The Dart rises high on Dartmoor as two rivers, the East and West Dart, until their confluence at Dartmeet. Most of the river above Holne Bridge is natural, with numerous rapids and some rock gardens. Below Holne, man made weirs become more of an influence on the river, but good canoeing can still be found at high water. The Dart is prone to very rapid rises and falls in level as rain runs off the thin soils and impermeable granite of Dartmoor. In heavy rain or after prolonged rain the river can rise several feet in an hour and the section above Buckfast can be very dangerous in these conditions.

Access and egress points are limited and those listed below are the only points where canoeists can join or leave the river other than in emergencies.

Upper/Dartmeet Section

SEASON 1ST NOVEMBER TO 14TH MARCH. ONLY.

DARTMEET (SX 672732). Upstream of here there is no canoeing due to the importance of both the East and West Dart as salmon breeding grounds. The section from Dartmeet downstream to Newbridge is about 6 miles in length and is totally committed. At anything above low flows it is a genuine grade 4/5 stretch of river and for this reason canoeing is severely restricted. In the event of an accident it is very difficult to get help. In recent years many people have been paddling here without permission and there is now a real danger that we may lose the access agreement. Dartmoor National Park Wardens will check your helmet tags, and riparian owners will prosecute those who do not possess the required access permission.

Access point: Access to the river is from the car park at Dartmeet. Between the clapper bridge and the road bridge.

Middle/Loop Section

SEASON 1ST OCTOBER TO 14TH MARCH

NEWBRIDGE (SX712708). Between Newbridge and Holne Bridge the Dart makes a large loop which gives this section its common name. Although the loop is only just over three miles long it is by far the most popular section of this river, being a good grade 3 at normal winter levels. Numerous natural drops together with some remoteness ensure that this section is not suitable for whitewater novices. Access at Newbridge is from the car park on the left bank above the bridge. A road follows the river's left bank for about 1 mile as far as the confluence with the R. Webburn, after which emergency portages should be on the right bank. On leaving Newbridge the canoeist will have a fairly gentle introduction to the river for the first mile or so, although there is a tree on the right hand bank just beyond a split in the channel (715713) which can cause problems. After this and a few small rapids the first of the more interesting drops appears. 'The Washing Machine' as it is known is best shot on the right of the small island, but as near to the island as possible; go too far right and you will be in the middle of a nasty stopper. A few rapids further and the river bends sharply to the right indicating the arrival of 'Lovers Leap'. This 100 metre long rapid contains some large boulders which often tip in the unwary at low flows, although they are mostly covered at high water. A line which follows the main flow, starting to the right of centre and then moving to the centre is usually the safest, but do watch out for the sheer rock face at the end of the rapid. All the water piles into this face with predictable consequences for any canoeist unfortunate enough to get in the way. About 1/2 mile later, after another sharp right turn you will come to a small, shallow rapid which is closely followed by 'Triple Drop', a series of three increasingly large natural drops within 50 metres of each other. The line through these depends very much on the water level, but all three drops have good waves and stoppers for the more experienced to play in, with the last drop providing the greatest fun. The river then straightens and flattens for a while before 'The Spin Dryer', another natural rapid which does not in itself provide too many problems. The eddies below it, and especially the one on the right, provide the sting in the tail though, with many competent canoeists falling foul of the highly unpredictable currents here. If you do manage to stay upright the wave at the bottom of the rapid is usually worth playing on.

From here it is fairly simple paddling through the last rapid to Holne Bridge (SX731706).  The next weir which is only 200 metres below Holne Bridge must be taken with extreme caution at medium and high flows as the stopper and towback are fierce. Under these conditions it is best shot on the extreme left or it can be portaged on either side.  

From here to Buckfast is a pleasant 3 mile grade 2 paddle, although the speed of flow when the level is high can cause real difficulties, as can the two weirs which can both have severe stoppers. From here to the weir at Buckfast Abbey is about 3 miles, during which you will encounter a few mild rapids. BUCKFAST ABBEY WEIR is a monster! Please see current HAZARDS. The weir can be inspected and portaged on the left. Below here is an interesting gorge section with unusual currents and many standing waves. As you go under an old road bridge look for egress point ahead; it is immediately before the modern road bridge where the River Ashburn joins on the left.

Egress can be made at the Dart Valley Railway and Butterfly Farm, PLEASE patronise their cafe (in dry clothing!) if you are parking here.. BUCKFAST (SX745667).

Beware the 8 foot high bridge though; most trailers, minibuses and even cars with kayaks on the roof will not fit through! However, there is an alternative route which involves driving between the station and an engine shed and then along some track, before turning sharp right to get to the car park. We will see if we can get some signs put up to avoid any wrong turns, which could be embarrassing.

Lower Section

SEASON 1ST OCTOBER TO 31ST JANUARY

 The Dart from here to Totnes is less exciting than the upper reaches but still provides ample interest for many canoeists. The moving water and the weirs ensure it is a grade 2 paddle, but again it needs treating with respect when high as the water flows very fast and there are numerous trees lining the banks.

Having joined the Dart via the R. Ashburn as described above, Salmon Pool Weir 1/2 mile downstream is best shot on the left, or left of centre. After about 4 1/2 miles is STAVERTON BRIDGE where access/egress is permitted on the left immediately below the bridge; please do not block the entrance to Staverton Builders. A short distance from here is Staverton Weir which is shootable with caution- watch out for the rocks at the bottom and portage to left of shoot if necessary. After 3 1/2 miles of slow moving water you will arrive at Totnes Weir, shootable along the wall or down the steps, or portage right of the wall down the weir. Please be aware of possible conflict here with fishermen and consider portaging if any are present. In Totnes beware of steamers and mud flats at low tides.

TOTNES (SX808597). A tidal, meandering stretch of 9 1/2 miles from here to Dartmouth appears harmless but beware of strong winds, strong currents and other river traffic. Some points of interest here include;

at 3 miles Sharpham House, National Trust property on right,

at 4 1/2 miles Bow Creek (inlet which leads to a couple of pubs),

at 5 miles a creek leading to Stoke Gabriel, parking and shops,

(this stretch can be very rough in high winds, follow channel on left)

at 7 miles Dittisham, pub and limited car parking. Strong currents.

at 9 miles Royal Naval College, beware boats manoeuvring.

at 9 1/2 miles Higher and Kingswear ferries, KEEP CLEAR! Landing slip on

left after second ferry. Park in station car park and walk.

at 9/10 miles Dartmouth Town on right bank. Land on quay or Inner Harbour

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