Dartington & Totnes: A Walk With an LGBTQ+ Outdoor Group

Dartington and Totnes are two closely connected locations in South Devon. Both places are known for their alternative, creative atmosphere and have long been associated with inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly communities.

On the 1st of February 2026, I went on a walk with my LGBTQ+ outdoor group, walking from Dartington to Totnes and then back again. The route passes through a mix of countryside, industrial areas, and riverside paths, giving the walk a varied and interesting feel.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the walk was the contrast between the natural surroundings and the abandoned industrial buildings along the way. Some of these structures feel eerie and forgotten, especially the old industrial railway bridge covered in graffiti. It has a strong industrial atmosphere that adds character to the route and makes the walk feel very different from a typical countryside path.

Along the route, there is also an Archimedes screw hydroelectric power station beside the River Dart, which adds an interesting modern industrial element to the walk and shows how the river is still being used today.

Walking this route as part of a group made the experience more enjoyable, and it was nice to explore familiar places from a slightly different perspective while sharing the walk with others.