Somerset Bridge Reopens Following Major Replacement Work

Although a Somerset Council Highways bridge, situated on a road next to a ford, the bridge provides a vital link between the network of routes through Horner Woods and the path up to Dunkery Hill. Its removal in 2024 for safety reasons, prompted concern from residents and visitors who rely on it for access.

The project was delivered by Exmoor National Park Authority’s Field Services Team on behalf of Somerset Highways, with Ranger Charlotte Wray coordinating the works. Ahead of construction, she worked closely with Somerset Highways Bridge Engineers and local ecologists to obtain the necessary consents and agree the technical specification for the new structure.

As part of the design process, a decision was made to improve access on both sides of the bridge and to increase the bridge’s width and specification to ensure it could safely accommodate cyclists and tramper users. With the ford flowing year round — often deep and slippery — these enhancements were recognised as essential for accessibility and safety.

The accessibility improvements were funded through DEFRA Accessibility Funding, while Somerset Council funded the bridge structure itself. Now complete, the new bridge is fully open to the public.

Ranger Charlotte Wray said:
“Cloutsham Splash is at the southern tip of Horner Woods, a beautiful ancient oak woodland owned and managed by the National Trust and home to many species of rare lichen. Any development in the area should be kept to a minimum and we were very careful to ensure the new structure was in keeping with the cobble stone ford next to the bridge. For many cyclists the ford was quite unsafe and we could see an opportunity to increase accessibility to this beautiful valley through widening the bridge and replacing the steps with a ramp to allow tramper vehicles and bicycles to safely cross the water. We want to thank the Somerset Council team for approaching us to replace this bridge and recognising the added value our Field Services Team expertise could bring.”

ENPA Member Andrew Bray said:

“As a keen road cyclist and a member of Minehead Cycling Club, it’s great to see this bridge reinstated just as the cycling season gets underway on Exmoor. Cloutsham Splash is extremely slippery and virtually un-ridable on a road bike, so the new bridge opens up a wonderful, challenging route through Cloutsham and up onto the heart of Exmoor. The finished bridge has been completed to a very high standard and sits beautifully within its surroundings. Well done to everyone involved.”

The replacement of Cloutsham Splash Bridge reflects key aims of the Exmoor National Park Management Plan, which focuses on protecting special landscapes, improving access for all, and supporting opportunities for people to explore and enjoy Exmoor responsibly. Enhancing safe, inclusive access at popular gateways such as Cloutsham Ford directly supports the Plan’s ambitions around wellbeing, nature connection, and sustainable recreation.

Find more information here Exmoor National Park Management Plan | Exmoor

Partnership Working
This project exemplifies the strong partnership working that underpins much of the work carried out across Exmoor. The collaboration between Exmoor National Park Authority’s Field Services Team, Somerset Highways Bridge Engineers, and DEFRA demonstrates how coordinated effort and shared expertise deliver real benefits for local communities, visitors and the wider landscape.

Supporting Future Access Improvements – CareMoor for Exmoor
Anyone wishing to support access improvements as a whole across the National Park can donate to CareMoor for Exmoor, the National Park’s scheme supporting nature, heritage and public access projects. Contributions help deliver future projects such as path repairs, bridge improvements, and enhancements to routes that make Exmoor safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

More information can be found at: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor

Exmoor Active Travel Plan

ENPA have developed by the Exmoor Active Travel Plan with input from local residents, visitors, and government funding from Active Travel England. Its goal is to encourage people to use active travel—walking, cycling, or horse riding—rather than relying on cars, particularly for short trips under five miles, which make up a significant portion of local journeys.