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Explore Devon by river

16th September 2019

Categories: Visitor News

When you’re surrounded by beautiful coast it’s no wonder that watersports are such a popular activity, but when it comes to getting out and about on the water, you aren’t just limited to the open sea, Devon has plenty of organisations offering activities on the various rivers giving you the opportunity to explore the region in a whole new way.

From rowing to sailing to kayaking to paddle boarding, the possibilities are endless when it comes to travelling around the county by river. Seasoned sailors are welcome to hire a vessel and do their own thing, while those that aren’t as experienced don’t have to be left out, from casual lessons to instructors for hire and with sessions for all ages and abilities, everyone can get involved. So, whether you are looking to develop a new skill or want to get in a bit of practice, you’ll find something to suit you. In fact, for those of you who are interested in doing a spot of kayaking, Devon’s rivers are great for doing just that!

Exploring Devon from its water ways is a wonderful way to see the sights and with the abundance of wildlife around the rivers and estuaries, it’s perfect for those of you who love getting back to nature and seeing more of the world around you. Why not take a look at the options open to you here and add some river exploration to your itinerary?

For those of you planning to stay around the Dartmoor area, you’re in luck, not only do you have the River Dart but you’re also not that far from the Tamar and both these rivers have companies running kayaking, sailing and other boating activities. The Dart is particularly picturesque flowing through woodland towards Totnes before going into the sea and is good for both beginners and the more advanced due to its variety of currents. Whereas the Tamar has a relaxing atmosphere with some stunning scenery. For those of you who are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to explore more Green Tourism options, a visit to the Dart Estuary where the River Dart flows is one of the country’s prime destinations. You can find out more about eco-tourism in Devon here.

One company you should check out for some gentle sailing is Canoe Tamar. Based in Tavistock, the gateway to Dartmoor, Canoe Tamar offer journeys throughout the day along the Tamar starting from Cothele Quay, which also makes it convenient for those of you choosing to stay in the Plymouth area. These safari style trips take in the history of the area and the instructors are on hand to give advice and offer facts about the sights you’re seeing. If you have members of your party that don’t have their sea legs but want a bit of adventure, check out the Tamar Trails. It’s all in the same place but is all on dry land! If you are looking for somewhere to stay over, there are plenty of places around the Dartmoor, Plymouth and Tavistock areas giving you a lot of options of where to base yourself. For something casual and family friendly, Harford Bridge Holiday Park is a good option. Set among the Dartmoor National Park and just two miles from the centre of Tavistock, it has views across the River Tavy (sadly, not really big enough for any canoe trips) and several accommodation options to choose from. Want something a little more indulgent? The accommodation at Pentillie Castle has four poster beds, lavish rooms and the added excitement of being in a castle.

If you’re someone who wants to explore as much of Devon as possible, basing yourself in Mid-Devon is the best option – you’re right in the middle of everything so all the popular resorts and the hidden gems are easily accessible. To add a bit of water exploration, make sure to head to Tiverton and explore the Grand Canal, you can either enjoy a leisurely trip by booking passage on the one remaining horse drawn barge, or if you want to be in the driver’s (sailor’s?) seat, Devon Canoe and Rowing Boat Hire are on hand offering a range of different boats, from rowing boats to Canadian canoes. The rowing boats are a fun and relaxing way to see the canal while the Canadian canoes are for the more adventurous and go at a much faster pace. Whatever you decide to try, the boats are a great opportunity to get close to nature and explore the waterways at your own pace. Plus, the whole of the Tiverton Canal region is full of fascinating attractions and plenty of things to do. The romantic and atmospheric Tiverton Castle is nearby and not only is it a great place to visit, but you can even stay over! Alternatively, book a room at the Best Western Tiverton Hotel where you can take advantage of free parking complete with electric car charging and spacious ensuite bedrooms.

Between the towns of Okehampton and Launceston, you’ll find Roadford Lake. Set in the heart of the Wolf Valley, Roadford Lake is the place to go if you want to ditch the iPads and have a real adventure. As well as offering a wide range of activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing, the lake’s Activity Centre also has archery, high ropes, walking trails and more making it a great location for spending the whole day with the family. You can even make the adventure last longer by booking a pitch at their camping area! Roadford Lake is well known for the abundance of wildlife living at the site, so you’ll have the chance to spot everything from otters to bats, various birds and even deer! If you don’t fancy sleeping out under the stars but want to be close by, Wolf Wood Treehouses offer the perfect combination of luxury and wilderness. The treehouses all enjoy a secluded spot and are deceptively large and airy, full of comfortable furniture and a fully equipped kitchen, they even have a private deck complete with hot tub! Alternatively, the Arundell Arms and Restaurant is just over three miles from Roadford Lake and has an AA 2 Rosette restaurant.

Once you’ve sampled Devon’s rivers you might be tempted to head out into the open sea and put your new skills to the test. If that’s the case, you will want to take a look at the companies offering boating, kayaking and paddleboarding at the coast. Reach Outdoors have a variety of water activities and being based at Goodrington Sands means that you have the whole of the English Riviera to explore. This popular area of Devon is a haven for holiday makers, so naturally there are hotels and attractions a plenty. Similarly, just a little way along the coast in Torquay, you’ll find Sea Kayak Torbay. They offer a range of sessions including kayak fishing, kayak sailing, wild cave swimming and even mindful kayaking. So, no matter what kind of adventure you have in mind, they can cater for you.

Have you taken advantage of Devon’s waterways while visiting the county? We want to hear your stories of sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding around the rivers and what delights you’ve discovered, get in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!