River Dart  
Canoeing & Kayaking on the River Dart, Devon, England  
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Access Arrangements

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The terms of this arrangement reflect the fact that the Dart Fisheries Association will not agree to a 365 day arrangement for canoeing on the River Dart as sought by Canoe England. This arrangement is therefore NOT endorsed by Canoe England but lists the expectations of that riparian owners group. The current legal situation with regard to access to non-tidal rivers is unclear but paddlers operating within the terms described here will not be challenged by, or face any threats of prosecution from riparian owners.

River Dart: Code of Conduct

 

Before Entering and After Leaving the Water

  • All users should regularly check the website  www.dartaccess.co.uk  for news & updates.
  • Be friendly and polite to local residents and other water users;
  • Park sensibly without causing any obstruction. Use designated car parks where available (this may involve unloading equipment and parking at a distance from the river) and use the shuttle service whenever possible.
  • Be as quiet as possible;
  • Unload kit tidily, take all litter home and leave no trace of your visit;
  • Get changed out of public view;
  • Avoid disturbing farm animals and wildlife and causing environmental damage;
  • Follow the Country Code.

On the Water

  • All canoeists must use the river in a safe fashion and must have appropriate safety equipment;
  • Respect other people;
  • Respect wildlife and the environment. At all other times keep away from the banks (except at official access and portage points) and keep disturbance to the river bed to a minimum;
  • If and when it is necessary to stop or to land in an emergency or at one of the approved landing places, keep reasonably still and quiet and in a small area;
  • Litter must not be deposited in the river or on the bank of the river;
  • Visiting groups should not normally exceed 20 craft (larger groups should consult the CE River Advisor). Individual members within a group must keep as close together as possible, so as to cause minimum impact on other people and the environment;
  • All river users should do their best to avoid arguments.

River Dart: Terms of Arrangements for Canoeing

 

You can canoe/kayak on the River Dart between Dartmeet Bridge and Newbridge from 1st November to 14th March, and from Newbridge to tidal water at Totnes between October 1st and March 14th. Access points are immediately above the bridge at Dartmeet, above the bridge at Newbridge, at Holne Weir (left bank) and Waterworks Bridge in the RDCP, at Buckfastleigh Steam Railway station, and at other points marked on the map. These are the only places at which you can enter and leave the river, other than in the case of emergencies. There are also designated portage points to get around obstructions, e.g Euthanasia on Dartmeet. Directions should be followed and the portages used solely for this purpose.
 
You should be a member of a recognised club or association, or have purchased separate personal liability insurance. Documentary evidence should be available for inspection.
It is good practice to display a registration or other mark on your craft.
Safety is paramount and you should always wear a buoyancy aid and appropriate protective gear. Stay with your boat if you capsize and report its details to the police if it is lost. It is good practice to paddle in a group of at least three. Let someone know where you are going and the time you expect to be back. Remember that weirs are dangerous and should only be attempted after inspection for potential dangers.
Canoeing should normally take place only during daylight hours.
Canoeing should only take place where there is sufficient water to avoid damage to the river bed. If in doubt, please do not canoe in shallow water.

By using the river, you agree that:

Canoeing is an assumed risk activity. The degree of risk may be related to factors such as water and weather conditions, your experience and ability, and to unrecognised hazards in and alongside the river channel. As a guide, the section from Dartmeet to Newbridge is a serious, committed and isolated paddle with a grading of 3 at lower flows to 4/5 at very high levels. The Loop (Newbridge to Holne Bridge is a grade 2-3 paddle at most levels.

These arrangements to canoe do not imply that the river is safe; you must make your own assessment of the river's dangers before accessing the water.

Riparian owners cannot be held responsible for any accident or incident that may result from the use of the river by canoeists under the terms of this arrangement.

Use of the river for canoeing is dependent upon the acceptance of this condition.

This document is not to be taken as evidence that there is, or is not, a public right of navigation on this section of the river. Use of the river for canoeing cannot invoke such a right. Riparian and fisheries owners and tenants and their agents agree that they will not knowingly obstruct the course of the river. Consideration must at all times be given to landowners and users of the river and on no occasion should any use take place that may impair the river environment or the enjoyment of other legitimate users. All people using the river have a duty of care to themselves and others, and will be responsible for any damage caused to private property.

Riparian and fisheries owners can close their parts of the river on the following grounds: Public health (duration as directed by Defra and other agencies); Pollution and dangerous obstructions (duration necessary to address the problem); Protection of fauna and flora (duration as directed by wildlife authorities/DNPA, EA); Engineering works (duration necessary to address the problem).
Disclaimer: No organisation, their representatives nor individuals involved in the development of this agreement can be held responsible for any loss, damage or accident.