Set between wooded hills, the River Dart is one of the prettiest waterways in the west of England and a must for yachtsmen and power boaters cruising the area. Identification from the sea is not obvious until you get close in, but to help you there is a day mark in the shape of a stone tower on the hill to the north east.

Approaching from the north east, make sure you avoid the Mew Stone and its associated shallows by joining the estuary to seaward of the Mewstone and West Rock south cardinals. As the gap in the hills opens, head in on a bearing of about 330º, being guided if necessary by the Castle Ledge green buoy and the Checkstone red buoy.

From the west, stay outside the Homestone port hand buoy to avoid the rocks and, as with the approach from the west, head in when the river entrance bears about 330º. At night aim to stay in the white sector of the directional light at Kingswear.

Although the river is very popular there is always room for visitors somewhere. Of the three marinas, Darthaven Marina on the Kingswear side is the first available option. Radio on VHF ch 80 between 0800 and 1730, or out of hours raft up on the visitors’ berths at the south end next to the ferry. Good facilities. For shopping and eating out, take the ferry across the river. New-style fish and chip experience at the Rock Fish café.

Dart Marina on the opposite bank, just a short stroll from the pretty town of Dartmouth, is smaller and pricier. If you can get a berth it’s the only marina we know whose generosity extends to providing not only showers but actual baths to wallow in.

Further up on the Kingswear side is the small and secluded Noss Marina opposite Old Mill Creek. Or in Dartmouth itself there are a few rafting berths at the town quay.

The main anchorage is off Kingswear between the free floating pontoons. Alternatively pick up one of the pontoons or blue coloured moorings maintained by the harbour authority. Visitor moorings are also available at the picturesque village of Dittisham, a couple of miles upstream on the west bank, which is well worth an excursion. Make sure you give a proper berth to the Anchor Stone marked by a beacon just south of the village. On the tide, it is possible to get all the way up to the attractive town of Totnes.

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