The Tarka Line - North Devon's Main Line
The Passengers' Voice
Campaigning for rail travellers, businesses and communities between Barnstaple and Exeter
Independent & Connected
Supporting Rail Users For Over 45 Years
We believe that our role as an independent advocate for the line is particularly important, and we fulfil this role by developing positive working relationships with other stakeholders of the railway and the communities it serves.
850,000+
passengers per year (as of April 2025)
45+
years of service
63 km
232
trains per week
The Latest
Campaigns
If you would like to get involved in any of these campaigns, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at any time!
Increased Train Capacity
Campaigning for more capacity on trains, through longer trains and more frequent services at peak times and ideally throughout the day.
Greater Access
Campaigning for greater access to railway through improved bus linkages, such as more buses going to the railway station Barnstaple, as well as our more rural stations.
Improved Parking
Campaigning for improved car parking at our rural stations like Umberleigh & Eggesford and increase parking at Barnstaple and Crediton.
Better Connections
Campaigning for better connections at Exeter with services to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham and the North.
Growth & Diversity
Work with the Community and Businesses to develop a long term strategy for the railway that delivers the service that we need to encourage growth, diversity and opportunities.
Reaching Out
How the North line serves the communities along the route from the larger conurbations like Barnstaple to smaller more remote communities like Portsmouth Arms, we would like to hear from you on your thoughts.
Walk It!
Tarka Line Walks
A guide to encourage travellers on the North Devon line between Barnstaple and Exeter (affectionately known as the Tarka Line) to explore the landscape on the other side of the window.
Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find out more.
We hold monthly committee meetings at various locations along the line as well as an Annual General Meeting and occasional public events.
Our latest projects include campaigning for increased train capacity, greater access, improved parking, better connections, and working with community and businesses for growth and diversity.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at info@ndlrpg.org or using the contact form.