Surrounded by some of best loved holiday destinations, the River Dart is a stunning place to visit. Not only is it incredibly picturesque, but there are a host of things to do on and around the river too, so here are some reasons why you should definitely plan a day (or several) visiting the River Dart this summer.
The Dart Valley Trail
If you love a coastal walk, this trail links Kingswear and Totnes via Greenway (which is where you’ll find Agatha Christie’s former holiday home, which is now managed by the National Trust) or follow the route from Totnes to Dartmouth via Dittisham. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be sure to see some incredible sights and the route is dog friendly and suitable for most walkers, whether you’re a seasoned pro or looking for something more gentle.
The watersports
It isn’t just the sea that is a hub for watersports enthusiasts, the River Dart is incredibly popular with people who love to get out on the water. You’ll find canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimmers all using the Dart during the summer months. There are spots all along the Dart for you to launch and companies operating all year around where you can hire equipment, there are even people offering guided tours via kayak!
Exploring via the water is a great way to see South Devon in a whole new way, you might even find yourself paddling past a seal or two!
Fishing
The River Dart is a great place for river fishers, especially in Dartmouth Harbour. You can find everything from trout to salmon in the water and plenty of great places to stay offering fishing breaks – some of them even let you hire your rods so you don’t need to worry about fitting them in your luggage.
Crabbing
Going crabbing is a wonderful pastime – not only is it relatively inexpensive but provides hours of entertainment! The River Dart (particularly the Dartmouth Embankment and Dittisham) is a great place to go crabbing, you can pick up buckets and crab lines from the shops near the river front – just remember to put everyone back where you find them!
Check out the castle
Dartmouth Castle is one of the most iconic sights along the River Dart. The castle has a fascinating history, having been used for defence and even as the home of the town’s mayor!
Enjoy dinner with a view
You can find a host of eateries along the River Dart where you can enjoy seasonal food and drink whilst overlooking the glorious scenery. It’s a great place for people watching, seal spotting and just relaxing.
