Top 14 Natural Monuments around Withypool and Hawkridge

Visitors frequently enjoy Dunkery Beacon Summit, the highest point in Somerset offering panoramic views. Another favorite is Tarr Steps clapper bridge, an ancient and iconic crossing over the River Barle. The Haddon Hill Trig Point also provides beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Wimbleball Lake.

Yes, Tarr Steps clapper bridge is particularly family-friendly, offering easy walks along the River Barle and opportunities for wildlife spotting. There's a car park and toilet facilities nearby, making it convenient for families. The Coin Tree in Exmoor National Park can also be an interesting, quirky stop for families.

The region is rich in historical natural monuments. The Tarr Steps clapper bridge is an ancient structure, possibly dating back to 1000 BC, with folklore attributing its construction to the Devil. Dunkery Beacon Summit features ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, and the Haddon Hill Trig Point has historical significance from WWII.

The area is defined by its diverse natural features. You'll find expansive moorland, such as around Dunkery Beacon, and ancient woodlands, particularly around the River Barle and Tarr Steps. The River Barle itself is a significant feature, flowing through picturesque valleys. Hawkridge also features the Hawkridge Reservoir and is known for its wide-ranging views across Anstey Common and Molland Moor.

Yes, the area offers various cycling and mountain biking routes. You can find numerous trails, including moderate to difficult options, that pass by or near these natural monuments. For detailed routes, explore the MTB Trails around Withypool and Hawkridge or the Cycling around Withypool and Hawkridge guides.

Many hiking trails weave through the landscape surrounding the natural monuments. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Tarr Steps clapper bridge – Tarr Steps riverside walk loop' or the 'Withypool Stone Bridge – River Barle Stepping Stones loop'. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Withypool and Hawkridge guide.

The natural monuments are enjoyable year-round, with each season offering a different experience. For example, Tarr Steps is great in both autumnal rain and summer sun. Clear days are best for panoramic views from high points like Dunkery Beacon. Exmoor's status as an International Dark Sky Reserve makes evenings particularly special for stargazing in Hawkridge.

The region is rich in wildlife. Around Tarr Steps and the River Barle, you might spot red deer, Exmoor ponies, otters, kingfishers, and dippers. The wider Exmoor landscape, especially near Hawkridge, is home to unique Exmoor ponies, red deer, brown hares, buzzards, and kestrels. Hawkridge Reservoir is also a good spot for birdwatching, with Canada geese, tufted ducks, and mallards.

Yes, the Withypool Stone Circle is a significant prehistoric monument dating back to the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. It offers a tangible link to the distant past. Additionally, Dunkery Beacon Summit is marked by ancient Bronze Age burial mounds.

Visitors particularly appreciate the spectacular views from high points like Dunkery Beacon and the historical charm of Tarr Steps. The ease of access to some sites, the opportunity for relaxed walks, and the presence of pubs nearby are also frequently mentioned as highlights. The diverse landscape, from open moorland to wooded river valleys, offers something for everyone.

The River Barle is a central natural feature, offering picturesque walking routes through ancient woodlands and meadows. While primarily known for walking, canoeing is possible seasonally and with appropriate experience. The river is also a designated biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, important for its wildlife.

Absolutely. Dunkery Beacon Summit, as the highest point on Exmoor, provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, stretching across the Bristol Channel to Wales on clear days. The Haddon Hill Trig Point also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Wimbleball Lake. Hawkridge's elevated position within Exmoor National Park also provides wide-ranging views.

One unique and somewhat strange custom you might encounter is the Coin Tree in Exmoor National Park. These 'money stumps' are dead trees where people press coins into the bark, often associated with old folklore about transferring illness.