Tales from the Riverbank with Clare Balding

Clare journeys along the River Dart, a waterway extending almost 50 miles through varied scenery. It runs from Devon's southern coastline, winding inland and rising into the pristine, rugged landscape of Dartmoor, an untouched moorland region characterised by craggy hills.

The Dart is a programme presented as a single episode. It centres on a journey undertaken by a presenter named Clare, and the format follows her as she moves through a defined landscape. The piece is structured around her movements and the places she encounters along the way. In this episode Clare sets out to travel the length of the River Dart. Her route follows the waterway for almost fifty miles, taking her from the southern coastline of Devon inland. The focus remains on her progression along the river, with each segment of the trip forming a part of the narrative. The River Dart itself stretches for nearly fifty miles, beginning at Devon’s south coast. From that coastal start point the watercourse winds its way toward the interior, eventually reaching the region known as Dartmoor. The river’s path links two contrasting environments – the sea‑facing shore and the upland moorland that lies beyond. The journey concludes as Clare arrives in the untouched, craggy landscape of Dartmoor. This final segment highlights the rugged character of the moor, emphasizing its raw, unspoiled nature. The episode therefore frames the river as a conduit between the coastal edge of Devon and the stark, wild terrain of Dartmoor.