Moorings on the River Dart

The River Dart flows 75 kilometres through Devon from its source on Dartmoor south through Buckfastleigh and Totnes before broadening into the Dart Estuary at Dartmouth and meeting the sea at Start Bay. The navigable river is the tidal lower Dart from Totnes downstream — one of the most beautiful estuarine rivers in England and a deeply popular sailing and motor-cruising destination. For boat owners, the Dart offers a near-perfect combination: an AONB-protected wooded estuary winding between Dartmouth and the steep-sided river above, the Royal Naval College towering over Dartmouth's harbour, the historic ferries at Lower Ferry and Higher Ferry, and direct sea access onto Start Bay and the South Devon coast. Long-stay moorings are available at Dartmouth Yacht Club, Darthaven Marina (Kingswear), Noss Marina, Dart Marina, and at swinging moorings throughout the estuary managed by Dart Harbour. Totnes provides upper-river moorings with the alternative-culture amenity of one of England's most distinctive market towns. The Dart is renowned for outstanding scenery — Greenway House (Agatha Christie's home), Dittisham, the Anchor Stone, and the wooded reaches of Galmpton — and for excellent food (Dartmouth's restaurants, Sharpham vineyard). Direct rail at Totnes (London Paddington in 3 hours), strong sailing community and superb cruising waters make the Dart a top-tier liveaboard destination.