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The Tarka Cycle Trail is a gem. It’s often cited as one of the best cycle routes in Devon, and indeed the UK, for easy-going, traffic free, family-friendly cycling with superb views and beautiful towns along the way.

The Tarka Trail cycle route includes 52 kilometres (32 miles) along a disused railway line, from Braunton to Barnstaple, then on to Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and Meeth.

The route forms part of another great bastion of Devon cycling: the Devon Coast to Coast cycling route. If you’re planning a cycling trip in Devon, this is a great place to start!

When I was preparing to ride the route with my two children, I had lots of questions we couldn’t easily find answers to. So, having ridden the route, I decided to write this article to try and help others! Let me know how you get on with your Tarka Trail ride in the comments below.

For more Devon cycle routes and tips, check out our guide to cycling Devon.

What is the Tarka Trail?

The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile (290 kilometre) walking loop that starts and finishes in Barnstaple in North Devon.

What is the Tarka Cycle Trail?

The Tarka Trail includes a 32 mile (52 kilometre) section, between Braunton and Meeth, along a disused railway line. This makes it one of the longest traffic-free cycle routes in the UK.

Note that while the route itself is traffic free, cycling the Tarka Trail does involve crossing a few roads. There are barriers in place when you’re coming up to a road, but take care if you are with kids.

Can you cycle all of the Tarka Trail?

No. You can cycle the 52 kilometre (32 mile), shared-use path of the Tarka Cycle Trail.

However, this 52 kilometre section is just one part of the full 290 kilometre (180 mile) Tarka Trail. The rest of the Tarka Trail is on footpaths that are either not suitable for bikes or bikes are not permitted.

If you’re after a longer cycling route in Devon, check out our guide to cycling Devon for more Devon cycle trails and inspiration.

Is there a Tarka Trail cycle map?

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The Tarka Trail cycle map above is the route we rode. Note that our route was slightly shorter than the whole official route. There’s more to explain this route in this article.

You can also find Tarka Trail cycle maps online from various sources, including the Devon County Council website, which offers a downloadable version. Additionally, we understand that local tourist information centres and bike hire shops along the trail provide free paper copies of the map (though we didn’t see any when we rode it).

Note: don’t be put off by what looks like a huge climb between Great Torrington and Meet; check the y axis on the graph and you’ll see the overall elevation gain is 136 metres.

How does the Tarka Cycle Trail fit into the Devon Coast to Coast route?

The 52 kilometre (32 mile) section Tarka Cycle Trail is part of the “Devon Coast to Coast” National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27. The complete 164 kilometre (102 mile) Devon Coast to Coast route runs between Ilfracombe on the North Devon coast to Plymouth on the south coast.

How does the Tarka Cycle Trail fit into the National Cycle Network?

The Tarka Trail includes National Cycle Network Routes 3 and 27.

If you’re happy to ride on roads/trails other than traffic free routes, you can extend your ride on the National Cycle Network and cycle from Braunton north to Woolacombe. There are plans to extend the Tarka Trail to Woolacombe, but this is still some way off.

Read more about cycling in Devon and other long distance routes in the UK.

tarka trail cycle route

The Tarka Trail shares the Sustrans routes 3 and 27

Can the Tarka Cycle Trail be ridden in sections?

The Tarka Cycle Trail route can be broken up into easily managed sections:

  • Braunton to Barnstaple: 10 kilometres (6 miles)
  • Barnstaple to Bideford: 14 kilometres (9 miles)
  • Bideford to Great Torrington: 10 kilometres (6 miles)
  • Great Torrington to Meeth: 18 kilometres (11 miles)

The Tarka Trail cycling route we rode came up slightly shorter than this, at 46 kilometres, due at least partly to the fact we have chosen a starting point on the banks of the River Taw rather than in Brautnon itself. More details here.

The nice thing about these sections is that if you don’t think you’re up to riding the whole thing in one go, you can just pick a section and tackle it. You can always come back another time to try another!

What is the history of the Tarka Trail?

The trail follows the route of the old Southern Railway, which was closed in the 1960s, and has since been converted into a multi-use path for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

bideford station on the tarka trail cycle route

Bideford Station: The Tarka Trail cycle route is steeped in fascinating heritage

Why is it called the Tarka Trail?

The Tarka Trail is named after Tarka the Otter, the main character in the famous novel Tarka the Otter: His Joyful Water-Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers by Henry Williamson. Published in 1927, the novel is set in the landscapes of North Devon, particularly around the rivers Taw and Torridge, which the Tarka Trail loosely follows.

Williamson’s tale of Tarka the Otter became a celebrated work of English literature, highlighting the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. In tribute to the novel and its cultural significance, the cycle route was named the Tarka Trail.

The name reflects the route’s connection to the scenic countryside and waterways that inspired the story.

Tarka trail cycle route

Pretty and peaceful Devon countryside between Barnstaple to Instow

Where does the Tarka Cycle Trail start and finish?

As mentioned, the full 290 kilometre (180 mile) Tarka Trail starts and finishes in Barnstaple.

The 52 kilometre (32 mile) section of the Tarka Trail cycle route begins in the town of Braunton. The route hugs the banks of the River Taw, until it reaches Barnstaple. From here, you cross the River Taw and then continue along the south side of the river estuary.

You come to Fremington and then on to Instow. At Instow you pick up the River Torridge and the trail passes through several charming towns/villages including Bideford and Great Torrington. The trail then loops southeast, finishing near the village of Meeth, deep in the Devon countryside.

You can, of course, choose to start and end your Tarka Trail adventure at any point along the route.

What is the best section of the Tarka Cycle Trail?

The most popular section of the Tarka Trail cycle route is between Barnstaple and Instow. This includes the river estuary, the pretty stop in Fremington and picture-postcard Instow village. It’s most popular because Barnstaple is the main transport hub for the area, so lots of people come in by train.

In our opinion, the most beautiful sections of the Tarka Trail were Braunton to Great Torrington. This takes in the Barnstaple to Instow section described above, as well as additional estuary time from Braunton to Barnstaple and Instow to Great Torrington.

tarka trail cycle route

A quick pit stop at Fremington

Which way to cycle the Tarka Cycle Trail?

Most people riding the Tarka Trail cycling route will be constrained by considerations like transport (perhaps they are coming in/out by train from Barnstaple) or the location of bike hire (perhaps, like us, they are hiring bikes and so want to start at one or other end of the trail).

However, if you have no such constraints, I think it would be best to cycle from Meeth to Braunton. This is because you’re then finishing with the most spectacular landscapes along the River Taw estuary, rather than starting with these.

There are also more places to stop for food and drink between Bideford and Braunton than between Meeth and Bideford (and you’re more likely to need a café stop towards the end of the ride than at the start).

This said, we rode the trail from Braunton to Meeth and had a wonderful time.

The impressive river Taw Estuary between Braunton to Barnstaple-3856

How do you get to the start of the Tarka Cycle Trail?

The information below assumes you’re starting the ride in Braunton. However, as mentioned above, you might well choose to start somewhere else!

Reaching the start of the Tarka Trail cycle route in Braunton is straightforward and accessible by various modes of transport.

  • By car: If you’re driving, Braunton is easily accessible from the A361, which connects with the M5 motorway.
  • By train: The nearest railway station to Braunton is Barnstaple, which is about eight kilometres away. Barnstaple station is well-connected to Exeter, which has direct links to London, Bristol, and other major cities. From Barnstaple, you can cycle directly to Braunton along the Tarka Trail or take a local bus or taxi (but this can be tricky if you have a bike with you).
  • By bus: Braunton is serviced by several local bus routes, including regular services from Barnstaple and surrounding towns. Buses are a convenient option if you’re travelling without a bike or prefer to leave your vehicle elsewhere (but buses can be tricky if you have a bike with you).
  • By bike: If you’re already in Devon and planning a cycling holiday, you can reach Braunton by cycling along one of Devon’s cycle routes, many of which connect directly to the Tarka Trail.

Is the Tarka Cycle Trail suitable for road bikes?

The Tarka Cycle Trail could be ridden on a wide variety of bikes, thanks to its well-maintained, smooth surfaces. It’s pretty much all paved between Braunton and Great Torrington. Between Great Torrington and Meeth, it’s cinder track/compact gravel but do-able for a more experienced road cyclist, though you may want gravel tyres for this section in winter.

Be aware that there are some gate restrictions and we’ve read that trailers or cycles wider than 1.5 metres might not get through.

tarka trail cycle route

A pretty bridge between Barnstaple to Instow on the The Tarka Trail

How flat is the Tarka Trail?

The Tarka Trail is predominantly flat. This section follows the route of a former railway line, which was originally engineered to have minimal gradients.

The route rises to 136 metres between Great Torrington and Meeth, but I would describe it as a very gentle climb.

When you look at the Tarka route profile above, at first glance, the climb between Great Torrington and Meet looks enormous; but check the y axis on the graph and you’ll see the overall elevation gain is as mentioned, 136 metres.

tarka trail cycle route

Flat, gentle cycle paths between Braunton to Barnstaple

Is the Tarka Trail a good family cycle route?

Yes, I think it’s a great choice for families, particularly the sections we rode Braunton to Barnstaple, Barnstaple to Instow and Instow to Bideford (you can find our route here . (Note you don’t necessarily need to do all of these sections – and when route planning, bear in mind if you’ll need to cycle back again too!)

In these sections, the path is paved and basically flat. There is the odd road crossing, but these are well marked. Note that you ride beside a busy main road as you cross over the new River Taw bridge near Barnstaple, but the path is wide.

The other good thing for families in this stretch is that there are lots of café options and visual interest. Plus there are many options for bike hire.

The section Bideford to Meeth is a little less suitable for younger children as it’s not paved and there is a climb that might be off-putting. There are also less cafés and things to do/see in this section. Read our full route description here.

tarka trail cycle route

Artwork on the Tarka Trail cycle route between Great Torrington to Meeth

What are the highlights of cycling the Tarka Trail?

The Tarka Trail cycle route is packed with scenic and cultural highlights that make it a memorable experience for cyclists of all levels.

Read our full ride guide to the Tarka Trail cycling route, where we share our personal favourites from cycling the Tarka Trail.

tarka trail cycle route

Exploring peaceful Devon countryside between Great Torrington to Meeth

Can you hire bikes on the Tarka Trail?

Yes, you can hire bikes on the Tarka Trail, making it convenient for visitors who don’t have bikes with them. There are several bike hire shops located at key points along the trail, offering a range of options to suit different needs, including mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and even electric bikes.

  • Braunton: As the starting point of the trail, Braunton has a few bike hire shops that provide a variety of bicycles, including family-friendly options like child seats and trailers. We used Waterside Bike Hire, Unit 15b, Chivenor Business Park, Braunton.
  • Barnstaple: Barnstaple is a major hub along the trail, with several well-established bike hire centres. Many of these shops also offer additional services like route advice, bike repairs, and maps.
  • Bideford: Another popular location for bike hire is Bideford. Here, you can find bikes for all ages and abilities, making it easy to explore the surrounding sections of the trail.
  • Great Torrington: For those starting further south on the trail, Great Torrington also has a bike hire shop that caters to visitors looking to explore the trail.

Many of these hire shops are located right along the trail, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes without deviating from your route.

Some shops also offer the option of one-way rentals, where you can return the bike to a different location along the trail, providing flexibility for your Tarka Trail cycling adventure.

If you want to ride the whole route but don’t want to ride back again from Meeth/Braunton, you could also enquire about paying for your bikes to be picked up.

tarka trail cycle route bike hire

Tarka Trail bike hire at Torrington

Is the trail easy to follow?

Yes, the Tarka Trail is easy to follow. The route is well-signposted throughout, with clear markers and maps placed at regular intervals to guide you along the way.

In addition to the physical signs, there are numerous information boards along the trail that provide details about the route, local landmarks, and points of interest.

tarka trail cycle route

Signs found on the Tarka Trail cycle route

Is there anywhere to eat food and drink on the Tarka Trail?

Yes, there are plenty of places to eat and drink along the Tarka Trail, making it easy to refuel during your ride. The trail passes through several towns and villages, each offering a range of options, from traditional pubs to quaint cafés and local eateries.

For more details, read our notes on cycling the Tarka Trail cycle route.

 

Is there a code of conduct for riding the Tarka Trail?

Yes, there is. The key points for cyclists are:

  • Keep to the left at all times.
  • Give way to pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams.
  • Keep your speed down and pass others slowly.
  • Give warning of your presence in good time, by ringing your bell or calling out a warning.
  • If the trail is busy, cycle in single file.
tarka trail cycle route

Cycling signage and rules on the Tarka Trail

Where can you park to ride the Tarka Trail?

We parked at the premises of the place we hired our bikes. However there are also car parks at Braunton (Caen Street Car Park) and Meeth (Meeth Halt), as well as intervening places such as Barnstaple (Barnstaple Train Station, Seven Brethren), Fremington Quay and Instow (Sandhills Car Park).

Have you ridden the Tarka Trail?

Let us know how you got on in the comments below!

Ridden some other of Devon’s cycle routes too? How did the Tarka compare with other bike trails in Devon?

Do you have other favourite family cycle routes in Devon?

Again, do let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these:

 

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Clare Dewey

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Last Reviewed: 30 August 2024

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