Barnstaple — Parracombe
Barpar three
Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Barpar here.
Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Barpar here.
By Helen Gough on 10 Jun 2023
Description
Route between Barnstaple and Parracombe via Bratton Fleming. This route is almost the same as BarPar 1 but eliminates the plotting errors, and the access error around Wistlandpound reservoir
Route between Barnstaple and Parracombe via Bratton Fleming. This route is almost the same as BarPar 1 but eliminates the plotting errors, and the access error around Wistlandpound reservoir
Status
This route has been reviewed by 1 person.
There are no issues flagged.
Photos for Barpar three
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Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 1
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (1)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 0
Surveys
What is this route like?
Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.
Grade 3X based on 1 surveys | Sign up or log in to survey this route. | ||
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Description | Note | ||
Grade 3: Route includes rough surfaces that may include small boulders, potholes, shallow ruts, loose gravel, short muddy sections. Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users. |
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys. | ||
Full grading description |
Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.
Survey Photos
Facilities
Facilities in the middle third of this route.
Challenges
Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.
Obstacles
Obstacles on this route.
Accessibility
Is this route step and stile free?
Measurements
Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.
Narrowest part of path: no data
The steepest uphill gradient East: no data
The steepest uphill gradient West: no data
The steepest camber: no data
How clear is the waymarking on the route: Clear (1)
Successfully completed
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Recommended by an expert
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Terrain
We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.
There is no data on how much of this route is on roads
There is no data on how much of this route is lit at night
Thereis no data on amount of route paved
There is no data on muddiness
There is no data on rough ground
There is no data on long grass
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1 surveys
Information from verified surveys.
Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
Barnstaple
Grid Ref
SS5606733027
Lat / Lon
51.07846° / -4.05612°
Easting / Northing
256,067E / 133,027N
What3Words
pasta.punt.exile
Parracombe
Grid Ref
SS6676044817
Lat / Lon
51.18700° / -3.90792°
Easting / Northing
266,760E / 144,817N
What3Words
rated.timed.require
Barnstaple | |
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Grid Ref | SS5606733027 |
Lat / Lon | 51.07846° / -4.05612° |
Easting / Northing | 256,067E / 133,027N |
What3Words | pasta.punt.exile |
Parracombe | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | SS6676044817 |
Lat / Lon | 51.18700° / -3.90792° |
Easting / Northing | 266,760E / 144,817N |
What3Words | rated.timed.require |
Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.
review
Helen Gough
10 Jun 2023I really enjoyed this route walking from Parracombe to Barnstaple (less uphill). There are a few climbs and descents, but most of the walk is fairly easy. Also the paths are in good condition, though there are some kissing gates in poor repair near Rye Park.
There are great views throughout the walk. The only section I didn't really like was from Wistlandpound to Twitchen, as the farm track is strewn with agricultural litter. This gets worse and worse as you approach Twitchen, and eventually it looks like you're walking through a dump. It's ugly and disappointing.
After Twitchen however the walk really improves. There are fantastic views when in open country, but the woodland parts are gorgeous too. There are birds and butterflies aplenty and I even saw a hare (rare for me!). This is a proper country route, far from traffic and peaceful, with far ranging views. There are some stretches of lane walking, but they are short and virtually vehicle free.
The route goes through Bratton Fleming, where there is a shop, but not directly on the route. If you want to find it, turn left and head uphill on the main road. You will see it on your right. Old maps will show a pub here, but it has been closed for years. There is a short bit of road walking in Bratton, which isn't ideal.
The walk into Barnstaple is pretty good as it is mostly off road. The first part through Whiddon Valley woods is particularly good. The section through Trinity Church is locked overnight, but don't panic if it's locked when you go, just use Taw Vale instead, a nice Riverside alternative.
There is a pub at Goodleigh. Other than that the only facilities are at the beginning and end.
I've now walked both BarPar 2 and 3, and both are excellent, and I recommend. This route is probably a better winter route as it seemed less muddy. However, it hasn't rained for weeks, so don't sue me if you get your shoes dirty on this route.
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