29/05/2026
Tarr Steps is a truly magical place. It's one of the most special spots in the whole of Exmoor, a place that feels ancient and peaceful in equal measure.
The "clapper bridge" itself is a marvel—huge, flat stone slabs laid across the River Barle, probably built by medieval monks but looking like it's been there forever. No mortar, no cement, just perfectly balanced stones that have withstood centuries of floods. Every time the river rises and washes part of it away, the stones are carefully put back, numbered and logged. It's a bridge that has been rebuilt by generations of hands who understood its value.
And the setting is pure enchantment. The river runs clear and shallow over smooth pebbles, perfect for paddling. The ancient oaks lean over the water, their branches trailing moss. There's a hush—not silence, exactly, but the soft, layered sounds of water over stones, wind in leaves, birdsong. It's a place that slows your breathing without you even noticing.
For Emma, it is a natural playground—skimming stones, dipping toes, maybe spotting a dipper bobbing on a rock. For me, the gentle terrain and the steady rhythm of the river might be just the kind of calm I need. And, a moment to sit on those ancient stones, listen to the water, and let everything else fall away.
🏡 Cabin34 & Woolacombe Charm