Country Ways 

Cottage rental
in the centre of Tarka Country

Nearly 70 years ago, the novelist Henry Williamson drew on his intimate knowledge of the beautiful north Devon countryside to provide the setting for one of the best-loved of all nature stories, 'Tarka the Otter'. This area is now known as Tarka Country, covering more than 500 square miles of unforgettable countryside stretching from the north Devon coast and Exmoor to the northern slopes of Dartmoor. In between lie miles of rolling farmland and lush river valleys in the less well known heartland of Devon known as the Devonshire Dales.

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EXMOOR 

This is one of Britain's smallest National Parks and a real little gem! Exmoor lies in the north of the County and combines a breathtakingly rugged coastline with a countryside of wild heather moorland, etched with deep wooded valleys and tumbling rivers and streams. Wildlife abounds on Exmoor - home of the wild red deer, the soaring buzzard and the now rare breed of Exmoor pony. You may even spot a wild goat or two from the coastal path.

 NORTH DEVON COAST
The North Devon coast is as beautiful as it is rugged. The spectacular Valley of Rocks has superb views across to South Wales.

The coastline is riven with narrow valley combes, which extend long wooded fingers inland, such as Heddon valley. There are also broad expanses of sandy beaches such as Woolacombe sands and Saunton Sands where the Atlantic rollers attract surfers. for details

 

 DARTMOOR FRINGE
This is an area of scenic contrast where the distant Dartmoor Hills form a constant backdrop to the richly endowed rolling farmland.The River Okement flows from the moor to join the Torridge, providing on its route, a haven for wildlife.

 DEVONSHIRE DALES
, As the Taw slowly broadens into a mature river as it passes through deeply peaceful farmland gathering the flows of small streams and other rivers in its progress towards the coast. This area is known as The Devonshire Dales

Deep in the heart of the Dervonshire Dales lies Eggesford Forest. It is here that the Tarka Trail footpath joins the scenic Tarka Line railway to Barnstaple.

 

   TORRIDGE VALLEY
The Torridge valley, with its intimate wooded banks, was Tarka's home territory. His fictional birthplace was amid the roots of an riverside oak close to Canal Bridge which can be seen from the Tarka Trail.

Link to the Official Tarka Country Website

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