Tarr Steps bridge damage

Last updated 4.40pm, 26 October 2026

Following Storm Austen and Boelo bringing an abrupt end to one of the driest summers on record the ancient clapper bridge of Tarr Steps has been damaged over the weekend of 24–25 October.

High river levels have affected the historic clapper bridge. Once water levels have receded Somerset Council, who have responsibility for the bridge, will be able to establish the extent of the damage and what work will be needed.

For the time being, visitors should not attempt to cross the river at Tarr Steps using the bridge. Please follow any signs and temporary closures on site and do not put yourself at risk by attempting to cross. The public car park remains open, as does Tarr Farm Inn. We are currently checking the wider Rights of Way network but anticipate you can continue to enjoy walks following the river upstream on the eastern bank towards Hinds Pit Bridge (which remains closed due to safety concerns). This can either be done as a short ‘there and back’ to Hinds Pit or link to longer walks via Knaplock.

Please do not attempt to drive to Tarr Steps from the South West side or Hawkridge as there is no parking and the roads are unsuitable with Marshclose Hill currently closed due to an uprooted tree undermining the carriageway.

Tarr Steps has a long history of being affected by flooding. Its distinctive stone slabs are vulnerable to being displaced during significant flood events, and any recovery work needs to be carefully planned.

We know how important Tarr Steps is to residents, visitors and businesses, and we understand that many people will want to know when the bridge will be reinstated. We will provide further information once water levels allow Somerset Council to fully inspect the structure.

Wider network damage

Our Rangers are working with landowners and partners to assess the wider network following the storms. If you are out and about walking and riding on Exmoor and come across fallen trees, or other damage to the Rights of Way network please do report any issues (the online map also allows you to check if an issue has already been logged). Report a path problem | Exmoor

Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received to aid our work keeping access open for all across Exmoor. www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor.

See more details in our Frequently asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still visit Tarr Steps?

Yes, the car park and Tarr Farm Inn remain open. You cannot cross the river. Visitors should take extra care and should not attempt to cross the river using Tarr Steps. Please follow signs and temporary route closures on site. We are currently assessing the wider Rights of Way network - any further restrictions will be flagged once complete

Does this impact the Two Moors Way?

While usually the Two Moors Way long distant route would cross Tarr Steps there is already a diversion in place to follow the western bank due to the closure of Hinds Pitt bridge. Therefore, those completing the route can continue using this alternative route and are not directly impacted by the closure of Tarr Steps.

How badly damaged is the bridge?

It is too early to tell. The bridge is adjacent to the highway ford and as such is the responsibility of Somerset Council Highways. A detailed inspection will be needed once river levels and conditions allow safe access.

When will Tarr Steps be repaired?

It is too early to give a timescale. Any repairs will require the river to be at a substantially lower level, meaning this is likely to be some while.

Is there a safe alternative crossing?

Due to the current closure of Hinds Pitt Bridge further upstream there is no through route on the eastern bank of the River Barle between Tarr Steps and Great Bradley (the next available upstream crossing point) – an alternative route for walkers and riders via Knapplock is available. The western bank remains open for walkers but cannot be accessed from the Tarr Steps Car Park.  Please note at the time of publication Rangers are checking the network and any updates will be added here.

Please follow signed diversions and Rights of Way information on site. Do not attempt to ford the River during levels of high water.

The bridge has had to be rebuilt a number of times in recent years – why is this? I thought there was a tree catcher upstream?

Tarr Steps sits directly within the River Barle and is therefore exposed to the force of the river during periods of exceptionally high flow. Tarr Steps has previously been affected by flooding and individual stones have had to be recovered and repositioned.

We are experiencing more extreme weather – drier summers, wetter winters and heavier rain events. The storms this weekend follow some of the driest summer months on record which will have resulted in more physical stress to trees at the same time as exceptional rainfall

The tree catcher remains in situ and has held back a significant amount of woody debris but in extreme events such as those witnessed this weekend it isn’t sufficient to capture all debris.

Can we support the rebuild efforts?

The bridge is the responsibility of Somerset Council. However, the storms have impacted the Rights of Way network across Exmoor and donations can be made to CareMoor for Exmoor to support our access work across the National Park. www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor.