16th to 18th January 2026
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 - £75, 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 sections three regularly paddled by the club and what we paddle will be influenced by water levels.
The Loop is a 6 km high value stretch between Newbridge and Holne, with the option of continuing to the Country Park. There are 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 and comes in two sections. One is a relaxed paddle which starts at Buckfastleigh and continues to Staverton Station, with only very gentle rapids and no weirs or large drops. The other is a more continuous section with weirs and grade 2 rapids, which runs through the Dart Valley Country Park and down to Buckfastleigh.
This year we will again be staying at Bellever Youth Hostel on Dartmoor: https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-dartmoor.
The trip is a "package" for Club members which includes two nights accommodation and 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.
Non-paddling family members are welcome - there is usually plenty of space in the hostel and it is superbly located for walking.
