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Torridge Estaury, North Devon
Torridge Estaury, North Devon | © National Trust/Justin Seedhouse
Devon

Burrough Farm trail

Burrough Farm trail is a walk across farmland, through woodland and alongside the River Torridge. This varied walk has beautiful views across the river and inland to the port of Bideford, and you can spot the wrecks at low tide around the headlands.

A literary connection

Burrough was the home of Charles Kingsley's hero in his famous novel 'Westward Ho!'.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Windmill Lane, grid ref: SS460287

Step 1

When you leave Windmill Lane, continue (straight on) down a tree-lined track until you see a kissing gate on your right. Go through the kissing gate and walk down the field edge towards the river. Continue over one more stile and upon reaching a path junction turn right down towards the river.

Step 2

Here, there are two paths. A high tide one, and another path over a wooden boardwalk if the tide is out. The boardwalk takes you right next to the waters edge and over ancient salt marsh. If the tide is low enough, there are several shipwrecks to be seen around the headlands. But take care with the tide and the sand, which can be very soft here, so don't stray too far. Head over the boardwalk in a south-westerly direction where you will walk alongside farmland grazed by beautiful Devon Red beef cattle. To create space for nature we've recently planted trees along the field margins.

Step 3

Here you will enter a lovely section of broadleaved woodland that runs alongside the river for several hundred yards. Here there are several view points with views up the river to Bideford. Continue along this path until the next path junction were you need to turn right, and walk up a steep path to a metalled road. Cross the road and over the stile back onto farmland, which is owned by us.

Step 4

Walk along the edge of the fields and enjoy the wonderful views across the river towards Tapeley Park (Grade II* listed) until finally reaching Windmill Lane once more.

End point

Windmill Lane, grid ref: SS460287

Trail map

Map route for Burrough Farm trail
Map route for Burrough Farm trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Rangers office, Brownsham, Hartland nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 6AN

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