Tarr Steps Ancient Bridge & Nature Reserve

Beautiful, iconic, and ancient—Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor’s most fascinating landmarks. This historic “clapper bridge” is the longest and oldest of its kind in Britain, possibly dating back thousands of years. If you’re visiting Exmoor National Park, this is a must-see spot, offering stunning walks, rich wildlife, and a welcoming country pub to finish your adventure.

What is a clapper bridge?

A ‘clapper bridge’ is formed by arranging huge slabs over stacks of stones. No mortar, cement or effort in design is required (although effort in finding and moving the slabs would certainly have been no mean feat, with slabs weighing up to several tons!) This technique has allowed people to form bridges over shallow streams and fords long before stone arches or cementing methods were understood.

History and legend of the Tarr Steps

There is no definite date of origin to the Tarr Steps, with various theories to support different ages. Some date it back as far as 1000 BCE of the Bronze Age. The official listing is to the medieval period.

One rationale for the suggestion of a prehistoric date includes evidence that a number of prehistoric tracks coverage here, although the presence of a bridge as a result of this remains debatable. Secondly, dating it by the place-name association of “Tarr.” The Celtic “Tochar” or “Toher” means “causeway” (across water).

According to folklore, local legend has it that the Steps were first laid by the devil. Obviously, the locals of the time weren’t too happy to have the devil in their midst, particularly as he wouldn’t allow anyone to cross here. Witnesses observed a black cat attempt the crossing, only to disappear in a puff of smoke midway. The Vicar somewhat bravely decided to try his luck. Following a mid-bridge confrontation, with much gesticulating and intimidation, the devil backed down. It was subsequently agreed that anyone could cross unharmed. He did, however, request the right to sunbathe on the stones should he fancy it.

Tarr Steps Facts

A Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument
The largest and longest clapper bridge in Britain
17 spans stretching over 50 metres (55 yards)
The largest slab measures 2.5m x 1.5m
Medieval Latin “claperius” means “pile of stones”

Damage to the Tarr Steps

Although there have been a few periods of damage over the years, the bridge has been successfully repaired on each occasion. Storms with heavy rainfall have resulted in heavy debris being washed down the river. This has then managed to dislodge the massive slabs, washing them downstream.

Floods in the winter of 1941-1942 saw the middle section washed away. The Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and the Royal Engineers fully restored the bridge in 1952, with reconstruction complete and apparently authentic. Further damage was sustained in 2012 and 2016, and again in 2017
Steel cables are now positioned upriver to help reduce the amount of debris reaching the bridge.

Where are the Tarr Steps?

The Tarr Steps are situated towards the southern aspect of Exmoor, near Withypool, some five miles from the large town of Dulverton. There’s a car park and toilets close to the bridge, reached from the B3223 road (Withypool to Dulverton).

Use postcode TA22 9QA for Sat Nav directions.

Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve

The neighbouring woodlands also have much to offer visitors, as a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Mosses, liverworts and lichens have international significance here, where they flourish in the clean damp air. Red deer, dormice, the rare Barbastelle Bat and otter reside here. Find out more on Exmoor’s woodland wildlife

Things to do near Tarr Steps

If you fancy a paddle or a dip, why not get wet! You can enjoy the shallows around the steps, or walk about 20 minutes upstream for deeper waters and some wild swimming. Why not visit nearby Withypool Hill stone barrow, another pre-historic relic thousands of years old. Browse all Things to Do on Exmoor, or choose one of our Top 10 Things to Do on Exmoor

A short circular walk along the River Barle

Well marked footpaths allow you to explore the woodland around Tarr Steps. Paths run along the valley between Simonsbath and Dulverton and to the village of Withypool. For a short circular walk, you can walk along the riverbank for about a mile to a footbridge. Here you can cross the river and return on the other side, finally making the most of the clapper bridge for your final crossing.

A longer circular walk from the Tarr Steps

Starting at the pub, walk down to Tarr Steps and turn right. This takes you onto a path running north along the river. Follow this for two miles, winding along by the river banks through a woodland teeming with life.

Once you reach an area of open grassland, head right diagonally across the field, then uphill. Turn left through a gate halfway up the hill to a path through woodland.

Continue following this path through several more gates to the road, turn left here to walk into Withypool.

Pass the Royal Oak Inn and tea rooms, crossing over Withypool Bridge.

Carry on uphill towards Hawkridge, the climb offering you great views over the Exmoor countryside. You will cross a second cattle grid (ignore left signs to Tarr Steps here) then carry on downhill.

Pass Westwater Farm before turning onto a path signed to Tarr Steps. Follow signs over fields and stiles to Parsonage Farm, then turn a sharp left and on through a gate. A little way further down the hill, turn right then turn left out onto the lane. Follow this to Tarr Steps, where you can finally cross this incredible bridge before you make it to the pub for a well-deserved pint!

Tarr Farm Inn: Food, Drinks & Light Refreshments

After exploring, stop by Tarr Farm Inn, a welcoming country pub right by the bridge. Whether you fancy a hearty meal, a light refreshment, or just a well-earned drink, this charming spot is the perfect place to relax and take in the surroundings.

Places to stay near Tarr Steps

Why not turn your visit into a longer Exmoor getaway? 86% of visitors say they plan to return, and with so much to explore, it’s easy to see why. Here are just a few charming cottages within a few miles of Tarr Steps: