Instow to Appledore (<-->)

(Our overall day number 29 - Part of The KC3 ECP Leg 4b - Braunton to Hartland Quay)

Instow to Appledore (<-->)

19th May 2023 | Miles 7.1 | Elevation gain 344ft

A 7.1 miles walk around the River Torridge Estuary, into Bideford, across the Long Bridge, and then back up the east bank of the Torridge to Instow, in time for a quick pint and then the tidal ferry back to Appledore.
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Getting there and back
We walked from our accommodation, and then caught the tidal ferry back to Appledore. Our plan for this day revolved around the timing of the Instow-Appledore ferry, which only runs for a couple of hours each side of high tide – and, as we arrived mid afternoon, this meant that we had to walk this section in the wrong direction (clockwise) - can be done either direction depending on the tide!
Weather conditions
Fine weather, some blue skies. Chilled off in the evening while waiting for the ferry!
Walking difficulty
Easy - one or two little inclines on the Appledore side of the estuary, maximum elevation 101ft

The story of our day in photos

Heading out mid-afternoon from Appledore
The streets of Appledore
Our destination - Instow - across the River Torridge. So close but still so far.
Looking towards the Torridge Bridge, where the A39 crosses the river
Looking across the River Torridge towards the village of Westleigh
Walking under the A39 - another mile to our crossing point
Tide rising near Bideford
Bideford Long Bridge - that's our crossing point
Ice cream stop in Bideford
Walking done - and waiting for the ferry at Instow
Looking out from Appledore - the tide by now very full
Useful links
Hocking Ice Cream Van, Bideford
Ice cream van in Bideford, a welcome refreshment and very cheery fellow
The Quay Inn, Instow
Pub near the ferry to Appledore, we popped in here at the end of our first day's walking, before catching the ferry back.
The Royal George, Appledore
We had dinner here on our first evening, good food with views over the water.
Waterside Cafe, near Braunton
Popped up on the path as we rounded a corner, an ideal stop for morning coffee on day 2.
Fremington Quay Cafe
We stopped here for ice cream and coffee here on the afternoon of our second day - it's around 4.5 miles to Instow from here
The Sundown Bar at the Commodore Hotel, Instow
A refreshing drink here at the end of a long day's walking, to while away some time before our dinner reservation in Instow. Think this is a pop up bar and pizza in the front car park of the hotel. The link is to the hotel itself, which we didn't visit.
The Boathouse Instow
Fabulous dinner here on the upstairs terrace in the early evening sunshine before catching the ferry back to Appledore. The food was delicious!
The Seagate Hotel, Appledore
Our dinner spot for Sunday Lunch on the evening of day 3 - we then returned on the evening of day 5 for fish and chips!
The Pig On The Beach, Westward Ho!
A quick pint here following our shorter walk on day 4 from Appledore to Westward Ho! We didn't eat here, as we were saving ourselves for pasties!
Bessy's Pasties, Westward Ho!
Fab bakery, pasties on the beachfront at Westward Ho! for lunch on day 4 after our walk from Appledore
Market Street Kitchen, Appledore
Afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam in the delightful garden at the back of this cafe
The Beaver Inn, Appledore
Visited late afternoon on our semi-rest day 4, mainly for the crazy golf and cider!
The Flame Factory, Appledore
We had dinner here to finish off our semi-rest day 4, lovely pizzas and burgers, well worth a visit
Cafe Hartland, Hartland Point
Just a kiosk really, but incredibly welcome after 7.5 miles of upping and downing from Clovelly. More scones, cream and jam. The first and only refreshment stop on the stretch from Clovelly to Hartland Quay, so it's popular with SWCP walkers, mostly arriving around lunchtime - for timely service, it's a good idea to be the first arrival, not the last!
Hartland Quay Hotel
Some very welcome drinks here at the end of the walk from Clovelly on day 5!
The Red Lion, Clovelly
Just a quick stroll down the hill into Clovelly for a drink after picking up the car at the end of day 5. Then a tired climb back up the hill to the car park!
Appledore-Instow ferry
This ferry only runs for a couple of hours either side of high tide so it's important to check the timetable!
Clovelly Visitor Centre
Information about visiting Clovelly
South West Coast Path in North Devon
Link to the excellent South West Coast Path site, North Devon section, covering this stretch