The most scenic way to explore the Devonshire Dales and Tarka Country is to leave the car at home.

The 39-mile Tarka Line connects the historic City of Exeter with the award-winning floral market town of Barnstaple, passing along the banks of the Rivers Yeo and Taw and through the beautiful green rolling countryside for which Devon is rightly famous..

A great round trip on from Barnstaple takes in both Woolacombe’s renowned sandy beach and North Devon’s most popular resort, Ilfracombe.

Take First’s route 303 from Barnstaple bus station, about ten minutes walk from the rail station over the Long Bridge, to Woolacombe Sands. Spend some time on the beach or take a walk to Morte Point to enjoy fine views of the coast and headland before catching the 31 or 32 on from Woolacombe to Ilfracombe.

Explore the town, or take a walk around Capstone Hill before catching service 3 or 30 from the High Street back to Barnstaple Bus Station.

As North Devon’s principal town, Barnstaple has an excellent shopping centre and its historic Pannier Market hosts a variety of different markets through the week.

If travelling from North Devon, Exeter offers a great day out. Take the Tarka Line train through to Exeter Central station, which is just a few minutes walk from the shopping centre and the City’s picturesque Cathedral and Cathedral Close. Other Exeter attractions include the historic Quayside and the maze of intriguing Underground Passages.

A good place to break your Tarka Line journey is Eggesford, mid-way along the line. Here, on the banks of the Taw, the first state forest was established in 1919, paving the way for today’s Forestry Commission. There are lots of good waymarked woodland walks to enjoy. Refreshments are available at the Eggesford Country Centre and the Eggesford Country Hotel, both a short walk from the station.

From Eggesford, the Tarka Line follows the River Taw to Barnstaple. Barnstaple station is situated right next to the start of the Tarka Trail, which offers safe, traffic-free cycling for all ages along the route of the old railway line to Instow, Bideford and Torrington. Cycles can be hired at the station (Easter - October, please call 01271 324202 or visit Tarka Trail Cycle Hire for information and bookings.)