Leisure & Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel

While you’ll never be short of things to do at Saunton Sands Hotel, on the off chance that you…

Marsdens Devon Cottages

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

The BIG Sheep

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

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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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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 943 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1287 review(s)
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 84 review(s)
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 97 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 26 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2829 review(s)
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…
$Ilfracombe Holiday Park$

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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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 921 review(s)
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. The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
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from 759 review(s)
62 The Bank and Bar 62

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…
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from 921 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…
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from 2427 review(s)
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 71 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…
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from 943 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…
Tarka Holiday Park

Barnstaple

Why You'll Love Tarka Holiday Park
Rural countryside location on the famous Tarka trail
Peaceful and tranquil setting
The perfect base to discover North…
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from 1287 review(s)
The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

With its glamorous look and cosmopolitan feel, The Park brings world-class style to the heart of North Devon. Perfectly positioned at the centre of Barnstaple, The Park has a…
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from 2427 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…
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from 57 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1976 review(s)
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1976 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…