Tarr Steps, Exmoor: Longest Clapper Bridge In Britain
Tarr Steps, in Exmoor National Park, is the longest clapper bridge in Britain.
The iconic bridge has officially been Grade 1 listed for its historical interest.
Probably the most frequently photographed attraction on Exmoor, Tarr Steps is 180ft long, and crosses the River Barle, just west of Liscombe village.
The bridge is built with 17 large stone slabs laid end to end and supported on stone pilings.
The pilings are buttressed by 'raking stones' to protect against the force of the water.
The bridge lies very low in the water, with the clapper stones less than 1m above the water level.
The age of this structure isn't known.
It was certainly in existence by early medieval times, and it seems likely that it has been built and rebuilt for thousands of years before then.
The most extreme estimate is that the first bridge was erected around 1000 BC, making it approximately 3000 years old.
Yet another theory is that the bridge 'only' dates to about 1400.
Clapper bridges are common throughout the south-west of England, with some of the best examples on Dartmoor and Exmoor.
According to the Exmoor National Park Authority, there are only 40 clapper bridges left in Britain, and of these Tarr Steps is the longest.
Recently, in January this year, Tarr Steps was partially damaged following significant floods.
However, Somerset County Council have done the necessary work to the footbridge and it has since fully re-opened.
Tarr Steps is easy to reach. The bridge is located immediately west of Liscombe village, off the B3223.
The clapper bridge is open to the public, so you can walk across it.
It's wide enough that you can easily pass by someone coming the other way.
Do be aware if there has been recent rain, for the clapper surfaces can become slippery.
The beautiful wooded valley of the River Barle is also worth exploring for its wildlife, as is the heathland of Winsford Hill and its wild ponies in the surrounding countryside.
For a short circular walk from the bridge just follow the orange way marks. There is also a more challenging circular walk from Dulverton to Tarr Steps.
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