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137 sharrah pooL, r darT Sharrah is the largest and best pool on this wild and wonderful river stretch in the forested Dart Valley nature reserve. , Descend to river from Holne and bear L along a good path for 40 mins to find this long narrow pool. 500m upstream are the Mel Pools (50.5346, -3.8447), a range of smaller pools, including a few good chutes if you have an inner tube. 40 mins, 50.5301, -3.8396 1 h 138 BeLLpooL isLand, r darT Pretty wooded island and deep secret pool with old iron ladder scaling the cliff. , As for Sharrah Pool, but 300m downstream on L bank branch. 30 mins, 50.5272, -3.8363 1 w 139 horseshoe faLLs, hoLne Small, easily accessible, waterfall and natural jacuzzi. Large rock for sunbathing. , On footpath down through fields from Holne (Church House Inn, TQ13 7SJ, 01364 631208 with ancient oak for drinks after). 15 mins, 50.5195, -3.8200 a 1
140 weLLsfooT isLand, new Bridge Wonderful wooded island with secluded red-sand beach shelving into deep pool. , Follow the river upstream from Newbridge car park side (river’s L bank) just under 1 mile, to reach island with bridge. 20 mins, 50.5170, -3.8274 q 1 U
143 sTaverTon weir, r darT Deep and straight above the weir, more secluded with a tree jump downstream. , Park at steam-train station and continue downstream, beyond weir. Return loop via Sea Trout Inn (TQ9 6PA, 01803 762274). 10 mins, 50.4613, -3.7051 1 q a
141 spiTchwick common The most popular and accessible Dart swimming location, especially in summer, when litter can be a problem (take some away). Flat, grassy areas. , From Ashburton A38 follow signs to River Dart Country Park. Park at New Bridge, cross road and head downstream 300m. Swim 1 mile down to Lovers Leap. 5 mins, 50.5261, -3.8141 1 q T
144 piLes copse, cornwood, erme Remnant of ancient oak woodland with exquisite stream and waterfall. , Quickest access is from road end NE of hamlet of Tor (via Ivybridge then Cornwood, 50.4337, -3.9377). Follow track up around waterworks and around hillside, 1 mile, dropping down to the stream. Continue on to Red Lake, 4 miles. 20 mins, 50.4417, -3.9113 1 d
142 hemBury woods, r darT Ancient oak woodland leads down to a deep, secret stretch of the river Dart. , From A38 Buckfastleigh, cross Dart bridge, turn immediately R, signed Buckfast, then R fork, signed Hembury Woods. After bridge, park on L. 15 mins, 50.5026, -3.7912 1 7
145 red Lake, hunTingdon warren Possibly the most remote swim on Dartmoor. Two large lakes with hillock. , 6-mile route, possible on a bicycle, along the old mineral tramway (Two Moors Way) from Harford, via Leftlake Mires lake. 60 mins, 50.4863, -3.9107 c h 1 6
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