River Barle, Exmoor National Park, near Dulverton, Somerset
Tarr Steps
Medieval
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Seventeen great stone slabs span the River Barle at Tarr Steps, where the wooded valley’s everyday footpath crosses a bridge whose origins remain uncertain.
The appeal is the meeting of a remarkable old crossing and a wooded Exmoor river valley. Explore beyond the bridge for a short riverside circuit and a quieter sense of the Barle landscape.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapRiver Barle, Exmoor National Park, near Dulverton, Somerset
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
See the 17-span stone clapper bridge, cross only when river conditions allow, and explore the wooded River Barle valley on a short walk.
Things to do
Study the clapper bridge
Take in the 17 spans and the large stone slabs laid across supports, then consider why the crossing’s exact age remains uncertain.
15–30 minutes
Explore the wooded River Barle valley
Take a short walk from the bridge through the surrounding wooded valley; the National Park also points visitors towards a short circular route.
Check the river before crossing
After heavy rain, water may cover the bridge slabs. If that is the case, remain on the bank and do not attempt to cross.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick escape: bridge and river
- 01
Walk down from the car park to the River Barle.
- 02
Look over the 17-span clapper bridge and its stone construction.
- 03
Cross only if the slabs are not covered and conditions are safe; otherwise enjoy the view from the bank.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: bridge and Barle valley
- 01
Visit Tarr Steps and take time to examine the bridge from both riverbanks.
- 02
Follow the short circular walk from the bridge, checking the current route and any closures before setting out.
- 03
Return to the riverside and, if open, stop at the Tarr Farm Inn.
Verified history
Tarr Steps is a 17-span clapper bridge over the River Barle. Its age is not established: the supplied guide notes theories ranging from prehistoric origins to around 1400, while describing the official listing as medieval. The bridge has been repaired after flood damage; the supplied guide says the middle was washed away in the winter of 1941–42 and rebuilt in 1952 by the Royal Engineers.
Folklore & legend
A supplied visitor description mentions a local legend attributing the bridge’s creation to the devil. Treat this as folklore, not established history.
Hidden details
A bridge made without an arch — Clapper bridges use flat slabs resting on stone supports rather than a conventional arch. At Tarr Steps, the simple construction carries across 17 spans.
The crossing’s uncertain age — Look at the bridge knowing that its origins have not been settled: proposed explanations range from prehistoric to medieval.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a settled, clear period and check river conditions before setting out.
The wooded valley and bridge can be explored in several seasons, but safe crossing depends on river levels rather than the calendar. Avoid attempting to cross when water covers the slabs.
The River Barle can rise after heavy rain and flow over the bridge. Check conditions locally; admire the bridge from the bank if the slabs are covered.
The route
- surface
- Check before visiting.
- distance
- A supplied guide describes a two-mile riverside circuit; it also reports that the route is out and back only while the Hinds Pitt footbridge is closed. Check current status before setting out.
- route shape
- Short circular walk described by the National Park; current route may be out and back if the Hinds Pitt footbridge remains closed.
- start point
- Tarr Steps and the nearby car park.
- parking start
- The supplied guide describes a National Park car park above the bridge. Check current parking arrangements and route access.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the bridge from the car park and return without taking the longer riverside circuit.
- Tarr Steps clapper bridge
- Wooded River Barle valley
Worth pairing with
Tarr Farm Inn
The supplied guide places the inn near the bridge and describes it as a possible stop during a visit. Check current opening and food service before planning around it.
Winsford Hill
The National Park suggests the surrounding heathland of Winsford Hill as a wider landscape to explore, and mentions its wild ponies.
What to look for
Look at how the large flat slabs rest across the stone supports without a conventional arch. Notice the contrast between the substantial crossing and the wooded river valley around it.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for exploring the wooded valley; take particular care after heavy rain, when the river can cover the bridge slabs.
Choose a clear, settled day for the bridge and riverside paths. After heavy rain, the Barle may rise over the slabs; admire the crossing from the bank instead.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A gentle walk leads from the car park to the bridge. River levels can rise and cover the bridge slabs; check conditions before crossing and do not attempt it when flooded. Check current access and facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
The supplied guide describes a National Park pay-and-display car park above the bridge and a drop-off point by the river. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The supplied guide reports toilets at the car park. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The supplied guide describes the Tarr Farm Inn near the bridge. Check opening and service details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The supplied guide reports that dogs are welcome on paths and at the inn. Check current rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. The National Park describes a gentle walk down to the bridge; the bridge’s stone slabs and riverside paths may not provide an even accessible surface. Check conditions and suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Tarr Steps
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
