The Tarka Trail is North Devon's dedicated cycle and walking trail takes you through beautifully countryside, from the heart of Devon to the stunning coast.

The Tarka Trail is made up of cycleways and footpaths that stretch for 180 miles around North Devon. The trail follows the path taken by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson. The trail passes through the beautiful landscape of North Devon, you can cycle or walk along wooded river valleys of the river Torridge and onwards to rugged moorland, coastal cliffs and sandy bays. Part of the Tarka Trail is also National Cycle Network route 27 and the Coast to Coast Route that stretches from Ilfracombe to Plymouth. It is along here that Smytham Manor can be found.

The Manor has its own access point on to the Tarka Trail, and is ideally placed to provide camping or lodge accommodation to walkers and cyclists. Cycle hire can be found along the Trail at Great Torrington and at Fremington near Barnstaple, so you do not even have to bring your own bikes.