Tarka Trail
A 180-mile traffic-free path through North Devon's stunning countryside, following a historic railway line. Perfect for cycling and walking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Tarka Trail
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 180-mile traffic-free path through North Devon's stunning countryside, following a historic railway line. Perfect for cycling and walking.
"Unspoilt natural beauty for miles and miles. A MUST for those who love nature."
🚲 Bike Hire Options
Hire bikes in Barnstaple or Torrington; hybrid and e-bikes are often available.
☕ Pit Stop Cafes
Enjoy refreshments at charming cafes like Puffing Billy, often in old railway stations.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 111 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Address
Website
tarkatrail.org.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Estuary Views
Along the River Taw and Torridge
Enjoy breathtaking views of the estuaries, woodlands, and meadows on this scenic route.
+1
Puffing Billy Cafe
Torrington
A popular stop at an old railway station, perfect for refreshments and a break.
Historic Railway Line
Entire Trail
Cycle or walk along a disused railway line, a unique way to experience the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Cycle Path
Plan Your Stops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike Hire Options
Hire bikes in Barnstaple or Torrington; hybrid and e-bikes are often available.
☕ Pit Stop Cafes
Enjoy refreshments at charming cafes like Puffing Billy, often in old railway stations.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
The flat, traffic-free path is ideal for families and young children.
♿ Accessible Sections
Some areas, like Fremington Quay, offer good accessibility for scooters and wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike Hire Options
Hire bikes in Barnstaple or Torrington; hybrid and e-bikes are often available.
☕ Pit Stop Cafes
Enjoy refreshments at charming cafes like Puffing Billy, often in old railway stations.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
The flat, traffic-free path is ideal for families and young children.
♿ Accessible Sections
Some areas, like Fremington Quay, offer good accessibility for scooters and wheelchairs.
♻️ Trail Cleanups
Join volunteer cleanups to help preserve the trail's natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Tarka Trail's scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility for walking and cycling. Its transformation from an old railway line into a vibrant path is highly praised, offering unspoilt natural landscapes and convenient, charming cafes for breaks. Some mention the potential for dogs to get muddy, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for nature lovers and active explorers.
"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."
Mike P
"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."
Fearocious
"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"
Del Williamson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tarka Trail is accessible from various points, with Barnstaple and Bideford being key starting locations. You can reach Barnstaple by train, and then hire bikes nearby.
Yes, there are parking facilities at several points, including Fremington Quay, which offers free parking and drop-off points.
Barnstaple has a train station, making it a convenient starting point for the Tarka Trail.
Key access points include Barnstaple, Bideford, and Torrington. Fremington Quay is also a popular and accessible entry point.
Yes, the trail is accessible for motor scooters, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tarka Trail is a public path and does not require tickets for walking or cycling.
There are no entry fees to access and use the Tarka Trail.
The Tarka Trail is open 24/7 as it is a public right of way. However, any cafes or hire shops along the route will have their own operating hours.
Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the scenery. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Tarka Trail, but it's advised to keep them on a lead, especially around livestock and other users.
🎫 🚴 Cycling & Walking
Absolutely! The Tarka Trail is renowned for its cycling suitability, being a long, continuous, traffic-free path ideal for all ages.
Many visitors hire bikes in Barnstaple or Torrington. The trail is mostly flat, making it an easy ride.
The Tarka Trail offers around 180 miles of paths, with the main cycle route between Barnstaple and Bideford being approximately 30km round trip.
The Tarka Trail is largely flat, as it follows a disused railway line, making it very accessible for walking and cycling.
The trail is mostly paved or well-surfaced, making it suitable for various types of bikes and comfortable for walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and pubs along the trail, with the Puffing Billy Cafe at Torrington being a popular choice.
Cafes typically offer snacks, cakes, tea, coffee, and light meals. The Puffing Billy has a good menu with fair prices.
Yes, there are many scenic spots along the trail that are perfect for picnics. Benches are also available.
Towns like Barnstaple and Bideford, which the trail passes through or near, offer a wider range of dining options.
Yes, numerous cafes and small kiosks are dotted along the trail, especially near popular access points and attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning estuary views, the unique old railway bridges and tunnels, and the diverse wildlife along the route.
Definitely. The trail offers varied landscapes from marshland to woodland and riverbanks, providing excellent opportunities for landscape shots.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, the trail is home to various birds and other wildlife, offering chances for nature photography.
The old railway bridges, tunnels, and the views from points like Bideford's old road bridge are popular photographic subjects.
Social
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