Devon & Dartmoor phone-free: 5 adventures to book
Why Devon and Dartmoor work for phone-free days
Dartmouth, the River Dart and Salcombe offer time on the water, while Dartmoor has open moorland, granite tors and heather. Mobile coverage can be limited on high ground and in the river valleys west of Postbridge and Two Bridges. Harbours and towns usually have signal, but coverage may be patchy on the water or deep on the moor.
Here are five phone-free outdoor activities in Devon and Dartmoor available to book on adventuro. See our UK phone-free outdoor activities guide for more ideas. For Dartmoor camping rights, read our UK access rights guide.
| Activity | Where | From | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea kayaking | Dartmouth | £59 | Hidden Devon |
| SUP | Dartmouth | £59 | Dartmouth SUP |
| Canoeing | River Dart, Totnes | £45 | River Dart |
| Coasteering | Salcombe | £45 | Salcombe |
| Wild camp hike | Dartmoor | £150 | Wild camp |
The estuary paddle: Hidden Devon: Sea Kayaking in Dartmouth
Dartmouth is where the Dart meets the sea, with castles, wooded banks and coves reached by boat. Sea Kayak Devon run Hidden Devon, a guided sea kayak trip from £59 for ages 12+. Morning (09:30 to 13:00) and afternoon (13:30 to 17:00) slots are available. No experience is needed.
You will be busy paddling, exploring coves and stopping at sandy beaches. Signal can be patchy on the open coast once you leave the harbour.
Best for: Beginners looking for a half-day sea kayaking trip.
When to go: Check dates on the listing. Calm mornings are often easier for first-time sea kayakers.
Hidden Devon: Sea Kayaking in Dartmouth, Devon
From: £59 · Level: Beginner
The harbour stand-up: Guided SUP Trip in Dartmouth
This trip covers the same coastline by stand-up paddleboard. Sea Kayak Devon run a guided SUP trip from Coronation Dinghy Park in Dartmouth from £59, 3.5 hours, ages 8+.
SUP needs focus on your stance, paddle stroke and the water conditions. It is slower than coasteering and suits people who want Dartmouth views without sitting in a kayak.
Best for: Families (ages 8+) and improvers who prefer standing paddleboarding.
When to go: Light wind days. If the forecast is breezy, the sea kayaking session on this list may be a better choice.
Guided SUP Trip in Dartmouth, Devon
From: £59 · Duration: 3.5 hours · Level: Beginner, Improver
The river day: 3-Hour Canoe Tour: Paddle the River Dart
If the coast is windy, try Totnes and the River Dart instead. Rock The Boat Activites run a 3-hour guided canoe tour from £45. Kit is included and spaces are limited.
Canoeing is a calmer, more sheltered option than being on the open sea. Mobile coverage can be limited in the Dart valley between Totnes and Dartmouth, away from quays and car parks.
Best for: All ages on a calm river day (confirm ages on the booking page).
When to go: Check water levels and dates on the listing.
3-Hour Canoe Tour: Paddle the River Dart
From: £45 · Duration: 3 hours · Level: Beginner, Improver, Taster
The south coast scramble: Coasteering in Salcombe, South Devon
Salcombe and the South Hams cliffs are well suited to coasteering, with jumps, swims and gullies. Adventure South runs sessions from £45 for ages 6+, with kit included.
Coasteering needs your full attention. You will read the swell, choose your route and move with the group.
Best for: Beginners and improvers who want South Devon harbour coasteering. Under-18s must be accompanied as stated on the listing.
When to go: March to November when sea conditions suit longer wet sessions.
Coasteering in Salcombe, South Devon
From: £45 · Level: Beginner, Improver
The granite moor: Wild camp on Dartmoor
For a full offline weekend, a guided wild camp on Dartmoor includes permissions and kit. The 2-day hiking and camping experience: wild camp Dartmoor adventure runs from £150, ages 18+, with guides, a tent and a morning wild dip included. Bring a sleeping bag, mat and food as set out on the listing.
Mobile signal can be patchy on the high ground. Over two days, you will focus on navigation, camp craft and the weather.
Best for: Adults who want a legal Dartmoor wild-camp introduction with a guide.
When to go: Book ahead for dry-season weekends; moor weather shifts fast.
2-Day Hiking & Camping Experience: Wild Camp Dartmoor Adventure
From: £150 · Duration: 2 days · Level: Ages 18+ · Location: Princetown area
Which Devon phone-free trip should you book
| If you want… | Book this |
|---|---|
| Half-day sea kayak from Dartmouth | Hidden Devon kayak |
| Stand-up paddle on the same coast | Dartmouth guided SUP |
| Sheltered river paddling | River Dart canoe |
| Cliff jumps and sea swims | Salcombe coasteering |
| Two days off-grid on Dartmoor | Wild camp adventure |
Browse Devon adventures · Find more ideas in our phone-free outdoor activities guide. See also Cornwall phone-free coast and Scotland phone-free adventures.
A portion of adventuro bookings supports conservation through our partnership with Rewilding Britain.
Devon and Dartmoor phone-free FAQs
Where do you lose mobile signal in Devon and on Dartmoor?
Coverage can be patchy on Dartmoor open moor, in many River Dart valley stretches between towns, and on exposed South Devon coast paddles from Dartmouth and Salcombe. Harbours, Totnes and Torquay usually have coverage. Download OS maps before you leave built-up areas.
What happens in an emergency with no signal on Dartmoor?
Book a guided paddle, coasteering or wild-camp session. Centres carry the safety communications needed for the activity. Also tell someone ashore your route and return time. Coverage on the Dartmoor high moor can be very limited.
Kayak or SUP from Dartmouth?
Hidden Devon sea kayaking suits anyone who wants to sit and paddle for half a day on the sea. Guided SUP needs more balance but covers similar coastline while standing. See our SUP vs kayaking guide if you are undecided.
Can I wild camp on Dartmoor as part of a phone-free weekend?
Wild camping is a special case in England and Wales, and Dartmoor has its own rules. Read our UK access rights guide before you pack a tent. The wild camp Dartmoor listing on this page is a guided two-day option with permissions included. Read the listing for kit and age limits.
Which trip fits a Salcombe and Dartmouth split weekend?
Salcombe coasteering and Hidden Devon sea kayaking make a good coast-focused pair. Add River Dart canoeing for a calmer day between sea sessions.