A day out exploring The Tarka Trail

Anyone who has read Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter will fondly recall how vividly his astonishing way with words brought north east Devon to life; how he successfully captured the essence of the landscape, bustling with wildlife, filled with personality, bird song and natural drama.

Tarka covers a lot of ground during his travels and, thanks to the way in which Williamson brought this natural haven to life, visitors in their thousands have been inspired to follow in their favourite otter’s footsteps. The Tarka Trail covers a route of approximately 80 miles, from Okehampton on the fringes of Dartmoor to the county’s tip in Lynton. Not only has this area been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve – an area comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems – it is also home to a number of fantastic, independently run businesses, from bike hire shops and home improvement stores, to eateries that champion the finest local produce.

In a forthcoming issue we’ll be taking a much more in-depth look at Williamson, Tarka and the area that man and otter have well and truly put
on the map.

The Tarka Trail

www.exploredevon.info