The Trail follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter in the book of that name, and is generally comprehensively waymarked. It passes through numerous towns, including Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Lynmouth and Ilfracombe and is 180 miles of walking and cycling trails through spectacular countryside.

A great variety of landscapes, including wooded river valleys, rugged moorland, coastal cliffs and sandy bays make up the trails. Walking varies between easy and strenuous depending on the location.