NIGHTPADDLE ON THE RIVER DART
The Dart river valley is bursting with life and vitality, its beauty unspoiled and waters unpolluted.
event Profile
Date
APR-SEPT
price
£45 / £25
Location
RIVER DART, TOTNES
event type
evening paddle
Age Range
adults & kids 5+ yrs
Overview
The Nightpaddle is an evening spent meandering gently up the River Dart giving you the opportunity to sink into the exquisite scenery and the rhythm of the river.
Carrying everything we need in the canoes, we will journey for several miles. The pace is relaxed, and there will be plenty of time to spend around the campfire, or to swim, play, and enjoy a delicious communal campfire supper. The return journey is a magical experience of the river at night.
We provide canoes, equipment, life jackets and teach all the necessary skills. No previous experience of canoeing is necessary, although participants must be able to swim. Minimum age is 5 yrs.
£45 adults/kids 13+ yrs and £25 kids 5-12 yrs
date & TIMES
All nightpaddle events take place on Saturday evenings. The timings are 6pm start to approximately 10-10.30pm finish with the exception of September paddles which start a little earlier at 5.30pm and end at 9.30-10pm. We offer one paddle per month between April and September.
2026 dates below:
- April 25
- May 16
- June 13
- July 11
- Aug 29 *full*
- Sept 19
What's Included
- canadian canoes
- buoyancy aids
- simple campfire supper
- all necessary skills will be taught
- wildlife & nature experience
Essential Information
Chris Salisbury: Chris founded WildWise after many years working as an education officer for Devon Wildlife Trust. With a background in the theatre, a training in therapy and a career in environmental education he uses every creative means at his disposal to encourage people to enjoy and value the natural world. He has worked with Ray Mears and John Rhyder, amongst many others.
Tom Wigston: Tom is a qualified teacher, Forest School leader and Bushcraft Instructor and carries several other outdoor leadership qualifications and accreditation. Tom has recently completed a master’s degree in education, pursuing his keen interest in the academic and philosophical exploration of outdoor learning and human-environment relationships
Sam Kouzarides: After studying Conservation Sam worked as a ranger for the National Trust where he developed his passion for outdoor education work. Supported and inspired by training in the Art Of Mentoring with the 8 Shields Institute, and WildWise ’s Outdoor Leadership Foundation (years 1 and 2), Sam’s work includes teaching at Acorns Learning, nature connection mentoring, running bushcraft and nature connection events; conservation work and tree surgery. Sam works with a healthy combination of playful energy and a relaxed and easy manner and likes nothing more than a good adventure.
The timings are 6pm start to approximately 10-10.30pm finish with the exception of Sept paddles which start at 5.30pm and end at 9.30-10pm
All paddle equipment is provided including buoyancy aids although we ask that participants are able to swim. Please dress appropriately for the weather (noting that it is very rare that we cancel due to the bad weather!). A waterproof jacket is recommended with warm layers underneath plus robust footwear that can get wet/splashed.
Please bring:
- a water bottle
- insect repellent
- torch
- hand sanitiser
- swimming costume & towel in case you wish to swim
- a bowl and spoon for stew
Meet at the Totnes boatshed near King Edwards School (KEVICCS). This is by the river just above Totnes weir. You can reach it on foot on the river path from either Totnes or Dartington. To locate it by car from Dartington, make your way towards Totnes. As you enter the town, look for the footbridge over the road and KEVICC Elmhirst site is on your left hand side. There is a path running by the Astroturf pitch which leads down to the foot/cycle path next to the river. Turn left, you will see the small concrete boat shed, covered in ivy, where we will meet you. You can also access the river path from the bottom of Swallowfields, a no through road near to KEVICCS school.
Click here to see the what3words location online or view approximate meeting point in google maps below.
Parking: There is no parking at the river side and nearby on street parking is very limited. We recommend you use the pay & display car parks nearer town, for example at Totnes station or at Pavillions car park near Borough Park.
A simple campfire supper is included. We can cater for vegan & vegetarian diets and common food allergies. Please advise us on booking. Please bring any snacks and a water bottle plus a bowl and spoon for stew.