AN important Exmoor bridge has been reopened two years after it was closed as a safety measure for walkers and riders.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) recognised major replacement work for the Cloutsham Splash bridge was essential for accessibility and safety, given the ford flows all year round and is often deep and slippery.

The accessibility improvements were funded through a grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), while Somerset Council met the cost of the bridge structure itself.

Now, the work has been completed and the new bridge is fully open to the public.

Exmoor Ranger Charlotte Wray said: “Cloutsham Splash is at the southern tip of Horner Woods, a beautiful ancient oak woodland owned and managed by the National Trust and home to many species of rare lichen.

“Any development in the area should be kept to a minimum and we were very careful to ensure the new structure was in keeping with the cobble stone ford next to the bridge.

“For many cyclists the ford was quite unsafe and we could see an opportunity to increase accessibility to this beautiful valley through widening the bridge and replacing the steps with a ramp to allow tramper vehicles and bicycles to safely cross the water.

“We want to thank the Somerset Council team for approaching us to replace this bridge and recognising the added value our field services team expertise could bring.”

ENPA member Andrew Bray said: “As a keen road cyclist and a member of Minehead Cycling Club, it is great to see this bridge reinstated just as the cycling season gets underway on Exmoor.

“Cloutsham Splash is extremely slippery and virtually un-ridable on a road bike, so the new bridge opens up a wonderful, challenging route through Cloutsham and up onto the heart of Exmoor.

“The finished bridge has been completed to a very high standard and sits beautifully within its surroundings.

“Well done to everybody involved.”

A ENPA spokesperson said replacing Cloutsham Splash bridge reflected key aims of the national park management plan, which had a focus on protecting special landscapes, improving access for all, and supporting opportunities for people to explore and enjoy Exmoor responsibly.

Enhancing safe, inclusive access at popular gateways such as Cloutsham Ford directly supported the plan’s ambitions around wellbeing, nature connection, and sustainable recreation.

The spokesperson said: “This project exemplifies the strong partnership working that underpins much of the work carried out across Exmoor.

“The collaboration between Exmoor National Park Authority’s field services team, Somerset highways bridge engineers, and DEFRA demonstrates how co-ordinated effort and shared expertise deliver real benefits for local communities, visitors, and the wider landscape.

“Anybody wishing to support access improvements as a whole across the national park can donate to CareMoor for Exmoor, the national park’s scheme supporting nature, heritage, and public access projects.

“Contributions help deliver future projects such as path repairs, bridge improvements, and enhancements to routes that make Exmoor safer and more enjoyable for everybody.”