The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is the route taken by the fictitious character Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson’s book written in 1927. It covers around 180 miles of foot and cycle paths in a figure of eight around North Devon. The book was based on real locations that still exist on the trail, and for the most part remain largely unchanged today.  Tarka Cottage in Sticklepath is right on the path at the southern edge of the trail, lying near Oakhampton, Belstone and South Tawton.

In the Cottage you will find a good selection of books and guides detailing walks for all abilities.

A recommended short walk from the cottage (less than an hour), crosses the River Taw by the Tarka Tarka ProjectBridge which has extracts from Williamson’s book carved into it. For cyclists there is the Sticklepath circular cycle route and the nearby new Granite Way which forms part of the National Cycle Network and runs between Kehampton and Lydford. Our favourite walk is up to Belstone (directions in the Cottage), returning via Belstone Cleave and crossing the Taw by the Tarka Bridge. From Oakhampton there is also the West Devon Way, which runs the 36 miles between Oakhampton and Plymouth.

Tarka Trailmap

Other attractions include:

  • Buckfast AbbeyBuckfast Abbey (right):  One of a small number of monasteries still active in Britain today.
  • Castle Drogo:  The last castle to be built in England, set above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor.
  • Lydford Gorge: A spectacular river gorge and with a thunderous 30-metre White Lady waterfall.
  • The Miniature Pony Centre: A 20 acre site with lots of fun and hands-on activities including bird of prey displays, pony rides and much more.
  • Finch Foundry: A 19th century water powered foundry, which is still in working order and has regular demonstrations.
  • Dartmoor Prison Museum: Unlocking the history of one of England's most famous prisons, Dartmoor Prison Museum reflects the heritage of HMP Dartmoor from Prisoner of War Depot to the present day.
  • Museum of Dartmoor Life: Features the home and working lives of people who lived on and around Dartmoor. The museum building itself with three floors of exhibits, was a granary built in 1811.
  • Okehampton: The market town of Okehampton is approximately 4 miles away and has plenty of shops and supermarkets, leisure facilities such as a swimming pool and sports fields, plus many historic attractions including the recently restored train station and the castle ruins
  • Fishing: There several reservoirs near-by including Fernworthy at Chagford and Spiers Lake at North Tawton.
  • Pony Trekking: There are several pony trekking and riding stables in the area.
  • Cycle Hire: Cycles can be hired from shops in Okehampton.
Tarka Cottage


Other useful links: