The Tarka Trail is a series of footpaths and cyclepaths (rail trails) around north Devon, England that follow the route taken by the fictional Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. It covers a total of 180 miles (290 km) in a figure-of-eight route, centred on Barnstaple.
https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk/
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Map designed by Grant Sherman from https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/50.8415/-3.8909
Eggesford Railway Station
There are trains on the Tarka Line that stop at Eggesford every hour during daylight.
You can get the bus to Eggesford Railway Station on the 5C service from Exeter to start this walk to North Tawton
Eggesford Rail Station (SE-bound) – bustimes.org to Exeter (only two buses per day stop at Eggesford)
Eggesford Rail Station (NW-bound) – bustimes.org from Exeter to Chulmleigh (only three buses per day stop at Eggesford)
Fox and Hounds Country Hotel
The Fox and Hounds Hotel in North Devon is truly tucked away in the heart of the glorious Devon countryside, set on the banks of the River Taw amongst the scenic landscape of the Tarka Trail. Retreat to nature where you can enjoy the outdoor life with a walk in the surrounding forest or join in with some of the best country sports in the UK right on our doorstep, with shooting and fishing breaks for you to enjoy.
https://www.foxandhoundshotel.co.uk/
Eggesford Barton
Eggesford Barton House is a unique Grade 2 listed property set in 30 acres and surrounded by stunning mid-Devon countryside. The 300-year-old property has been carefully renovated and is full of charm and character, with pretty Georgian arched windows, exposed oak beams, original fireplaces and quirky sloping floors.
https://www.eggesford-barton.co.uk
Eggesford Forest
Discover the great historic importance of Eggesford Forest today
Eggesford Forest is home to the very first trees planted by the newly created Forestry Commission in 1919 within Flashdown Wood.
Since then, the forest has continued to gather mementos of the past with several commemorative tree avenues, and a granite stone unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1956 to mark the millionth acre of Forestry Commission planting.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/eggesford-forest
Trenchard Farm
Granary Cottage was once the grain store and engine house at Trenchard Farm. It has been stylishly refurbished to provide superb accommodation, with it's own garden and parking area. There is plenty of character with high beams, stonework, slate and wooden floors. Situated in Mid Devon between Exeter, Barnstaple, Dartmoor and Exmoor. An ideal holiday location to explore the gorgeous Devon countryside and coastline.
Granary Cottage, Trenchard Farm, Eggesford EX18 7QY http://www.trenchardfarm.co.uk/index.htm
Chenson Bridge
You could start your walk at Chenson Bridge
Hawkridge
Lymington Arms
Bob and Kate look forward to welcoming you to this very special country pub in Wembworthy, near Chulmleigh. Set in the most beautiful countryside deep in mid-Devon we have plenty of space outside for people to enjoy, outdoor seating, a large car park and a sunny bar/dining area. Our characterful country pub can seat up to 50 guests for special events and can also be hired exclusively. We welcome children with well-behaved parents, dogs – as long as their owners are on leads and horses (but unfortunately, they will have to stay outside!). We have a comprehensive menu and a constantly changing specials board, also snacks, sandwiches and summertime salads. We use locally sourced ingredients in our homecooked dishes. In addition to this, we are also a Brit Stop Host so we look forward to welcoming you as a guest at our site sometime soon.
https://www.lymingtonarms.co.uk/
Bespoak Furniture & Joinery Ltd
Our bespoke joinery service designs and delivers your vision for purpose-made, long-lasting furniture, interiors and exteriors using traditional skills and modern techniques for a contemporary look to sustainable timber crafted in the heart of Devon.
Winkleigh Wood
Clapper Cross Woods
Clapper Mead Woods is one of The Woodland Trust's 'Woods On Your Doorstep' woodlands created to commemorate the Millennium. It comprises mixed native woodland with a central feature of a granite stone bench.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/clapper-cross-woods/
Ashridge Court
The recorded history of the Ashridge Court Estate goes back to the 1300's when Edwina de Valletort, a scion of the Norman barons of North Tawton, married Richard Wood and they settled here. Surrounded by verdant woodland and rolling fields, the estate has waxed and waned through the years with the fortunes of it's owners. Nestled into the edge of North Tawton, the estate has links as far apart as India and the Prayer-book Rebellion. Without too much ado, people have been making a living from this land for at least 1000 years, quietly sowing and reaping whilst wars, plagues and politics swept on around them. Long may it continue.
http://www.ashridge-court.co.uk/
North Tawton
You can get the bus to North Tawton on the 5A, 5B services from Exeter to start this walk to Eggesford
North Tawton Clock Tower (SE-bound) – bustimes.org to Exeter
North Tawton The Square (NW-bound) – bustimes.org from Exeter
Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a series of footpaths and cyclepaths (rail trails) around north Devon, England that follow the route taken by the fictional Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. It covers a total of 180 miles (290 km) in a figure-of-eight route, centred on Barnstaple. https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk/
The 31-mile (50 km) section between Braunton and Meeth is car-free, level and mostly tarmacked, and is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, with horse riding also permitted on part of it. There is a guidebook available for this section. http://www.exploredevon.info/activities/cycle/tarka-trail-braunton-meeth/
Devonshire Heartland Way
Visit Mid Devon The Devonshire Heartland Way is an inland route for walkers, which is approximately 45 miles in length. It mainly uses ancient footpaths and bridleways and, in some places, minor country roads. This walk can be made shorter and joined at any point along route. For the benefit of readability, we have broken the route down into three sections: Okehampton to North Tawton, North Tawton to Crediton, and Crediton to Stoke Canon. Waymarkers displaying the Spindle Berry Flower are found along the route.
Walkers can make the most of connections to the Tarka Trail long distance footpath at North Tawton, the Two Moors Way long distance footpath at Colebrooke, or the Tarka Railway Line at Yeoford, Newton St Cyres or Crediton.
Accommodation, attractions and eateries can be found at points all along the route including the simple and quite unique church of St Mary’s at Honeychurch, The Waie Inn, Down St Mary Vineyard, Shobrooke Park, The Duck at Yeoford and Crediton Parish Church as well as the many shops and eateries in the market towns of North Tawton and Crediton.
https://www.visitmiddevon.co.uk/visit-mid-devon-walking-routes/devonshire-heartland-way/
Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk
A link between the Tarka Trail and the Two Moors Way in North Devon. The route combines footpaths and minor lanes following the picturesque valley of the Little Dart River and the surrounding higher land. The walk is accessible by public transport at both ends. The walk starts at Eggesford Barton near the train station and heads towards Chawleigh and then Leigh Bridge where you join the river. The route continues to West and East Worlington before finishing at Witheridge. A three mile link to the quiet country market town of Chulmleigh can be taken from just beyond Eggesford. This is one of many walks that can be enjoyed using public transport. From Exeter, take the 155 service to Witheridge and return by the 5C service from Chulmleigh, Chawleigh or Eggesford Railway Station, or take the train.
https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Little+Dart+Ridge+and+Valley+Walk
Two Moors Way
The original Two Moors Way spans 102 miles from Ivybridge on the southern boundary of Dartmoor National Park to Lynmouth on the North Devon coast in Exmoor National Park. If you wish to complete a Coast to Coast walk you can start at Wembury on the South Devon coast and follow the Erme-Plym trail to Ivybridge, adding around 15 miles. See the route charts for a detailed overview of the route. The entire route is waymarked in each direction in most places, but it does cross wild moorland and remote countryside where the weather can change quickly. You should therefore carry the relevant maps and know how to read them – a compass is also strongly advisable. https://twomoorsway.org/
