The Red Lion

A lovely AA 4 star inn, built in the 18th century. It lies astride the 14th century quay with…

Dartington Crystal

Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre: A Must-Visit Destination in North Devon The Dartington…

Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel

Nowhere else is there a place quite like Source… North Devon’s finest coastal spa will take…

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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from 71 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…
Classic Cottages

Family-run and boasting over 45 years of experience in the industry, Classic Cottages knows exactly what makes a memorable holiday, whether you’re looking forward to a…
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from 1271 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2464 review(s)
Leisure Club at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

The Barnstaple Leisure Club, part of the renowned Barnstaple Hotel, offers outstanding leisure facilities for both hotel guests and locals. Dive into relaxation with our…
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from 2464 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 luxurious…
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from 31 review(s)
Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at The Park Hotel, where our renowned Seasons Brasserie and Seasons Bar & Lounge await you. Located in the heart of…
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from 3048 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 3048 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…
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from 3081 review(s)
The BIG Sheep

Bideford

The BIG Sheep Farm & Theme Park – World famous for the BIG Sheep Race!
North Devon’s most popular Family Attraction - Terrific for Tots, Toddlers & Teens, awesome for Adults…
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…
$Ilfracombe Aquarium$

$Add Ilfracombe Aquarium to your Itinerary$
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from 855 review(s)
Ilfracombe Aquarium

Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe

* Local Aquatic exhibits * Pier Cafe * Funky Fish Gift Shop *
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from 457 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…
Lee Bay Beach

Ilfracombe

This wonderfully secluded beach regarded by some as 'the jewel in the crown of Lee' is located 2 miles West of Ilfracombe a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
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from 236 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…
Tarka Trail Camping

Barnstaple

Tarka Trail Camping is a quiet, family owned and run, dog friendly campsite nestled on the beautiful Tarka Trail beside the River Taw Estuary, perfect for walking and cycling…
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from 166 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…
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 226 review(s)
Lower Campscott Farm Holiday Cottages

Nr Woolacombe, Ilfracombe

Escape to the peace and tranquillity of our family farm overlooking the sea and relax in our 4-star holiday cottages and lodges. Perfect for families, couples and groups of…
Rockham Beach (Mortehoe)

Woolacombe

Rockham Bay near Ilfracombe, locally known as Mortehoe Beach, is a secluded beach nestled in a bay backed by rocky cliffs. Accessible only at low tide, the beach reveals a…
Easy Divers Diving Training

Ilfracombe

Achieve part 1 of the globally recognised PADI Open Water diving training course in the picturesque North Devon seaside town of Ilfracombe. A PADI Open Water diving…

Tarka Trail North Devon

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