Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path
This is a nice easy short walk or cycle along the disused London and South Western Railway Ilfracombe Branch Line, from Ilfracombe to Mortehoe and Woolacombe railway station.
The route starts off by the pier in Ilfracombe and soon joins the railway path on the outskirts of the town. It then heads south passing Slade Reservoirs while giving a great view of the beautiful surrounding countryside.
The route follows National Cycle Route 27 for the duration and with most of it traffic free it's a good choice for families.
Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Chichester Arms in Mortehoe is a pub of note, having originally been a 16th century vicarage. There's a good menu and a nice outdoor seating area to relax in after your exercise. You can find it at postcode EX34 7DU.
The Smuggler's Rest (mentioned above) is another good option. It dates from the 1800s and also includes the delightful Miss Feas Cafe. Here you can soak up the summer sun in the lovely sheltered garden while enjoy a well earned snack. You can find the cafe in the village on North Morte Road at postcode EX34 7DR.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Ilfracombe to Lee Bay Walk heads along the coast before using the railway path to return to Ilfracombe. It also visits the woodland trails in the Borough Valley between Lee and Ossaborough.
From Ilfracombe you can catch a boat to the beautiful Lundy Island. The island is owned by the National Trust and has some splendid coastal walking trails. It's also a nature reserve with lots of wildlife to see, including the famous Lundy puffins.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Exmoor Walks and North Devon Coast Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Former Ilfracombe branch line. Now route 27 of the National Cycle Network, the route follows the old LSWR Ilfracombe branch line opened in 1874 and closed in 1970. View with ox-eye daisies near Lee Bridge
Former railway building
Reflection, Lower Slade Reservoir
View of the trail approaching Ilfracombe
National Cycle Route 27 heading west from the bridge at Higher Campscott
Route 27
Cycleway 27 heading towards Slade Reservoir
The Old Mill at Ossaborough