The River Barle rises near Simonsbath on Exmoor in Somerset at an elevation of around 400 metres and flows approximately 39.6 kilometres (24.6 miles) before joining the River Exe at Exebridge in Devon. The river passes through Withypool and Simonsbath along its course, running through Exmoor National Park for much of its length.

The upper reaches of the Barle are characterised by whitewater rapids graded at Class 2 (with some sections approaching 3), making it suitable for beginner to intermediate kayakers and canoeists. It is notable as one of the very few naturally occurring whitewater rivers in England. Two distinct paddling sections are commonly referenced: Simonsbath to Tarr Steps (approximately 16 kilometres) and Tarr Steps to the Exe confluence (approximately 13 kilometres).

Water levels are a key planning consideration. The Bushford gauge is the primary reference point for the Barle, with levels at Bushford running roughly 0.5 metres higher and approximately 2.5 hours later than at Simonsbath. Recommended levels at Dulverton are 0.5 metres on the low end and above 0.75 metres on the high end, while Tarr Steps is considered paddleable between 0.75 and 1.1 metres. Given the river's dependence on rainfall, conditions are most reliably suitable during wetter months.

The river flows through the Somerset Wildlife Trust's Mounsey Wood Nature Reserve and the Knaplock and North Barton Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), first notified in 1954. The SSSI designation reflects the ecological importance of the corridor, which supports kingfishers and is one of the only locations of great burnet on Exmoor. The Eurasian otter has also been recorded as a habitat species in the river itself.

For much of its route, the Two Moors Way long-distance footpath follows the river's banks. The river is also a recognised salmon and trout fishery, which paddlers should be aware of when planning trips, particularly in relation to angling activity along the banks.

A Paddle UK (British Canoeing) waterways licence covers paddling on the Barle, and membership provides access to 4,500 kilometres of waterways across England and Wales.