Barum Knoll
Barnstaple
RESIDENTS TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Your Guide to Transport Options from Barum Knoll
WELCOME
Welcome to Barum Knoll
Welcome to the Barum Knoll Travel Information site. This site is designed to assist in making your move as easy as possible.
It provides information on how to get around using public transport and other environmentally friendly methods to commute to work and school, or explore the area.
The Travel Guide Site
Barum Knoll is situated within walking distance of local grocery stores, pubs, schools and public transport links.
The Travel Plan
The Travel Information Pack is one of many measures included in the Travel Plan produced for Barum Knoll and agreed with Council.
The Travel Plan is a document which contains a package of measures to encourage you to try sustainable alternatives to travelling by car.
The Travel Plan can offer real benefits not only to you, but also to the community that surrounds you. It can help to relieve local parking and congestion problems and improve public transport connections across the area.
LOCAL FACILITIES
Barum Knoll is sustainably located within a comfortable walking or cycling distance to local schools, shops, bus stops and the town centre.
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Local Amenities
North Devon District Hospital
0.6km / 7 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Barnstaple and Pilton Cricket Club
0.6km / 8 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
The Co-operative Food
0.6km / 7 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Chichester Arms
1.1km / 14 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Iceland
1.1km / 17 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Pilton Petrol Station
1.1km / 14 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Old Vicarage Dental Surgery
1.3km / 17 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Schools
Yeo Valley Primary School
0.9km / 15 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
Pilton Infant’s School
1.4km / 18 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
Pilton CofE Bluecoat Primary School
1.4km / 18 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
Pilton Community College
1.6km / 22 min Walk / 6 min Cycle
Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School
1.7km / 26 min Walk / 10 min Cycle
Natwest Bank
1.4km / 18 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
Gym - Anytime Fitness
1.4km / 18 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Bear Street Pharmacy
1.4km / 18 min Walk / 6 min Cycle
Barnstaple Post Office
1.6km / 20 min Walk / 6 min Cycle
Barnstaple Railway Station
2.4km / 30 min Walk / 9 min Cycle
Tesco Extra
2.4km / 30 min Walk / 9 min Cycle
Petroc Barnstaple North Devon College
2.9km / 11 min Cycle
WALKING
Walking is one of the cheapest, easiest and simplest forms of transport, which is boosted by a range of shops and services accessible within a short walk from Barum Knoll.
Walking offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly those under a two-kilometre distance. It provides a healthy alternative to the private car and typically forms a component of many journeys made by public transport or car.
In the area around Barum Knoll it is easy to walk to a range of local facilities with pavements, walking links provided along local roads to ensure you can easily and safely walk around the town while accessing many local facilities on foot.
You can walk to a number of local facilities within a 30 minute period from Barum Knoll. Several bus stops are located in close proximity to Barum Knoll with stops located at the site entrance along North road and outside North Devon District Hospital.
Barnstaple Town Centre is located 1.6km from the Site, where a wide range of local amenities are located including supermarkets, bars / restaurants, a library and retail stores. To help out, we have summarised the distance and walk times to a number of local amenities on page 14.
For more information on walking in North Devon, there is a wealth of information on promoted routes, health benefits and safety tips on the North Devon Council website:
www.northdevon.gov.uk/environment/smarter-travel/walking
Are you not sure how to get from your home to work on foot? You could use Google Maps to plan your journey. The site gives you the route required with the time it may take:
google.co.uk/maps
Benefits of Walking
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Walking is a great form of exercise and can reduce the risk of heart disease;
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Walking is a completely environmentally friendly activity; and
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Walking is an important form of sustainable transport which costs nothing and offers a wide range of benefits to you and the community.
A GREAT FORM OF EXERCISE
And can reduce the risk of heart disease
COMPLETELY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Costs nothing and benefits both you and the community
CYCLING
Barnstable and the surrounding North Devon countryside is a beautiful place to ride your bicycle with a wide variety of scenery, historic buildings and designated routes, particularly with the Tarka Trail.
You can cycle to a number of local towns within 30 minutes, including Pilton, Bradiford, Lilly and Widdon Valley.
A number of local schools, shops, healthcare facilities and employment areas are accessible within 15 minutes of Barum Knoll. To help out, a cycle map of Barum Knoll, including designated cycle routes and travel times throughout the town, can be found on the adjacent page.
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Explore your local community by bike!
We are encouraging families to get more out of life – by getting on your bike and exploring the local community – either for an outing at the weekend, a trip to the local shops, part of the school run, or a daily commute.
For more information on cycling in North Devon, there is a wealth of detail on promoted routes, health benefits and safety tips at the Travel Devon website and the North Devon Council website, visit:
www.traveldevon.info/cyclewww.northdevon.gov.uk/environment/smarter-travel/cycling​​
​Don’t forget that your Travel Voucher is valid for a range of cycle equipment!
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is sociable – it provides a fantastic way to share some time with friends and family;
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Cycling is ‘green’ – you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment;
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Cycling is quick – for short journeys under 5 miles cycling is usually the fastest way to get around – and you won’t get stuck in traffic;
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Cycling is cheap – no bus, train or season tickets required;
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Cycling is convenient – it gets you ‘door-to-door’, with a guaranteed arrival time; and
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Cycling is fun – and helps you explore your local environment.
​Your Local Bike Shop
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The Bikeshed
The Square, Barnstaple, EX32 8LS
Open: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:30pm, Thursday 8:30am-8pm, Saturday 8:30am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm
Tel: 01271 328628
Planet Bike
Pottingdon Business Park, EX31 1HN
Open: Monday - Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 10:30-4pm
Tel: 01271 327455
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Why Public Transport?
Public Transport can be quicker, cheaper and more convenient than using your car and provides a significant environmental benefit. Using public transport can remove the stress of finding a car parking space, sitting in traffic and the costs of owning a car. Furthermore, you can travel to your destination while you relax with a newspaper or catch-up on social media.
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BUS
Where are my nearest bus stops?
The nearest bus stops to Barum Knoll are located on North Road. Depending on where you are located within Barum Knoll, the stops on North Road are located within a 5 minute walk. There is also a stop located outside the North Devon District Hospital which is approximately an 8 minute walk from Barum Knoll.
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Where can I go on the bus?
The stops on North Road and at the North Devon District Hospital are served by the 19, 301 and 309 services.
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To view the latest timetables, visit:
19
This service provides a connection from Barnstaple To Roundswell via Sticklepath. The bus offers a service approximately every 30 minutes in each direction, Monday to Sunday.
301
This services provides a connection between Combe Martin and Barnstaple via Ilfracombe. These routes provide a service approximately every hour in each direction Monday to Saturday.
309
This service routes from Barnstaple to Lynmouth via Parracombe and provides two daily services in both directions Monday to Saturday.
TRAIN
Your nearest rail station is Barnstaple, located approximately 2.8km south of Barum Knoll, accessible within a 15 minute cycle or via the 301 and 309 bus routes.
Barnstaple Rail Station is managed by National Rail and benefits from hourly services to Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton.
The station offers 116 car parking spaces, 6 accessible spaces, step free access coverage and sheltered cycle parking for 12 bicycles.
To check real time rail journey information from Barnstaple, visit:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains/arrivals/barnstaple
For station facilities visit:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/barnstaple
CAR SHARING
Travelling with other people by car is an easy way to cut your CO2 emissions and save money. By splitting costs with your fellow passengers, you will save on fuel and parking fees.
Use your time as a passenger to read or catch up on work, and of course you won’t have to find a parking space.
For more information on local car share schemes visit:
liftshare.com/uk/community/devon
www.blablacar.co.uk/
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Some Safety Tips if Meeting a New Car Share Buddy
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Avoid exchanging your full name or address before you've met someone.
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You're never under obligation to take a lift. If you don't feel comfortable, don't go through with the lift - even if it's been agreed.
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As with any activity that involves meeting new people, it's advisable to meet in a public place the first time. It's always a good idea to let friends and family know your plans too.​
Benefits of Car Sharing
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Reduces travel costs;
A commuter who car shares with one person typically saves around £1,000 a year.
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Reduces wear and tear on your own vehicle​;
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Helps reduce congestion;
If half of UK motorists car shared one day a week, pollution would be reduced by 10% and traffic jams by 20%
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Reduces stress levels related to driving; and
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Expands social networks.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular. Unlike conventional vehicles which burn petrol or diesel, EVs are powered by batteries just like your smartphone.
The main advantage of EVs is that they produce zero-emissions when you are using them. This means that they provide local environmental benefits including cleaner air and reduced noise in urban areas.
Today’s EVs have the latest cutting-edge technology and can drive over 200 miles on a single charge, with some able to cover over 400 miles on a single charge - that’s the equivalent of Barum Knoll to Newcastle!
Did you know?
At the end of 2016, just 0.4% of all new vehicles registered were electric. By 2024, this had risen to 19.6% of new car registrations
Why go electric?
Cheaper to Run
Compared to petrol or diesel, electricity is cheap. Per mile an EV could cost less than a third of what a traditional car costs.
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Cheaper to Maintain
Compared to a traditional car, EVs have a lot fewer moving parts, with just three main components - the on-board charger, inverter and motor. This therefore requires far less maintenance and servicing is simpler, all of which saves you money. You'll never need to change the oil again!
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Easy Home Charging
With an EV you will never need to go to petrol station again. Simply plug your car in when you get home to charge overnight and it's ready for you in the morning.
Better for the Environment
EVs have no tailpipe emissions, and don’t even have an exhaust. Even
when accounting for generating the electricity they use, EVs produce
significantly fewer emissions than traditional cars.
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Quiet and Quick
EVs offer a smooth and quiet ride.
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For more information on the benefits of electric vehicles, visit:
www.edfenergy.com/electric-cars/benefits
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To find your nearest EV charging point, visit:
HOME DELIVERIES
A wide range of major supermarkets offer home delivery services to Barum Knoll, so why not save time, money and petrol and have your groceries delivered?
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Asda
The nearest store is in Barnstaple and is open from 7am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. A home delivery service is available.
Anchorwood Retail Park, Barnstaple, EX31 2BN
www.asda.com
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​Ocado
An online only supermarket offering a wide range of fresh groceries, essentials, toys and more delivered to your door.
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Tesco
A Tesco superstore is located in Barnstaple and is open 6am-12am Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Home delivery is also available.
www.tesco.com/groceries
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M&S
The nearest store is in Barnstaple and is open from 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. A home delivery service is available through Ocado.
78 High St, Barnstaple, EX31 1HX
www.marksandspencer.com
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Iceland
Barnstaple is your nearest store and is open from 8am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on a Sunday. A home delivery service is available.
58 High St, Barnstaple, EX31 1JB
www.iceland.co.uk
Did you know?
Car travel for food shopping account for about 40% of all UK shopping trips by car, or about 5% of all car use in the UK!
RUN COMMUTE
If you’ve never heard of run commuting, then it’s exactly what it sounds like. People choose to run to and from work, rather than driving, getting the bus or using other modes.
It’s a trend that’s growing in popularity too! In 2024, Strava recorded a 45% increase in run commutes as more people chose to combine their daily exercise with their journey to work.
Running really is the perfect way to be more active – it’s free and you can start right outside your door! You can do it as little or as often as you like, and with run commuting you can fit it into your daily routine.
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Running for Leisure
Parkrun is a community-driven initiative that organises free, weekly 5k and 2k events in parks and open spaces. These events are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, allowing people of all ages and abilities to participate by walking, jogging, running, volunteering, or spectating.
The 5k events are open to anyone aged 4 and above, with children under 11 needing to be accompanied by a responsible adult. The 2k junior parkruns are specifically for children aged 4 to 14 and are typically held on Sunday mornings.
Barnstable Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am at Rock Park, Barnstable, EX32 9AH, approximately 2.8km to the south of Barum Knoll.
For more information see: www.parkrun.org.uk/barnstaple
Tips for run commuting
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Prepare the night before;
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Plan your route​;
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Build up gradually to the full commute-hw about getting public transport half way and running the rest?;
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Buy a good backpack to carry everything;
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Invest in a good coat, reflective clothing and a light for the winter- be safe, be seen!
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Pack light to save weight;
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If it is safe to do so listen to some music or a podcast to help the miles fly by;
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Figure out your shower situation at work beforehand; and
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Find a goal to train for, or a running buddy to help you stay motivated.​
HOME WORKING
Reducing the need to travel to work or during working hours can save time and money whilst benefitting the environment.
If you work from home just once a fortnight you are reducing your
commute by 10%, which saves you both time and money.
Studies have shown that people who work from home generate lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, use less petrol / diesel, use less paper, use less plastic and have a better work life balance, so why not give it a go? You may even find you are more productive as you’re not being interrupted.
Remote and flexible working allows you to balance your work and
home life commitments and leave you feeling great!
The Flexible Working Regulations 2014 give any employee with at least 26 weeks’ service the right to request flexible working arrangements from their employer. This may include reducing your hours to work part-time, changing your start and finish time, having flexibility with your start and finish time (sometimes known as ‘flexitime’), doing your hours over fewer days (‘compressed hours’), working from home or elsewhere (‘remote working’) or sharing your job with someone else.
For more information on requesting flexible working, visit:
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL EVENTS
You can get involved with sustainable travel events, which promote the opportunity to try out alternative and more sustainable modes of travel to your workplace or education centre.
For more information and how to stay up to date and sign up to events, please visit the websites below.
World Car Free Day
September, Annually
www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/world-car-free-day/
Road Safety Week
November, Annually
www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week
Walk to School Week
May, Annually
www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw
National Walking Month
May, Annually
www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/national-walking-month
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National Clean Air Day
June, Annually
www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day
Bike Week
June, Annually
www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek
National Cycle to Work Day
August, Annually
nationaltoday.com/cycle-work-day/
USEFUL INFO
The Travel Plan Coordinator is available to provide you with assistance in relation to the way you travel and offer further information about sustainable transport methods available to you. You can contact the Travel Plan Coordinator using the following:
The Travel Plan Coordinator
Tetra Tech
90 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6DP
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Telephone: 0117 925 4393
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Email: TravelPlanCoordinator@tetratech.com
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For information on walking visit:
www.northdevon.gov.uk/environment/smarter-travel/walking
Your local bicycle shops are located at:
The Bikeshed
The Square Barnstaple EX32 8LS
Tel: 01271 328628
www.bikesheduk.com
Planet Bike
Pottingdon Business Park, EX31 1HN
Tel: 01271327455
www.planet-bike.co.uk
For more information on cycling in Wiltshire, visit:
www.northdevon.gov.uk/environment/smarter-travel/cycling
www.traveldevon.info/cycle
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For bus timetables visit:
busmaps.com
www.traveline.info
For rail enquiries visit:
nationalrail.co.uk
For rail station live times:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains/arrivals/barnstaple
For station facilities:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/barnstaple
For ticketing queries visit:
www.thetrainline.com
For information about car sharing visit:
liftshare.com/uk/community/devon
www.blablacar.co.uk
For EV charging points visit:
www.zap-map.com/live
CONTACT
For Personal Travel Planning, or any Travel Plan queries, please contact Tetra Tech.