Walk - Braunton to Instow

Highlights

• Spotting the wide array of flora and fauna along this important part of Devon coast. For more information about the surrounding area go to northdevonbiosphere.
• Views across the estuary of the River Taw.
• As the path follows much of the estuary edge, you have the opportunity to see many birds enjoying their natural habitat, such as curlews, oyster catchers and egret.
• Spotting the search and rescue Sea King helicopters at RMB Chivenor.
• Crossing the River Taw over the historic stone Long Bridge of Barnstaple.
• Fremington Quay with an award winning café housed in a renovated railway station overlooking the estuary (see below). There is also a lookout tower, which provides visitors with binoculars and information about the local birdlife.
• RSPB Isley Marsh Nature Reserve - Lower Yelland. Made up of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats, it is an important retreat for feeding and resting birds, especially wintering flocks of ducks.
• Arriving at the village of Instow which has numerous listed buildings, including a preserved level crossing and the UK’s first Grade 2 listed signal box, complete with original levers. (Open to the public on Sundays and bank holidays, enquiries Tel: 01237 429072.)

Shorter option

Stop at Barnstaple (5.4 miles, 8.7 km).

Longer option

Continue walking to Bideford (an additional 2.7 miles, 4.4 km).

Public transport

National Express coach number 502 runs from Taunton to Barnstaple and First Great Western trains run regularly from Exeter to Barnstaple. First North Devon buses 3 and 3A run very regularly between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, stopping in Braunton. The First North Devon services 1 and 2 run every 10 or 15 minutes from Barnstaple to Instow. For details visit travelinesw or phone 0870 6082608.

Parking

Braunton (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX33 1AA), Barnstaple, Fremington Quay and Instow Sands.