Tarka Trail

Devon, Somerset

The Trail traces the journeys of Tarka the Otter, taking in locations featured in the book by Henry Williamson. In effect, the Trail comprises two routes based on Barnstaple. The northern section takes an easterly line to and over Exmoor to the sea, then follows the coastline through Braunton back to Barnstaple. The southern section is through Bideford and Great Torrington to Okehampton and Sticklepath, returning north and terminating at Eggesford where advantage can be taken of a rail link back to Barnstaple. Both include sections in river valleys, including the Torridge, Taw, Bray and above the East Lyn. The Tarka Trail Southern Section 108km (67miles) and marked on OS mapping stretches south from Barnstaple following parts of the River Torridge, visiting Great Torrington, Dolton then looping further south to Hatherleigh, Okehampton and Sticklepath before turning north to the finish at Eggesford Station.

The Taw-Teign Link (6 miles and on OS mapping) links the Tarka Trail at Sticklepath and Two Moors Way at Chagford, on the northern fringe of Dartmoor. A second link, by way of the Little Dart Ridge & Valley Walk (11 miles and included on OS mapping) is available in connecting Eggesford with Witheridge which is also on the Two Moors Way.

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Details:

Path Type:	Paths Marked on OS mapping
Waymark:	Otter pawmark
Attributes:	Challenging Coastal Moorland River
Start and Finish:	SS556335 - Barnstaple, Devon
Web Sites:	Explore Devon - Tarka Trail Travel Wessex - Tarka Trail Tarka Trail - Barnstaple to Lynton/Lynmouth [YouTube video]

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