Tarr Steps is nestled in the Exmoor National Park, an ancient monument to the past, the name derived from the Celtic word ‘tochar’ meaning ’causeway’. The ancient clapper bridge crosses the River Barle with a beautiful circular walk up the valley.
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What is Tarr Steps?
Tarr Steps is an ancient clapper bridge, literally a pile of stones and boulders. The name is derived from the Latin ‘claperius’ which means ‘pile of stones’ and there are still a number around the UK. Tarr Steps has 17 spans, the longest clapper bridge in Britain. The top has flat slabs and this is then supported by angled stones. These sloping stones act as a buffer against the current. On this sunny day it was hard to believe the raging torrent that the River Barle can become but the bridge is damaged during winter storms and has to be rebuilt. Some of the large flat stones weigh 2tonnes. Hard to believe that the current in a storm will carry them 50m downstream. However given the age of the bridge, believed to be from the Tudor period, periodical repairs are inevitable. Tarr Steps is within woodland owned by Exmoor National Park and is part of a National Nature Reserve with lichens, ferns and liverworts of international significance.
The Legend Behind Tarr Steps
Legend has it that the devil built the bridge and still has sunbathing rights on the stones. He was said to have vowed to kill anyone who crossed the bridge but after meeting the village parson in the middle of the bridge a compromise was reached and now anyone can pass unless the devil wants to sunbathe.
Walking and Swimming at Tarr Steps and the River Barle
Leaving the bridge and heading along the river bank the shade of the trees was beautiful after the harsh sun of the bridge and the ford. The circular walk starts in woodland, following the undulations of the river. It is shaded and the ever present sound of water provides a calm after the frenetic playing at the bridge. The whole path is shaded making it perfect for a summer walk with a dog. A short walk from the bridge is a rope bridge, hard work for two boys but great fun. Carrying on there are deep pools ideal for swimming with small stone beaches and even trees that are growing money.
Eventually the path leaves the woodland and a short walk through a sunny meadow brings you to another swimming area. The water here is deeper and still, ideal for a wild swim. A bridge comes into view shortly after the meadow to cross over and start the walk back.
The other side of the river is steeper with some slightly larger hills. The path follows the river but at the top of a very steep bank. This gives a different perspective looking down on the river below. The woodland floor is covered in stitchwort, herb Robert and almost finished bluebells. Towards the clapper bridge the path flattens out and the ferns and mosses become more prevalent. The tree cover intensifies and on this warm day the cool shade was magical. Dappled light darting through the trees when it got the chance.
Photography at Tarr Steps
The bridge is quite long and fitting the whole thing into one photograph can be a challenge. Better photographs can be achieved by standing on the river bank close to the bridge and shooting along it. Both banks offer great options although care should be taken crossing the stones as they can be very slippery.
On the west bank is a beautiful beech tree which leans over the bridge and can be used as the perfect frame. In spring time the lime green leaves are just emerging and can make the bridge look vibrant and fresh.
Autumn at Tarr Steps can also be beautiful. The beech trees will turn a stunning orange and red which frames the photograph perfectly.
The bridge area has a ford and is relatively shallow unless there has been heavy rain. Bringing a pair of wellies will enable you to enter the water and show the curve of the bridge perfectly.
Taking a walk along the river upstream from the bridge takes you into a wooded area. This has lots of options for flower photography and intimate landscapes including the movement of water in the small pools.
This spot is not ideal in the winter as the trees will be bare and the trees make the location.
Hike Details for Tarr Steps
Distance: 3km loop to the main bridge and back
Minimum time: 40 minutes
Ascent: 48m
Suggested Map:OS Landranger OL9: Exmoor
Start and Finish: Tarr Steps Car Park
Road: B3223 from Dulverton
Parking: 551.07981°N, 3.610245°W
Nearest Town: Dulverton
How to Get to Tarr Steps
Tarr steps can be reached from the small village of Dulverton. In the centre of Dulverton there is a small sign for Tarr Steps on the B3223. This is small narrow road that follows the River Barle out of the village before heading up onto the moor. After about 5 miles there is a turning on the left to Tarr Steps. Parking is at a large pay and display car park with information and toilets. It is then a short walk on a footpath down to the river.
There are a number of places to stay around Dulverton, all are set in stunning countryside and make for the perfect base for walking.
Other Places on Exmoor to visit
Exmoor is a beautiful landscape to walk and explore Close to Tarr Steps are some great walks with the focal being around Dunkery Beacon.
- Dulverton Village
- Dunkery Beacon
- Porlock Weir
- Lynton and Lynmouth