River Torridge

The River Torridge winds through the farming country of north Devon, rising near Meddon and looping east then north before joining the Taw at Appledore and flowing into the Bristol Channel. Its banks are often steep and wooded, and the river depends on spates to keep flowing. The Torridge local government district takes its name from the river, which also inspired Henry Williamson’s novel about Tarka the Otter. The river’s two main sources are Seckington Water near Baxworthy Cross and Clifford Water alongside the A39 at Higher Clovelly. They meet at Huddisford, then the Torridge passes villages like Black Torrington and Sheepwash before receiving the Lew near Hatherleigh and the Okement near Meeth. After picking up the Mere south of Beaford it bends tightly past Little and Great Torrington, then meets the Yeo at Pillmouth before becoming tidal below Bideford. The Tarka Trail follows the old railway line beside the river, giving walkers and cyclists good views of the water. Several bridges cross the Torridge, from the A39 road bridge at the estuary to smaller spans like Halfpenny Bridge at Annery and Sheepwash Bridge. The Rolle Canal’s Beam Aqueduct near Great Torrington is one of the older structures still standing.