~Tarr Steps~
7th June 2013
River Barle
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Tarr Steps Car Park
Tarr Steps is a footbridge over the River Barle, about six miles by road from Dulverton and a similar distance from the next village up the river, Withypool. Visitors should use the car park, where charges are entirely reasonable - the Lake District National Park should be ashamed of their charges and follow Exmoor's lead.
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To Knaplock |
Beware! |
Just up the road from the car park and close to the village of Liscombe, a footpath goes off to the north-west and into a field full of buttercups. But a few steps in and a very large and unsettled bull appeared from the right and two cows were resting to our left. Time to retreat! And follow the track (left) instead, rejoining the field later - well past the restless bull. Always avoid unsettling cows and bulls, stay calm and find a way round or change your route.
Third Field
Field two had a dead cow on the path, not ideal. I think we may have been the first to find the unfortunate animal, but couldn't find a farmer to tell. Field three was free of incident or drama. The hedge, left, is growing on top of an soil/stone embankment, a common feature in this region of less intensive farming.
Sunken Lane
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Climbing Lamb |
Knaplock Farm |
The continuation of this route is quite straightforward as it leads in a generally northerly direction along the flank of Winsford Hill. I have to assume that anyone following our route will be carrying the OS Map Exmoor OL9 1:25000. I have left a spare map in Town Mills B&B, ask Charles or Allison if you might be allowed to borrow it.
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Exmoor |
To Great Bradley |
The walk touches on the wilds of Exmoor and passes through one boggy bit. We had no problems during this spell of dry weather, but it could be quite a challenge in wetter weather. At an obviouse crossroads of paths, turn left for the fence and cattle grids (right). Take the right-hand path, the road down to Great Bradley. The path is signposted around GB and down to the river, not before we had the chance to meet a couple of Shetland Ponies.
Shetland Pony
I wonder if there are any Exmoor Ponies in the Shetlands?
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Beech Tree |
River Barle |
Saving the best bit to last, we arrive at the river and head downstream for Tarr Steps.
Dipper
River Barle
Wonderful Somerset scenery from the banks of the River Barle. The Barle runs through Dulverton to join the Exe at Exebridge.
Grey Wagtail
This chap was bouncing along the opposite bank with a little something in his mouth (gender assumed!)
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Coin Tree
Startling evidence of the north/south divide. Close examination revealed not just 10 pence pieces, but also some 20p's. These would not be found on the Ingleton Waterfalls walk.
20p !
And soon enough we reached Tarr Steps, a remarkable clapper bridge over the river. Said to date from as long ago as 1000 BC, the bridge was seriously damaged in floods last December, but repaired for us all to enjoy.
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Tarr Steps
In this view, beyond the bridge is Tarr Farm - a hotel and public bar.
Tarr Farm
We took lunch at Tarr Farm.
To the Car Park
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Exmoor Ponies & Bluebells
Exmoor Ponies are an endangered species, a shocking discovery for me. I assumed they were in good order and here for ever. Hopefully they will survive the asinine "progress" of humankind and we will do all we can to protect their wellbeing and survival.
Later in the day, we had tea at The Royal Oak at Winsford, another delighful Exmoor village and then caught the sunset on the way back.
Royal Oak, Winsford
Exmoor Sunset
Walkers: Karen & Me
Time taken: 2hrs 20 mins for walk of undetermined length, probably about 5 miles.
Weather: Sunny and warm, a breeze on the higher slopes and a heavy rain shower in the afternoon.
Refreshments: Lunch at Tarr Farm was excellent; check their serving times. The evening meal at The Royal Oak was also very good, but a bit pricey and there was a rather thin atmosphere in the dining room, but eaters can choose from the same menu in the busier bar area.
Article on Tarr Steps rebuilding.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2013 ©
Take me back to the start ....