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You are here > Explore > Tarka Trail

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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. Elegant dining

    Add Regency Restaurant to your Itinerary

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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…

  2. food at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1009 review(s)from 1009 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…

  3. Bideford Pannier Market

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    Bideford Pannier Market

    Bideford

    Historic Market Building with 30+ resident businesses and Markets every Tuesday and Saturday. Comprising of a diverse collection of shops along Market Place, Studios in…

  4. varley house

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    Varley House

    Ilfracombe

    Rod and Helen Chatfield offer you a warm welcome, old world charm and a warm welcome on your stay at Varley House.

    Varley House was built at the beginning of the 20th…

  5. Affinty Devon

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 427 review(s)from 427 review(s)

    Affinity Devon

    Bideford

    Affinity Devon is North Devon’s unique outlet shopping village. With over 30 stores offering up to 50% off RRP every day including Nike, Next and Clarks you’ll find a huge…

  6. Watermouth Bay

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    Watermouth Bay

    Ilfracombe

    Watermouth cove offers a very sheltered secluded harbour shielded by the natural breakwater
    of Sexton's Burrows as well as picture-perfect views.

  7. corffe house swimming pool

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    Corffe House & Holiday Cottages

    Barnstaple

    Corffe House and Cottages ​​​​​​​

    Nestled in the beautiful North Devon countryside the Corffe Estate provides the ideal base for family holidays, short breaks and work…

  8. Robin Hill

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 181 review(s)from 181 review(s)

    Robin Hill Farm Cottages

    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…

  9. Mullacott Farm

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    Mullacott Farm

    Ilfracombe

    Stay on a family-run working farm with many animals. Stay in the recently converted barn adjacent to the farmhouse. This an ideal base for the beach walking and riding being…

  10. Tarka Trail Camping

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    Tarka Trail Camping

    Barnstaple

    Tarka Trail Camping is a ‘Green’, family owned and run campsite beside the beautiful Tarka Trail next to the River Taw Estuary.

  11. Wildersmouth Beach

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    Wildersmouth Beach

    Ilfracombe

    This ancient cove was a popular bay for smugglers.

  12. Bampfield Farm Cottages

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    Bampfield Farm Cottages

    Barnstaple

    Bampfield Farm Cottages are where holiday memories are made, set in acres of rolling hills on a working family farm, this is the perfect base for your holiday.
    Bampfield Farm…

  13. Ilfracombe Aquarium

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    Ilfracombe Aquarium

    Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe

    * Local Aquatic exhibits * Pier Cafe * Funky Fish Gift Shop *

  14. Cottage

    Add North Devon Farm Holidays to your Itinerary

    North Devon Farm Holidays

    Get away from the strain of everyday life, walk across the beautiful countryside, visit the sea or simply enjoy the stunning views that North Devon has to offer and as we…

  15. Pannier Market

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    Barnstaple Pannier Market

    Barnstaple

    Enjoy the charm and friendly atmosphere of one of Britain's largest indoor markets. There's something for everyone.

  16. Sea View

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    Holiday Home Hunter

    Barnstaple

    Holiday Home Hunter, based in the popular seaside resort of Woolacombe in North Devon, specialises in contemporary seafront self-catering holiday apartments and cottages…

  17. Iced coffee

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    Station Masters Cafe

    Station Road, Barnstaple

    Our Award winning Café is situated adjacent to Barnstaple Railway Station, in the old Station Masters House which was designed by the Famous Architect Sir William Tite, who…

  18. Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

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    Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

    Ilfracombe

    We are Chocoholics and dedicated to all things Chocolate.

    We live, eat and breath the wonderful stuff.

  19. Fremington Cafe

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    Fremington Cafe

    Barnstaple

    Fremington Quay Cafe

    Open all year round.

    Open for breakfast until 11am, Lunch from 12am

  20. Brightlycott Barton play area campsite

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    Brightlycott Barton

    Barnstaple

    The site consists of 23 pitches with 16amp electric points, 8 of which are level and the other 15 part level but do not require much work to get level,

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