Exmoor Path Closures

Information about path closures can be found by clicking on the links below.


Closure Location:  Hinds Pitt Footbridge on Tarr Steps Circular Walk

Path  Number: pp125

Parish: Winsford / Withypool & Hawkridge

Closure Type: Emergency Closure of Footpbridge due to Structural Failure

Closure ends: Not yet known

Notice and Plans: Map with location of path

Reason for Closure: Unfortunately, the bridge above Hinds Pitt Pool that forms part of the popular Tarr Steps circular walk has had to be closed due to structural failure and for public safety. The bridge has been there since the 1950’s and some key parts of the steel structure have deteriorated to a point where they are no longer safe (see photos below). We hope to replace the bridge and secure public access once again here for the future, but it will take some time to develop a plan in agreement with the relevant landowners and to raise the considerable funds required.  It is possible that we can do some temporary modifications to allow the bridge to reopen while we plan for its replacement, and we are looking into that urgently. In the meantime, the Tarr Steps site is otherwise open for everyone to enjoy, including short walks there and back on either side of the river and all the longer walks in the area are fully open too. The popular long distance footpath the Two Moors Way is still passable using an alternative route on the west bank of the river.”


Closure Location:  Hunters Inn road bridge,

Path  Number: This is a road closure which could affect  a number of walking and riding routes around the Heddon Valley Area

Parish: Trentishoe/Martinhoe

Closure Type: Devon County Council Highways 6 month closure to replace road bridge

Closure ends: 22nd December 2025

Notice and Plans: Map with location of path & DCC closure notice

Reason for Closure: This closure is for DCC to replace the road bridge.  There is no access for any traffic across the road bridge (including walkers, cyclists and horse riders), but an alternative route via a footbridge may be used by walkers and riders whilst the closure is in operation. See plan above.


Closure Location:  Public Footpath, West of Wimbleball Dam near Hartford village

Path  Number: DU1-42

Parish: Brompton Regis

Closure Type: 3 week closure from 15th May 2025

Closure ends: 5th June 2025

Notice and Plans: Map with location of path

Reason for Closure: This closure is due to a damaged footbridge.


Closure Location:  Permitted Leat Path, Simonsbath

Path  Number: pp440

Parish: Exmoor Parish

Closure Type: 6-8 weeks

Closure ends: End May 2025

Notice and Plans: Map with location of path

Reason for Closure: Path CLOSED for improvement works.  Works expected to be completed by the end of April but the closure will be lifted sooner if works are finished. Please take care using alternative route via road.


Closure Location:  Weir  Water, near Robber's Bridge , Oare, Somerset

Path  Number: Permissive path

Parish: Oare

Closure Type: Indefinite Closure

Closure ends:  n/a

Notice and Plans: Map with location of path

Reason for Closure: This closure of the permitted path is due to a broken bridge.  There is no alternative route.


Closure Location: Sillery Sands

Path  Number: 241FP24

Parish: Lynton & Lynmouth

Status:  Public Footpath

Closure Type:  Permanent Closure

Closure ends:  Permanent Closure

Reason for Closure:  Landslide.  No alternative route available.

There is no access to Countisbury from Sillery beach.  The path from Sillery sands to Countisbury Hill is totally impassable.  The steps have been washed away by the sea and a large part of the path has slipped into a landslide,  If you proceed along the beach eastwards from Lynmouth, please be aware of the tide as you can be cut off.  There is no other exit from the beach, beyond the end of the promenade.  You must retrace your steps, before the tide comes in.


Closure Location: Porlock Shingle Ridge

Path  Number: WL19/3

Parish: Porlock

Status:  Public Footpath

Closure Type:  Permanent Closure

Closure ends:  Permanent Closure

Alternative Route:  Porlock shingle ridge is impassable due to the breach.  Do not attempt to cross, even at low water.  Follow local signs from Bossington to Porlock Weir.