River Dart SK camping trip 11-12 April - Discussion around trip

This trip has been very popular in the past. Please would one of the leaders consider booking the campsite for a suitable date in 2026.

Jason has booked the campsite for 11/12 April. Please see towards the bottom of this thread.

Comments

  • I’m interested. This is a good trip for beginners with moderate experience. The run up from Kingswear to the campsite takes approximately 2.5 hours of leisurely paddling. There needs to be around 12 people minimum to participate as everyone needs carry a share of the logs for the camp fire. This means there will be enough logs to make a decent size fire to last the night and the morning.

  • I'm keen, and happy to organise when bookings for the Sharpham site are available.

  • Oh yes I remember the hundred weight of logs!!!!
  • Sharpham trust has now opened the booking timetable for the camping site by the river. I’ve looked at the tide times and it looks as if the weekend of 11th-12th April is suitable with a high tide at 13.01pm on the Saturday. The rest of April has in my view unsuitable times in order to have the river flowing in our favour. Once a decision is made, the campsite will need to be book asap before they’re gone.
  • Others possible dates are 25.04.26, 09.05.26 & 23.05.26. All have high tide heights below 4m which can sometimes make launching in slightly muddy conditions off the campsite shore.
  • Just to let everyone know that I’ve booked the camp site for the weekend of 11th-12th April. I thought it best just in case it was taken by someone else. I believe Nigel S is happy to run this trip. Nigel, if you think this date is not preferable for the club I can take over myself and do a private trip with my family.
    I’ll pass this over to you Nigel.

    Thanks.
  • edited February 20
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  • Many thanks Jason! I had registered with the Campsite to notify me that bookings were open, but have just seen that the email went into my junk box. I am happy to run the trip.
    I will post times etc later but we normally paddle from Kingswear starting on the Saturday morning and head up the estuary to arrive at the riverside campsite mid-afternoon.
    We then return mid morning on the Sunday.
    The campsite will be used by the Club exclusively. It has a fire pit (but we will need to take our own firewood). It has composting toilets and drinking water to add a little luxury.

    The following is the list that I use to guide me on what I pack on an overnight camping trip. A sea kayak can carry a lot! I will look at my diary and see if I can come to the Club a couple of weeks in advance and give a demonstration of how I pack a sea kayak if you haven't done it before.

    OVERNIGHT SEA KAYAK – CAMPING LIST
    • Normal Kayaking Kit, including group first aid kit
    • Travelling clothes – to and from get out. Can be left in the car.
    Shore clothes – packed in dry bags for when we get to destination.
    o Warm coat / fleece/ hat
    o Waterproof coat
    o Changing robe / beach towel
    o Shoes / boots
    o Washing bag (carrier bag will do)
    • Camping Kit
    o Tent – one, two or three man - split onto separate dry bags. Poles can be stored at end of kayak.
    o Sleeping Mat
    o Sleeping bag – double dry bagged.
    o Head torch
     Cooker
     Gas
     Pan
     Spork
    o Washing up liquid (small bottle for group)
    o Lighter
    o Rubbish bag – carrier bags will do
    • Toiletries
    • Food
    o Packed lunch day one
    o Evening meal on Saturday
    o Breakfast on Sunday
    o Packed lunch Sunday
    o Water containers / bladders – 2 litre coke bottles will do.

  • Hi, just to let everyone know who wants to come, the cost of the camping field booking will need to be split equally. Therefore, the more people who go, the less it will cost them. The weekend booking has cost £170.00. Thanks.
  • Are we able to put out an e mail? I am amazed so few have signed up.
  • I'd consider making a standalone post so it's clear it is happening and what the dates are. It'll also mean you can edit the post as more people are signed up to show who's coming. I can help with that if you want. (As forum admin, I can edit other people's posts.)

  • If anyone needs a lift and transportation of kayaks and equipment, I can take up to three extra people in my van. We’ll meet at the club first to load up early morning to organize.
    Let me know.

  • That’s an impressive amount of kayaks on your roof!! 😁
  • edited March 9

    See my post re how pack a sea kayak 24 March, Exeter Quay, on the forum...

  • NB I have created a new thread to show who's interested / going and hopefully not missed anyone! please update if you are going on that one and use this as a chat about the trip.

  • its gone out on a couple of emails, have also put it on FB

  • edited April 2
    If you are into Ikea bags for carrying stuff, they currently have small and medium. Ones in stock (not seen them for ages!)
  • Hi Jason, if possible I would love to take you up on a lift for me, kayaks and stuff.
  • Hi Laura, that’s fine and we’ll meet up at the club to load kayaks.
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