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Eggesford - Barnstaple

Distance: 20 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
End points:
- Eggesford (Grid Ref SS682115)
- Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS555325)

It is possible to devise your own walking route continuing north along the Taw Valley from Eggesford to Barnstaple using minor roads and paths. The railway is always close by and may be taken from any of the intermediate stations. However, the Tarka Trail itself uses the train over this length. This has the advantage of some of the best views of the Taw and of a number of locations mentioned in the book which are inaccessible on foot. The ride down this beautiful valley must be one of the country's most scenic train journeys.

Mileages between towns on route:
Eggesford - Kings Nympton: 4 miles
Kings Nympton - Portsmouth Arms: 3 miles
Portsmouth Arms - Umberleigh: 5 miles
Umberleigh -Chapelton: 2.5 miles
Chapelton - Barnstaple: 4.5 miles

Public Transport: Buses at Chapelton, Bishops Tawton, Barnstaple; trains at Eggesford, Kings Nympton Station, Portsmouth Arms, Umberleigh, Chapelton, Barnstaple.

Relevant maps/guides: 1: 25,000 scale: Explorer no. 127 South Molton and Chulmleigh; 139 Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. 1: 50,000 scale: Landranger no. 191 Okehampton and North Dartmoor; 180 Barnstaple and Ilfracombe

Facilities along route: All facilities at Barnstaple; pubs at Eggesford, Portsmouth Arms, Umberleigh, Bishops Tawton; shops at Umberleigh, Bishops Tawton