BIDEFORD

N 50deg 00.922'

W 04deg 12.079'

CAR PARKING - YES (NEARBY)

REFRESHMENTS - YES

BIKE HIRE - YES

BIKE SHOP - YES (IN TOWN)

Click above for detail map of Bideford

Bideford, sometimes known as 'The Little White Town', is an old port town on the River Torridge.  The Tarka Trail runs through the part of the town called 'East-the Water'.  Over the Long Bridge is the main part of the town (cue uproar from the East-the Water residents!) and the quay, which is still an operating port.  You'll also find the main shopping area.  Although not as big as Barnstaple, you'll find a good selection of shops and eateries.

The Long Bridge is the only way across the river.  If you are confident in traffic you can ride across but for the less confident the only other option is to push your bike across on the pavement.

On the Quay you'll find 'Freebird', a cycle and skate shop.

A cycle path runs along the quay, from the Long Bridge, past the strange horizontal fountain thing that operates either side of high tide, to Victoria Park.  In or around the park you'll find the usual swings and slides, large open grass areas, the Burton art gallery and a Hockings ice-cream van.

While you're on the Quay look back at the bridge, cast a glance at the arches; they're all different sizes.  The official story is something to do with different parishes being able to afford different sized arches or something.  I reckon it was just cowboy builders myself.

In my humble opinion (backed up by several thousand other people, all in fancy dress) Bideford Quay is THE place to see in the New Year.

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