Our Parks

The Tarka Trail

Activities

The Tarka Trail is a combination of footpaths and bridleways with a large section being an old converted railway line.

Opening Times

The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, figure-eight loop inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter. Unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and the longest, continuous cycle path in the UK are waiting to be discovered. Walking or cycling, The Tarka Trail offers the best way to experience the beauty of North Devon

Location

The Tarka Trail

Address

Barnstaple EX31 1QN, UK

What3Words ///issues.denim.rooftop

www.tarkatrail.org.uk

Driving from our parks

Lynmouth Retreat: 19.14 miles / 39 mins

Rating

★★★★★4.6

Based on 113 reviews

Info correct at time of publish: January 19, 2026. Always check with location before visiting.

Reviews

Mike P

a month ago

Excellent trail for walking or cycling.
Nice flat tarmacked level surfaces, with great views of the river and surrounding areas.
Cycled it Many times from Braunton to the Puffing Billy at Great Torrington, makes a very pleasant day out for an easy cycle.
Can be more challenging when windy as parts are quite exposed where by the riverside.

Fearocious

8 months ago

A scenic easy trail for walking and cycling. Most of the trail is paved with benches along the way. A nice lunch spot in an old railway station is a nice reward.

Del Williamson

10 months ago

Great place for walk, so beautiful and peaceful, nice cafes for pitstops as well good access for wheelchair and mobility scooters at the Puffing Billy cafe. Highly recommend for tea coffee and cakes or snacks good menu and fair prices

Freasa Bird

2 years ago

Unspoilt natural beauty for miles and miles. With so much of our stunning land being destroyed by developers, the Tarka trail is an absolute blessing and privilege to explore. Every step of this trail offers scenes of tranquility and outstanding beauty. For those nature/bug/foraging/history enthusiasts amongst you, this trail is hard to beat. A MUST for those who love nature.

Ian

3 years ago

Such a great idea to make an old railway line into a walking & cycling route. So many historic things to see. The Puffing Billy Café is a good place to stop & eat. Very easy peddling as it's reasonably flat. Lot's of bridges and a tunnel to look out for. Highly recommended