Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park, Somerset
If you decide to have an adventure on Exmoor when you’re on your large group holidays in Devon, Tarr Steps is one of the places you just have to see. This scenic spot with an ancient clapper bridge and riverside walk has been featured on countless postcards and tourist guides, in books and on TV, but there’s nothing like seeing it for real.
The clapper bridge, that crosses the River Barle, is the longest and oldest in the country, dating back possibly thousands of years, no-one knows for sure. According to local legend, the bridge was built by Old Nick, who retains the right to sunbathe here, but believe what you will.
If you didn't already know, a clapper bridge was built to cross a ford or shallow stream by placing huge slabs of stone over stacks, so there’s no mortar or cement involved. In this case, each slab weighs 1-2 tones, so that’s no easy feat! Over the years, parts of the bridge have been damaged in times of heavy rainfall, but were fortunately salvaged and repaired – and let’s hope that continues.
Tarr Steps is easy to find – a lovely pootle through the lanes about 5 miles from Dulverton. Park in the designated car park up the hill and wander down the path for a paddle, or go wild swimming a mile or so upstream, where the water is deeper. The woodlands along the river are a National Nature Reserve, rich in mosses, liverworts and lichens that flourish in the clean air here. There are long and short circular walks and for when you get back, Tarr Steps Inn for hearty home cooked food and a pint of the local brew.
All information correct at the time of writing