River Journeys with Conrad Humphreys

International yachtsman Conrad Humphreys has been working with History Hit on new documentary series River Journeys, exploring the rivers of Devon and Salcombe estuary. The area is famous for its high moorland and fast-flowing rivers, which cut stunning valleys and gorges and flow into estuaries on the coast. The series sees Conrad explore each river from top to bottom in his one-of-a-kind lugger, Bounty, meeting a myriad of interesting people along the way to talk about history of the rivers and the sailing boats that have shaped the local area.

Sailing a traditional boat on these rivers has really helped me to understand just how much our waterways have shaped our history. It’s all too easy to think about the big round the world exploratory voyages that Captain James Cook and Robert Fitzroy undertook, but around the UK every river, estuary and harbour has made its own unique contribution to our prosperity, our way of life and our understanding of the world.

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Episode 1: River Exe

In the first episode of the series, Conrad travels down the River Exe in tricky sailing conditions, visiting the Exeter Ship Canal and the town of Topsham, once a thriving port and shipbuilding centre.

Episode 2: River Dart

In Episode 2, Conrad travels down the River Dart, past Dartmouth Castle and toward the famous Britannia Royal Naval College.

Episode 3: Salcombe Estuary

In Episode 3, Conrad travels into Salcombe harbour in South Devon, and learns more about the history of the former boat and shipbuilding and sailing port, before heading up the estuary towards Kingsbridge.

Episode 4: River Tamar

In the final episode of the series, Conrad travels past the historic port of Plymouth and up the River Tamar. Along the way he catches up with History Hit's very own Dan Snow at Drake's Island, a 6.5-acre island lying in Plymouth Sound with a unique and fascinating history.