The event takes place on the 14 km stretch of the River Dart between Totnes and Dartmouth and offers breathtaking views, including several notable points of interest that are listed on the course map.
While elite racers may have their eyes focused firmly on the water, or their fellow competitors, the route provides recreational paddlers with some fabulous opportunities to take in the scenery.
The direction the paddlers travel in varies each year based on tide times and conditions. But it runs between the cultural market town of Totnes, and Dartmouth (home to the Britannia Royal Naval College).
In the event of strong winds we switch to our Plan B course, which starts and finishes at Totnes. If this happens, we’ll let all paddlers know no less than 72 hours beforehand, via email and social media.
Totnes
The event is based in Longmarsh car park and the grass area next to the Totnes Rowing Club, where paddlers have access to board and bag drop areas, portaloos, and catering facilities (all managed via the volunteer marshals and suppliers). While the car park is closed for the event (spaces are on a first-come first-served basis) there are additional car parks further up the road and a short walk from our base.
Access to the river is via a slipway near the rowing club. When the event starts in Totnes, paddlers head slightly upstream to wait before being called forward to the start which is just in front of the rowing club. The finish line in Totnes is a few hundred metres down from the rowing club and is always marked by a finish flag and gazebo.
With a pathway along the river, spectators have a clear view of the start and/or finish, and the option to walk further up to cheer them along.
Dartmouth
The event is based in Coronation Park looking out onto the River Dart. Paddlers will have access to board and bag drop areas, catering facilities and public toilets. Volunteer marshals are on hand to assist with parking. Parking along Embankment Road will be suspended for the event, so paddlers are only allowed to park for board drop-off/collection and/or registration.
When the event finishes in Dartmouth, paddlers are advised to use Dartmouth Park & Ride (which is the pick up location for the coach when the event finishes in Dartmouth) and a courtesy minibus shuttle is put on at the end to take paddlers back.
Access to the river is via a slipway by the chain ferry. Paddlers will need to cross guided by our water safety marshals, as both the start and finish line will be above the chain ferry. This unfortunately does mean there is limited spectator visibility.
Event village
The event village is always at the end point, and its location changes according to the direction of the race each year.
This provides an excellent spot for paddlers to recover, chat with friends and family, and enjoy their free G&T from Salcombe Gin. There’s also the opportunity to speak to brand sponsors and buy HoTD merchandise.
Friends, family, and other spectators and supporters are very welcome. Technology (and weather) permitting, the event organisers aim to provide a live stream with commentary of the finish.
Registration
Registration on the day will always be at the finish location (please be aware that it takes about 45 mins to drive between the start and finish points).
A coach is available to take paddlers from the finish to the start before the event (spaces cost £10 each and can be booked on entering, or by email). Inflatable boards in bags can be transported on the coach but there is no space for hard boards.
The mandatory paddler safety briefing will always be one hour before the Leisure class starts, and is held at the start location. Please remind yourself of the entry requirements.
While some shelter is provided, please remember this is an outdoor event and paddlers will need to ensure they come prepared for the conditions (e.g. windproof layers, changing robes etc). There are no designated changing areas.
Full event schedule
Facilities
River Dart (this describes the route from Totnes to Dartmouth)
The challenge follows a lead boat and winds its way down the River Dart passing some very scenic areas.
After a long straight section of around 1.5km, the river meanders with a series of sharp turns left and right. There is no specific course and paddlers can choose their own line down the river. Note that a shorter distance isn’t necessarily faster, particularly if the fin sticks in the shallow mud! If in doubt, keep away from the sides; the tidal flow is usually faster away from the edges anyway. After the last of the series of bends (Duncannon) the river opens out and it appears there is an option to go left or right. You must go LEFT (turning right is a dead-end – Bow Creek. A boat will be stationed to direct racers, unless it has been called out to help a paddler in distress.
The long straight section (approximately 2km) is called Longstream. It is exposed to winds, and will be the most challenging part in the event of a breezy day (unless NW where it will be a joy!). At the end of this section the river bends around to the right at Dittisham. Whilst the natural line towards Dartmouth is to be on the right of the corner, take care not to cut too tight as it’s very shallow in this area. Leave at least 30 yards to your right from the river bank.
Ignore the wide lake-like area near Galmpton to the left, and aim straight between the many moored boats off Dittisham towards Greenway Quay. Where the river narrows again, cut across to the right hand side and stay right all the way to Dartmouth. Be careful not to bear right down Old Mill Creek, which comes just after Noss Marina, (which is on the left). Aiming for the next marina in the distance on the right side of the river will keep you on course and the Higher Ferry is an indication of being very close to the finish. The finish will be marked with finish flags.
Please refer to the course map to familiarise yourself with the river layout . Keeping right will generally help apart from a couple of places. Preview the course.
