Withypool
Petrol Station – Withypool, Somerset, UK. ID DSCN7111
Withypool
Lets start with the petrol station at Withypool! It is a big tourist draw in the village. Many people have their photographs taken with these old fashioned Shell pumps.
The village sits next to the River Barle high on Exmoor in the west of Somerset.
Withypool – Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8539
The village is church is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells from over on the east side of Somerset. I was surprised that the diocese covers such a large area.
St Andrews Church – Withypool, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8637
Walk to Tarr Steps
This is an very popular walk and it is easy to see why.
Withypool to Tarr Steps (1 km markers)
The walk starts by climbing up Withypool Hill – classic open moorland of rough grass, heather and a few hawthorn trees.
Withypool Hill – Withypool, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8553
In early autumn the open moor is covered in the bright yellows and pinks of gorse and heather.
Exmoor Heather – Somerset, UK. ID DSCN5883
The moor is criss-crossed by narrow lanes with tall hedges.
Worth Lane – Nr Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8557
Ancient oak trees are covered in polypody ferns.
Oak covered in Common Polypody – Parsonage Down, Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8575
Polypody Ferns – Horner Wood, Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID DSCN5886
Half way, and you reach the famous clapper bridge at Tarr Steps. Time for a cafe stop and a paddle.
Tarr Steps – Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8582
From here you can follow the riverside northwards all the way back up to Withypool. Currently, to help maintain social distancing, you should follow the one way system along the river bank.
Crossing the River Barle on one of the small foot bridges. The water is turned brown as it absorbs iron minerals from the ground on which it flows.
River Barle – Exmoor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8609
And Finally…
Take care on your return to Withypool, as the locals may have your car surrounded!
Sheep on the run – Withypool, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8647
