The riparian owners of the River Dart welcome canoeists from 1 October – 31 March each year.
The Dart Valley is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is rich in wildlife. To help protect the special qualities of the Dart Valley, please do not canoe outside of these times.
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Canoeing on the River Dart
There is no general permission to canoe on Dartmoor’s inland rivers, but it is allowed on the River Dart during the winter below Dartmeet. Please do not canoe above Dartmeet at any time of the year. The River Dart offer
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Access Points
Within the National Park, the permitted access and egress points for the River Dart are at Dartmeet, Newbridge, Holne Weir and the Dartbridge cafe. Do not disembark at other points unless in an emergency.
Canoeing Guidelines
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Please respect other river users and landowners
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Canoe only where there are access arrangements in place
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Use only permitted access and egress points and do not disembark at any other point, except in an emergency
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Take care when the ground is wet to avoid erosion to the riverbank
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Avoid sudden or excessive noise or unnecessary disturbance to bankside vegetation
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Show consideration for the local community and other National Park users when parking vehicles; do not obstruct gates and roads
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Keep away from banks where angling is taking place
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Notify the Police on 101 if you have abandoned or lost your craft
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Follow the Ranger Code
Safety advice
The Dart can rise quickly after rain — check conditions and paddle within your ability, following Paddle UK's safety guidance.