Rolling along for 16 miles, the Dart Valley Trail stretches between the beautiful waterside towns of Totnes and Dartmouth, following the course of the River Dart. Encompassing ancient woodland, emerald banks, historic sites and with a soundtrack of birdsong and lapping water occasionally joined by the nostalgic chugs of a steam railway, it is no secret why this trail is so loved.
Starting in either Totnes or Dartmouth depending on your fancy, the Dart Valley Trail will immediately sweep you along in a scenic roll of photo-worthy setting after photo-worthy setting. Peppered with historic sites (such as Greenway and Dartmouth Castle) and weaving through a plethora of picturesque villages including Tuckenhay and Dittisham, you will be treated to a wealth of photo opportunities and breath-taking views. On a clear day, you can even spy views of Torbay in one direction and in the other, glimpses of craggy Dartmoor and Haytor.
If you are feeling on a roll and have planned the day accordingly, you can actually complete the whole Dart Valley Trail in one day. That said, if you would rather break the route up into more manageable pieces and stop off in our luxury accommodation along the way, you can take your time and tread smaller sections. On one side of the Dart River, the Kingswear to Greenway section is about 4.5 miles long (ang goes through amazing ancient woodland), and on the other side the Dartmouth to Dittisham section is around 3 miles, while Dittisham to Totnes is a further 8.5 miles, giving plenty of choice for stopovers.
Stocking up on snacks before you head off, you will be able to keep up your energy as you go. But, should you fancy something a little more hearty to fill your bellies and fuel your stride, you will be pleased to know that there are lots of excellent eating opportunities along the way too. Running through an area famed for its amazing local produce, you will be able to take a pew in one of the huge number of pubs, restaurants, cafés and tearooms and tuck into amazing fare, perhaps sipping a glass of Devonshire vino too to really reward your efforts!
Feeling inspired? Take a browse of our luxury cottages in Devon here.
