Postbridge

In Postbridge, Clapper Bridge is a striking structure, and walking trails lead from here into Bellever Forest. You can focus your trip planning on several themes: bridge history, Bronze Age heritage, and routes through woodland, moorland, or open heathland.

Clapper Bridge: design and history

Clapper Bridge crosses the East Dart River within the hamlet of Postbridge and is just a short walk from the National Park Visitor Centre. It is designated a Scheduled Monument. Two granite piers support three large granite slabs. The structure is clearly laid out: the slabs form the crossing, and the piers support them. The bridge belongs to a medieval type of bridge; much of the surviving structure probably dates from after 1670. It is therefore important to distinguish between the date of the bridge type, which is medieval, and that of much of the surviving structure, which probably originated later.

Bronze Age heritage and walking trails

The Postbridge Visitor Centre has an exhibition about Bronze Age finds from the excavation at Whitehorse Hill, including replicas of the jewellery. In Bellever Forest, the History Hunters Trail uses Bronze Age symbols to tell 4,000 years of history. The two experiences have different focuses: the exhibition centres on specific finds and jewellery replicas, while the trail uses symbols to bring a long span of history to life.

The River and Forest Trail in Bellever Forest starts at Postbridge car park and passes through woodland, moorland, and wildflower meadows before reaching the River Dart. The Bellever Tor Trail passes hut circles and grazing ponies before climbing up to Bellever Tor. The Miles Without Stiles Bellever Forest route starts at the car park at the Postbridge National Park Visitor Centre. It crosses open heathland, follows an ancient stone row, and loops around Lakehead Hill through the forest. The trails each have different features: the River and Forest Trail leads to the River Dart, Miles Without Stiles crosses open heathland alongside the stone row, and the Bellever Tor Trail features hut circles, ponies, and the climb to the tor. Walking trails lead from Postbridge into Bellever Forest; more experienced walkers can also cross the northern moor from here.

Getting your bearings

The Postbridge Visitor Centre is just off the B3212 between Moretonhampstead and Two Bridges. Road conditions can change, so check your route before travelling. The Centre has books and leaflets to help you explore the area, including the leaflet “Walks around Postbridge”. A Tramper can be hired at the Visitor Centre for a route through Bellever Forest; check availability before your trip. The Centre also has electric vehicle charging points with designated parking spaces. Availability and prices may change; check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Tawstock, Uffculme, Ilfracombe, Starcross, Bradworthy, Saint Giles in the Wood, Teignmouth, Woolfardisworthy

For the broader travel overview: Devon.