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    Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1-1.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    3.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    116 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk

    The Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk may only be a short adventure in Exmoor National Park, but it provides beautiful scenery and the chance to visit an interesting historical site. Located in the southern portion of the park, this trail will take you along the charming banks of the River Barle, where you will be able to cross over a Medieval era clapper bridge that was constructed with stones that weigh over 2 tons each. This is a great walk for anyone interested in local history and meandering along the scenic riverside.

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    Route Description for Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk

    If you are after a nice and easy walking route in Exmoor National Park that will allow you to explore the winding banks of a river set within a peaceful woodland setting, then the Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk is a fantastic option that is waiting for you in Somerset. There are a few inclines along the route and portions of the trail are rocky and bogged down with mud at times, so make sure to wear proper walking boots for your adventure. This trail also passes through a nature reserve that is home to a number of animal species such as river otters and salmon, so please be courteous and leave the landscape as you found it.

    Setting out from the car park, you will follow the road to the southwest to pass by the Tarr Farm Inn and Restaurant before crossing over the iconic Tarr Steps. This 55 m long clapper bridge is the longest of its type and is largely believed to date back to the Medieval period, although some theories place it in the Bronze Age some thousand years earlier. In any case, it is a lovely piece of history that really adds to the charm of this walking route. After crossing over the bridge, you will walk along the western bank of the River Barle and enjoy the peaceful woodland setting, before crossing over a footbridge at the northern terminus of the trail. From here, you will follow along the east bank of the river, eventually meeting back up with the main road that you can follow to return to the car park.

    Getting to the Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk Trailhead

    To reach the trailhead for the Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk from Dulverton, drive north on Lady Street/B3223 for 6.1 km and turn left to continue on for 1.8 km. Make a left here and follow the road for another 0.5 km to find the car park on the left.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      Year-Round

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk Elevation Graph

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    Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk Reviews

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