Tarka Trail set for major new improvements in North Devon after council approval

Devon County Council has approved a £2.2 million investment to complete three more sections of the “missing link” on the Tarka Trail, a 32-mile multi-use route in North Devon.

The works will provide safer, off-road routes for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those using mobility aids between Willingcott and Knowle, just north of Braunton.

According to the council’s cabinet report, the Tarka Trail follows the River Taw Estuary between Braunton, Barnstaple, and Instow, before continuing along the River Torridge to Bideford, Great Torrington, and Meeth near Hatherleigh. 

The trail is part of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27 and is highly popular with residents and visitors, contributing to both local wellbeing and economic prosperity.

While a traffic-free section currently links Ilfracombe to Willingcott, the route from Willingcott to Knowle is mostly on-road with challenging topography, limiting its appeal to more confident cyclists. 

The council stated that completing off-road sections would enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy walking, wheeling, and cycling in North Devon.

The council’s report also highlights strong public support. 

As part of the Countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) consultation, 379 respondents were asked about the Willingcott to Knowle route, with 95 per cent supporting completion of the “missing link.” 

Wider engagement, including with the local MP, is ongoing, and a survey of over 7,000 Devon residents emphasised the importance of environmental improvements, including better access to nature.

Work approved by councillors will include:

A 300-metre off-road shared-use path from Spreacombe Junction to North Buckland Hill, providing a safe alternative to the busy A361.

Improvements to a 150-metre section of North Buckland Hill, and widening/upgrading a 560-metre bridleway to create a high-quality multi-use path.

Widening and surfacing of an existing off-road route between Deans Copse, Nethercott Road, and Knowle, with a Public Path Creation Order enabling cycling and horse riding.

The £2.2 million investment will be funded from a combination of sources, according to the council report:

• Safer Roads Fund grant: £991,561 for Phase 4a.
• Consolidated Active Travel Fund (DfT): £697,839 for Phase 6.
• Other Active Travel Fund allocations: £61,987 across Phases 4b and 5.
• Local Transport Plan allocations: £530,284 for Phases 4b and 6, split across current and future financial years.

The Safer Roads Fund comes from The Department for Transport, who introduced the  support road safety in England, and it is part of a wider package of investment into Britain’s road network. 

It targets the 50 most dangerous stretches of road in England, as identified through the Road Safety Foundation, a charity supporting central government. 

The future Local Transport Plan funding is subject to approval of the 2026/27 and 2027/28 capital programme by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA).

Several phases have already been completed, including stretches from Willingcott Holiday Village to Buttercombe Lane, Buttercombe Lane to Foxhunters, Cottages to Nethercott Road, and Nethercott Road. 

A new section through Willingcott Holiday Village will be delivered by a private developer as part of holiday park expansion planning permission.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “The Tarka Trail is extremely popular and important to the local economy, but this missing link hampers the trail from reaching its full potential. Completing this section will open up the route to more communities north of Braunton, making walking and cycling a realistic option for leisure or commuting. It’s good for the environment, people’s health, and reducing carbon emissions.”

County Councillor for Braunton Rural, Graham Bell, added: “When we complete this section, we’ll be close to a continuous off-road cycle trail between Ilfracombe and Plymouth. This will provide massive tourism and business opportunities for North Devon, as well as a safe route for children and others to reach Braunton, Barnstaple rail station, and beyond.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, County Councillor for Combe Martin Rural, said: “I’ve been lobbying for the missing link for 20 years. In the past five years, we’ve achieved more progress than the previous 15, so it’s great to see this come forward.”

Once the current phases are delivered, only the section between Foxhunters and Spreacombe will remain incomplete, with proposals for this area under development but funding yet to be identified. 

Completion of the route is expected by Autumn 2027.