Information for visitors

This helpful map, pdf leaflet and guidebook focusses on the shared-use-section between Braunton and Meeth. It is part of a European Cycle West project to jointly promote cycling routes in Britain and the South West. It is part of the "Velodyssey" route linking south-east Brittany, including the Iroise Biosphere Reserve and Devon.

Guidebook for the Tarka Trail
A 48-page guide to the shared-use section of the Tarka Trail is now available to buy at www.tarkatrailguide.co.uk

The user-friendly guide contains many details of the various wildlife you might see as you travel.  It is also  packed with helpful information on facilities which are on or near the Trail such as car & cycle parking, trail surface, toilets, cafes and restaurants, camping and accommodation, bridleways, disabled accessibility and more. 
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​Get your copy here.

Tarka Trail Projects

• Life's Journey Project
• Audio Guide (shared use section)
  ​- Along the Tarka Trail shared use section there are 21 discovery posts with information on the history and wildlife of the Trail and the places it passes through. Download and/or listen to the audio guide as mp3 files.
• Usage statistics
• Management Plan

Guidance for users

DCC Leaflet for Tarka Trail
File Size:	1798 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Tarka Trail Code of Conduct
File Size:	73 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Guidance for horse riders
File Size:	67 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Tarka Trail vegetation management
File Size:	16 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Distances (miles) - Click to enlarge

Google Street View

The shared-use section (from Braunton to Meeth) is now live on Google Street View.

Take a look at these links below which use Google Streetview:
Start of the shared-use section at Braunton
Velator wetland
Chivenor
On route to Barnstaple
Take a seat and admire the view
This former railway line has a smooth level surface
At Barnstaple follow 'Tarka Otter print' signs
Fremington Quay
Yelland
Instow Tunnel
Instow
Bideford Station
Iron Bridge - across the Torridge
Tunnel under the A388 (use your lights)
Over the Torridge again
Torrington Station
Servis Farm - from this point on to Meeth, horse riding is permitted
Watergate - Tarmac surface ends - the surface is now compacted stone
Yarde Orchard Cafe
Meeth - the end of the multi-use section

Did you know that the old London and South West Railway route now used as the Tarka Trail replaced the older Rolle Canal built less than 40 years earlier. We are working to improve access to the remains of the canal and to tell their story. 

There are many valuable habitats beside the cycle track including estuary mud flats and salt marsh, oak woodland, hazel coppice, Devon hedges, ponds, streams, ditches, meadows and Culm grasslands. All these habitats need management whether it is cutting coppice, clearing out ponds, laying hedges or mowing meadows.