Sometimes you need to go and see a little of the world, even if it's raining. So we made a little picnic and set off for Tarr Steps, about an hours drive away in the middle of the Exmoor National Park.
The main feature of the area is the 17-span 'clapper' bridge which crosses the River Barle at a ford. It's a very impressive structure, made of local stone slabs, and must have been quite a feat of construction when it was originally made. It's been rebuilt a few times when there's been floods, probably replaced with a hydraulic crane though!
We took a circular walk along the river, through some beautiful woodland, with small bridges across streams, and some wonderful lichen covered trees. Although it rained a lot when we were there, we mostly had the place to ourselves, and the trees did afford us some cover from the weather.
The river starts further upstream on the moors, and finds it's way down to the English Channel via the River Exe. It's supposed to be a spawning ground for Atlantic salmon in the winter months.
I'd like to think this was a reconnaissance trip, there were a lot of places we passed on the way there, as well as some wonderful moors surrounding the valley. We'll be visiting in better weather next time and walking further afield. Until then I hope you enjoy this photos of a cloudy, wet Exmoor afternoon...
This spot is towards the halfway point of the walk, and looks like a wonderful part of the water to go for a swim!
And here's a not so glamorous bridge to take you over to the over side of the bridge to walk back...
We found a money tree! If you look carefully you can see how it's shedding coins...
Here's a close-up...
And to finish, an old classic from Johnnie Ray...
