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About the Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile footpath, in a figure of eight, centred on Barnstaple in North Devon, England. The name 'Tarka' comes from the book 'Tarka the Otter' by Henry Williamson, the story of a young otter growing up in and around the area of the Taw and Torridge rivers.
When you mention the Tarka Trail to most people in North Devon however they immediately think of the 30-odd mile stretch of the trail between Braunton in the north and Meeth further south. This section is open to cyclists and represents one of the finest and most scenic traffic free cycle routes in the country. It is also part of the National Cycle Network, forming part of routes 3 and 27.
Most of the cycle track is on disused railway bed, and specifically the two disused lines that led from Barnstaple to Meeth and Barnstaple to Ilfracombe. Because of this it is therefore relatively flat. Trains, like me, don't like steep hills apparently! The majority of the cycle track has a sealed surface and is therefore also ideal for wheelchair users and the trail is also open to walkers and dogs of course.
The Tarka Trail is administered and maintained by Devon County Council and the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service. Most of the trail is owned by Devon County Council although some lengths are public footpaths or permissive paths over private land.
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