Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is a clapper bridge across the River Barle in Exmoor National Park, Somerset. The bridge lies in a national nature reserve about four kilometres south-east of Withypool and six kilometres north-west of Dulverton. It is built from large stone slabs without mortar, resting on stone piers. The bridge is 55 metres long with seventeen spans. Each slab weighs up to two tons and the largest is over two metres long and one and a half metres wide. The bridge is recognised as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument. Its age is uncertain, with theories ranging from the Bronze Age to around 1400 AD. The structure has been restored several times after flood damage. In 2012 and 2016 floodwaters carried away parts of the bridge. Steel wires and cables were installed upstream to trap debris and protect the bridge. The stones have on occasions been washed up to 46 metres downstream. The surrounding woodland covers 33 hectares and is mainly sessile oak with beech, ash and sycamore. Bluebells, honeysuckle and rare mosses grow in the damp conditions. The river supports wildlife including red deer, dormice, Barbastelle bats and otters. A circular walk leads from the main car park down to the river, along the bank for about one kilometre to a footbridge, then back across the clapper bridge. Information panels explain the bridge’s history and design.