By: Blonde Two
Have you ever used Trip Advisor? I haven’t as I prefer to form my own opinion about places, but was surprised today to find out that the clapper bridge at Postbridge has its own review. For those not in the know, a clapper bridge is constructed from slabs of rock (granite on Dartmoor) laid across either from one bank to another or between rock posts. They are lovely to behold and puzzling as to their construction method (granite is heavy!)
Luckily for our ancient (at least 1380) bridge, it was given pleasing reviews. There was one that was rather silly, complaining about the number of tourists making it, “…too busy at times.” They are right, my sister and I were lucky to have it to ourselves the other day, but I have commented before on our ability to see everyone else a s a tourist and forget that most of us on Dartmoor are, in fact, also visitors.
I don’t know why Postbridge has been singled out for clapper bridge reviews. Dartmeet is perhaps, too broken (Blonde One and I have seen the East Dart in flood right over the top of this one). Some of the others, Wallabrook and Teignhead for example are maybe too remote for Trip Advisor to find them. Imagine the review, “This bridge is in the middle of nowhere, the path leading too it is poorly maintained and I got mud on my boots. There are no toilets and it was raining.“
Postbridge, I have been told, and witnessed, is very popular with German tourists. There is, apparently, a drama which uses it as a location. I have tried and tried to find out what it is called. Someone out there please enlighten me!
The Germans love the Devon scenery. Darryll was once a stunt double for a German film/programme abseiling off Berry Head!!!!! Oh and still thinking of the Olympic Tourists at Postbridge!!!!! Lol!!!!
I was thinking about the Olympics when I wrote the blog post too! x
Breakfast was missing something until a few moments ago when at last your post arrived.
I started writing a comment and then realised, as sometimes happens, that my comment would make a post on my own blog, so watch out.
I have seen many clapper bridges on my travels, quite often in France, and the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales – always a joy. I liked your crafty photo under the other bridge.
I have to confess that the crafty photo was my sister’s not mine. I liked it too.
Is it the German company that come and film Rosamunde Pilcher stories all over the SW? I saw them in Oldway Mansion once – there’s a bit about it on google/herald express.
http://pilcher-drehorte.blogspot.cz/2012/07/dartmoor.html?m=1
I did wonder if it was them. She is apparently very popular over there and has made parts of Cornwall famous.
Not sure about a German series but follow the link to a brilliant Pathe news clip of Postbridge:
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/dartmoor-postman-beware-other-colour-pics-share-1/query/CP+439
That is a fantastic clip. A Dartmoor pony too I think!
I was thinking about the Olympics when I wrote the post too 🙂