Upper Dart

Upper Dart

Upper Dart is a section of the River Dart, Dartmoor.

It is perhaps the second most popular section of whitewater for kayakers and canoeists in England, particularly for experienced paddlers. This section is followed on by the Dart Loop.

Overview

The section's length is approximately 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometres) in length.

This section is loosely Graded at 4, but varies tremendously on rain and ground water levels. The Dart has been known to rise in minutes, changing drastically from a quiet trickle to a raging torrent.

* Low water conditions, it starts as a technical Grade 3, and working up to a low Grade 4.
* Medium water it is a constant Grade 4.
* High water especially in the last few kilometres pushes up to Grade 5.
* Spate/Very high water: only the most experienced paddlers would attempt it, and is Grade 5+.

Whitewater kayaking

Water levels

There is a gauge on the section below which gives an accurate level, however this requires you to run that section in order to see it. It is much easier to see the level at Newbridge (see below, on the loop section) before driving to the get in.

Access point

The river East Dart runs through the car park, and access to the river can be made from here.

Previously there were restrictions and paddlers were encouraged to put in further down the river at Dartmeet, where the East and West Dart join to form the Upper Dart. To access this point, walk out of the car park, over the road, up the hill through the gate, along a path, and then down to the river's edge.

Notable rapids

Due to the high number of features on the Upper Dart, only notable rapids are mentioned here. These are referred to in guidebooks by the British Canoe Union.

Mad Mile

A series of river wide ledges and slides. Much easier in low water, but at high levels many stoppers are powerful and hold swimmers. Sneak routes exist, and should be used. This section also belies it's name - it's closer to half a mile.

Euthanasia Falls

A diagonal drop with cushion wave, chunky stopper, large rocks with the water funnelled between them. A chicken chute exists at certain levels.

Sharrah's Pool aka Surprise, Surprise or Pandora's Box

Complex rocky set of drops, complete with siphons. River left section has a slot, middle section has rocks with a high possibility of pinning. More dangerous at lower water levels, at high levels it can wash out.

Egress point

Newbridge is the official BCU egress point.

External links

* [http://www.dartaccess.co.uk/ BCU Dart Access]
* [http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/index/visiting/vi-enjoyingdartmoor/vi-canoeing.htm Official Dartmoor website] regarding Canoeing and Kayaking


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