BRAUNTON

N 51deg 6.518'

W 04deg 9.814'

CAR PARKING - YES

REFRESHMENTS - YES

BIKE HIRE - YES

BIKE SHOP - YES

Braunton claims to be the largest village in England.  Combe Martin, on the north coast, claims to have the longest main street in England.  It's like the Guinness book of Records this isn't it?!

 Braunton is close to Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe, three of the finest surfing beaches in the country.  Consequently Braunton is the place to go if you want a board, a wetsuit, a floral print shirt or a pair of baggy shorts with mesh pants sewn in to them.  Radical dude.

There are a large number of shops catering for the usual extreme sports; surfing, skating, BMX  and probably kiting as well.  If you arrive on the trail you'll also pass a factory with outlet shop.  You'll find Southfork Cycles in Barnstaple Road.

The trail emerges at the large car park.  It used to be free but the Parish Council, in their wisdom, decided to start charging over the winter.  Word of advice - best not to bring it up in conversation with a local.  Nearby you'll find the Museum, the Countryside Centre and a couple of pubs, The London Inn and the White Lion.

There is a short (approx. 200m) section of the track between the Police Station and Station Close where you do have to ride on a road open to traffic, although very quiet.  This is also where you'll find Otter Cycle Hire.

There is a pedestrian crossing near the entrance to the car park.  When the trains still ran to Ilfracombe this was the site of the level crossing.  It leads to a path that leads behind the school, the bowling club and the fire station and then a shared used track on the pavement goes as far Knowle.  The original railway line then led on as far as Ilfracombe.  Some parts of the old track bed are open as footpaths and/or cycle track but these aren't continuous and, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure how much is open.

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