The Trail traces the journeys of Tarka the Otter, taking in locations featured in the book by Henry Williamson. In effect, the Trail comprises two routes based on Barnstaple. The northern section takes an easterly line to and over Exmoor to the sea, then follows the coastline through Braunton back to Barnstaple. The southern section is through Bideford and Great Torrington to Okehampton and Sticklepath, returning north and terminating at Eggesford where advantage can be taken of a rail link back to Barnstaple. Both include sections in river valleys, including the Torridge, Taw, Bray and above the East Lyn.

The Tarka Trail Southern Section, 108 km (67 miles) and marked on OS mapping, stretches south from Barnstaple following parts of the River Torridge, visiting Great Torrington and Dolton, then looping further south to Hatherleigh, Okehampton and Sticklepath before turning north to the finish at Eggesford Station.