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.
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.
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.