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Tarr Steps Walk

3.7 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk visits the famous Tarr Steps before a lovely riverside stroll along the River Barle in the Exmoor National Park. It's a popular short walk with attractive woodland running alongside both sides of the fast flowing river.
The old clapper bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, dating from the medieval period. It forms part of the Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve which includes a wide range of interesting flora and fauna. For example, you can see plants including bluebell and honeysuckle in the spring and summer months. You can also look out for wildlife including red deer, dormice and otters as you make your way along the river.
The walk starts from the car park just to the east of the bridge. From here it's a short walk to the bridge, which you can cross on foot. The route follows footpaths on both sides of the river, crossing a little footbridge at Great Bradley after about 2 miles. After your walk you can enjoy refreshments at the excellent Tarr Farm Inn, which has great views over the bridge.
The route uses a section of the Two Moors Way long distance trail. As such it's easy to extend your walk by contuining north along the river to Withypool if you have time. Here you can follow trails to Landacre Bridge which is another fine scheduled ancient monument of the area.
The Exe Valley Way also passes the site. You could pick it up and follow it south east along the Barle to Dulverton. Both Withypool and Dulverton are also alternative start points if you would like a longer, more challenging hike to the steps.
Also of interest is Winsford Hill, just to the north east of the site. It's a lovely spot for a picnic with a car park, large areas of grassland, wonderful views and lots of Exmoor Ponies to look out for.

Postcode

TA22 9PY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Tarr Steps OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Tarr Steps Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Tarr Steps Farm is a popular choice for walkers looking to refresh themselves after their exercise. The 16th-century riverside inn is located near Liscombe at postcode TA22 9PY. There's outdoor seating with lovely views and a great menu.
A few miles to the east you could try the excellent George Inn in Brompton Regis near Wimbleball Lake which also has a fine circular walk to try. The quintessential Exmoor pub includes a lovely garden area, which has beautiful views over Exmoor hills.

Dog Walking

The area is very popular with dog walkers so you will probably see a few others on your outing. Tarr Steps Farm pub is very dog friendly and a great place to relax after the walk.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

A few miles to the east there's a great viewpoint at Haddon Hill. The hill lies just to the south of Wimbleball Lake providing great views over the water to Dartmoor beyond.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Exmoor Walks page.

Photos

Tarr Steps 01 (4652163085)

Tarr Steps 1

Tarr Steps 08 (4652185075)

Tarr Steps 2

Exmoor , The River Barle and Tarr Steps Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1496863

Exmoor , The River Barle and Tarr Steps Woods

Exmoor , The River Barle and River Bank Tree Branches - geograph.org.uk - 1497014

Exmoor , The River Barle and River Bank Tree Branches

Tarr Steps Car Park - geograph.org.uk - 926105

View of the car park at the site.

Exmoor , Riverside Path and Tarr Steps Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1496884

Riverside Path & Tarr Steps Woods

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Tarr Steps.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Tarr Steps.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)