Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk
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The Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk may only be a short adventure in Exmoor National Park, but it provides beautiful scenery and the chance to visit an interesting historical site. Located in the southern portion of the park, this trail will take you along the charming banks of the River Barle, where you will be able to cross over a Medieval era clapper bridge that was constructed with stones that weigh over 2 tons each. This is a great walk for anyone interested in local history and meandering along the scenic riverside.
Getting there
To reach the trailhead for the Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk from Dulverton, drive north on Lady Street/B3223 for 3.8mi and turn left to continue on for 1.1mi. Make a left here and follow the road for another 0.3mi to find the car park on the left.
About
Backcountry Campground | No |
When to do | Year-Round |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Lollipop |
Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk
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Tarr Steps and River Barle Trail Description
If you are after a nice and easy walking route in Exmoor National Park that will allow you to explore the winding banks of a river set within a peaceful woodland setting, then the Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk is a fantastic option that is waiting for you in Somerset. There are a few inclines along the route and portions of the trail are rocky and bogged down with mud at times, so make sure to wear proper walking boots for your adventure. This trail also passes through a nature reserve that is home to a number of animal species such as river otters and salmon, so please be courteous and leave the landscape as you found it.
Setting out from the car park, you will follow the road to the southwest to pass by the Tarr Farm Inn and Restaurant before crossing over the iconic Tarr Steps. This 180ft long clapper bridge is the longest of its type and is largely believed to date back to the Medieval period, although some theories place it in the Bronze Age some thousand years earlier. In any case, it is a lovely piece of history that really adds to the charm of this walking route. After crossing over the bridge, you will walk along the western bank of the River Barle and enjoy the peaceful woodland setting, before crossing over a footbridge at the northern terminus of the trail. From here, you will follow along the east bank of the river, eventually meeting back up with the main road that you can follow to return to the car park.
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