In Tarka's Pawprints - Walk

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/End point: Braunton (Grid Ref: SS488371).

Wander into the long and fascinating past of author Henry Williamson's country of the two rivers.

Rich grazing land in Braunton Marsh and Horsey Island was enclosed and banked against the sea in the early 19th century and lies beyond Braunton with its fascinating church and museum.

Henry Williamson, who lived nearby in Georgeham, called this part of Devon the country of the two rivers in his book, Tarka The Otter. Our route follows Tarka's to where the Taw and Torridge meet the sea in a broad estuary flanked by the massive sand dunes of Braunton Burrows. These shelter Braunton Great Field, a rare survival of a medieval open field.

Theme: Country, Coast,
Special Interest: Archaeological, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nature, Historical, Art & Literature, Wildlife,
Area: North Devon.

Relevant maps/guides: Ordnance Survey Landranger 180 or Explorer 139.
Facilities along route: Six pubs, a tea room and restaurant in Braunton. There are public toilets at the start of the walk in the car park.
This route is suitable for all who can manage stiles (6 in total) and distance. The route is level (fairly exceptional in Devon), well-marked paths, tracks and short sections on minor lanes, muddy after rain. This walk should take roughly 4 hours for the average walker.