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Velator Quay – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Velator Quay – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple

Hard

hikers

Velator Quay – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple

06:29

25.6km

50m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

North Devon Coast National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

189 m

Start and finish at Barnstaple Station

Highlight • Rest Area

2.03 km

Taw Estuary

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Taw is a river about 70 kilometres long that flows from Dartmoor into the Bristol Channel in northern Devon. The tidal range is 4 to 6 metres and at low tide extensive sandbanks are exposed between Barnstaple and the estuary. A wonderful natural spectacle.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.42 km

Birdwatching on the Taw Estuary

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice place to pause for a minute and look out on to the estuary. You can see a variety of birds on occasion.

Tip by

7.54 km

Rescue Helicopter Viewing Area

Viewpoint

9.22 km

Velator Quay

Highlight • Historical Site

The history of Velator Quay in Braunton is closely linked to the economic development of the area. The port was established in the 19th century and served as a major transshipment point for goods transported via the River Taw. It played a central role in the agricultural community of Braunton, facilitating the export of grain, lime, coal and other goods.
In its heyday, Velator Quay was a busy port with ships regularly docking to load goods for the regional market and further afield. However, the Quay's importance declined with the advent of the railway and modern transport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which eventually led to a decline in commercial activity. Today, Velator Quay is a tranquil spot and a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

12.1 km

Confluence of the Taw and Torridge Rivers

Highlight • River

Just before it flows into the Bristol Channel, the Taw joins the River Torridge. The estuary is approximately 750 metres wide. At low tide, large areas of the banks are accessible and ideal for strolling.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

12.8 km

Braunton Burrows Information Board

Highlight • Rest Area

The information board gives an overview of Braunton Burrows and the location of the World War II remains. It also gives a rough idea of where you will find grazing cattle.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

17.0 km

Quay Café

Highlight • Cafe

The Tarka Trail leads to Braunton along the former railway line. Right on the roundabout is the Quay Café with plenty of seating inside and outside.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

21.2 km

Bird Watchers' Logbook

Highlight • Viewpoint

There is a logbook in a wooden box at the side of the path where walkers can record their bird sightings. Cards with pictures of birds and their names help with identification.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

25.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.2 km

5.65 km

4.90 km

433 m

401 m

Surfaces

16.4 km

5.76 km

1.53 km

1.05 km

740 m

171 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Saturday 16 May

14°C

8°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Velator Quay – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple

Start and finish at Barnstaple Station

Taw Estuary

Birdwatching on the Taw Estuary

Velator Quay

Confluence of the Taw and Torridge Rivers

Braunton Burrows Information Board

Quay Café

Bird Watchers' Logbook

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