Short answer: The Tarka Trail is a converted railway line — flat, paved, traffic-free and with no mud however wet the winter has been. For a New Year's Day walk with a mixed group, nothing in north Devon beats it.
The Tarka Trail, which starts at the station and runs down the Taw estuary. Flat, paved, benched the whole way, and free of the mud that makes most Devon walks hard work on 1 January.
For a walk with older relatives, a buggy, or anyone in ordinary shoes after a late night, there is nothing better in the area.
Because it is benched throughout, you can turn round whenever the party has had enough. A mile out and back counts. The estuary birdlife is better in winter than summer, which gives you something to look at.
Almost everywhere opens later than usual on New Year's Day, and some places do not open at all. Ring in the morning rather than assuming.
Barnstaple is on the estuary rather than the coast, so for a New Year's Day dip people head out to Instow, Saunton or Woolacombe.
New Year's Day swims on this coast are organised by lifeboat crews, surf clubs and pubs rather than councils, and most are announced in the last fortnight of December on local Facebook pages. Check there rather than expecting a listing.
Barnstaple is the end of the Tarka Line from Exeter, though New Year's Day rail services are reduced. Check before relying on it.
See the full Barnstaple guide, filtered by who's with you.
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