Ancient Tarr Steps Bridge Suffers Repeated Storm Damage 2026

Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in Britain, has been laid low by one storm after another, with floodwater dismantling it five times in the last nine years. This ancient footbridge, nearly 55 metres long and featuring 17 arches braced across the River Barle on Exmoor, is a testament to medieval engineering—but its future is increasingly uncertain as extreme weather events become more frequent.

The bridge, constructed of pillars of piled rock set about two metres apart and spanned by huge, flat gritstones weighing up to two tonnes each, is held together by bulk and weight alone, without mortar, cement, or ironwork. Its exact age is uncertain, but the existing structure is considered a medieval improvement of a simpler Bronze Age crossing. It has always been prone to washing away in extreme weather, but damage has become more frequent this century, with floodwater dismantling it five times in the last nine years.

Why Tarr Steps Matters

Tarr Steps is not just a local landmark; it is a piece of national heritage. As the longest clapper bridge in Britain, it attracts visitors from far and wide who come to marvel at its ancient construction and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The bridge is also a vital part of the local ecosystem, providing a crossing point for wildlife and a focal point for the community.

The bridge's design, using massive stones balanced on rock pillars, is a remarkable feat of engineering that has survived centuries. However, the increasing frequency of floods is putting this heritage at risk. The most dramatic occasion was during the ice floods of January 1940, when the river froze solid before melting rapidly, releasing ice floes into a torrent that battered out the central section. But the recent spate of damage is unprecedented in its regularity.

The Impact of Extreme Weather

The repeated damage to Tarr Steps is a stark reminder of the impact of extreme weather on our historic environment. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods, putting many ancient structures at risk. The bridge's vulnerability is exacerbated by its location on Exmoor, where heavy rainfall can quickly turn the River Barle into a raging torrent.

Each time the bridge is damaged, it requires costly and time-consuming repairs. The local community and heritage organizations have rallied to restore it, but the cycle of destruction and repair is unsustainable in the long term. There is a growing need for a more resilient solution that preserves the bridge's historic character while protecting it from future floods.

What's Being Done to Protect Tarr Steps

Efforts to protect Tarr Steps have included monitoring the river levels and issuing flood warnings, as well as engineering studies to assess the bridge's stability. However, any intervention must be carefully considered to avoid compromising the bridge's historic integrity. The challenge is to find a balance between preserving the past and adapting to a changing climate.

Local authorities and heritage bodies are working together to explore options, including improved flood defenses upstream and potential modifications to the bridge itself. But these measures are not without controversy, as any change to the ancient structure could alter its character and value.

Lessons from Other Heritage Sites

Tarr Steps is not alone in facing climate-related threats. Many historic sites across the UK are grappling with similar challenges, from coastal erosion to flooding. The experience of Tarr Steps offers valuable lessons for other heritage managers: the importance of proactive monitoring, community engagement, and flexible adaptation strategies.

As we reflect on the fate of this ancient bridge, we are reminded of the broader environmental changes affecting our countryside. The Guardian Country Diary has long documented these shifts, from the rain that transforms drought-stricken land to the milestone of 1,000 articles celebrating nature. These observations underscore the need for resilience in the face of a changing climate.

What to Watch Next

As winter approaches, the risk of further flooding remains high. The community will be watching the weather forecasts with concern, hoping that Tarr Steps can withstand the next storm. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy the bridge and its surroundings, but they should be aware of the ongoing efforts to preserve it. The background to this story is set out in Mediterranean Storms: What Tarragona and Pomas Reveal About Extreme Weather. A related thread runs through Camping: latest articles.

The story of Tarr Steps is a poignant example of how our heritage is intertwined with the natural world. It also highlights the importance of documenting and learning from our environment, as seen in the Country Diary's observations of butterflies and ancient oaks. Such records help us understand the changes taking place and inform our response. Earlier coverage in Country Diary: A Small Stone Bridge Becomes a Stage shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Coyote Attack in LA: Why Feeding Wildlife Is Dangerous.

Ultimately, the fate of Tarr Steps will depend on our ability to adapt and innovate while respecting the past. It is a challenge that will require collaboration between scientists, historians, and the local community. As we look to the future, we can draw inspiration from the bridge itself—a structure that has endured for centuries through the careful balance of human ingenuity and natural forces. Anyone following the wider picture can start with 10 of the Best Wild Winter Weekends in the UK for Adventure.

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