Fremington to Instow via the Estuary path

I've talked about the beautiful walk/ride to Instow along the Tarka Trail. You can also go along the Estuary Path which will give you beautiful sweeping views of the River Taw, with sheep in the fields and birds on the wing and in the river. Timeless beauty. 

You can access the path from Fremington Quay by going around the promontory--not the best when the tide is very high.  Otherwise start walking along the Tarka Trail and and shortly to your right, you will see a stile and gate leading to a path across the field and on up to the Estuary Path.

This way is a bit longer than the straight line of the Tarka Trail. But there are several places where you can cut across fields to rejoin the Tarka Trail, if you don't want to follow the longer River route the whole way.  Just look for the public foot path signs.  If there has been a lot of rain, be prepared for a few muddy places, though mostly the path is raised up and dry. 

For those of you who are energetic, there is not need to finish your walk at Instow.  Just stop for some refreshment and to enjoy the beach, and then you can continue along the Tarka Trail which follows the river on up to Bideford, and beyond!

Or If you choose to do this walk in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset when you arrive at Instow.

Getting back to our house? There are buses that run from Bideford to Barnstaple every 15 minutes, the 21 or 21A or 5B. At Instow, you just walk up to the main road and there are bus stops there.  Ask the driver for the New Inn bus stop. Cross the road and walk up the little lane by the New Inn and then turn right up the hill. 

You will pass this small lake on your way. Look out for the swans that live there.  Then farm fields, sheep, country paths. English countryside at it's best.