The Royal Hotel

With an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, parts of The Royal Hotel, which is…

Health & Leisure at The Barnstaple Hotel

When you stay at the Barnstaple Hotel, you have complimentary use of our wonderful leisure club,…

Exmoor Zoo

Enjoy a day out in the North-west of Exmoor at Exmoor zoo, one of the “West-country’s hidden gems”…

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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Number of results: 68

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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…
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…
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from 423 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, GAP and Clarks you’ll find a huge…
Barnstaple Pannier Market

Barnstaple

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

Ilfracombe

The Brasserie at The Carlton selects the best produce from our local farmers, producers, and suppliers. Our little team prepare these ingredients into simple, seasonally…
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.
Moreton House

Bideford

Newly open for the 2019 season, Moreton House offers luxurious self-catering apartments within a beautiful grade-II listed Georgian country house, all set in 5 acres of…
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…
The Carlton Hotel

Ilfracombe

Our independent hotel is perfectly located in Ilfracombe, ideal for exploring Exmoor, the Atlantic Coast, Saunton, Woolacombe and our own town with picturesque harbour.
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…
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.
$Ilfracombe Aquarium$

$Add Ilfracombe Aquarium to your Itinerary$
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from 783 review(s)
Ilfracombe Aquarium

Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe

*LOCAL AQUATIC EXHIBITS *PIER CAFÉ WITH HARBOUR VIEW DECK *FUNKY FISH GIFT SHOP*
Established since 2001, this exciting, award winning, all weather, family attraction is the…
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from 180 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…
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…
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from 151 review(s)
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…
Wildersmouth Beach

Ilfracombe

This ancient cove was a popular bay for smugglers.
Nature's Nutrition

Bideford

Nature’s Nutrition is nestled in the small busy town of Bideford along the pedestrianised section of Mill Street. We are a small, co-operative shop providing a vast choice to…
Roly's Fudge

Ilfracombe

Roly's Fudge makes crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth handmade fudge in full view of customers, using a traditional West Country recipe.
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from 160 review(s)
Ocean Backpackers Hostel

Ilfracombe

Ocean Backpackers is situated close to the picturesque Harbour in Ilfracombe. This cool, clean and friendly Independent Youth Hostel offers excellent facilities for walkers,…
Norse Hawk Activity

Barnstaple

Come Get Your Viking On! at North Devon's only Axe Throwing venue.

Tarka Trail North Devon

Follow in Tarka’s footsteps

Where to pick up the route

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