The Dart river valley is bursting with life and vitality, its beauty unspoiled and waters teeming with wildlife. 3 days meandering gently downstream and upstream gives you the opportunity to sink into the exquisite scenery and the rhythm of the river, at the most beautiful time of year.

The adventure starts at Totnes. Carrying everything we need in the canoes, we will journey several miles each day, reaching as far as Dartmouth before we turn with the tide. The pace is relaxed, and there is plenty of time to stop and rest, swim, explore, and eat delicious food (eg. what we have fished out the river). We will set up camp each evening by the water’s edge and enjoy a communal meal and campfire.

In between the paddling, there will also be an opportunity to learn some backcountry outdoor skills, to help make life around camp even more comfortable. These may include fire-making, natural cordage, campcraft, hobo fishing and some fieldcraft awareness.

The evenings around the campfire will be spent in the company of the riverbank storyteller, Spindle Wayfarer!

The second night includes a nightpaddle down river to sample the local hospitality at a traditional riverside inn.

Your trip leaders are Nick Burton-Taylor, experienced canoeist and British Canoe Union coach, and WildWise’s Chris Salisbury.

NB. No previous experience of canoeing is necessary, although participants must be able to swim.

We provide canoes, equipment and teach all the necessary skills. Also included in the cost is dinner for the first day. Please bring lunch and breakfast with you, and enough money to buy an evening meal at the pub.

Cost: £175 / £55 (non-paddling places)

To read an account of the trip, written by a previous participant of our Dart River Safari, click here.