Tarr Steps, near Dulverton, Exmoor, Somerset TA22 9PY
Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.5A broad-stone clapper bridge crosses the River Barle beneath woodland on Exmoor. Its exact age is uncertain: the sources describe prehistoric theories, while the official listing is medieval.
The appeal here is unusually concentrated: an imposing historic bridge, a river running through oak woodland and the feel of Exmoor’s wooded interior. The bridge closure currently changes the walk: plan on an out-and-back riverside visit, not the familiar circular route.
Atmospheric · Peaceful · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapTarr Steps, near Dulverton, Exmoor, Somerset TA22 9PY
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The experience
See the clapper bridge and take a riverside walk through the reserve. The official Exmoor National Park source says the Hinds Pitt bridge closure prevents the popular circular route; you can still walk upstream beside the Barle and return the same way. Paths are described elsewhere as rocky, muddy and uneven.
Things to do
See the clapper bridge
Examine the large stone slabs laid across stacks of stones, and consider the differing theories about the bridge’s age.
Walk beside the River Barle
Follow the river upstream from Tarr Steps towards Hinds Pitt and return by the same bank. The official route page says the bridge closure means the circular route cannot currently be completed.
Look for signs of woodland and river wildlife
The AllTrails route description names salmon, otters and dormice as wildlife associated with the habitat. Treat sightings as uncertain and observe quietly.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
Bridge and riverside out-and-back
- 01
Visit Tarr Steps and look at the stone slabs and supports.
- 02
Follow the River Barle upstream on one side as far as Hinds Pitt, then return the same way; do not attempt the closed circular route.
Verified history
The supplied sources describe Tarr Steps as a clapper bridge made from large slabs laid over stone supports. Its date is uncertain: one source says the official listing is medieval, while prehistoric origins have also been proposed. The Best of Exmoor describes it as Grade I listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and reports that floods in winter 1941–42 washed away its middle section. The exact dating and heritage designation should be checked against an authoritative heritage record.
Folklore & legend
Local legend says the Devil built the Steps and initially barred people from crossing. In the story, a vicar confronted him on the bridge and secured permission for people to cross, with the Devil reserving the right to sunbathe on the stones. This is folklore, not verified history.
Hidden details
Notice the bridge’s construction — Look at the broad slabs and the stone stacks supporting them: the bridge uses no mortar, according to the supplied account.
Keep the route closure in view — The official Exmoor National Park page says the Hinds Pitt bridge is closed and the circular route cannot be completed. Do not mistake the riverside out-and-back option for the full circuit.
When to go
· Check current conditions; no specific time-of-day advice is supported by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season. The official route page gives a bridge-closure notice, so current route status matters more than seasonal advice.
The AllTrails description reports muddy, rocky and uneven sections that may become slippery. Check conditions before setting out.
The route
- stiles
- AllTrails reports no stiles on its described circular route; current out-and-back details: Check before visiting.
- surface
- Rocky, muddy and uneven in places, according to the AllTrails route description.
- difficulty
- Check before visiting
- waymarking
- Check before visiting.
- route shape
- Out-and-back recommended while the Hinds Pitt bridge is closed; the circular route cannot currently be completed.
- start point
- Tarr Steps
- parking start
- A car park is mentioned in supplied sources; details and current availability: Check before visiting.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the bridge and walk a short way upstream beside the River Barle, returning the same way; distance and duration are not specified by the supplied official source.
- Tarr Steps clapper bridge
- River Barle
- Woodland and meadows of the National Nature Reserve
What to look for
Look closely at how the large stone slabs rest on piles of stone without mortar. Notice the contrast between the bridge, the flowing Barle and the surrounding woodland.
The story
Historic clapper bridge; its date is disputed in the supplied sources.
Best time to go
Check current route conditions before setting out; the supplied sources do not establish a best season.
No supported best time of day is given in the supplied sources. Check the route notice before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The reserve and Tarr Steps are presented as visitor destinations in the supplied sources. The official Exmoor National Park page reports that the Hinds Pitt bridge is closed, so the popular circular route cannot currently be completed; follow the River Barle upstream and return the same way.
Parking
A car park is mentioned in supplied sources; details and current availability: Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park. The AllTrails source says the rocky, muddy and uneven route is unsuitable for wheeled assistance vehicles; check current conditions and access before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
River
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
