The Tarka Trail - Welcome to The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is an 180-mile figure-eight loop inspired by Tarka the Otter and the novel by Henry Williamson.
It runs through North Devon, centered on Barnstaple, and connects countryside, moorland, coast, beaches, villages, and market towns.
The route includes footpaths and bridleways through areas such as Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.
A section between Braunton and Meeth uses a former railway line to create a 30-mile traffic-free cycling route.
This Braunton-to-Meeth stretch is described as the UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path.
The north loop goes up through Exmoor to Lynton and the Valley of Rocks before returning along the coast.
The south loop follows the River Torridge through Torrington, turns near Okehampton, and heads back toward Barnstaple.
The trail can be completed with the final stage on the Tarka Line rail service back to Barnstaple.
The site highlights short circular walks in addition to the main north and south trail routes.
Visitor information includes places to stay, eat and drink, places to visit, audio guides, and public transport options.

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