Tarr Steps Exmoor
Tarr Steps on the River Barle in Exmoor National Park is the finest prehistoric clapper bridge in Britain, an ancient causeway of flat stone slabs laid across stone piers spanning the Barle in seventeen spans with a total length of approximately 55 metres. The bridge dates from at least the medieval period and possibly from the Bronze Age, its construction technique of uncemented flat stones resting on low stone piers reflecting a tradition of river crossing widespread in upland areas before arched masonry bridges were developed. The setting in the wooded valley of the Barle is one of the most beautiful in the national park, the ancient sessile oak woodland clothing the valley sides and the clear brown water flowing over limestone pebbles below. The clapper bridge carries a public footpath and walkers cross the river in both directions, a continuation of use that has taken place over thousands of years. The bridge has been swept away by floods on several occasions and the reconstruction following each event, using as much of the original stone as can be recovered, demonstrates the continuing commitment to this exceptional ancient structure. The Barle Valley walks above and below Tarr Steps provide excellent riverside walking with good opportunities to observe dippers, kingfishers and otters.