The River Dart in Devon flows from Dartmoor through a varied landscape, offering paddling experiences ranging from technical whitewater to gentle tidal estuary. The river is broadly divided into distinct sections with differing character and difficulty levels. The upper section runs below Dartmeet bridge to Newbridge, while the middle and lower sections extend from Newbridge and Poundsgate down to Totnes weir. Below Totnes, the river becomes tidal, continuing through to Dartmouth and the sea.

Paddling on the Dart is subject to a seasonal restriction: canoeing and kayaking are only permitted from 1st October to the end of March. There is no paddling allowed during the summer months. This restriction applies to both the upper section (Dartmeet to Newbridge) and the middle/lower section (Newbridge to Totnes weir). Paddlers are also prohibited from paddling above Dartmeet on the East and West Dart and any tributaries, as these areas contain legally protected salmon spawning redds and disturbing them is a criminal offence.

The loop section between Newbridge and Holne Bridge is graded 2–3 and is considered suitable for intermediate paddlers with appropriate skills. The lower section is graded 2, making it accessible to beginners developing their first whitewater experience. Holne Weir, on the loop section, is a Paddle UK-owned access and egress point purchased in 1991 to secure paddler access. The site is shared with anglers — Holne Weir is known for sea trout — and paddlers are asked to minimise noise and disturbance. Water quality monitoring at Holne Weir is conducted by Friends of the River Dart, with regular checks for E. coli and Enterococci levels.

Egress points on the upper and middle river include Dartmeet, Newbridge, Waterworks Bridge, Holne Weir (river left bank, limited parking), and Totnes. The egress at Holne Bridge itself is closed. Parking for the Newbridge area is available through River Dart Country Park, with a day admission fee required.

Below Totnes weir, the tidal section requires planning around tidal conditions. Launch options in Totnes include a slipway at Longmarsh car park and a pontoon just above the weir on the Dartington Estate access path. The tidal river passes landmarks including Dittisham, Britannia Royal Naval College, a steam railway, and Dartmouth. Wildlife along the river includes herons and seals. The river can rise very quickly after heavy rain, which is an important safety consideration throughout the system.