Day 7 - Tuesday 23 April 2024
Hawkridge to Simonsbath (13.2 miles)
Leaving Hawkridge. Whilst we were heading to Tarr Steps initially, our route out of Hawkridge followed the sign to Withypool.
Leaving the road the route heads up a small set of steps, through a gate and into a field
Despite the overcast weather this was a pleasant start to the day
Correct - we didn't see any
Nothing to see here - just a horse hanging his coat out to dry on a gate
Arriving at Tarn Steps over the River Barle
The clapper bridge of Tarr Steps
Medieval in origin and a scheduled monument, the bridge is 180 feet long and has 17 spans. The bridge was badly damaged by floodwater on 22 December 2012 when steel wires upstream (designed to protect the bridge from damaging debris) were broken by fallen trees washed down the river. Floodwaters carried away part of the bridge again on 21 November 2016, and it has since been rebuilt.
Medieval in origin and a scheduled monument, the bridge is 180 feet long and has 17 spans. The bridge was badly damaged by floodwater on 22 December 2012 when steel wires upstream (designed to protect the bridge from damaging debris) were broken by fallen trees washed down the river. Floodwaters carried away part of the bridge again on 21 November 2016, and it has since been rebuilt.
Tarr Steps (Click Play to view)
Fudge doing his 3 legged dog impression in the River Barle
Fudge in the River Barle - he loved the water so much bless him
Arsing about in the River Barle (Click Play to view)
After crossing the Barle the route turns to the left on a good path that heads to Knaplock Wood
No Fudge - we are not taking all the coins out of the tree in order to fund your treat habit
Trundling through Knaplock Wood alongside the River Barle
The path undulates as it makes its way along the banks of the river offering swimming & drinking opportunities for Fudge
Not that way today Fudge although we could have taken this route and crossed back over up river
Stayed on the original route on this day - there had not been much rain therefore decided to take a chance
This was the only tricky section on the original route which required careful negotiation - particularly adjacent to the dog poo bag which had been there a while. I picked it up and disposed of it in Withypool.
The lovely River Barle near Great Bradley
Somebody was clearly enjoying himself today with lots of mucking about in the water
Now and then the path moves away from the river and heads over lush farmland
Just south of Withypool the route passes some stepping stones over the Barle - they looked extremely slippery
Entering Withypool - whilst it does not look it, Fudge was really enjoying himself.
Passing The Royal Oak pub - much as I would have liked a swift half, I was meeting Angie at the cafe near the bridge
And here we are
The River Barle from Withypool Bridge
Next to the Tea Room is the former Petrol Station. The pumps are Beckmeters and are probably from the 1960s. Note the price of a gallon of petrol on the middle pump - 34p!!
St Andrews Church in Withypool
Time to get back on the route after a quick game of Connect 4
The route passes the old Withypool Board School
Just after leaving Withypool it was time for a mile or so road walking along Kitridge Lane
Bit of a sing song with Fudge although I don't think he appreciated it that much (Click Play to view)
After a while on the lead, Fudge was eager to be free again - having crossed over Landacre Lane we were now on open common
Exmoor Ponies aplenty as we continue on to Cow Castle
Our route to Simonsbath stretches ahead of us as we continue on over open moorland
Zooming in on Landacre Bridge. The bridge was built in the late medieval period with the first documentary evidence being from 1610. Restoration work was undertaken in 1875, and again following damage during flooding in 1952.
The River Barle near Great Woolcombe
The remains of buildings and workings at Wheal Eliza
Wheal Eliza was a copper mine initiated by the Knight family who were also responsible for the development of Simonsbath during the 19th century. The mine employed Cornish Miners hence the word "wheal" which is the Cornish for mine. The mine was deemed a failure as it only operated for 11 years.
Wheal Eliza was a copper mine initiated by the Knight family who were also responsible for the development of Simonsbath during the 19th century. The mine employed Cornish Miners hence the word "wheal" which is the Cornish for mine. The mine was deemed a failure as it only operated for 11 years.
Simonsbath and The Exmoor Forest Inn. Simonsbath is pronounced "Simmonsbath".
Journey's end for us today was at the Ashcombe Car Park on the edge of Simonsbath
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Day 7 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
13.2 miles
104.6 miles
6hrs 10mins
1945ft (593m)
104.6 miles
6hrs 10mins
1945ft (593m)