- Upper Dart
Upper Dart is a section of the
River Dart ,Dartmoor .It is perhaps the second most popular section of
whitewater forkayakers andcanoeists inEngland , 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 andWest 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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