Tarka Trail
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Tarka Trail: North Devon’s Figure-of-Eight Walking Route
HikeList Score
Tarka Trail scored 85/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 91
- Balanced challenge 90
- Scenery & wildness 66
- Varied terrain 94
- Accommodation 100
- Food & support 81
- Path quality 74
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
The Tarka Trail is a 290 km waymarked figure-of-eight network in North Devon, England, centred on Barnstaple and the Taw and Torridge estuaries. The full route is a roughly 10–14 day multi-week walk and is moderate overall, with harder coastal and Exmoor sections. Many hikers instead tackle the flat 50–52 km Braunton to Meeth former-railway path in 1–2 days. It suits walkers wanting flexible stages, estuary scenery, traffic-free miles and easy rail or bus access.
Route Overview
There is no fixed direction. The official start is The Square in Barnstaple, by the Museum of North Devon and the Albert Clock, where the two loops join. The popular railway path runs Braunton to Meeth via Barnstaple, Fremington Quay, Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and Petrockstowe. The north loop takes in Croyde, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton, Lynmouth, the Valley of Rocks and Exmoor around Simonsbath. The south loop reaches Hatherleigh, Okehampton, North Tawton and Eggesford. The Tarka Line train from Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple is useful for south-loop logistics. For flatter UK walking compare the Ashby Canal Trail; for coast-focused routes, see the Anglesey Coastal Path or the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
Tarka the Otter, Railways and the North Devon Biosphere
The trail is inspired by the journey of the fictional otter in Henry Williamson’s 1927 novel Tarka the Otter, set around the Taw and Torridge. It also follows several disused railway lines, including the Ilfracombe Branch, the Torrington branch of the North Devon Railway and the North Devon & Cornwall Junction Light Railway. The Barnstaple–Bideford line closed in 1982 and was dismantled in 1987. The path began as the Taw/Torridge Country Park in 1987, with the wider trail opened in 1992, and lies within the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
Notable highlights
- Bideford Long Bridge: A medieval stone bridge of 24 varying arches spanning about 206 m across the River Torridge. It is named in Tarka the Otter and is a clear landmark on the railway-path section.
- Fremington Quay: A former railway quay and now a heritage centre and café beside the estuary. The route crosses the old iron railway bridge over Fremington Pill here.
- Instow: A sandy estuary village where the Taw and Torridge meet, with views towards Appledore. It is a popular beach stop directly on the Braunton–Meeth railway path.
- Great Torrington / Puffing Billy: Great Torrington is a hilltop market town, and the old railway station is now the Puffing Billy café. It makes a natural mid-route rest stop on the former railway.
- Valley of Rocks: On the north loop near Lynton, this dry valley of jagged tors sits on the Exmoor coast section. Here the Tarka Trail joins the South West Coast Path.
- Tarka Line train: The scenic Barnstaple to Exeter branch railway follows the Taw valley and is useful for returning from the south loop. About 18 miles are shared with the trail.
Challenges to expect
The Braunton–Meeth railway path is easy, level and mostly surfaced, but the wider Tarka Trail is not uniformly flat. Expect coastal and moorland paths, wooded valleys, town sections and more serious climbing on the Exmoor and coastal north loop. Navigation is flexible rather than a single linear thru-hike, so plan sections carefully. Weather exposure is higher on coast and moorland, while transport and accommodation are easiest around the main towns.
HikeList Score
Tarka Trail scored 85/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 91
- Balanced challenge 90
- Scenery & wildness 66
- Varied terrain 94
- Accommodation 100
- Food & support 81
- Path quality 74
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
United Kingdom
EnglandShow more data Show less
- Coastal
- Estuary/Riverside
- Forest/Wooded Valleys
- Moorland
- Urban
- Paved
- Gravel/Cinder
- Coastal And Moorland Paths
- Hotels
- Guesthouses
- B&Bs
- Campsites
- Hostels
- Family Friendly
- Dog Friendly On Leash
- Restrooms
- Picnic Areas
- Public Transport Access Points
Photos from hikers
Taken on the trail by people who've reviewed Tarka Trail.
Starting from the town of Barnstaple, the route heads south following the former railway line along the River Taw. This section passes through open countryside and marshland, offering scenic views and numerous birdwatching opportunities. After passing through the historic village of Instow, the trail continues along the riverside, crossing several restored railway bridges before reaching Bideford, a prominent market town with amenities. The route is predominantly flat with well-maintained surfaces suitable for all abilities.
Leaving Bideford, the trail continues southeast, tracing the banks of the River Torridge. Walkers will pass through tranquil woodland areas, and cross the historic Victorian railway bridge at Landcross. The scenery becomes increasingly rural, with occasional glimpses of farmland and riverside meadows. Approaching Great Torrington, the path gradually ascends before entering this vibrant town renowned for its cultural and historical sites. Facilities are available at both the start and end of this section.
This stage leaves Great Torrington behind and leads deeper into the rural heart of Devon. The route meanders alongside wooded valleys and open countryside, passing the Puffing Billy visitor centre at the old Torrington railway station. Walkers will encounter sections of shaded woodland and stretches elevated above the surrounding landscape, with occasional distant views of Dartmoor on clear days. The terrain remains gentle, and Petrockstowe provides a quiet village setting at the section's end.
The final section of the Tarka Trail leads from Petrockstowe to Meeth along a peaceful, lightly wooded route. This stretch features several former railway cuttings and gentle gradients, winding through typical Devon farmland. There are few amenities along this quieter, remote section, but the route is well signposted and maintained. The trail concludes at Meeth, a small village with access to the Meeth Quarry and nature reserve.
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