Tarr Steps
Somerset
Track down an ancient clapper bridge over the bubbling Barle, then head north along winding riverside paths with a high-level return.
DISTANCE: 7.1 MILES/11.5KM TIME: 5 HOURS LEVEL: MODERATE ASCENT: 303M TERRAIN: Wide forest paths, rooted and rocky in places, as well as country lanes and fields. Caution should be taken when crossing Tarr Steps, especially after rain.
Tarr Steps is a real highlight of the Exmoor landscape – once you’ve discovered it, you’ll find yourself drawn back time and time again.
Tucked away down a narrow lane five miles from Dulverton, the steps are an ancient clapper bridge – large flat slabs of stone placed on stone supports – across the River Barle, dating to around 1000 BC.
Local legend says the five-tonne slabs were placed here by the Devil to win a bet with a local giant (apparently Old Nick still has sunbathing rights on its stones).
This gentle ramble meanders alongside the river before looping through Withypool and climbing for gorgeous views over Exmoor.
1 RIVERSIDE RARITIES
From the pub, walk down to Tarr Steps and turn right, picking up the path running north alongside the River Barle. Follow this clear path as it snakes alongside the water.
The woods to the right side of you are teeming with life. Dormice thrive among mature hazel and blackberry, otters feed in the water and you may see rare barbastelle bats at dusk.
2 WOODLAND HEIGHTS
After two miles you reach an area of open grassland in an oxbow of the River Barle. Walk diagonally right across the field then head uphill. Turn left halfway up the hill, go through a gate and follow a path through woodland. The path now weaves higher above the river, through a series of gates, until farm buildings start to appear on your left. Turn left at the road and walk into Withypool.
3 BACK TO THE BARLE
Continue past the Royal Oak Inn and tearooms, then walk over the bridge. Carry on over a cattle grid and uphill along the road, signed Hawkridge. The road climbs steeply and affords beautiful views over Exmoor.
After 1.5 miles, go over another cattle grid, ignore a left-turn for Tarr Steps and carry on downhill.
After Westwater Farm, turn left on to a stream-side path, signed Tarr Steps. Go through a gate and continue straight on uphill, following signs. Keep on this path as it continues through fields and over stiles, with views over the woodland banks of the Barle.
When you come to Parsonage Farm, turn sharp left, signed Tarr Steps. Go through a gate and continue ahead on the path.
After 400m, turn right and head downhill, through a gate, then take a left at the lane and follow this to Tarr Steps, where you can enjoy crossing this ancient clapper bridge before returning to the pub for a rewarding pint.
