North Devon Wave 21B - The North Devon Wave 21B: A sustainable journey through Devon's rolling hills to the coast.

Journey to Barnstaple, North Devon’s bustling heart, and experience the ease of arrival by rail. The scenic Tarka Line from Exeter delivers you right to the edge of town, a delightful start to your car-free adventure. From the station, a short stroll across the historic Barnstaple Long Bridge, spanning the River Taw, leads you directly into the town centre, offering picturesque views as you go.

Immerse yourself in local life at the iconic Pannier Market, a vibrant hub of stalls and artisan goods housed in a stunning Victorian building. Adjacent Butchers Row, with its independent shops and eateries, invites further exploration. Delve into the region’s past at the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon, or discover the remnants of Barnstaple Castle’s Norman motte, providing lovely vistas across the Taw Valley.

For those who love to wander, the celebrated Tarka Trail offers miles of flat walking and cycling paths along a disused railway line, revealing tranquil estuary views and connecting to charming villages. Stroll along Queen Anne’s Walk, admiring its historic architecture, once the Merchants Exchange. While Barnstaple provides a wonderful base for reaching North Devon’s stunning coastline and the fringes of Exmoor National Park via local bus services, the town itself is a treasure trove ready to be explored at a leisurely pace.

Braunton, a charming village nestled in North Devon, is a delight for those who prefer to explore at a relaxed pace. Leaving the car behind, you can easily immerse yourself in the natural splendour of the area. Step onto the famous Tarka Trail, a haven for walkers and cyclists, offering miles of flat, traffic-free paths that weave through unspoilt countryside and along the estuary towards coastal vistas. From Braunton, you can also join sections of the iconic South West Coast Path, leading to dramatic headlands like Baggy Point, where breathtaking views await. Explore the unique Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, rich in wildlife and offering invigorating strolls. Back in the village, delve into local history at the Braunton & District Museum or discover the UK’s surfing heritage at the engaging Museum of British Surfing, both easily reached on foot. Braunton truly invites you to connect with its landscape and stories, all at your own unhurried rhythm.

Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast, Ilfracombe offers a distinctive seaside escape, where dramatic cliffs meet a bustling harbour. Arriving by bus, you’ll immediately appreciate the ease of exploring this charming town on foot, with its winding streets and breathtaking vistas always within reach.

A short stroll brings you to the historic harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob alongside pleasure craft. Here, you can admire Damien Hirst’s striking ‘Verity’ statue, standing proudly overlooking the Bristol Channel. From the harbour, consider a scenic boat trip to explore the dramatic coastline or even venture further to the wildlife haven of Lundy Island. Don’t miss the unique Tunnels Beaches, hand-carved in the 1820s, which lead to sheltered coves and a fascinating tidal bathing pool – a step back in time with modern accessibility.

For those who love to ramble, Ilfracombe is a gateway to spectacular sections of the South West Coast Path. Take a walk up Capstone Hill for panoramic views, or explore Hillsborough Local Nature Reserve to spot the intriguing ‘sleeping elephant’ rock formation. The town centre itself is a delight, filled with independent shops, cosy cafes, and welcoming pubs. With local bus services connecting you to nearby Barnstaple or even the picturesque Lynton and Lynmouth, your car-free adventure around this corner of Devon promises memorable discoveries.