You are here > Explore > Tarka Trail
Explore North Devon
Stay
What's On in North Devon
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here > Explore > Tarka Trail
With its contemporary styling and light, airy feel, their Brasserie has an atmosphere that is all…
The beautiful Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in…
62 The Bank and Bar 62 are passionate about delivering friendly, honest and efficient service, with…
Our commitment to your safety and financial peace of mind: - Contact free check-in - Social…
Croyde Bay Resort is nestled behind the sand dunes of the world class Croyde Beach and just minutes…
At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue…
Why You'll Love Tarka Holiday Park Rural countryside location on the famous Tarka trail …
Escape to the wild in comfort and luxury on your glamping adventure. Choose the perfect retreat for…
Set in idyllic North Devon countryside, Birchill Farm & Cottages sits amongst 8 acres of green…
Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst…
Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to…
The Dining Room The Dining Room at Saunton with its AA-rosette status and enviable views of…
All RHS Gardens, Rosemoor included, have introduced safety measures: Strictly limited numbers…
While you’ll never be short of things to do at Saunton Sands Hotel, on the off chance that you…
Welcome to Hidden Valley, an award-winning campsite and touring caravan park in the rolling hills…
Set right by the lounges of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, their Coffee House is a delightful place…
Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their…
A lovely AA 4 star inn, built in the 18th century. It lies astride the 14th century quay with…
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.
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.
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.
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/
Number of results: 79
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Barnstaple
Don’t miss out on mouth-watering cuisine and a choice of luxurious places to eat while in Barnstaple.
At the Barnstaple Hotel, we know we’re one of the best places to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Barnstaple
62 The Bank and Bar 62 are passionate about delivering friendly, honest and efficient service, with a vibrant atmosphere, in unique surroundings, and a menu that offers…
Torrington
Set in idyllic North Devon countryside, Birchill Farm & Cottages sits amongst 8 acres of green pasture and ancient oak woodlands. We are located 3 miles from the beautiful,…
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…
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…
Great Torrington, Torrington
All RHS Gardens, Rosemoor included, have introduced safety measures:
Strictly limited numbers of pre-booked tickets available for each day
Restrictions on the…
Barnstaple
At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank. The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
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…
Make the most of your stay and have a foodie adventure
There are lots of incredible edibles to be enjoyed in North Devon. By asking locals to tell us about the…
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…
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…
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…
Torrington
Smytham is a family run picturesque holiday park, set in 33 acres of parkland of a 17th century manor house countryside.
The tranquil grounds are part open and part…
Ilfracombe
Watermouth cove offers a very sheltered secluded harbour shielded by the natural breakwater of Sexton's Burrows as well as picture-perfect views.
This has created an…
Bideford
You will find us at the end of our half mile private lane, surrounded by fields of rolling North Devon countryside with stunning views over the unspoilt, hidden and peaceful…
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company