River Tale

River Tale
River Tale near Cadhay
Catchment map of the River Tale
Location within Devon
Location
CountryEngland
CountyDevon
Physical characteristics
SourceBroadhembury
MouthRiver Otter, Devon
  location
Devon
  coordinates
50°45′22″N 3°17′17″W / 50.7562°N 3.2880°W / 50.7562; -3.2880
Length14.2 km (8.8 mi)
Discharge 
  locationFairmile
  average0.44 m3/s (16 cu ft/s)

The River Tale is a small river that drains the southern slopes of the Blackdown Hills, in Devon, England. It is a tributary of the River Otter and 8.8 miles (14.2 km) in length. Its name is derived from getæl (Old English) meaning "quick, active or swift"; however, the river is noted as being "sluggish". One theory is that its name was transferred from Tala Water, a tributary of the nearby River Tamar. The river is the site of ongoing efforts to reintroduce the water vole, which is thought to be extinct in Devon.