The Devil’s Bridge and Devil’s Leap of Exmoor

In the wild terrain of Exmoor, located in West Somerset and North Devon, lies a fascinating folklore that has echoed through centuries. The story revolves around Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge spanning the River Barle, traditionally known as ‘The Devil’s Bridge.’ Legend has it that the devil himself built the Tarr Steps. When humans began crossing it, the devil was enraged and swore to toss anyone into the river if they dared to pass when he was sunning himself on the stones. A brave man accepted the challenge, but not before making a deal with the devil. The devil promised that if he could get to the other side of the bridge without being thrown into the river, he would be given free passage thereafter. The man approached the bridge with his dog, but as they crossed, he threw a piece of meat from his bag. The dog leapt after it, and the devil, mistaking the dog for the man, threw the dog into the river. The devil only realised his mistake when the man reached the other side unscathed. A deal being a deal, the man and others were granted safe passage. Nearby the bridge stands a tall rock known as ‘Devil’s Leap.’ It was on this rock that the devil, in a fit of rage, supposedly leapt over the River Barle, leaving large hoof prints on the rock. Today, locals and tourists alike walk the Tarr Steps and gaze upon the Devil’s Leap, conjuring eerie images of the devil himself, standing amidst the wild beauty of Exmoor with mysterious tales spinning around him.

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