Barnstaple is a good base for exploring the nearby areas of Bideford Bay, Illfracombe and even Exmoor. The town its self is positioned at the head of the Taw estuary and the centre is a mixture of old and new buildings. From here you can pick up the Tarka Trail, made famous by the book Tarka the Otter. The trail follows the route of the old railway line for some 23 miles with a path that is suitable for bikes and walkers.
