The Tarka Trail
If you're looking for a fun and adventurous day out on the bike, you should try the Tarka Trail. Along the way, you'll get to experience stunning scenery, including the beautiful Meeth Nature Reserve. It's the perfect way to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors!
START Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve
DISTANCE 9.5 miles one way
TIME 1 hour
PARKING Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve
ROUTE CONDITIONS Mostly level former railway, with a climb in the middle
REFRESHMENTS Various along the route
TOILETS Reserve car park
OS MAP 113/126
TOTS TRIED AND TESTED DIFFICULTY RATING
This is a lovely ride, mostly amongst trees. You can start from the smaller parking area right by the entrance to the quarry, or drive further up to the larger car park by the quarry, where the toilets are located.
Really, the distance is up to you. There are cafe's dotted along the way for refreshment, and the route we planned, turns back at a small car park, where there is access to the river, where we have put a blanket down for lunch in the past.
If the children are up for being in the trailer that long, or if they are happy to cycle far, it is lovely to cycle past Bideford and up to Instow for lunch on the beach.
Tot Tips:
There are lots of benches on the route for rest stops. However, there is also a waterside bench by the quarry, tucked down a little path on the south west corner of the quarry. If you can find it, this is a lovely private peaceful spot for a sandwich. This has been added to near the end of the below Garmin route.
Get directions to start point here