We have walked many a trail on Exmoor around Brendon Common and Doone Valley but a
couple of times a year we step over the border to visit one of Somerset’s most
popular attractions, the Tarr Steps. Located in Exmoor National Park between
Withypool and Dulverton, there is a car park and toilets close by. (see map). The Exmoor National Park Authority
are in the process of revamping the information at Tarr Steps top car park to
include new interpretation boards, a new leaflet and
circular walk so watch this space. At this time of year you can hear regular Kok-Kok followed by a clapping
sound, this is pheasants from a local Shoot, watch out for them flying,
flapping, feeding or roosting in the trees. It’s a gentle stroll down beside a lush
meadow with views over to the wooded valley. You will eventually pass by Tarr
Farm Inn and Restaurant before reaching the main point of interest, the ancient
clapper bridge which spans the fast-running River Barle. The lower car park is for disabled
visitors only, there is an ice cream kiosk here in the Spring and
Summer. The Tarr Steps, like Clovelly is probably one of the most
photographed tourist attractions and is popular with amateur and professional
photographers as well as happy family snappers. Beside the huge stone slabs is
a busy ford, 4x4’s, horse and riders make it look easy but mountain bike
enthusiasts normally have a bumpy crossing and receive applause from onlookers
if they succeed without falling into the brink. Canoeing is only allowed (by arrangement) downstream
of Tarr Steps in order to reduce any potential impact on
breeding birds and mammals. Nature lovers please note that the woodland around here is internationally
significant for the mosses, liverworts and lichens. It was made a National
Reserve in 2004. Local residents include dormice, which make their home in
hazel, blackberry or honeysuckle. If you’re lucky you might just spot an otter
or an eel. The Jubilee Trail, part of the Golden Walk series, is a short circular walk, signposted with orange waymarks from the bridge. Please scroll down for information on the longer route from Dulverton. The area is particularly colourful towards the end of October when these
photographs were taken. The green spikes amongst the rusty leaves and bracken are
an indication that come Spring the woods will be filled with bluebells.
Tarr Steps is a 17
span clapper bridge (a bridge made of unmortared stone slabs), the longest of
its kind in Britain. It was first
mentioned in Tudor times but may be much older.
The river has silted up over the last century and often now comes over
the stones in times of flood. The bridge
has had to be repaired several times as stones of up to two tonnes have been
washed up to 50 metres downstream.
Official Golden Walk from Dulverton – A varied walk taking
in the Tarr Steps, the beautiful wooded valley of the River Barle, the
heathland of Winsford Hill and its wild ponies. Visit Exmoor National Park website for the latest information on this walk.
- Visit Exmoor National Park Authority Web Site
- Click here for information about Tarr Steps
- Kayaking /Canoeing on the River Barle. A new booking arrangement has been agreed with local landowners and user groups - Please click here for details
- Wikepedia Stub - Tarr_Steps
- Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9.
- Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 181.
View Larger Map
Following the recent flood damage to Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in the country, early estimates show that repairs to the rights of way network around the bridge and across Exmoor National Park are likely to cost thousands of pounds. National Park Rangers are currently busy assessing the damage in more detail.
Following the recent flood damage to Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in the country, early estimates show that repairs to the rights of way network around the bridge and across Exmoor National Park are likely to cost thousands of pounds. National Park Rangers are currently busy assessing the damage in more detail.
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Oriinal Article written Oct 2012 - Link updates Oct 2024 PMA
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Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle
Explore the Coast and' Country' side of Bideford Bay and Beyond
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