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You are here > Explore > Tarka Trail

rollercoasters

The BIG Sheep

Looking for a guaranteed day out that’s fun for all the family – then look no further than The BIG…

Hartland Abbey & Gardens exterior

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile…

Elegant dining

Regency Restaurant

The beautiful Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in…

Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club

Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club has been providing high quality accommodation in North Devon…

Nature Reserves in Torridge

Step into nature in one of the numerous reserves and gardens in Torridge District. With Devon…

Beachside Grill

Overlooking North Devon’s famous Saunton Sands beach, Beachside Grill offers a unique blend of…

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst…

RHS Garden Rosemoor

All RHS Gardens, Rosemoor included, have introduced safety measures: Strictly limited numbers…

Park Life Resorts, Watermouth Lodges

Park Life Resort Watermouth Lodges, a woodland resort by the sea, on the North Devon Coast. With an…

Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their…

Dining at The Park

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to…

Marsdens Devon Cottages

Marsdens Devon Cottages is one of over 30 truly-local brands bough together by Original Cottages -…

Ilfracombe Holiday Park

Our Location: Ilfracombe Holiday Park is situated at the highest point in Ilfracombe, just a…

The Imperial Hotel

​​​​​​The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is a flagship of Brend Hotels, the leader in West Country…

Dining at Highbullen

Dine in style in North Devon at the Highbullen Hotel. At Highbullen Hotel, we can offer a…

The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North…

Dining at The Imperial Hotel

At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington…

Ruda Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

Ruda Holiday Park offers you one of the most spectacular views in Devon- beautiful Croyde Bay. The…

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  • 1The BIG Sheep
  • 2Hartland Abbey & Gardens
  • 3Regency Restaurant
  • 4Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club
  • 5Nature Reserves in Torridge
  • 6Beachside Grill
  • 7The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
  • 8RHS Garden Rosemoor
  • 9Park Life Resorts, Watermouth Lodges
  • 10Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel
  • 11Dining at The Park
  • 12Marsdens Devon Cottages
  • 13Ilfracombe Holiday Park
  • 14The Imperial Hotel
  • 15Dining at Highbullen
  • 16The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel
  • 17Dining at The Imperial Hotel
  • 18Ruda Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts
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Tarka Trail North Devon

The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route.

Follow in Tarka’s footsteps

Inspired by Henry Williamson’s much loved novel ‘Tarka the Otter’, this 163 miles/261kms recreation route follows Tarka’s journey in a figure of eight, through the northern part of the county. The route can be followed on foot or by bike and is a fabulous way for the whole family to visit some of the places mentioned in the original novel.

The Trail takes you through an ever-changing variety of some of the wonderful Devon scenery described in the book, including tranquil countryside, wooded river valleys, rugged moorland and dramatic coast and is a wonderful and sustainable way to explore this area.

Comprehensively waymarked, the walk varies from easy to challenging and there are plenty of different routes for you to take making it a new adventure every single time. Short sections of the trail and circular walks from it are ideal for day and half-day excursions. The terrain is a mixture, with some challenging sections and some flat, off road sections, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Where to pick up the route

The entire route is centered around the town of Barnstaple, the largest town in the region and takes in areas of Exmoor, the Valley of the Rocks and the coastline. If the town is mentioned in the book, you can likely access it along the trail as many of the locations featured in the original novel are real life places. You can pick up the route at various points across the county, the Trail passes through the towns of Lynmouth, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Okehampton and Ilfracombe and parts of it coincide with the South West Coast Path, the Two Moors Way and the Dartmoor Way, giving you plenty of chances to explore. There are also a number of short circular routes that are located alongside the main north and south Tarka Trail route which are designed to take a couple of hours, allowing you to explore the villages and points of interest along the trail while not spending all day.

The trail has a north loop that runs from Barnstaple through to the areas of Braunton, Croyde, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and Lynmouth and then returning to Barnstaple.
Alternatively, the south loop runs from Barnstaple through to Bideford, where you can find Hatherleigh, Okehampton, North Tawnton and Eggesford. You can then return to Barnstaple using the Tarka Line train.

Facilities

When planning a trip to the Tarka Trail, make sure to take note of the facilities along the route. You’ll find shops, restaurants, pubs and public toilets at all the towns and villages along the route as well as places to stay. Some of the towns also have defibrillators and access to health care professionals, should you need medical assistance during your visit.

Check the local listings for the public transport times for journeys along the Tarka Line.

For more information on the Tarka Trail, including maps, routes and the various points where you can join the trail, visit the official site, https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk/

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  1. food at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

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    Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

    Barnstaple

    At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank.
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  2. The Imperial Hotel

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    The Imperial Hotel

    Barnstaple

    ​​​​​​The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is a flagship of Brend Hotels, the leader in West Country luxury hotels. It is perfectly placed to enable you to visit the beautiful…

  3. My Favourite Cottages

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    My Favourite Cottages

    Barnstaple

    My Favourite Cottages is a holiday home letting agency based in North Devon. The small, friendly agency specialises in offering quality self-catering properties, including…

  4. Family Room

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    The Barnstaple Hotel

    Barnstaple

    ​​​​​​Discover the Barnstaple Hotel - everything you need to work, rest and play in the lap of luxury!

    Part of the Brend group of hotels, The Barnstaple Hotel is a luxurious…

  5. Fine dining, Imperial Hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 62 review(s)from 62 review(s)

    The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

    Barnstaple

    The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d'hote menu, which is changed daily or…

  6. Lord Fortescues Restaurant, Barnstaple

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    Lord Fortescues Restaurant

    Barnstaple

    Their mouth watering menus are complemented by personal attentive service and the impressive surroundings. The Lord Fortescue, and every lunch time, as well as Saturday and…

  7. kitchen and restaurant

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1011 review(s)from 1011 review(s)

    Dining at The Royal Hotel

    Bideford

    This luxury Bideford hotel is steeped in history. The Royal Hotel dates back to the 17th century and has an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, Guests will love…

  8. love devon porch and green

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 125 review(s)from 125 review(s)

    Love North Devon

    Brayford, Barnstaple

    An idyllic 53 acre Organic estate in the heart of the North Devon countryside providing self catering holidays in an amazing setting for Families of all sizes, Larger…

  9. coffee house bar

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    Royal & Fortescue Coffee House

    Barnstaple

    Set right by the lounges of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, their Coffee House is a delightful place to take some precious time out to relax. Be tempted by the array of cup…

  10. Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 99 review(s)from 99 review(s)

    Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

    Barnstaple

    With its contemporary styling and light, airy feel, their Brasserie has an atmosphere that is all its own. This is the perfect setting in which to sit back and enjoy the fine…

  11. Seasons

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    Dining at The Park

    Barnstaple

    Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to offer our guests great dining in amazing surroundings. You have the choice…

  12. Fine dining, The Park

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 27 review(s)from 27 review(s)

    Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

    Barnstaple

    Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their stunning Seasons Bar or go al fresco with views overlooking Rock Park. Seasons…

  13. 3 Bed Bedroom

    Add Ilfracombe Holiday Park to your Itinerary

    Ilfracombe Holiday Park

    Ilfracombe

    Situated in the beautiful North Devon and minutes from the centre of the lovely harbour town of Ilfracombe, is the Ilfracombe Holiday Park. Sitting at the highest point in…

  14. food at The Imperial Hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2590 review(s)from 2590 review(s)

    Dining at The Imperial Hotel

    Barnstaple

    At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and…

  15. rollercoasters

    Add The BIG Sheep to your Itinerary

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    The BIG Sheep

    Bideford

    Looking for a guaranteed day out that’s fun for all the family – then look no further than The BIG Sheep.  No matter what the weather, this award-winning family attraction is…

  16. Elegant dining

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 77 review(s)from 77 review(s)

    Regency Restaurant

    Bideford

    The beautiful Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in Bideford. You will love the special atmosphere created by the stylish decor and…

  17. the park hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1407 review(s)from 1407 review(s)

    The Park Hotel

    Barnstaple

    ​​​​​​Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, The Park, part of the Brent Hotels group, is North Devon’s exciting hub for visitors and locals alike. The glamourous…

  18. The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 999 review(s)from 999 review(s)

    The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

    Barnstaple

    ​​​​​​Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst offering all the modern comforts you’d expect. Located in the centre of…

  19. The Barnstaple Hotel gym

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2088 review(s)from 2088 review(s)

    Health & Leisure at The Barnstaple Hotel

    Barnstaple

    When you stay at the Barnstaple Hotel, you have complimentary use of our wonderful leisure club, which has been extensively refurbished over recent years and now boasts the…

  20. The Royal Hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1010 review(s)from 1010 review(s)

    The Royal Hotel

    Bideford

    ​​​​​​With an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, parts of The Royal Hotel, which is part of the Brend Hotels’ group, date back to the 17th century. The fantastic…

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