Dawtop one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Dawtop here.

I agree with Tony's review. This is a good and direct route to Topsham, but currently not entirely walkable because of a temporary path closure between Dawlish Station and Rockstone. Otherwise it's a great route.

Remember to check if the ferry is running to Topsham!

I'm going to add an alternative route which will work while works on coastal defences continue.

I'm sure someone local could work out a more accessible route option and another could remove the need to get the ferry.

DawTop 1 Route Description
The route hugs the flat coastline with much of it being along the sea wall exposed to The English Channel, the defensive wall along the tidal estuary or the tow path alongside the canal. It follows the tracks of the Exe Estuary Trail and the South West Coast Path. Surfaces are generally level, wide, smooth surfaced, well signed and accessible to both walkers and wheels. Inevitably, therefore, it is very popular. It also runs parallel to the principal coast road and the railway and one is rarely away from noise, traffic pollution and congestion before clearing Starcross. Food and toilet facilities are available in Dawlish Warren and Starcross and several pubs offering food are en route. Unquestionably it is the most direct and easiest route between the two towns and there is no alternative without significantly adding to the mileage. It fulfils all Slow Route criteria. However, there are stretches which may be considered inappropriate by some mobility users.

Temporary Warning June 2021
The sea wall and beach are currently closed between Dawlish Station and Rockstone Bridge as part of the British Rail Resilience Project to strengthen sea defences. This may remain the case for the rest of 2021.

The alternative route is to use the shared cycle/pedestrian way from Richmond Place which runs alongside the A379. After 1k take a signposted right turn shortly before the Rockstone Flats to drop steeply down to the railway and cross the Rockstone stepped footbridge to re-join the seawall to Dawlish Warren (Inappropriate for wheels). (Wheels can continue along the A379 shared path to the junction with Dawlish Warren Road before following the surfaced bridle path to reconnect in Dawlish Warren.)

It divides easily into 3 stages.

Stage 1 Dawlish Station to Starcross Station 6.5k
a) Pass under the viaduct and turn left along the seawall if accessible or use the temporary alternative above.
b) Continue to, and cross the railway, at the Dawlish Warren footbridge to join the shared cycle/pedestrian bridle way from Dawlish to Dawlish Warren.
c) Continue through Dawlish Warren signposted “Cockwood and Starcross”. Opposite Dawlish Sands Caravan Park escape left onto the shared cycle/pedestrian bridle way (signposted) which runs alongside the road and crosses it on one occasion. This leads onto a footpathed stretch of the road to Cockwood Harbour round which itself there is no footpath.
d) Cross the A379 at the pedestrian controlled traffic lights to join a further shared cycle/pedestrian way to Starcross.
e) Keep to the left side narrow pavement through Starcross until the pedestrian controlled traffic lights. Cross and join the signposted footpath from the Atmospheric Railway pub carpark.

Stage 2 Starcross to Topsham Ferry 6.6k

After the congestion and traffic pollution this stretch brings elements of tranquillity and pastoral charm as it passes between the Powderham deer park and the railway and River Exe and onwards from Turf Lock along the ship canal towpath.

a) Stay with the obvious track, through a public carpark onto a shared vehicle/cycle/pedestrian, minor road (20mph) between the Powderham Estate and the railway line and River Exe. Caution: the speed limit and priority to pedestrians is rarely observed by either vehicles or cyclists.
b) Just before Powderham Church take the track right signposted “Exe Estuary Trail and Coast Path”, a shared cycle/pedestrian way.
c) Between the bridge and Turf Lock is an option for walkers only to use the compressed small stone and gravel seawall path. Wheels should remain on the tarmacadam shared track.
d) Beyond Turf Lock tracks exist on either bank but it is recommended to use the west bank which is wider and well-maintained. The east bank can be overgrown, ill-defined in stretches, and slippery when damp.
e) The Exminster Marshes to your left are an important SSI managed by the RSPB.
f) The Topsham Ferry Landing is clearly identified.

Stage 3 Topsham Ferry to Topsham Station 700m (of which walking 500m)
The ferry is a small, landing craft type vessel which takes just a couple of minutes to cross to Topsham carrying pedestrians, pedal cycles and other wheels for a modest charge. It is seasonal and also affected by tidal state. Current service times are displayed on a noticeboard. You are strongly advised to factor in, and check, the operating timetable when planning this walk. (Google: Topsham Ferry).

a) Follow Ferry Road, Follett Road and Station Road to arrive at Topsham Station

Ferry not operating?
You will need to continue walking to the A379. Shortest is to join at Exminster by retracing your steps to take Station Road (a narrow speed-humped 10mph road which allows motor access for launching canoes or paddle boards). (Note: the useful short cut, a signed public footpath opposite the Topsham ferry landing, is currently blocked off and inaccessible (June 2021).

Rather longer is continuing on the Exe Estuary Trail/SW Coast Path passing under the M5. A metalled service track exits left to Sannerville Way and a bus stop OR continue to follow the main canal path to exit on the A379 at the swing bridge with a relatively short walk to Countess Wear.
A No.2 or 2B bus will take you from Exminster to Countess Wear: a No.57 will take you from Countess Wear to Topsham.

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