Hike empty moors, rugged coast, and serene countryside — Tarka Trail
Hiking Collection by Kit P
10 Tours
67:49 h
245 km
4,250 m
The Tarka Trail is an enchanting hike that winds through the ever-contrasting and wildly-beautiful landscape of North Devon.
Inspired by Henry Williamson’s novel ‘Tarka the Otter’, the 180-mile (290 km) route follows Tarka’s adventure through an area of spectacular countryside and coastline that's been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Passing through Exmoor National Park, and skirting along the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, the figure-of-eight loop takes you through glorious patchwork farmland, into empty moorland, along stunning coastline, through ancient woodland, along wildlife-rich rivers, and past some delightful villages and medieval towns.
The terrain along the Tarka Trail is particularly varied; from challenging coastal cliff hiking to flat tarmac trails and isolated moorland to gentle pastures, it's exceptionally diverse. The entire trail is clearly waymarked, though, making navigation easy.
The northern loop takes you east from Barnstaple, over Exmoor to the rugged coastline, and then follows a breathtakingly-beautiful section of the South West Coast Path back to the start.
The southern section continues alongside the saltmarshes and mudflats of the Taw/Torridge Estuary from Barnstaple to Bideford, and along a shared-use section that covers 31 miles (50 km) of former railway line between Braunton and Meeth.
The trail then travels inland to arrive at the edge of the high moor. As the River Taw rises on Dartmoor, the trail returns with it; passing through otter country to the Tarka Railway Line at Eggesford. The railway journey to Barnstaple is the final leg of the south loop.
In this Collection, I've split the entire trail into 10 stages. Of course, you can split up the route into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage, or a couple of stages, in isolation.
If you're planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Barnstaple, which offers connecting services around the country.
If you're planning to arrive by car, your best bet is to negotiate with a hotel or B&B a rate to stay for a night either side of your hike in Barnstaple and leave your car for the duration. Alternatively, there are long-stay car parks in and close to the town. If you need something to read in the evenings, 'Tarka the Otter' is probably the most appropriate choice.
On The Map
Do it yourself
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.
Last updated: May 3, 2024
Tours
- 06:4924.8 km3.6 km/h480 m280 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The first stage of the Tarka Trail has plenty to challenge your fitness and offers lots of lovely countryside.
From Barnstaple, you follow the River Taw past the Grade I-listed Long Bridge, one of the largest medieval bridges in Britain. You head out of town and into a delightful patchwork of fields…
by Kit P
- 07:5627.8 km3.5 km/h610 m670 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Winding through farmland, woodland, moorland, and finishing on beautiful coastline, this ever-contrasting hike has plenty to pique your interest.
From Brayford, you hike straight into the breathtakingly beautiful Exmoor National Park.
You climb steadily for around 2.5 miles (4 km) to Setta Barrow and maintain…
by Kit P
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
- 07:2623.9 km3.2 km/h850 m960 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This Highlight-filled hike explores a majestic stretch of Exmoor coastline. It's undulating and strenuous but exceptionally beautiful every step.
From Lynton, the trail follows the South West Coast Path for the entirety of the hike and takes you past some wonderful sights.
Along the coastline, you see…
by Kit P
- 07:3526.4 km3.5 km/h630 m610 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage has many ascents and descents that will challenge your fitness and technical ability.
From Combe Martin, you rejoin the South West Coast Path with a sharp climb and follow as it climbs high onto clifftops and drops deep into hidden coves.
You begin at Combe Martin Beach, a picturesque bay surrounded…
by Kit P
- 07:1327.5 km3.8 km/h210 m260 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stunning stage brings the northern loop of the Tarka Trail to its epic conclusion.
Whilst the landscape on this hike might be flat in comparison to recent stages, there is some hefty distance to contend with, which is sure to test your stamina.
From Croyde, the trail rejoins the Coast Path and follows…
by Kit P
- 06:1824.3 km3.9 km/h160 m140 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This leisurely hike marks the first stage of the Tarka Trail’s southern loop.
Taking you along the wildlife-rich Taw Estuary and continuing beside the River Torridge, this stage has plenty to keep you entertained.
This area of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats has become an important haven for birds such…
by Kit P
- 05:2820.5 km3.7 km/h260 m160 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage affords a sumptuous sense of solitude as the trail explores remote Devon countryside.
Before you leave Great Torrington, it's worth exploring the small market town, especially its church, St Michael’s; a Grade II-listed building with a fascinating history dating back to 1259. I haven't included…
by Kit P
- 07:3728.2 km3.7 km/h400 m340 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The atmosphere is peaceful and the terrain is undulating on this delightful stage.
From Dolton, the trail winds through farmland pastures and passes the odd hamlet until you reach the Medieval market town of Hatherleigh, which is an interesting place to explore and a perfect place to stop for lunch.
The…
by Kit P
- 06:1522.4 km3.6 km/h390 m450 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
With beautiful scenery, abundant history, and a dash of folklore, you may find yourself spellbound on this stage.
From Okehampton, the trail skirts into Dartmoor National Park and ascends East Hill, where it's worth taking some time to admire the view, explore the Roman fort, and find the spot where a…
by Kit P
- 05:1319.2 km3.7 km/h250 m300 mExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
A hike and a train ride through picturesque countryside brings the Tarka Trail to a delightful conclusion.
From North Tawton, you follow the River Taw for almost the entirety of the hike, albeit with a few diversions, passing through a wonderful patchwork of countryside.
A few miles before Eggesford, it…
by Kit P
Like this Collection?
Questions and Comments
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Collection Stats
- Tours10
- Distance245 km
- Duration67:49 h
- Elevation4,250 m
You Might Also Like
Hiking Collection by Kit P
Hiking Collection by Kit P
Hiking Collection by VERKEHRSVERBUND GROSSRAUM NÜRNBERG
Hiking Collection by Nationalpark Eifel