South Devon AONB
Walks & Trails
![Coastal Path Sign [© Clare Pawley Countryside Agency]](images/sub/_aonb_31_large.jpg)
![Couple Sitting on Cliff [© Clare Pawley Countryside Agency]](images/sub/CoupleSittingOnCliff_03-5432_r.jpg)
Totnes to Dartington
![The River Dart [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/The River Dart 200.jpg)
![Daffodils at Dartington [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/Daffodils at Dartington 200.jpg)
On this walk of fabulous country scenery, the river Dart is the lovely thread which connects Totnes and the Dartington Estate, both places with a fascinating past and vibrant present.
- Start: Steamer Quay Car Park, Totnes
- Distance: 6 miles
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: The walk is reasonably even underfoot. Footpaths, occasional muddy patches along river in wet weather; farm track; surfaced road.
- Obstacles and steep gradients: 3 stiles; 1 steep ascent
- Accessibility: An Access for All walk following part of the route is in development and will be published on this website in the near future.
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- Public transport: Totnes is well served by bus services from all over South Devon, and has a train station on the main West Coast rail line. For information on public transport in South Hams please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk.
- Refreshment stops: Many cafes, restaurants and pubs in Totnes. Dartington Hall: White Hart Bar and Restaurant 01803 847111; Roundhouse Café open afternoons and evenings.
- Toilets: Public toilets at Steamer Quay Car Park, Totnes; also by Gatehouse, Dartington Hall.
- Parking: Steamer Quay Car Park, Totnes. Pay and Display
- Accommodation: Please contact Totnes Tourist Information Centre 01803 863168 www.totnesinformation.co.uk
- Other facilities: Public payphone at Steamer Quay Car Park, Totnes.
- OS map: Explorer OL20
- Grid ref: SX807599
Directions
From car park turn left along road. At t- junction turn left, and then left again at further t- junction opposite Seymour Terrace.
Three quarters of the way across Totnes Bridge turn right down steps to follow riverside footpath. Go under main road and continue beside river.
At next junction go under railway bridge then take left fork along river, signed ‘Dartington 1 ½m’.
By weir, cross footbridge over leat and continue along river to right.
When you reach road, turn right through gates onto Dartington Hall Trust Estate. After 150m turn left to continue along Access For All Path.
Just before you reach the old watermill by the road, take the first footpath sharp right up through woods. Alternatively, to visit shops and cafes at Cider Press Centre, continue along Access Path for a further 350m. Afterwards, retrace your steps and rejoin main route here.
After 100m fork left up to stile then across field, heading to right of horticultural centre ahead. Turn left up track.
Bear right over squeeze stile and follow ‘Public Footpath’ fingerpost up hill.
At top of field, by next fingerpost, go through gate and right up road. At brow of hill you can cross and continue to follow the road. Alternatively, take a recommended detour right, through gate to visit Dartington Hall Gardens. The gardens are fairly easy to navigate. To exit, go past right hand side of the Hall, through the courtyard and out by the gatehouse. There is a suggested minimum donation of £2.00 for visiting the gardens which can be paid at slot in wall by gatehouse. Take road opposite to left to rejoin route.
Turn left above main car park opposite Dartington Hall entrance, along lane signed for Park Rd and Warren Lane.
At junction, go through wooden kissing gate on corner and down the concrete track. Turn right at the bottom and follow the riverside path.
When you reach the road turn left. At the Estate gates turn left and retrace your steps back along the riverside path to Totnes.
Turn left over Totnes Bridge, then right onto Seymour Road, and first right again back down Steamer quay Road to the car park.
Three quarters of the way across Totnes Bridge turn right down steps to follow riverside footpath. Go under main road and continue beside river.
At next junction go under railway bridge then take left fork along river, signed ‘Dartington 1 ½m’.
By weir, cross footbridge over leat and continue along river to right.
When you reach road, turn right through gates onto Dartington Hall Trust Estate. After 150m turn left to continue along Access For All Path.
Just before you reach the old watermill by the road, take the first footpath sharp right up through woods. Alternatively, to visit shops and cafes at Cider Press Centre, continue along Access Path for a further 350m. Afterwards, retrace your steps and rejoin main route here.
After 100m fork left up to stile then across field, heading to right of horticultural centre ahead. Turn left up track.
Bear right over squeeze stile and follow ‘Public Footpath’ fingerpost up hill.
At top of field, by next fingerpost, go through gate and right up road. At brow of hill you can cross and continue to follow the road. Alternatively, take a recommended detour right, through gate to visit Dartington Hall Gardens. The gardens are fairly easy to navigate. To exit, go past right hand side of the Hall, through the courtyard and out by the gatehouse. There is a suggested minimum donation of £2.00 for visiting the gardens which can be paid at slot in wall by gatehouse. Take road opposite to left to rejoin route.
Turn left above main car park opposite Dartington Hall entrance, along lane signed for Park Rd and Warren Lane.
At junction, go through wooden kissing gate on corner and down the concrete track. Turn right at the bottom and follow the riverside path.
When you reach the road turn left. At the Estate gates turn left and retrace your steps back along the riverside path to Totnes.
Turn left over Totnes Bridge, then right onto Seymour Road, and first right again back down Steamer quay Road to the car park.
