The Upper River Dart
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but of all Devon’s rivers, the Dart is my favourite. It flows for 47 miles from High Dartmoor to the sea at Dartmouth, and some of you may have read my post Along the Lower Dart, which covered the stretch of river between Totnes and Dartmouth. In contrast, this short post is going to show how the river seeps out of the peat bogs of the Northern Moor and makes its way down towards Buckfastleigh.
The river in actual fact has two tributaries – the West and East Dart, which merge together at Dartmeet. The source of the West Dart is just over a mile north of Rough Tor (50.612628, -3.967122), from where it travels down through the valley towards Wistman’s Wood. After it flows under the B3212 at Two Bridges, it then meanders towards Huccaby Bridge at Hexworthy before arriving at Dartmeet.
The East Dart rises out of the mire just south of Cranmere Pool, one of the remotest places on Dartmoor (50.652497, -3.970689), and then follows a pretty bleak course down to Postbridge where there’s a well-known clapper bridge.
Clapper bridges are not unique to Dartmoor, but are often associated with it as there are still a number remaining, although it has to be said, in various states of repair. The one at Postbridge is probably as good an example as you’ll see anywhere, although the one at Tarr Steps on Exmoor is also a good one, but with a completely different design.
A clapper bridge was thought to originate in prehistoric times, but those that survive are probably medieval at the earliest. I can see the possibility of our ancient ancestors using this technique for a permanent crossing of rivers though, as large slabs of granite were – and still are – widely available around Dartmoor. The one at Postbridge was first recorded in 1380 and built to enable pack horses to carry tin across the East Dart towards the stannary at Tavistock.
A short distance from Postbridge, there’s another clapper bridge at Bellever, but this one has its middle section missing. and you can find the remains of another one at Dartmeet just before the point at which the two tributaries converge.
Unless you’re a kayaker, the combined river is not easy to follow as it tumbles down towards Newbridge. The narrow granite Newbridge was new in the 15th century, and a large car park naturally encourages people to congregate here. There is easy access to the river for kayakers and wild swimmers and it’s also the starting point for various walks in the area. If you just want to chill out with a picnic instead, then it’s best to take the narrow road to Spitchwick which can be easily reached by taking the road that branches off left just before crossing the Poundsgate side of the bridge.
After Spitchwick, the river winds its way around Holne Chase where there are some lovely peaceful woodland walks to be had. At Holne Bridge the river seems to gather speed (especially after heavy rain) as it heads towards a more tranquil setting around Buckfast Abbey.
This really brings us to the end of the Dartmoor section of the River Dart, but for anyone who wants to follow it from here to Totnes, the South Devon Steam Railway runs alongside it from nearby Buckfastleigh.
The River Dart is not a large river by any stretch of the imagination, but, as they say, size isn’t everything, and it has a special place in my heart – and always will have.
POSTED – NOVEMBER 2022
Originally posted 2022-11-20 16:47:13.
You write this post with such love. That it is your fav river there and so much more than ‘just’ a river comes right through. Fascinating re the clapper bridges.
I’m pleased it comes across like that Shey. There are lots of rivers that start out on Dartmoor and they all have something going for them, but the Dart has always been my favourite.
Ih yeah, I can see that when you say it’s your fav, it is and here’s why, that this one is that bit extra special to you.
And I’ll tell you more in due course if you don’t mind waiting a littlt longer.
Great stuff.
My next post is coming out tomorrow and it’s called Dartmoor – the Final Chapter. Hope you enjoy it.
Wonderful. Really enjoying these posts. We are off to Edinburgh for the MR’s b/day for the weekend. It will be something to look forward to when we’re back.
Have a fabulous trip and pass my birthday wishes on to your Mr 🎂 🍻
I will. I told him you’d been watching the play and he was thrilled.
From your previous posts I’ve always seen why the Dart is your favourite river, Malc, but now I can see even more how it’s earned itself a special place in your heart. It clearly flows through some of the most stunning landscapes. Personally, I’ve always had a real thing for, as I term it, ‘a river with rocks in’, and your photos show this as a really beautiful example of just that. I now get to enjoy lots of those over here in Wales, but there weren’t really any in the area we came from, so I feel very privileged in our new home. I love the look of those medieval clapper bridges, especially the one in the snow at Postbridge, and as ever your gorgeous photos had me oooohing and aaaahhing all the way through! Loved it, so keep ’em coming. 🙂
You’re so right Alli about the Dart being my favourite Devon river, but I have to say that some of the others aren’t bad either. I’m also pleased to hear that you’re beginning to enjoy your new environment where you can watch rivers tumble over the rocks. Mark Knopfler’s ‘The Rocks and the Water’ always takes me into another world when I listen to it. I went to Betwys-y-Coed once, and it did nothing but rain, which was good for watching the river tumble over the rocks if nothing else, and at least there was nobody else there at the time 😊 Thanks for your lovely comments as always 😊
Oh that’s so strange (in a good way!) Malc, we were only in Betwys-y-Coed on Saturday! I think we must have been luckier with the weather than you though, as we enjoyed a reasonably dry walk along the tumbling river. Really lovely place, and it’s only 35 mins from where we live so I reckon we’ll be going there quite a bit. I haven’t heard ‘The Rocks and the Water’ for ages, but it seems very appropriate now so I’ll have to track it down! 🙂
I didn’t think it would take you long to find your way there, which is why I mentioned it really.
https://youtu.be/RWyKanr5AZ4
I can easily see why you love this river, it’s beautiful in all its guises and your photographs really show it off well. I love the snowy clapper bridge and the autumn colours in that last image – fabulous!
Thanks Sarah. It’s not the only river that seeps out of Dartmoor and there are some other lovely riverside spots on those too. The trouble is most of my serious walking days over the moor were done in pre-digital times
This certainly looks like a pleasant and very scenic region. If I ever go to Devon, I’ll definitely seek out the South Devon Steam Railway.
It is Don, or at least I think so. There are two Heritage Steam Railways in South Devon and sometimes people get confused between the two.
Apologies, Malc, for being so late, Sundays are sometimes open to visitors. I think that your post about the River Dart and the bridges, especially the Clapper one, is fascinating and I love the way you write. Your guides should be published because you are the best, most clear and concise. Thank you for the beautiful photos, they could be printed, framed and put on the wall. All in all, wonderful journey!
Joanna
Firstly Joanna, there’s absolutely no reason to apologise for being late. The fact that you comment at all is good enough for me. Anyway, you’ve brightened up a wet and windy Monday morning with your lovely thoughts on my latest post. Now that I’ve started to change the way that I’ll be blogging, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to post more often. I’m optimistic that it’ll be better all round. Once again, a big thank you for your smashing comments, and have a good week ahead 😊
You are more than welcome, as always.
Joanna
🙂
A very interesting post Malc. Loved the photos which show a countryside which is truly poetical. Fabulous job of providing information and doing it so clearly and well. Cheers. Hope you’ve a great week ahead.
Thanks F. Glad you enjoyed it, and have a great week ahead yourself 🙂
Always a pleasure Malc. Truly enjoyed it and thank you!
Lovely pictures. The names make a lot of sense.
Thanks Pat. Glad you liked them
Excellent with great photos
Thanks Adam
What a wonderful post! The images of the river are truly fascinating 💙💙💙
Thanks Luisa. I’ll be doing more short posts like this
oh, that last shot is a beauty!
Thanks. Glad you like it. I did take a look at your Runnymede post by the way
A wonderful post. I worked at the National Rivers Authority from inception until it merged into the Environment Agency. Obviously I love rivers, although I am more familiar with the East Anglian lowland rivers. The Dart is quite a different kind of river altogether.
That must have been a rewarding job, although there must have some frustrating times as well no doubt – and thanks a lot for your kind comments. I always appreciate them.
Another interesting post Malc, especially as you mention the clapper bridge at Postbridge. One of my hobbies is postcrossing and a while ago I sent for a bulk quantity of cheap postcards showing various places in Devon, one of which is the Postbridge clapper bridge. Quite coincidentally I’m just writing about a local packhorse bridge for tomorrow’s blog post. I love your last photo by the way, the autumn colours in the sunshine look beautiful 🙂
Thanks for your comment on this one Eunice. As I said to you the other day, I have an interest in rivers, and the Dart is a special one to me. I’m intrigued as to what tomorrow’s post will bring 😊
Scheduled for five past midnight if you haven’t gone to bed by then 🙂 🙂 I hope you find it interesting when you do read it 🙂
I’m sure I will