Westward Ho! is a gentle section moving from quiet estuary paths to open coast, taking in historic towns, maritime relics, and the wild landscapes of Northam Burrows.

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Points of Interest: Instow to Westward Ho!

Here’s what to look out for along the way:

Instow Signal Box

The UK’s first Grade II listed signal box—marking the start of the walk along the Tarka Trail.

Torridge Estuary Path

A flat, easy stretch hugging the estuary edge, following the old railway line through peaceful surroundings.

Bideford & Long Bridge

A historic port town with a 13th-century bridge built on 24 arches—once a hub for tobacco and wool trade.

SS Freshspring

A preserved steamship moored near the quay, now a floating museum.

Appledore Village

A characterful fishing village with centuries of shipbuilding history and narrow cobbled lanes like Irsha Street.

Taw-Torridge Estuary Mouth

Wide views across the estuary as it opens out into the sea, with glimpses toward Saunton and Baggy Point.

Northam Burrows Country Park

A wild expanse of grassland, saltmarsh, and dunes. Home to the distinctive Pebble Ridge and the Royal North Devon Golf Club.

Pebble Ridge

A long, natural shingle bank constantly reshaped by wind and tide—marking the boundary between land and sea.

Views to Saunton Sands

From the tip of the Burrows, a final backward glance reveals the distant white outline of Saunton Sands Hotel.

Westward Ho! Beach

Finish with a beach walk into Westward Ho!, where wide sands and tidal pools offer space to roam.

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Logistics

Dog Friendly Accommodation	Wayfarer’s Inn, Instow
Meals and refreshments	Wayfarer’s Inn, Instow and The Quay
Snacks/Sandwiches	John’s Deli, Instow
Transport back to Instow!	Whereto Taxis with Jason (07712154555)

Alternative: The Stagecoach bus service 21 runs from Westward Ho! to Instow. There are 2 or 3 services an hour starting at 6:08, with the journey taking 23-34 minutes.