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KILBURY WEIR (the one below the Little Chef)
There are loops of
exposed iron-work to the right of the salmon steps. The whole salmon steps area
should be avoided in all flows.
STAVERTON WEIR
In low water there are small exposed wooden spikes -
right-hand side shoot at the top of the weir. OK in medium to high flows. We
were hoping to get these obstructions removed or repaired before the start of
the season. Still working on it.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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.
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 ask for your permit to canoe, and riparian owners
will prosecute those who do not possess the required permit.
SEASON 1ST
JAN TO END FEB ONLY.
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 half
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
egress point for the end of the Loop is no longer at this point. 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. The egress point is approx. 1 mile beyond the weir on
river right, just above WATERWORKS BRIDGE.
WATERWORKS BRIDGE. 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 weir which can have a severe
stopper. 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! There
are fish steps on the left which are interesting at low to medium flows and
evil at high water. The main face can be shot almost anywhere at average level
or at the extreme right when high, but do be aware of the fierce stopper across
the bottom. 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. If you
walk through the Little Chef car park please make sure you ask permission to
park there first and buy a cup of coffee! Otherwise follow the stream until you
have gone through a bridge; the field on the left immediately after the bridge
is where cars can be parked.
BUCKFAST (SX745667). 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;