5th to 7th January 2024
This paddle is the highlight of the Club white water season. A gem of a river, the Dart has something for everyone. The “Loop” is a high value red paddle, with a number of Grade 3 rapids (all of which can be portaged) and plenty of play spots. The Lower is less difficult, often considered a warm-up for the Loop, but a nice paddle in its own right. The Upper is a continuous Grade 4 paddle and for experienced Grade 4 white water paddlers only.
BADCC Grade - Orange / Red ( Black - Upper only)
Cost - £50, Saturday Dinner will be provided.
Contact – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sign up at the pool
The River Dart has been described as the "Queen of Rivers". There are three regularly paddled sections.
The Club "Main Event" is the Loop which is a 6 km high value stretch with a number of feature grade 3 (red) rapids (all of which can be inspected and portaged) between sections of scenic Grade II paddling. Paddlers will ideally have already paddled simpler grade 2 (orange) and grade 3 (red) runs such as the Rivers Barle and Usk.
The Lower Dart is a scenic Grade 2 (orange) paddle, ideal for both the less experienced and the more relaxed paddler, with opportunities to practice making those eddy turns.
The Upper Dart is a long and extremely committing paddle, for competent Grade 4+ paddlers with a bomb-proof roll only. Anyone wishing to paddle this section for the first time should let Janella know and she will put you in contact with the those leading the paddle (not me, I've paddled it 3 times, got the T-shirt and now I stay mellow on the Loop!! - Janella)
This year we will again be staying at Bellever Youth Hostel on Dartmoor: https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-dartmoor. There may be space for non-paddling family members.
The trip is a "package" for Club members which includes two nights accommodation, Saturday evening dinner, paddling and river leadership provided by the Club's white water river leaders. To sign up for this trip please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and ensure you put DART in the subject line or sign up at the pool. Due to the complex logistics involved in potentially having groups on three sections of river at the same time, we will not be able to accept last minute additions or alterations.
Booking for this trip will close on Monday 1st January or when it is fully booked.
