DULVERTON, a market town on the Barle, 21 m.  W. from Taunton, pop. (in 1901) 1369.  The station on the G.W.R. branch line to Barnstaple is 2 m. distant.  Dulverton is a primitive and not very prepossessing little place.  Its quaintness is quite unpicturesque, and it is generally unworthy of its situation.  It is, however, deservedly beloved of the angler and the huntsman.  It possesses one of the best trout streams in the W. of England, and its proximity to Exmoor, the haunt of the red deer, makes it an excellent centre for the chase.  But the rod and the hounds are merely adventitious attractions to Dulverton.  Its real merit lies in its scenery.  It not only enjoys undisputed possession of the lovely valley of the Barle in which it lies, but a short connecting road enables it to appropriate the beauties of the neighbouring vale of the Exe.  Both torrents descend from the highlands of Exmoor, and it is difficult to say which is the more beautiful.  The valleys are similar, but have characteristic differences.  The Barle has all the piquant charm of the mountain torrent, whilst the beauties of the Exe are of a sedater though not less pleasing character.  Everywhere about Dulverton delightful landscapes may be caught, but the “show sight” is Mount Sydenham, just above the church (ascend lane at E. end of church and turn in at gate on L. when the first hollow is reached).  Dulverton will find less favour with the antiquarian than with the artist.  Such antiquities as it does possess are more picturesque than important.  The church has been entirely rebuilt (1855) with the exception of the tower, which is of the plain Exmoor type and is now almost hidden by a huge sycamore.  The other antiquities in the neighbourhood are (1) Mouncey Castle (a corruption of Monceaux), a rough encampment on the summit of a wooded hill almost encircled by the Barle, a couple of miles above Dulverton; (2) the ivy-covered ruins of Barlynch Priory, a branch “cell” from Cleve Abbey, standing in a charming situation on the banks of the Exe, a mile above Hele Bridge; (3) Tarr Steps, a rude but highly picturesque footbridge over the Barle, 5 m. above Dulverton.  It crosses the river at a ford, and is constructed of large flag-stones, uncemented, and resting on similar stones placed edgewise.  It is generally regarded as Celtic in origin, and is certainly a great artistic addition to a charming bit of river.  A most delightful walk is to take the Winsford road through Higher Combe, cross the Barle at Tarr Steps, and return by the opposite bank through Hawkridge.  It is a round of about 12 m., but well repays the fatigue involved.  Another pleasant excursion is to explore the valley of the Haddeo, a stream which flows into the Exe from the opposite direction to the Barle, and which fully maintains the reputation of the neighbourhood for river scenery.  Near Dulverton station is an interesting trout nursery. Pixton Park (in which there is a heronry) is the seat of the Countess of Carnarvon.