Discover | Totnes
Totnes is within an area often referred to as the South Hams. The main towns within the South Hams being Totnes, Dartmouth and Salcombe.
Totnes itself is situated on the beautiful river Dart. It’s a very picturesque town with winding narrow streets steeped in history. In and around the main High Street and Fore Street, the architecture is typically sixteenth and seventeenth century. The quay area is a busy working port but also has a good mix of shops and restaurants.
The canoe and kayak season starts from the 1st October to the 28th February. It should be noted that above Totnes Weir you would need to obtain an access permit from the British Canoe Union. However, below Totnes Weir there are no restrictions on private canoeing and kayaking.
Totnes provides an excellent base for walkers, ramblers, and cyclists. It’s also ideal for mountain bikers as there are many off road routes available due to the surrounding countryside being predominately agricultural and hilly.
The town is located within easy access of all of the beaches in South Devon, which provide plenty of opportunities for a variety of watersports, including scuba diving. Sailing is available on the lower parts of the River Dart and on the estuary. You will also find that the cliffs around Torbay offer plenty of challenges for those wanting to climb.
Dartmoor, a short car journey from Totnes, is a large plateau of granite rock covered with heather and grass. It’s a rugged and barren land of raw beauty, with the jagged outcrops of rocks, known as tors, again offering excellent opportunities for climbers. Access to the moor is generally unlimited, except for the Ministry of Defence firing ranges to the North West. For those looking for a sedate walk, or for the more experienced hiker, Dartmoor provides great terrain. With this in mind it’s also an ideal location for pony trekking and horse riding and there a a variety of stables available on the moor and in the surrounding area.
You can also discover the many bridleways, forest trails and rock strewn valleys by mountain bike. However please give way to walkers and hikers, remembering that cycling on public footpaths is prohibited.
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