Devon: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
Devon: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
4 Days Starting and ending in Exeter
Visiting: Exeter, Dartmoor National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEXD
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Ahhh Devon, the UK’s answer to paradise. Fairy-tale woodlands, picture-perfect villages, and some of the country’s prettiest rivers. The only tricky part is picking the best way to take it all in – on foot, on a bicycle or on the river itself. But on this four-day adventure down the River Dart and River Teign, you won’t have to choose. Starting off in Dartmoor National Park, hike, bike, canoe and paddle your way through some Devon’s most spectacular scenery, passing by ancient ruins, natural pools and gorgeous villages. When you’re not on the go you’ll have plenty of time to sit back and soak it all in – your local leader will deal with the details so you can focus on the road ahead of you and the views around you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Xeter
Location: Exeter
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Devon! Your action-packed adventure begins in Exeter at 12pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and new travel companions. Drive to Postbridge (approximately 1 hour), set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park – a place so beautiful it has inspired many myths, legends and works of fiction. Stop off for lunch to enjoy your fairy-tale surroundings and admire the ancient 13th-century bridge that still precariously straddles the river. Then it’s time to stretch your legs and head off on a walk (approximately 6 miles) down the infant River Dart to Dartmeet, the aptly named meeting point of the river’s two major tributaries. You’ll have the chance to cool off with a dip in one of many gorgeous natural pools along the way. Transfer to your accommodation for the next three evenings – a delightful hotel set on the grounds of Buckfast Abbey, tucked away on the southern slopes of Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy a well-earned welcome dinner (at your own cost) and perhaps get to know your fellow travellers over a pint or two.
Included Activities:
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Day 2 : Dartmoor National Park
Location: Dartmoor National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a walk through wooded valleys and along the river to the Sharrah Pool – arguably the most beautiful river pool in the country. The walk is around 2 miles each way and the refreshing swim in totally tranquil waters surrounded by woodland and wildlife makes every step worth it! This afternoon you’ll switch to two wheels and cycle into the wild heart of Dartmoor National Park in search of tors, large free-standing rock formations. Visit the towering Haytor and Hound Tor – legend has it the latter inspired Sherlock Holmes’ most famous case, the Hound of the Baskervilles. For lunch today you can enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park, or you may prefer to swing by the local pub and tuck into some traditional British fare. Return to your wonderful accommodation later in the afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
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Day 3 : Dartmoor National Park
Location: Dartmoor National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depending on how active you’re feeling this morning, you can either catch an old-school steam train from Buckfastleigh to the town of Totnes, or walk the trail through quiet lanes and bridlepaths. An endearing market town with a real focus on promoting a sustainable lifestyle, Totnes is an excellent place to explore and enjoy a spot of lunch. Then you’ll have the option to jump in a canoe, kayak or on a stand up paddle board and travel down the River Dart towards the postcard-pretty town of Dartmouth. There’s no need to be an expert – your leader will teach you the skills needed to get the most out of this activity! Swing by a local wine café (what better way to break up the journey!) before continuing down the river. Arrive in Dartmouth and perhaps pop into a local pub to wet your whistle, or take some time to discover the town’s incredibly charming streets, lined with pastel-coloured houses. Cycle back to your accommodation for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : Dartmoor National Park
Location: Dartmoor National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will transfer to another one of the UK’s most spectacular rivers – the River Teign. On arrival, visit the Scorhill Stone Circle – with a history stretching back to the Bronze Age, this site truly is an ancient wonder. While you’re here, why not see if you can squeeze through the hole in the legendary Tolmen stone, caused by erosion over thousands of years. Those who pass through it are said to receive increased fertility and immunity from a number of diseases. With your newfound health and fertility under your belt, take a walk along the River Teign down to the gorgeous Tudor-style mansion at Gidleigh Park where you’ll enjoy a coffee, then carry on to the Chagford Lido for a swim in the river-fed pool. After that, it’s a 20-mile bike ride down to the Teign Estuary where you’ll take a moment to soak in the view before finishing up your adventure and transferring back to Exeter for around 6pm.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Sharrah Pool swim
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Infant River Dart to Dartmeet walk
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River Dart canoeing adventure
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River Teign walk
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Dartmouth to Buckfast Abbey cycling tour
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Haytor and Hound Tor cycling tour
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Teign Estuary cycling tour
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Chagford Lido visit
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Gidleigh park walk
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Meals
3 breakfasts
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Accommodation
- Hotel (3 nights)
Transport
- Private van
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
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Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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