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Hiking trails & Routes

West Somerset District

Withypool and Hawkridge

Tarr Steps & Withypool loop — Exmoor National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

West Somerset District

Withypool and Hawkridge

Tarr Steps & Withypool loop — Exmoor National Park

Moderate

4.7

(74)

402

hikers

Tarr Steps & Withypool loop — Exmoor National Park

03:21

11.9km

240m

Hiking

The Tarr Steps & Withypool loop in Exmoor National Park offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 7.4 miles (11.9 km) with an elevation gain of 778 feet (237 metres), typically taking 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete. You will follow the tranquil River Barle through ancient woodlands, where bluebells…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Exmoor National Park

Waypoints

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104 m

Tarr Steps clapper bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Tarr Steps is the longest clapper bridge (a bridge made of unmortared stone slabs) in Britain. The Grade I-listed, 17-span bridge was first mentioned in Tudor times but is probably medieval in origin.

Tip by

5.25 km

Withypool Stone Bridge

Highlight • Settlement

Withypool is a quiet village in the Barle valley with a distinct upland character. Along the banks of the River Barle grow the willow trees that give Withypool its name. …

Tip by

5.50 km

The Royal Oak Inn, Withypool

Highlight • Restaurant

This 18th-century pub is a great place to find some food if you're hiking in the area. It has rooms too, if you're looking for overnight accommodation and welcomes dogs both in the restaurant and overnight.

Tip by

6.55 km

River Barle Stepping Stones

Highlight • Structure

Exmoor and its neighbour, Dartmoor, are no strangers to ancient stepping stone crossings and this is a marvellous example. Crossing the River Barle, these stepping stones are a little upriver …

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10.6 km

River Barle Circular Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

This is a delightful path through ancient woodland alongside the River Barle. A designated nature reserve, the area is an idyllic habitat for salmon, otters and the elusive dormouse, so …

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11.9 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.65 km

3.31 km

2.67 km

161 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.72 km

2.71 km

716 m

659 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (340 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

Weather

Saturday 9 May

12°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Trail Reviews

Jim

May 26, 2021, Path along River Barle – Tarr Steps Loop from Hawkridge

Just done this walk and it is lovely alittle wet under foot because of all the rain we have had but the river was amazing. Great day out and a cream tea in Withypool

Jean

April 8, 2025, Withypool Circular Via Tarr Steps

Some steep inclines and slopes also a nice almost level section following the river from Tarr Steps. A variety of scenic vistas including river, hills, farmland, wooded slopes and moorland.

Tarr Steps & Withypool loop — Exmoor National Park

Tarr Steps clapper bridge

Withypool Stone Bridge

The Royal Oak Inn, Withypool

River Barle Stepping Stones

River Barle Circular Walk

Nearby routes

Trail Reviews

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