Dunster

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The Avill originates from the eastern slopes of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. Its course takes an easterly direction, passing through Steart where it converges with streams originating from White Moor and Kersham Hill. From there, it briefly turns north until reaching Pitt Bridge, after which it continues in a northeast trajectory, flowing past Timberscombe. Progressing through the valley below Knowle Hill and Dunster, it eventually reaches Dunster Beach, where it joins the Bristol Channel. Notably, at Loxhole Bridge in Dunster, a controlled overflow channel with a sluice has been constructed to redirect excess water from the river into the Bristol Channel, located slightly to the east of the river's mouth.Dunster boasts the historic Gallox Bridge, which dates back to the 15th century. This remarkable stone packhorse bridge, situated on the southern outskirts of Dunster, spans the River Avill with two arches. Designated as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the bridge was originally referred to as Gallows Bridge. It features a roadway width of 3.9 feet, a total width of 6.2 feet, and a length of 44.3 feet.  This camera was installed and is maintained by the Environment Agency and can be viewed  here All  content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Continuing its course, the river skirts around Dunster New Park, the surrounding grounds of Dunster Castle. In close proximity to Dunster Beach, the Avill is crossed by a bridge along the West Somerset Railway. Notably, the river has served as a source of inspiration for the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful."