Canoeing and Kayaking.

The Dartmoor National Park and South Devon provide some of the best canoeing and kayaking areas and routes in the United Kingdom.

The Teign Estuary Trail is described as moderate to challenging. The Teign Estuary runs eastwards from Newton Abbot to the sea at Teignmouth, possibly more sheltered and smaller than some of the other South West estuaries. There are many options and intermediate access points, but the estuary is ideal for simple one way trips with a shuttle, or return journeys starting and finishing at the same point, if possible taking advantage of the in-going or out-going tides.

Canoeing and Kayaking at Low Water.

At low water there is a great deal of mud and whilst it might be possible to follow the channel this is not a very satisfactory situation. Tidal estuary – it is suggested that any canoeing and kayaking trip is carried out by leaving Teignmouth on a flood tide about an hour and a half before high water. If returning, the return trip should be made immediately, to miss the strongest tide on the ebb.

Tides can run strongly (up to 7 or 8 knots). The safest option is the one-way trip upstream. More details can be found here.

The Stoke Gabriel to Greenway Trail is described as moderate.This short canoeing and kayaking trail takes in a wonderful section of the River Dart estuary between Stoke Gabriel and Greenway. It follows the river past farmland and woodland taking in the views of the Greenway estate. More details can be found here.

Canoeing and Kayaking at Newbridge and Holne Bridge.

The Dart Loop between Newbridge and Holne Bridge is a four mile trail through the mature oak woodlands of the Holne Chase Estate. Open only in the winter, it is known by paddlers as ‘The Loop’ and is considered to be the classic South West paddle. More details can be found here.

Salcombe Estuary Canoeing and Kayaking The Salcome-Kingsbridge estuary provides many canoeing and kayaking launching sites from which to explore though do review the tide time table before setting off as several of the smaller creeks can drain quickly as the tide ebbs. More details can be found here.

Lastly, the Ashburton based Winding River Canoe specialises in guided canoe trips in beautiful locations. The aim of these trips is to give you a break from your busy life, to relax, go slow, and to experience the magic of the river world. You don’t need to know how to canoe – most people who come on these trips are novices. The basics are easy to learn and you’ll soon be paddling in a straight(ish) line! More details can be found here.

Coast & Country :Taking one of a number of boat trips along the River Dart will provide you with some fantastic views from the water, but exploring the waterways, creeks and wooded banks by kayak, however, will give you a real hands on experience.

If you’re interested in kayaking on the River Dart, you’ll find plenty of options, with plenty of places from which you can launch your own vessel, and also local companies offering both structured tuition and equipment hire, depending on your needs.

Where to rent a kayak on the River Dart

Totnes Kayaks is based at the village of Stoke Gabriel, a beautiful village on the River Dart. You can learn to kayak under supervision or hire equipment if you’re experienced enough to go out by yourself.
Canoe Adventures offers something a little different. Based in Tuckenhay, about halfway between Totnes and Dartmouth, this company gives you the option to rent large canoes by group (each is suitable for up to 10 people). Alternatively, you can book by the seat and join an existing party.
At Dartington Hall Estate near Totnes, you’ll also find Dynamic Adventures, which offers a wide range of options for active days out. Although based by the Dart, most of their trips are focused on sea kayaking, and as such, they cover Dartmouth, Salcombe, the Erm Estuary, Bantham, Plymouth and Torbay.
Dittisham, a beautiful village around four miles up the Dart from Dartmouth, is home to Dittisham Boats, which rents out SUPs and kayaks in addition to motorboats.

Where is the Old Armoury?

Situated on the Southern slopes of the Dartmoor uplands, The Old Armoury is in the centre of the thriving moorland town of Ashburton in a quiet, private, yard with on-site parking. It is within easy reach of all parts of the Dartmoor National Park, the South Hams, the South Devon coast and within 3 hours of London.