Dawtop three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

The route along the sea wall is closed again, until November 23rd. It is however open between Dawlish station and the footbridge at SX 97087 77365. From here to the footbridge at SX 97960 78332 the footpath is closed temporarily. the alternative Coast Path route is signed and takes the route above the cliffs between the two footbridges. There is substantial road walking which is mostly paved through Dawlish Warren. On the day I walked the route in early November after days of heavy rain the road north of Starcross was closed, as it was flooded. There is no pavement on this road. The water was quite deep. I had to take my shoes and socks off, roll up my trousers and wade through. However these were exceptional circumstances.

A flat route which can be walked all year round.
Lovely scenery and refreshments on route.
Just check out ferry times as they don’t operate out of season.
I’d walk this route again and suggest it to others.
It’s very safe and accessible for all level of walkers.

Very enjoyable walk.
Scenery is stunning.
A Flat, easy moderate walk.
Toilets and refreshments on route.

DawTop 3 divides easily into 3 stages. Note: All distances in brackets are approximate and included for guidance only. These route distances measure from the start at Dawlish Station - that is they display the cumulative distance walked since leaving Dawlish Station.

Stage 1 Dawlish Station to Starcross Station 6.5k
This section hugs the coast as close as possible using the SW Coast Path to Dawlish Warren and Dawlish Warren Road to Cockwood before finishing along the A379 to Starcross.
a) From Dawlish Station pass under the viaduct and turn left along the seawall if accessible or use the temporary alternative detailed in the Route Description.
b) Continue along the seawall (2.3km) and cross the railway at the Dawlish Warren footbridge.
c) After a further 110m heading inland, and by St Mary’s Church Hall, join the shared cycle/pedestrian bridle way and follow it into Dawlish Warren.
d) Continue through Dawlish Warren (signposted “Cockwood and Starcross”) escaping left opposite Dawlish Sands Caravan Park (3.3km) onto the signposted shared cycle/pedestrian bridle way which runs parallel to the road and crosses it on one occasion (3.76km). This leads onto a foot-pathed stretch of the road to Cockwood Harbour (4.9km) around which there is no footpath but traffic is generally very aware of, and considerate towards, pedestrians.
e) Cross the A379 at the pedestrian controlled traffic lights to join a further shared cycle/pedestrian way to Starcross.
f) Keep to the left-side narrow pavement through Starcross until the pedestrian controlled traffic lights opposite the station. Cross the A379 and join the signposted footpath from the Atmospheric Railway pub carpark (6.5km) heading north parallel to the river.

Stage 2 Starcross to Topsham Ferry 6.6k
After the congestion and traffic pollution this stretch brings elements of tranquility and pastoral charm as it passes between the Powderham deer park and the railway and River Exe, and then onwards from Powderham Church along the ship canal towpath until reaching the ferry departure point opposite Topsham on the other bank.
a) Stay with the obvious track, through a public carpark and join the 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 (8.9km) take the track right signposted “Exe Estuary Trail and Coast Path”, also a shared cycle/pedestrian way.
c) Between the bridge and Turf Lock (10.95km) is an option for walkers only to use the compressed small stone and gravel seawall path. Wheels should remain on the tarmacadam shared track. (Photo)
d) Beyond Turf Lock and its hotel (seasonal) (Photos) a track exists on either bank but it is strongly 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 (12.82km). (Photos)

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). (Photos)
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 (1½-2km) is to join at the Exminster/A379 roundabout (bus stop for Dawlish or Counteswear) by retracing your steps to take Station Road, a narrow, speed-humped, 10mph access road which allows vehicular access to the canal for launching canoes or paddle boards. (Note: the useful short cut, a signed public footpath opposite the Topsham ferry landing, and also shown on the OS map, is blocked-off and in fact inaccessible.

Rather longer (3km) is to continue on the Exe Estuary Trail/SW Coast Path passing under the M5. A metalled service track exits left to Sannerville Way (the A379) and a bus stop OR continue to follow the main canal path to exit onto the A379 at the swing bridge (3km) with a relatively short walk to Countess Wear.
A No.2 or 2B bus will take you from Exminster to Countess Wear roundabout: a No.57 will take you from Countess Wear to Topsham.

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