Dawexm one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

The footpath along the front between Dawlish Station and the footbridge at SX 97092 77341 is now open. However currently from this footbridge to the 2nd one SX 97935 78317 on the east side of the breakwater the footpath is closed. It is due to open again on 23rd November. However at this time of year the ferry crossing between Starcross and Exmouth does not operate. The nearest scheduled ferry is from The Turf Hotel to Topsham, so not really a viable alternative for a Slowways route. The ferry operates again in April.

This is generally a flat and level route of 7 kilometres in length according to the Coast Path distance calculator. From October it can be started along the sea wall from the station. Due to civil engineering works access is restricted at the moment, and I started the route from Coast Guard cottages a few hundred meters away from the station.
The first part is along the sea wall to Langstone Rock, quite scenic and fully accessible. There is a short distance then of rough and uneven pathway to a footbridge crossing the railway. There is an alternative route via a tunnel under the railway, both lead to the same roundabout. From there the route follows the road or parallel footpaths/ cycleways past the little harbour at Cockwood to the Starcross ferry.
Easy to follow, the highlights are the sea wall section, Cockwood, and Brunel's pumping station on the outskirts of Starcross. Otherwise it's not a particularly scenic route.

The review by Tony Leigh 15/5/2021 is a fair summary of this walk. The sea wall from Dawlish rail station to Dawlish Warren is very popular, particularly in the holiday season. The Dawlish Warren to Starcross leg has few walkers but is adjacent to roads throughout and lacks panoramic views.

The Starcross Ferry does not operate October - April so a walker wanting to reach Exmouth would need to catch a local train from Starcross rail station to Exmoth via Exeter Central.

This route continues to be kept under review as it is still not currently accessible as shown in the GPX Track – but it’s getting there! The final closed section caused by work on the South West Rail Resilience Programme should re-open on 23 July 2022 when, unquestionably, the GPX track would be the recommended choice.
However, it requires making clear that the route is along the seawall, having passed under the Viaduct. From the GPX route it appears to head straight into a dead-end car park!
The Way mirrors stretches of the South West Coast Path and The Exe Trail. Much is along busy roads with resulting traffic noise and pollution, although it is flat and well-surfaced. It requires crossing 2 stepped footbridges (1 can be avoided by a lengthier alternative). It justifies Slow Ways recognition as it is the most direct route and the low star-rating perhaps less-fairly reflects the reviewer’s preference to avoid crowds, traffic noise and pollution. Food/drink/and toilets are readily accessible in Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Starcross and Exmouth.

It can be seen as 3 sections:
1. Warning! From 23 July 2022 the final closed section of the seawall is due to re-open allowing the GPX track to be followed. Until this date leave the station forecourt via the sign-posted shared cycle/walking track, up steps from Richmond Place and passing Lanherne.
On joining the A379 turn right and almost immediately right again to descend the cliff path by Coastguard Cottages and cross the railway bridge to join the coast path. From here the GPX track becomes valid.
Continue along the seawall and, approaching Dawlish Warren, take the footbridge (50 steps) which will link with a clearly signposted public bridle path signposted Cockwood and Starcross.

2. Dawlish Warren, Cockwood, Starcross Ferry
Continue through the tourist Mecca of Dawlish Warren. Opposite Dawlish Sands Caravan Park escape onto the marked bridle way which parallels the busy road, at one point re-crossing it.
Continue round Cockwood Harbour (part no footpath), crossing the A379 at the pedestrian lights.
Follow the shared cycle/walking path to and through Starcross until the station footbridge. The ferry departs from the pier which is accessed by crossing the footbridge and joining a pathway leading on from the downside platform.

3. Starcross to Exmouth
The ferry is seasonal (April-October) and, additionally, silting can disrupt sailings around low water springs. Departures are roughly hourly and regularly up-dated details are available on line. (Search: Starcross Ferry).
A regular local train service links Starcross to Exmouth via Exeter Central if required.

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