From the racing peaty pools of the upper Dart to the broad meandering Dart Estuary you will dip, dive and dart your way to the coast. The coast also offers hidden beaches where you might be accompanied by dolphins or seals.
This swimming tour is aimed at swimmers who are comfortable in open water.
As a guide we suggest guests on this course have completed a one mile swim in open water.
This trip is an exploration of the wonder that is the River Dart. This stretch of water plays a large part in our lives, we live in a village nestled in the countryside between Totnes and Dartmouth and we spend a lot of our time, in, on and around it’s banks.
This weekend is designed for swimmers who want to explore this river and spend a lot of time in it both up and downstream.
What the weekend will look like:
Friday:
3pm: Meet at Badger’s Retreat for cream tea and welcome
4pm: A trip to Elbury Cove for a welcome sea dip
7pm: Welcome drinks and buffet supper
Saturday:
10am: Meet at Badger’s Retreat for swim briefing
10.30: Leave for Totnes and dip and dive our way along the Lower River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth, we’ll dip in as many fabulous spots as you like. If you are in training for a bigger swim we can swim the whole way if you wish! However our focus is on enjoying a few swims, escaping the world at large and enjoying the peace and tranquility that the Dart brings
13.00: Lunch along the way be it Tuckenhay, Sharpham, Dittisham or Dartmouth, we’ll find a lovely spot or pub and restore our energy
14.30: You have options: Either a drive to another beautiful beach in the South Hams – Scabbacombe and Mansands, Blackpool Sands or a visit to the wonderful local market town of Totnes for recovery and exploration. It’s up to you and we can mix and match so no pressure
17.30: Return to B&B for R&R
19.00: Supper in a local pub
Sunday:
10am: Meet at Badger’s Retreat
10.30: Leave for Hembury Woods and Newbridge where we will start our day of Dart delights. We will walk, dip and rush up and down this river. This is a wonderful day of nature, exploring, dipping as well as essential cakes and cuppas
14.30: Return to B&B to prepare for your journey home
Luxury accommodation for the Dart Dippers swimming tour is provided by Stoke Gabriel Lodgings.
David and Helen Littlefair really do go above and beyond what is expected of traditional B&B to provide a 5* level of comfort. The rooms have balconies with views of the Dart as well as modern stylish furniture and new en-suite bathrooms.
The breakfast is enough to top up any hungry swimmer and we recommend you take your time over it.
This weekend costs £260.00.
This is based on 2 people sharing and includes everything apart from your evening meals. You will also need to get yourself here and home again.
13th – 15th June 2014 FULL
19th – 20th July 2014 FULL
3rd – 5th October 2014