The Tarka Trail: cycling and walking in North Devon
A 52km traffic-free leisure route beside the Taw and Torridge estuaries, starting 25 minutes from Woolacombe — flat, family-friendly and one of the South West's best cycling days out.
Quick answer
North Devon's best-known leisure route starts 25 minutes away
The Tarka Trail is a long-distance leisure route through North Devon, named after the otter in Henry Williamson's 1927 novel. The most popular cycling section is the flat off-road route from Barnstaple towards Bideford, Great Torrington and Meeth, passing estuary villages, old railway stations, woodland and river views. From Woolacombe, drive to Barnstaple in around 25 minutes and start near the quay or railway station, or continue to Bideford in around 40 minutes for a quieter ride south towards Torrington.
For a family-friendly outing, ride Barnstaple to Bideford and back, or shorten it by turning around at Fremington Quay or Instow. For a bigger day, continue from Bideford to Great Torrington or Meeth. The trail is shared with walkers, wheelchair users, mobility scooters, dog walkers and, on limited sections, horse riders, so keep speeds relaxed and pass carefully.
Background
What is the Tarka Trail?
The full Tarka Trail follows a figure-of-eight course through northern Devon, taking in coast, estuary, farmland, wooded valleys and Exmoor fringes. It traces landscapes associated with Tarka the Otter, the North Devon novel published by Henry Williamson in 1927.
For cyclists, the practical route is the former railway corridor between Braunton and Meeth. Explore Devon lists it as 52km / 32 miles and entirely traffic-free; Walk Wheel Cycle Trust records the National Cycle Network route as 30.3 miles and 99.7% traffic-free. It forms part of the National Cycle Network, including Route 3 and the Devon Coast to Coast route. For walkers, the wider Tarka Trail is a waymarked long-distance route that can be tackled in short sections.
Cycling
The cycling section: Barnstaple to Meeth
The easiest Woolacombe starting point is Barnstaple. From Barnstaple Quay, the trail runs west along the Taw estuary towards Fremington and Instow, then crosses towards Bideford and follows the Torridge valley to Great Torrington, Petrockstowe and Meeth.
Expect a firm, mostly level shared-use surface with compacted gravel and stone sections rather than a smooth road-bike ride. Hybrid bikes, touring bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes are well suited; narrow-tyred road bikes are less comfortable, especially after rain or on looser sections. Families planning around children's confidence should also read Tarka Trail with kids before choosing a section.
Distances
Key sections and distances
Barnstaple to Bideford
About 9 miles one way. The classic Woolacombe day-trip section: flat, easy to follow, and full of estuary views. Turn back at Bideford for an 18-mile out-and-back, or stop at Fremington Quay or Instow for a shorter ride.
Bideford to Great Torrington
About 6 miles one way. This section feels quieter and greener, following the Torridge into wooded country. Good for visitors who have already ridden the Barnstaple side and want more variety.
Great Torrington to Meeth
About 11 miles one way. Peaceful woodland, bridges and open countryside. Suits stronger leisure cyclists planning a longer day rather than a casual family half-day.
Starting out
Starting from Woolacombe
From Woolacombe, the simplest plan is to drive the A361 to Barnstaple and start near the quay or station. Barnstaple gives immediate access to the flattest, busiest and best-served part of the trail, with refreshments and toilets at several stops.
Bideford is the better start if you want a quieter ride towards Torrington. It also works if you are combining the trail with a wander around the town and Long Bridge; see the Bideford guide for more detail. Bike hire is available around the trail starts in Barnstaple and Bideford, but check opening days and booking requirements before travelling, especially in school holidays.
Along the way
What to see on the Tarka Trail
Fremington Quay is one of the best early stops from Barnstaple, with historic quayside character and open estuary views. Instow has a small estuary beach and views across to Appledore. Bideford gives you the Long Bridge, quayside and town centre, while the Torrington stretch brings deeper river scenery and the former railway atmosphere around the station area, including the Puffing Billy.
The Taw-Torridge estuary sections are also good for wildlife. Look for wading birds on the mudflats, herons and egrets in the shallows, and occasional flashes of kingfisher on the quieter Torridge reaches. Spring and autumn are especially rewarding for birdwatching.
On foot
Walking the Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is not only a cycling route. Walkers can use the same traffic-free railway sections for short, level walks, and the wider long-distance walking route reaches further into North Devon. Sections nearest Woolacombe include the Taw-Torridge estuary, Barnstaple, Bideford, the Exmoor fringe and the North Devon coast.
For a simple walk, choose Barnstaple to Fremington Quay, Instow to Bideford, or a short out-and-back from Great Torrington. For more walking ideas around the coast and moorland, link this with Woolacombe for walkers and Exmoor.
By rail
Arriving by train
The Tarka Line runs between Exeter and Barnstaple, and Barnstaple station is a practical rail-and-trail start. Great Scenic Railways describes Barnstaple station as a starting point for the Tarka Trail, with level traffic-free cycling available from there towards Instow, Bideford and Torrington. This is the simplest car-free option for visitors arriving in North Devon by rail, although Woolacombe itself still needs an onward bus, taxi or lift from Barnstaple.
When to go
Best time to visit
The trail is open year-round. Summer is busiest, especially the Barnstaple to Instow section on warm school-holiday weekends. Spring and autumn are often better for adults, walkers and wildlife watchers: quieter paths, softer light on the estuary, and fewer pinch points around the main stops. In winter, expect muddier and wetter patches on compacted sections, particularly further towards Meeth.
Before you go
Practical notes
Bring water, snacks and a puncture repair kit. There are useful stops at Barnstaple, Fremington, Instow, Bideford and Great Torrington, but several stretches have no facilities for miles. Use bells or your voice when passing walkers, slow down around families and dogs, and keep left on blind bends. For a wider two-wheel holiday plan, connect this with Woolacombe cycling, Barnstaple, North Devon things to do and getting here.
Checked 11 July 2026
Sources used
- Explore Devon, The Tarka Trail (Braunton–Meeth) — route distance, traffic-free status, section distances, facilities and terrain.
- Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Tarka Trail — National Cycle Network distance, traffic-free percentage and route character.
- North Devon Biosphere, Tarka Trail shared use — shared-use section, former railway, National Cycle Network routes and compacted stone note.
- Great Scenic Railways, Tarka Line — Exeter to Barnstaple rail link and Barnstaple station trail access.