As the weather gets better and more restrictions start being lifted, you might be in the mood to get out and explore. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to get more active once we’re allowed to move around more, so here are five of our favourite running routes around North Devon.

The Tarka Trail

We can’t mention running routes without talking about the Tarka Trail – it is one of the region’s most popular routes after all. The trail is great for running, walking and cycling and because its flat and tarmac, it is suitable for all ages and abilities. There are loads of different routes you can follow while on the trail, so you can have a different adventure each time!

Instow to Bideford

If you want a short, mostly flat run with pretty scenery, there is a great route between Instow and Bideford. From the John’s at Instow store, you can join the Tarka Trail and follow it towards Bideford until you get to East the Water. The route takes you along the River Torridge and is just under 5K making it perfect for anyone wanting to challenge themselves.

Barnstaple Two Bridges

This is another route that takes on part of the Tarka Trail. Start at the train station and join the trail heading towards the Taw Bridge, go up onto the bridge itself for a bit of a challenge and then cross over, back onto the trail looping back towards town. Following the river will bring you across the Square and Taw Vale where you’ll find the Iron Bridge, cross this and loop back towards town. This route has some amazing scenery and plenty of chances to catch sight of the wildlife along the river.

Putsborough to Woolacombe

If you enjoy a beach run, this is a good one that is just under 5K with plenty of fresh sea air and places to stop and rest along the way. The route is pretty straight forward so you can concentrate on the challenge of running on sand without worrying about getting lost.

Start off at Putsborough car park and head down to the beach following it along to Woolacombe, once you’ve arrived you can either make your way back along the same route or use public transport to get back to the starting point.

 

Do you have any favourite running routes around North Devon? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter and don’t forget to follow our Instagram for daily shots of North Devon, especially if you’ve been missing us over lockdown!
While restrictions are starting to ease, we are still under Covid protection methods, so please remember to social distance where possible and to check gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest guidance.