To many people North Devon means surfing - and that takes them to the lovely coastline and where the Bristol Channel meets the pounding Atlantic. But go further west than the main surfing beaches and stand on Hartland Point and look across to Lundy - this is seascape at its magnificent best. Most people always experience a particular pleasure from a visit to an island. Even when you can see your destination there is a thrill as the ship casts off and heads out down the estuary and over the bar to Lundy.

The twin towns of Instow and Appledore - just a short ferry trip apart - have had a great influence on the area both as shipbuilding yards and as suppliers of the doughty breed of seamen who sailed with Drake and Raleigh. Today Appledore remains a picturesque estuary village whilst Instow has become better known as a seaside resort with sandy beach and gracious hotels.

Flowing south from the coast at Bideford are the rivers Taw and the Torridge. Famed for years as salmon and sea trout rivers, they have sprung into prominence over the past few years as the scene of one of the most exciting tourism initiatives for a long time. The Tarka Project - inspired by Henry Williamson’s famous novel - aims to demonstrate that the interests of Tourism and Conservation can be mutually beneficial. A major achievement of the project has been the opening of the Tarka Trail a long distance walk which has the major advantage of being able to be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion in small stages. You may feel it is a day for the slow, leafy river valley with its old stone bridges and reedy banks. Or possibly a day for a bracing walk along the wild and rugged coastal cliffs from Hartland Point to Clovelly, shopping at Atlantic Village followed by a visit to The Big Sheep.

Follow the Torridge along its tidal reaches and then to the tree lined pools above Beam Weir, where it flows beside the road - you will come to the town of Great Torrington where they both grow and make beauty. This is the home of Dartington Crystal and of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Rosemoor, just outside the town boundary. The town’s connection with the Civil War and England’s history is vividly brought to life at ‘1646’ Genesis, a truly interactive and “hands-on” attraction in the centre of the town.

On the pages that follow is a rather personal selection of places which we have found particularly rewarding. We have collected together just some of the interesting things available to the visitor to Tarka Country and the Torridge area. There is so much to see and do all year round. Explore for yourself - you will assuredly find it a rewarding experience.