Tarka Trail

Tarka Trail

A walk through Exmoor National Park and along the heritage coast, beginning and ending in Barnstaple.

7 to 9 nights
83 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding

From £1000 per person

Find your holiday

About this route

7 to 9 nights
83 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £1000 per person

Tarka Trail

The complete Tarka Trail is a figure of eight walk centred on Barnstaple. We offer walking holidays along the scenic northern loop, where the trail combines the ancient oakwoods, heather-covered hills and secluded river valleys of Exmoor with one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the country. Between beaches of golden sand, secluded coves tuck in behind lofty headlands and waterfalls plunge into the sea.

These gorgeous landscapes are alive with wildlife: Exmoor ponies, horned sheep and roe deer; kestrel, skylark and heron; and of course the elusive otter – relatives of Williamson’s Tarka the Otter, perhaps, after whom the trail is named. The Tarka Trail is a wonderfully fulfilling walking holiday, supported by charming villages.

Standard
Interactive
© Contours Walking Holidays Tarka Trail map
Circular trail beginning at Barnstaple
83 miles (133 km)
2nd January to 24th December

Holiday highlights

Visiting the largest sand dune system in England, Braunton Burrows, famously featured in Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter.

Following the wonderful coastline between Lynmouth and Ilfracoombe, including ‘Great Hangman,’ the highest point on the South West Coast Path.

Admiring the variety of rich environments, from North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, the heather-covered expanse of Exmoor and the Taw Estuary.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
TARK1 A circular trail beginning at Barnstaple 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1000
TARK2 A circular trail beginning at Barnstaple 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate £1120
TARK3 A circular trail beginning at Barnstaple 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1250
"Lee Bay, Devon" by Jutta Orth (2019) "Lee Bay, Devon" by Jutta Orth (2019)
"On the Way to Ilfracombe" by Jutta Orth (2019) "On the Way to Ilfracombe" by Jutta Orth (2019)
"On the Way to Combe Martin" by Juergen Kalinski (2019) "On the Way to Combe Martin" by Juergen Kalinski (2019)
"December Colours on Exmoor" by Juergen Kalinski (2019) "December Colours on Exmoor" by Juergen Kalinski (2019)
"Approaching Ilfracombe" by Juergen Kalinski (2019) "Approaching Ilfracombe" by Juergen Kalinski (2019)
"The Red Devons are Watching" by Juergen Kalinski (2019) "The Red Devons are Watching" by Juergen Kalinski (2019)
"Between North Molton and Simonsbath" by Michael Vogel (2018) "Between North Molton and Simonsbath" by Michael Vogel (2018)

Customer reviews from the Tarka Trail

“Altogether we had an enjoyable holiday with great walks, good weather, nice B&B/ Hotels, perfect luggage transport. Thank you very much for organizing our holiday.”
Mrs Marshall, UK
“Walk route very scenic enjoyed the week.”
Mr Barbour, UK
“We’ve done coast to coast , Cleveland Way, Isle of Wight , St Oswald’s Way... but Tarka trail is the best so far , up there with the coast to coast . Every day was different and beautiful; we've seen deer, hares and great egrets, to name just a few, and loved every minute.”
Ms Catley, UK
“Changing terrain with great views made for an enjoyable walk. We were also lucky with the weather which aded to the experience.”
Mr Stagg, UK
“Well organized, good communications and explanation. Beautiful scenery and comfortable places to stay. We really had a lovely holiday.”
Mrs Vermue, Netherlands
“Nice mix between very different landscapes. Weather (outside the control of all) was excellent. Accommodation was of good to excellent quality. Transfers (taxis and luggage) were reliable. When I am next in the UK would book with Contours for sure - as usual indeed.”
Mr Bayley, UK
“It was a great experience and the trail is really nice! Regarding the accommodations, they were all really good in their own right.”
Mr Rutten, Netherlands
“Great variety of scenery and walking in a lovely area. Coastal walking quite tough due to the constant steep ups and downs but spectacular all the same. As always Contours arrangements worked seamlessly every time.”
Mrs Bell, UK
“Very well organised and nice places to stay. Great variety of countryside and coastline.”
Mr Hicks, UK
Find your holiday