The 630 miles of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole Harbour, including the north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall was, until the opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path in 2026, the longest long-distance path in the UK. The route is said to have had its origins in the 19^th century for coastguard patrols trying to restrict smuggling. 

Locally the Coast Path follows both sides of the Torridge, using the Tarka Trail from Barnstaple, crossing Bideford Long Bridge to enter the town, running along the Quay and onto the path along the west bank onto Appledore. One of the attractions of the path is the wonderful and varied views as you pass townscapes, bridges, saltmarsh, mudflats and woodland.

Between Bideford and Appledore there are shipbuilding sites of the past and present to look out for. Locally this has been called the ‘Shipyard Path’ as it was used by workers walking to and from work in the yards. The Heritage Harbour has catalogued twelve sites along the stretch between the outskirts of Bideford and Watertown. In many cases there is little to see of shipbuilding on these historic sites, but newspapers record launches and proud owners purchased paintings that help bring to life the importance of this industry. 

Shipbuilding along the Torridge spans over 500 years and was recorded by Henry VIII’s official antiquary John Leland who, visiting the area in 1542, wrote ‘from this ness (where Taw and Torridge meet) up to Bedeford Bridge upon Turege wher is a praty quik (very lively) streat of smithes and other occupiers for ship crafte cis pontem (beside the bridge)’. 

Building wooden ships needed a shipwright, some skilled tradesmen and a suitable beach with space to dig a saw pit for cutting timber. It was the development of steam and iron ships that required investment in docks, materials and engineering skills as well as the money to purchase and create this infrastructure. 

Bideford & River Torridge Heritage Harbour have partnered with North Devon Maritime Museum to create the Shipyard Trail that celebrates both the history and shipbuilding today. Following the Coast Path along the west bank it passes shipbuilding sites past and present. The accompanying website provides historical notes and pictures of some vessels launched. The trail will be launched from Appledore and Bideford during Heritage Open Days on Saturday 19 September. More details at: https://barthh.org/heritage-open-days-2026/