Interesting information
The Taw-Torridge Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a very important component of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
Lapwing
Copyright Natural England - Julian Dowse
The Taw-Torridge Estuary
- About this route
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The extensive Taw-Torridge estuary has a typical range of saltmarsh communities, with plants such as glasswort, sea aster and sea rush all present. However, it is the large areas of mudflats and sandbanks that are revealed at low tide which are the major interest. Together with the saltmarsh, these provide a rich source of food for overwintering and migratory waders. These include important numbers of curlew, golden plover and lapwing, with other species including redshank and oystercatcher also abundant. The total number of waders present at any one time can reach over 20,000.
The estuary is flanked by the Tarka Trail, from which a wide variety of habitats can be seen, including sand dunes, saltmarsh, woodland, grazing marsh and meadows.
- Getting Around
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On foot and bike: The South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail run on either side of the estuary (at this point, the Tarka Trail is the route of the long-distance Devon Coast to Coast cycle route).
By train and bus: Barnstaple, at the head of the estuary, has a train station. There are good bus links to Barnstaple and Bideford, visit the Travel Devon website for the latest bus and train times.
- Facilities
- Footpaths and cycle paths on both sides. Bird hide on the east bank. The Tarka Trail is wheelchair-friendly along the estuary.
- Terrain
- Footpaths. Cycleways. Sections of wheelchair-friendly paths.
- Accessibility
You can explore more in this area
- Long walks
205miles/
329kmsSouth West Coast Path
Over the centuries fishermen, coastguards and smugglers have helped to create this historic path – now Britain’s longest National Trail –... 100miles/
160kmsTwo Moors Way (Devon’s Coast to Co..
Running for just over 100 miles/160km between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links the...
163miles/
261kmsTarka Trail walking route
Inspired by Henry Williamson’s much loved novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ which was based on real places, this 163 miles/261kms recreation route... - Cycling
32miles/
52kmsThe Tarka Trail (Braunton – Meeth)
Stretching for over 52km / 32 miles from Braunton to Barnstaple, then to Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and on to Meeth.... - Accessible walks
1miles/
1.6kmsNortham Burrows Country Park
The Northern Burrows is a scientifically important area which juts out into the mouth of the estuary. It is a site... 23miles/
37kmsTarka Trail Easy Walk
Entirely traffic free, this part of the Tarka Trail can be enjoyed in sections to suit your group. This off-road route stretches for over... - Coastal
Braunton Burrows
Situated at the entrance to the Taw-Torridge Estuary, Braunton Burrows is among Britain’s most significant sand dune systems and forms the... - Wildlife Sites
Braunton Burrows
Situated at the entrance to the Taw-Torridge Estuary, Braunton Burrows is among Britain’s most significant sand dune systems and forms the...
