Tarr Steps - Ancient Bridge And Swimming Pools

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.

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 could become but the bridge is damaged during winter storms and has to be rebuilt on a regular basis. Some of the large flat stones weigh 2 tonnes. 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 is beautiful. 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 busy area around 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. Carrying on the rope bridge 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 bluebells in the spring. Towards the clapper bridge, the path flattens out and the ferns and mosses become more prevalent. The tree cover intensifies with dappled light darting through the trees.

Tarr steps through the seasons

On the west bank is a beautiful beech tree which leans over the bridge and is beautiful throughout the year. 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 merges with the colour of the stone.

Taking a walk along the river upstream from the bridge takes you into a wooded area. This has lots of wildflowers and intimate landscape details to discover including the movement of water in the small pools.

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 a 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.