Dart to Devon

Hike along the River Dart from Totnes to Kingswear

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Walk 6.5 hrs (20km)

Total Ascent 729 m

Highest Point 133 m

Welcome to this Signature Hike

This Weekender can be done all year round. However, we recommend doing it in Spring, Summer or Autumn to make the most of the wildlife, and the warmer water! The Summer months can be busy, so make sure you plan your trip well in advance.

Read the infomation below to learn more about your walk before you head off.

Ready to walk?

Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.

Or email yourself the guide:

Before you start

Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:

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Save This Guide

Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).

📱

Download OS Map App

This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.

Click here for Apple
Click here for Android

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Battery

Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.

The Curator Alex Middleton

Meet the Curator

Vespucci co-founder Alex has spent the last few years exploring every possible corner of the UK, and south Devon just happens to be one of his favourite corners. This Signature Hike has been a long time in the making and with the launch of our Weekender series, now feels like the perfect time to introduce it.

“I love so many things about these two hikes: walking along the river, the passenger ferry from Dittisham, exploring the vineyards, coastal paths, secret swimming spots, but most of all it’s the nature for me.

It works best if you can stay near Dartmouth, however there are plenty of good options around. If you aren’t walking on Sunday, there is a host of other things to do and explore: check out the Weekender recommendation section of this Guide. You’ll find it hard to leave south Devon without feeling refreshed and full of fresh air.”

Adventure Summary

River Dart, Devon

Devon’s hidden gems are accessible with this curated Weekender hike, featuring a shorter option of the main Signature Hike and a suggested Day 2 stroll. Starting in Totnes, the route follows the Dart Valley Trail to Dittisham, showcasing vineyards, villages, seafood pubs, and stunning views. From Dittisham, take a ferry to Greenway or hike to Kingswear. If stopping, enjoy a drink at the Ferry Boat Inn and ferry to Dartmouth. We recommend an overnight stay in Dartmouth or Kingswear before heading back or enjoying a coastal walk on Sunday.

Hike Highlights

Totnes

Known for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and numerous listed buildings.

Sharpham House

The thousand-year-old Sharpham Trust farm and vineyard produces award-winning wine and cheese.

The Greenway Estate

Agatha Christie’s former estate includes a Grade II* listed house, riverside gardens and the Barn Gallery.

Train

The direct train from London to Totnes takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, while from Exeter, it takes 30 minutes.

By Car

Driving to Totnes from London takes around 4 hours. There are good parking options at Totnes station (TQ9 5JR).

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.

We highly recommend stopping off at the Ferry Boat Inn, a colourful family- and dog-friendly village pub nestled on the River Dart in Dittisham. Cosy atmosphere, great food, outstanding views – it has it all!

Points of interest

Places to enjoy along the route

THE RIVER DART

The River Dart is shrouded in myth and folklore. Traditionally, it has been respected and feared in equal measure due to the unpredictable nature of its rising tides and powerful currents. The river has been a source of inspiration for many a poet, writer and artist. Most notably, there is saying that goes “River of Dart, Oh River of Dart! Every year thou claimest a heart.”. Additionally, the poet Alice Oswald’s 48 page poem Dart, written as if from the voice of the river, received the T. S. Eliot Prize in 2002. The poem was adapted following three years of research and conversations with local inhabitants.

Greenway Hous and Garden over River Dart, Home of Agatha Christie, Greenway, Galmpton, Devon, England

GREENWAY ESTATE

Once the home of the author Agatha Christie, the Greenway Estate is now owned by the National Trust. Christie bought the house in 1938 and lived there with her husband until her death in 1976. The house featured in many of her books, often under various guises. It is a Grade II* listed building, and the gardens and parkland are Grade II listed. The house and gardens are open to the public, as is the Barn Gallery. The large riverside gardens contain plants from the southern hemisphere, whilst the Barn Gallery shows work by contemporary local artists.

DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth is a very popular coastal town with a colourful history, including strong connections to the 17th century ship, the Mayflower. It is famed for its nautical importance and is home to the only remaining Naval College in the country. The town offers an abundance of castles, forts, ancient buildings and museums, with some buildings dating back as early as the 14th century. Dartmouth Castle is particularly striking as it sits guarding the entrance to the Dart Estuary, with stunning views out to sea. We recommend making the climb to the top of the battlement for the best viewpoint.

Standard Class 4 steam loco 75014 departing Kingswear, Devon

STEAM RAILWAY AND RIVER BOAT

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a real hotspot for steam train enthusiasts. The train runs for seven miles along the south Devon coast, into the Dart Valley. In 2013, the River Dart reclaimed the last coal fired paddle steamer that carried passengers in the UK, known as the Kingswear Castle, which is part of the Round Robin excursion.

THE DAYMARK

The Daymark beacon, which you pass on Day 2 of this hike if you are doing it as a Weekender, was built in 1864. The octagonal tower is 34m high and was built as a guide for boats coming in to be able to see the harbour entrance. Dartmouth Harbour is notorious for being particularly difficult to find from the sea.

The insiders guide to

The River Dart

🍺 DRINK

The Cherub Inn, Dartmouth

Barrel House Ballroom, Totnes

Steam Packet Inn, Dartmouth

📍 DO

Round Robin Tour

Sandridge Barton Vineyard

Coleton Fishacre House & Gardens

Greenway House, National Trust

Buckfast Abbey

🛏️ SLEEP

The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth

Café Alf Resco, Dartmouth

The Bull Inn, Totnes

Fantastic options on Airbnb

🍽️ EAT

The Bull Inn, Totnes

Riverford Farm

The Seahorse, Dartmouth

Platform I, Dartmouth

What’s Next?

Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!

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Dart to Devon, The River Dart⏱️ 6hrs