Tarr Steps

We set off for a walk this morning to Dunkery Beacon - the highest point on Exmoor. Guess where the low cloud & mist reaches first?! Having admired the hazy view and gathering clouds we headed back downhill to Tarr Steps

This is a real tour magnet,with good reason. The steps are actually a clapper bridge probably built in mediaeval times and made of massive flat stones. They cross the River Barle in a lovely wooded valley. We enjoyed the footpath up one side of the river, across a footbridge then back down the other side. There was a disappointing lack of wildlife but it's not really the best time of year for that. The most interesting creatures were the miriad of pond skaters in the quieter reaches of the river. The surrounding woods were very atmospheric, deep and dark, with moss laden boughs and ferny undergrowth. Twisted trees seemed to grow out of bedrock which appeared to have the texture of bark. We looked for Ents & dryads but saw none!

Back in the real world, we then headed to the shops of Dulverton to load up with fresh local provisions for the next couple of days. It's now 8 o'clock and we're relaxing in the van listening to the raucous calling of pheasants all around.

Elvie


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