Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Somerset

Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor’s best known attractions and is in fact a Scheduled Monument. This ancient clapper bridge that crosses the River Barle pulls visitors from all over the world, probably because it’s so unusual to see this type of construction and particularly when it’s set in such overwhelmingly beautiful scenery.

What’s a clapper bridge? It’s a bridge that’s built by arranging enormous slabs over stacks of stone, so there’s no mortar, no cement. In the case of Tarr Steps, those slabs weigh up to 2 tons each. Its origins are uncertain; some say it dates from the Bronze Age, some say it’s medieval. Some even say the devil built it to sunbathe on, so believe what you like. In any case, some of the stones have been replaced in recent times after storm damage so it would be wrong to say that the entire bridge is original.

Anyhow, park at the car park and amble down the hill to the river; we all know the benefits of fresh air and exercise so it would only be right to go for a walk while you’re here. There’s a short circular that’s waymarked from the bridge, or the more stout of heart and foot can take a longer stroll in the woodland valley or up to Winsford Hill where the likelihood of seeing Exmoor ponies grazing is high and the views are staggering.

In the summer there’s often a refreshment van by the bridge but if you have the time go back up the hill to Tarr Farm Inn and if the weather is good sit out on the terrace with a cream tea, birdsong, and the sound of the river rushing along in the valley.

All information correct at the time of writing