Running through the Devonshire countryside is the Tarka Line, a 39 mile railway line that runs from Exeter to Barnstaple and takes approximately one hour to make the full journey. It is one of the country's most scenic branch lines and runs through the Yeo and Taw valleys, with much of the route following the River Creedy, River Yeo and River Taw.
Between Eggesford and Barnstaple part of the Tarka Line forms part of the Tarka Trail which is a 180 mile long pathway and cycle route, and traces the journey of 'Tarka the Otter' in Henry Williamson's novel. At the Coleford Junction there is a branch off to Okehampton and is now open to passenger trains on the Dartmoor Railway line.
The Tarka Line Rail Ale Trail is a popular local activity; launched in 2002 it was one of the first schemes that used the railways in this way. It covers 18 pubs in total with five in Exeter, four in Barnstaple and a pub each in Newton St Cyres, Crediton, Yeoford, Copplestone, Morchard Road, Lapford, Eggesford, Portsmouth Arms and Umberleigh.
