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Feel like some fresh air? Take a trip on the Tarka Line and hire bikes at Barnstaple station to explore the Tarka Trail.
Hop on the train from Exeter Central (EX4 3SB) or Exeter St Davids (EX4 4NT) and take the scenic train journey through the Devon countryside to Barnstaple. You’ll be there in an hour and a quarter, with day return tickets costing £10.70. 5-15 year-olds are half price, and under 5s free.
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire is right next to the station, and you can hire bikes for as little as £12 for adults or £8.50 for kids per day. Booking is essential on 01271 324202 (open 9.15am til 5pm) or via their website. Top tip – pick up your bikes before 10am to avoid the queues (10-11 is their busiest time).
Then head out on the Tarka Trail. Our favourite route is out to Fremington Quay (3 miles from Barnstaple), then Instow (6 miles from Barnstaple) and on to Bideford (9 miles from Barnstaple):
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To find out more and get directions, see the Southern Trail section of the Trail Routes page.
Getting home
Trains from Barnstaple back to Exeter run until 22 16 (Mon-Thu), 00 05 (Friday night / Sat morning), 22 30 (Sat) or 21 30 (Sunday).
Plan your trip
Look up train times or visit Tarka Trail Cycle Hire.