Little Dart River Ramble and Run

The LDRRR is a new, near completely off road, 17 mile run and walk which encompasses some of Northern Devon's loveliest untrodden countryside, which is 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 and in so doing, try to be hotter than our otter (mystery runner). Or you can walk it by yourself, or as part of a group. You'll traverse unknown fields, wooded valleys, footpaths, river crossings, flower meadows and much more.

 

The bisopshere, which partners with Devon Wildlife Trust and Westcountry Rivers Trust has taken the trouble to scope out and gain permission for this route, much of which is on private land and so you'll be gaining exclusive access to trails you won't have followed before. The route will be marked but you'll need your wits about you as the path meanders in and out of sight.

 

See our event brochure 

 

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 river to improve the water quality of the river and flood resilience for communities living along the river. The North Devon Biosphere has been working along the Little Dart for a number of years and they 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. We thank them for this opportunity.

 

What is North Devon Biosphere

Imagine a place where rolling hills meet crashing waves, where rare creatures roam, and where people and nature work together to create something amazing. That’s the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere - a special area that’s been recognised by the United Nations since 1976 for its incredible landscapes, wildlife, and way of life. It was actually the first of its kind in the UK!

At the heart of the Biosphere is Braunton Burrows, a massive dune system (think giant sand hills!) filled with secret paths, rare plants, and even hidden World War II history. But the Biosphere doesn’t stop there – it stretches across Exmoor’s wild moorlands, ancient woodlands, winding rivers, and deep into the Atlantic Ocean.
But what makes this Biosphere truly special? It’s all about living in harmony with nature. The people here work on exciting projects to protect the environment while making sure local communities thrive. That includes eco-friendly farming, ocean conservation, and even high-tech ideas to fight climate change. Plus, there are loads of ways to explore – surf epic waves, kayak down rivers, hike breathtaking trails, or spot rare wildlife.

So, whether you’re into nature, history, science, or just adventure, the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is a place where the wild meets the wonderful – and you can be a part of it!

 

Transport

There is an option to get the bus from the finish at Chulmleigh School car park to the start at Rackenford, which leaves at 9am. However you nede to book this separately. 

There is also a train station at Eggesford, if you decide to catch the train from Exeter. You will need to walk to Chulmleigh to catch the bus, which is about a mile.