Torridge

Walking

The South West Peninsula Coast Path (The South West Way)
This is Britain’s longest footpath stretching over 600 miles from Somerset to Dorset. The North Devon section of the Coast Path is 90 miles (140km) long and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery of it all.

The Tarka Trail
This 180 mile (280km) trail follows a figure of eight path centring in North Devon. It takes the walker through a variety of Devon scenery including peaceful countryside, wooded valleys, rugged moorland and coastline. Details of these and many more walks are available from the local Tourist Information Centres. Some can offer self guided or guided walks.

Ruby Country Initiative
This is a new regeneration project in and around Holsworthy and Hatherleigh that will create a series of circular routes in this area of unspoilt countryside. A number of circular walks are already available in the area and further details can be obtained from the local Tourist Information Centre or from the Project Co-ordinator on 01409 220036.

Cycling

The Tarka Trail
A section of the trail offers traffic free, flat cycling along the disused railway line from Braunton to Petrockstowe. The route offers 25 miles (40km) of safe cycling making it ideal for families.

National Cycle Network
Route 3 of the National Cycle Network now passes through North Devon joining the Tarka Trail at Petrockstowe and continues through Great Torrington, Bideford and Barnstaple onto Exmoor and runs along the edge of the moor before descending into Dulverton.

Ruby Trails
In addition to the walking trails mentioned above, this project will also establish a number of cycling routes and will culminate with the completion of an off road cycle route between Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, linking up to the Tarka Trail and thereby providing one of the longest stretches of off-road cycle route in the country. Completion is expected in 2006. For further information contact the Project Co-ordinator on 01409 220036 or the local Tourist Information Centre.

The whole area offers a series of quiet country lanes ideal for exploring the local countryside. Cycle hire is readily available locally at Bideford, Great Torrington and Halwill Junction. Contact local Tourist Information Centres for further details.

Golf

Hartland Forest Golf Club, Hartland. Tel: 01237 431442
9 holes, 18 tees. 5641 yds.

Holsworthy Golf Course, Pyworthy, Holsworthy. Tel: 01409 253177/254771
18 holes. 6000 yds.

Libbaton Golf Club, High Bickington, Umberleigh. Tel: 01769 560269
18 holes, 6482 yds.

Royal North Devon, Westward Ho! Tel: 01237 473817
18 holes. 6444 yds.

Torrington Golf Club, Weare Trees, Great Torrington. Tel: 01805 622229/623878
9 holes. 2205 yds.

Coarse Fishing

Jennets, Bideford (8 acres)
Open all year 6.30am – 10.00pm. Permits required – available from Bideford TIC and other agents.
For further information telephone South West Lakes Trust on 01288 321262.

Darracott, Great Torrington (3 acres)
Open all year, 24 hours a day. Permits required – available from Bideford TIC and other agents.
For further information telephone South West Lakes Trust on 01288 321262.

Melbury, Bideford (12 acres)
Open all year 6.30am – 10.00pm. Permits required – available from Bideford TIC and other agents.
For further information telephone South West Lakes Trust on 01288 321262.

Upper Tamar Lake, nr Bude (81 acres)
Open all year, 24 hours a day. Permits required – available from self service unit in car park and other agents.
For further information telephone South West Lakes Trust on 01288 321262.

Sea Fishing

Trips available from:

Appledore with Tarka Cruises. Telephone 01237 476191/477505.

Clovelly. Telephone 01237 475535.

Activites

Adventure
Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre offers a wide range of adventure activities including archery, RIB powerboat rides, surfing, climbing, canoeing and lots more. Tel: 01237475992.

Boat Trips
Tarka Cruises, Appledore offer trips along the estuary to see wildlife. Tel: 01237 476191.

Riding
A number of registered riding stables exist throughout the area catering for riders at all levels. These include Folly Foot in Westward Ho! and Kingsland at Woolsery. For further details, contact the local Tourist Information Centres.

Surfing
Surf South West – learn to surf with an approved school. Equipment hire. Tel: 01271 890400.

Sailing, Windsurfing and Canoeing
Roadford Lake, nr Launceston – 738 acres and one of the largest watersports centres in the region. Telephone 01409 211507 (South West Lakes Trust).

Upper Tamar Lake, nr Bude - 81 acres with the opportunity to try your hand at dinghy sailing, windsurfing, surf skiing and kayaking. Telephone 01288 321712 (South West Lakes Trust).

 

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