Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve woods are owned by Exmoor National Park Authority. The reserve covers 33 hectares comprising fast flowing, clear waters in a wooded valley of the River Barle.
The ancient clapper bridge on Exmoor known as Tarr Steps has been a favourite with visitors for many years.
Tarr Steps Exmoor
Photo supplied by Dave Sorrell
The woods are internationally significant for the mosses, liverworts and lichens found there. In spring there is a spectacular display of bluebells. Dormice live amongst the mature hazel, blackberry and honeysuckle and otter feed along the unpolluted river. The rare and elusive barbastrelle bat is one of the many varieties of bat living in the woods.
To enjoy a circular walk, park in the main car park for Tarr Steps, walk downhill to the river, turn right and walk along the riverbank for about 1.3km, over the bridge and return on the other side, crossing the river on the clapper bridge. The walk along the river is level but there are stepping stones across a small stream in one part and walkers will need to return via the clapper bridge.
Landrover crossing at Tarr Steps
image supplied by kind permission of Somerset Tourism, Somerset County Council
Tarr Steps, a designated National Nature Reserve, is best known for its scheduled monument, the clapper bridge. This is probably of medieval origin and is constructed from large stone slabs and boulders. Much of the woodland here was once coppiced, primarily to provide charcoal for the local iron smelting industry. This is mainly oak woodland, with beech, ash, sycamore and hazel.
Visit in spring for a fine display of bluebells, and keep an eye open for otters in the River Barle.
Bye Common is a lovely location and a little unusual in that it is dedicated memorial woodland, in conjunction with a local hospice.
Tarr Steps
Tarr Steps
Tarr Steps Prehistoric Bridge
Prehistoric bridge over the River Barle near Winsford. Dating from 1000 BC
some of the stones weigh 5 tons and were said to have been placed there by the Devil to win a bet
Tarr Steps - a clapper bridge over the River Barle
Tarr Steps has an ancient clapper
bridge, a clapper bridge is an ancient form of bridge found on the moors
of Devon and Somerset constructed from large unmortared slabs of stone.
The famous Tarr Steps ancient clapper bridge over the River
Barle . This wooded valley is full of wild red
deer and an abundance of other wild life. There is a lovely walk
beside the river to the village of Withypool
Tarr Steps (Grid Ref: SS867321)
Tarr Steps in the Snow
- Photo supplied by Rupert Clegg www.exmoorphotogallery.com
This is one of the best known monuments on Exmoor. Several
theories claim these to be from the Bronze Age, although others date
them from around 1400 AD
Across the River Barle this is
probably the oldest mediaeval clapper bridge in England. Myth has it
that the Devil built the Bridge at Tarr
Steps and still has sunbathing rights on its stones. The myth continues
that the devil swore he was kill anyone who tried to cross his bridge.
The terrified locals got the parson to face him. A cat was sent over
the Bridge but was vaporised in a puff of smoke. The parson then set
off and met the Devil midway. The Devil swore and intimidated but the
parson gave as good as he got and finally the Devil agreed to let people
pass except when he wants to sunbathe.
Tarr Steps Prehistoric Bridge
This ancient 'clapper' bridge across the River Barle is a popular tourist attraction. The bridge is of primitive construction, with large unmortared slabs of stone resting on one another, and is the largest example of its type Its age and history are unknown, except for the fact that it has been restored several times in recent years, following flood damage. The river and the valley woodlands are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and abound with wildlife. Pleasant footpaths run along the valley between Simonsbath and Dulverton.
Tarr Steps
Photo supplied by Dave Sorrell
Car park and toilets are on a narrow road 400yd/m from the bridge. Parking for the disabled and refreshments are available nearer the bridge. |
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