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The River Dart

Canoeing & Kayaking on the River Dart, Devon, England

Although the BCU is unaware of any law which specifically makes canoeing on non-tidal rivers illegal and is seeking 365 day access to all rivers, the true legal position is still unclear. The Dart Fisheries Association has agreed to the following canoeing season.

SHUTTLE BUS WILL RUN THIS WEEKEND - 16/17TH JAN

Upper section: Dartmeet to Newbridge - 1st Nov to 14th March

Loop/Middle/Lower section: Newbridge to Totnes - 1st Oct to 14th March

2010 White Water Race - 23/24th January

The tidal sections below Totnes come under the remit of the Coastal Access Advisor - Phil Sheardown canoe@canoeadventures.co.uk

For info on other rivers in the South West click on the BCU South West Link above left.

Safety Information

PLEASE CHECK THE HAZARDS PAGE BEFORE PADDLING.

Canoeing is an assumed risk activity. The degree of risk may be related to factors such as water conditions, the paddler's experience and ability, and to unrecognised hazards in the river channel.
The granting of permission to paddle on this river does not imply that the river is safe or that the possessor of the permit is competent; each paddler must make their own assessment of the river's dangers before accessing the water. Neither the BCU (and its officers) nor the riparian owners can be held responsible for any accident or incident which may result from the granting of permission to canoe under the terms of the access agreement between the BCU and the River Dart Fisheries Association.

Use of the river for canoeing is dependent upon the acceptance of this condition by all members of the group

NB Any abandoned boats which are reported to the Police have to be treated as an emergency and a search instigated. This often wastes valuable time and resources and does nothing for the reputation of paddlers as responsible river users!

If you lose your boat and have safely come off the river please ensure the Police are immediately notified using the non emergency number 08452 777 444, provide exact location, river, canoe colour make and type and any significant identification features plus canoeist details and contact numbers. This would be much appreciated.