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/
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tarka-Trail-2188061954797585 (100)
Walking the Tarka Trail using Public Transport
Okehampton
...is situated on the northern edge of Dartmoor in West Devon. Okehampton is an ancient town and was initially settled in the Bronze Age. It lies at the confluence of the East and West Okement Rivers from which is takes its name. Okehampton has been described as the walking centre of Dartmoor. It is also popular with cyclists and walkers taking the Granite Way, a beautiful trail from Okehampton to Lydford.
The town has many attractions including the spectacular ruins of Okehampton Castle which date back to Norman times and the beautiful expansive parkland at Simmons Park with leisurely river side walks, ornamental gardens and a Swiss style chalet, multi sports facilities and playing areas for all ages as well as the Parklands Leisure Centre. The impressive tower of St James Chapel (15C) dominates the main street which in times gone by was the Old London Road lined with coaching inns which can still be seen today. The Town Hall, a handsome building with granite facade built in 1685 adds a touch of elegance to the town centre which also boasts a number of vibrant shopping arcades as well as the acclaimed Museum of Dartmoor Life. https://www.okehampton.gov.uk/
Okehampton Railway Station
... re-opened in December 2021. The station first opened in 1871 but closed to regular traffic in 1972. Heritage and occasional mainline services ran from 1997 to 2019. Trains run on the GWR Dartmoor Line with services to Exeter St Davids via Crediton.
Okehampton
The 6 Exeter - Bude and 6A Exeter - Launceston bus services are the quickest bus routes from Exeter to Okehampton.
Okehampton West Street (Stop B) – bustimes.org to Exeter
Okehampton West Street (Stop A) – bustimes.org from Exeter
The 5A Exeter - Okehampton bus service terminates in Okehampton.
Okehampton Fore Street Arcade (Stop C) – bustimes.org
Click on above image for 2000x2000 pixel .jpg
Map designed by Grant Sherman from https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/50.7572/-3.9420
North Tawton
You can get the bus to North Tawton on the 5A, 5B services from Exeter to start this walk to Okehampton
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
