Solar-powered journeys on the River Dart.

A Different Way to Experience the River

From above, the Dart is beautiful.

But from the water, it’s something else entirely.

You move slowly with the river, not past it. The sound of the engine disappears, replaced by birdsong and the gentle movement of water against the hull.

Reeds drift past at arm’s length. A seal surfaces quietly along the bank. The light softens as the river opens and bends. See Kingfishers, Herons, and other wildlife.

You’re not just looking at the Dart anymore. You’re part of it.

Arriving somewhere feels different too. Stepping off the boat for lunch at the River Shack or the Maltsters Arms, or continuing further downdriver as the day unfolds. Stopping for a vineyard tour in the early evening.

It’s slower, quieter, and more connected. A way of experiencing the river that stays with you long after you’ve left it.

⛴️ Tourism Isn’t Aligned With the Environment

The River Dart is best experienced from the water, but for most people, that experience is still limited. The boats that do run are large, fast, and noisy, passing through the river rather than moving with it. You miss the bird song, the seals, and the quiet moments along the reeds, kept at a distance from the very thing you came to experience.

While there are kayaks, paddleboards, and guided tours, they require confidence, time, or physical effort, and aren’t accessible to everyone. Older visitors, families, or those unfamiliar with the river can find it uncomfortable or intimidating. There’s no simple, gentle way to move between places along the Dart by water itself, so most people stay on land and miss a slower, more connected way of experiencing it.

⚡️ A Quiet, Solar-Powered River Service

Dart Solar creates a quiet, solar-powered way to move with the river, not rush through it. Small, simple journeys open up new routes along the Dart, making it possible to walk one way and return by water, or travel between places like Totnes, Sharpham, Stoke Gabriel, and Tuckenhay without relying on the road.

It’s designed to be easy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. A gentle way to spend time on the river, whether you’re visiting or local, drifting through reed beds, spotting wildlife, or being dropped off for lunch at places like the River Shack or the Maltsters Arms. A new kind of weekend ritual, and a calmer, more connected way to experience the Dart.

🌳 New Routes & Experiences

New ways to explore the river begin to open up.

Circular walks across the river, or return by water. Simple journeys between Totnes, Sharpham, Stoke Gabriel, and Tuckenhay. A way to move along the Dart without needing a car.

For locals, it becomes something to do at the weekend. A different kind of day out, being dropped downriver for lunch at the River Shack or the Maltsters Arms, and returning gently by water.

Not just a trip, but a new way of connecting with the river and the places along it.

Routes include:

• 🌿 Sharpham (1.4 - 3 NM)
• 🍕 Stoke Gabriel (4 NM)
• 🍝 Tuckenhay (4.3 NM)
• 🍷 Sandridge (5 NM)
• 🍺 Dittisham (6 NM)
• 🏰 Dartmouth (8 NM)

Each trip will be slightly different — moving with the river, not against it.

We're raising £25,000 to build and launch Dart Solar

We’re raising £25,000 to design, build, and launch the first Dart Solar boat.

This will cover the boat, electric motor, solar setup, and everything needed to safely operate on the river.

This is a community-focused project. It’s about getting people out on the water, connecting with nature, and building something meaningful together.

The funds will go towards:

• 🚤 Buying and preparing the boat
• ☀️ Solar panels, batteries, and electric motor
• 🔧 Building the canopy and structure
• ⚓ Safety equipment and licensing

🚤 The Boat

We’ll be converting a 21ft launch into a quiet, solar-powered river boat — designed for slow, scenic journeys along the Dart.

With space for small groups, it’ll be an intimate way to experience the river.

Planned setup:

• 21 ft electric launch
• ⚙️ 6 kW motor
• 🔋 8–10 kWh battery
• ☀️ Solar canopy (~2–3 kW)
• ⚓ Charging locations.

There’s plenty to build, test, and refine — and we’re excited to bring it to life.

FAQs

March 2026

🤝 Partner & Sponsorship

We’re also looking to partner with local businesses along the River Dart to help bring this project to life.

This is a chance to be part of something visible, positive, and rooted in the local community — a solar-powered boat running through the heart of the Dart.

As a sponsor, you could receive:

• 🌿 Branding on the boat and canopy
• 📍 Visibility along the river throughout the summer
• 🎥 Inclusion in social content and storytelling
• 🤝 Opportunities for collaboration, events, or private bookings

We’re open to creative partnerships and would love to work with businesses that care about the river, sustainability, and community.

If that sounds like you, get in touch.

The Story So Far...

March 2012

Dart Solar is a small, focused project to create a better way to experience the River Dart.

After years of working on digital projects, I’ve felt the pull to build something more tangible. Something outdoors, local, and connected to people and nature.

The idea is simple. A quiet, solar-powered boat that opens up the river in a more accessible and considered way.

🚤 Join the crew!

We’re opening fundraising on 1st June.

Join the list to get early access, updates, and first pick of rewards.

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