Home is where the bike is...: The Tarka Trail And A Yarde Orchard

The Tarka Trail is a spectacular 46 mile reclaimed railway line that has been developed for cyclists and walkers and has now been in open for recreational use for 20 years. The trail first came to my attention approximately one year ago whilst watching James May's "Toy Stories" where he successfully reconnected the railway line between Barnstaple and Bidaford with a model railway stretching around 11 miles.
I rode the trail over two days due to only arriving at the trail head late one afternoon. It would easily be ridden by moderately fit cyclists in a day, there is barely and incline over its duration.

Early on day two I stumbled across the Yarde Orchard. Stumbled across probably isn't the correct wording as I had been advised to look out for it but I had no idea what to expect.
The Yarde Orchard is a unique cafe and accommodation business located on the trail. I was lucky enough to meet David the owner, and whilst I had a coffee and a very tasty slice he gratefully answered a bunch of my questions.

Visitors have a choice of accommodation from three yurts to pitching your own tent or sleeping in the cozy bunkhouse. In addition, the cafe is open for bookings for breakfast and dinner and regularly hosts cycle related events.

I was absolutely taken by the Yarde Orchard. A business almost solely based around cycle tourism and providing amazing hospitality to recreational users on the trail. Well done David and team. You can check them out here www.yarde-orchard.co.uk