Little Dart River Ramble and Run
The Little Dart River Ramble and Run (LDRRR) is a new, near completely off-road, 17-mile run and walk which encompasses some of Northern Devon's loveliest untrodden countryside, part of the UK's first UNESCO biosphere.
You can run the 17-mile route following the course of the Little Dart River from Rackenford to the confluence with the River Taw at Bridge Reeve, Chulmleigh. Participants may run the full distance or walk it alone or as part of a group. The course crosses fields, wooded valleys, footpaths, river crossings, and flower meadows. The route will be marked, but participants should pay attention to navigation. Access has been negotiated with riparian landowners and local partners, providing one day of public access to trails that are usually private.
What's included?
- Fully marked route
- Marshals and at least 3 feed stations
- Wooden medal for all runners
- First Aid
- Toilets
- Post event refreshments
- Transport to the start from Chulmleigh School car park (9am) to Rackenford (pre-event)
NO DOGS PLEASE – at the landowners' request.
Why follow the Little Dart River?
North Devon Biosphere and partners, including Devon Wildlife Trust and Westcountry Rivers Trust, work with landowners around many of Devon’s rivers to improve water quality and flood resilience. The North Devon Biosphere has been working along the Little Dart for a number of years and wanted to allow local communities and people from further afield to discover and appreciate this lovely river. Through their good relations with the riparian landowners, they have negotiated access for the public to walk the route for one day only.
What is North Devon Biosphere?
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is a special area recognised by the United Nations for its incredible landscapes, wildlife, and way of life. It was the first of its kind in the UK. It stretches across Exmoor’s wild moorlands, ancient woodlands, winding rivers, and deep into the Atlantic Ocean. It focuses on living in harmony with nature, with projects to protect the environment while ensuring local communities thrive, including eco-friendly farming, ocean conservation, and climate change initiatives. There are many ways to explore, such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, or wildlife spotting.
Transport
There is an option to get a bus from the finish at Chulmleigh School car park to the start at Rackenford, which leaves at 9am. This needs to be booked separately. There is also a train station at Eggesford.