Best attractions and places to see around Bradford, Devon, include a mix of natural features and historical sites, primarily centered around the River Torridge and the Tarka Trail. This area offers opportunities for cycling and walking through varied landscapes. The region is characterized by its riverine environment and connections to local heritage.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Whilst it starts off with smooth tarmac it soon turns into a rough track, which would be challenging on narrow tyres.
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Today, all that remains of Petrockstow station is a platform. It was originally built to serve the clay pits and quarries in the area, it then went on to be used as part of the local Light Railway. Its use as a railway station ended with the Beeching Cuts but it lives on as part of the Tarka Trail – a long-distance foot and cycle path.
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There are a few sculptures along the Tarka Trail and this one is of Tarka the Otter himself. It has a stunning mosiac and a concave body. Standing peacefully at the side of the path, it can come as quite a surprise if you're daydreaming.
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the whole path from the priory to here is very nice with views over to Dartmoor at the top of the hill. it's mostly through some fields with some lanes but it's generally well sign posted.
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Flowing through Devon from near Meddon to the Bristol Channel, the River Torridge is the perfect place to cycle. Following the traffic-free Tarka Trail alongside the river, you pass many quaint bridges as you go. It's a really beautiful place to ride.
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The area around Bradford, Devon, is primarily characterized by the beautiful River Torridge, which flows through the Devon countryside. You'll find many quaint bridges along its path, especially when following the traffic-free Tarka Trail. The landscape offers opportunities to connect with nature through walking and cycling.
Yes, there are several walking routes available. For example, you can explore the 'Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Tarka the Otter Sculpture loop from Petrockstowe' which is an easy 4.5 km hike. Another option is the 'Wooded Path – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Petrockstowe', a moderate 10.2 km hike. Many trails, like the Pathway to Kinsale, offer pleasant walks through fields with views towards Dartmoor. You can find more hiking options on the Hiking around Bradford guide.
Absolutely! The River Torridge is an excellent place for cycling, especially along the traffic-free Tarka Trail. There are also dedicated cycling routes like the Ruby Way, which offers varying terrain from smooth tarmac to rougher sections. You can discover more mountain biking and road cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Bradford and Road Cycling Routes around Bradford guides.
Yes, while exploring the Tarka Trail, you might encounter the Tarka the Otter Sculpture, a surprising and peaceful man-made monument with a mosaic and concave body. Another historical point of interest is the Petrockstow Station Platform, which is all that remains of a former railway station now integrated into the Tarka Trail.
Many attractions around Bradford, Devon, are suitable for families. The traffic-free Tarka Trail, which follows the River Torridge, is ideal for family cycling and walking. The Tarka the Otter Sculpture and the historic Petrockstow Station Platform are also considered family-friendly highlights along the trail, offering interesting stops for all ages.
While the area is more focused on natural beauty and trails, you can find historical remnants like the Petrockstow Station Platform. This platform is a relic of a former railway station that played a role in local industry and is now part of the Tarka Trail, offering a glimpse into the region's past transport history.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the River Torridge and the Tarka Trail. The opportunity for traffic-free cycling and walking, passing quaint bridges and discovering unique sights like the Tarka the Otter Sculpture, are frequently highlighted. The well-signposted paths and views towards Dartmoor from spots like the Pathway to Kinsale are also highly appreciated.
Yes, many of the trails around Bradford, Devon, are dog-friendly. For instance, the Pathway to Kinsale is specifically noted as a dog-friendly trail, offering pleasant walks through fields. When exploring with your dog, always ensure they are under control and respect local signage regarding livestock or protected areas.
For scenic views, the Pathway to Kinsale offers excellent vistas over to Dartmoor from the top of the hill. Additionally, the entire stretch along the River Torridge, especially when cycling or walking the Tarka Trail, provides continuous beautiful scenery of the Devon countryside.
The Tarka Trail is a long-distance foot and cycle path that follows the route of the River Torridge. Along this traffic-free path, you can enjoy picturesque views, pass many quaint bridges, and discover unique points of interest such as the Tarka the Otter Sculpture and the historic Petrockstow Station Platform.
While many routes are easy to moderate, some sections can be more challenging. For example, parts of the Ruby Way are described as 'muddy and rough' with a transition from smooth tarmac to a rough track, which would be challenging on narrow tyres. For more difficult road cycling options, you can check routes like the 'Meldon Viaduct – Lake Viaduct loop from Bradford' in the Road Cycling Routes around Bradford guide.


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