Teidaw one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 83.33% of reviewers

On the day I walked it in early November the route along the front at Teignmouth was closed at Spray point. Therefore it was not possible to follow the coast path out of Teignmouth. I followed the Dawlish Teignmouth Way which followed a good path above the cliffs ' adding both high climbed and distance to the original route. There is then road walking along the busy A379, but there is a wide continuous pavement on the north side of the road. The route rejoins the coast Path at the junction with Smugglers Lane. Continuing on the main road to the junction with Windward Lane. This diversion is only necessary when the front is closed at Spray Point. I have included this detour in the photos below. The walk into Dawlish was on an enclosed path between construction works.

We walked from Teignmouth to Dawlish (after Teidaw 2 from Dawlish). A nice walk in good weather, we walked it in windy, drizzly weather and it was slippy in places, particularly down the steep hill from Holcombe. I would also think twice about walking the Teignmouth sea wall in bad weather.

Advisory of changes to initial route description:
1. The path through St Michael's Church land is temporarily closed while restoration work is carried out on the tower. Easy alternative route via nearby road. No available date for completion.
2. The obstructing gateway on the Teignmouth seawall has been modified so most wheels should now be able to navigate as far as (but not past) the steps and narrow path under the railway.
3. While a new vehicle access road is being constructed and will cross the path passage along the SWCP should not be restricted.

This is a lovely walk with stunning sea views. We walked it from Teignmouth back to Dawlish, having used TEIDAW Two as the first part of our circular walk. About half of the walk runs along the sea walls in Teignmouth and Dawlish but the part in the middle makes up for it with some steepish hill climbs around Holcombe; the latter are not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. This route may be of interest to railway enthusiasts since it runs parallel to the railway line for much of the way.

Tony Leigh's review is detailed and accurate. Signage at Windward Lane and Old Teignmouth Road could be more prominent. At low tide it is a pleasure to be able to walk on the beach but the steps giving access from the seawall are steep and unguarded.

TEIDAWone joins and then follows the SW Coast Path between Teignmouth and Dawlish. This review addresses it in 3 stages.
Stage 1 Teignmouth Station to Windward Lane, Holcombe.
1. Looking southeast From the Station car park identify St Michaels Church. You need to make your way to the Church and take a path through the grounds to reach the Den Promenade.
2. The seawall is a 3m wide, flat, stone and cement track with an exposed drop to the beach. Very popular with both locals and tourists and always busy in fine weather.
3. Just short of Smugglers Lane is a metal gateway - a barrier to wheelchairs and larger prams followed by:
4. 20 narrow steps and a still narrower raised path (<1m) leading under the railway bridge. There is no viable alternative to these obstructions. Photo 1.
5. The Salty Dog cafe is open much of the year in fair weather.
6. Smugglers Lane has a steep gradient (25%) for all its short length and a marked camber at the top.
7. The A379 must be crossed here and opposite Windward Lane to use the footpath. Both crossings need care as traffic can be heavy and fast-moving.
8. 30 meters up Windward Lane, access to the SW Coast Path is clearly signposted
Stage 2 Windward Lane to the A379. This stretch is the real delight of this walk.
1. A narrow (<2m), mud path, bordered by hedgerows and private land climbs the north side of Holcombe Headland. The path drains well but can be slippery in wet weather. At the brow the hedgerow thins exposing outstanding sea and inland views with a well-placed bench inviting you to sit and admire the views.
2. The path now drops increasingly steeply to bottom after two sets (36&15 steps) of rough steps and a wooden bridge crossing a stream close to the railway and Parsons Tunnel. Photo 1.
3. 10 further steps climb to a gravel path which maintains a rather gentler gradient skirting the perimeter of pastureland until finally a 21 step wooden staircase accesses the A379. Photo 3.
It is interesting to note that until Coastal Path walking mania struck the whole of stage 2 was open to pasture with unrestricted panoramic views and access. Sadly, the SWCP’s increasing popularity and subsequent abuse means it is now a fully fenced track and dogs should be kept on a lead. The curse of publicity!
Stage 3. Old Teignmouth Road to Dawlish Station.
1. Immediately turn right along Old Teignmouth Road to gain respite from the traffic.
2. On once again re-joining the A379 take the entrance to Lea Mount, sign-posted Coast Path. Any selection of path(s) that descends towards the sea will bring you to sea level and Coryton Cove, Boat Cove and finally the King’s Walk (now the imposing new wave barrier). Pass under the Viaduct and turn right for the station.
A note on Post Storm Re-construction
The stretch of railway between Teignmouth and Dawlish gained international notoriety in 2014 when storm damage led to its closure for several months. A multi-billion pound mitigation scheme is underway and work is not expected to be completed before 2030. While it does not prevent this walk being undertaken at the time of writing (May 2021) be aware of the following.
Stage 1. Planning permission has been granted to “roof” over the line to the west of Parson’s Tunnel to prevent landslip falling onto the line. A workbase has been established for building material and construction vehicles at the foot of Smugglers Lane. Long tie-rods have been drilled into areas of cliff between Teignmouth and Holcombe to stabilise the hillside and wire netting stretched across particularly vulnerable areas to contain erosion. Associated work in these areas may well, from time to time, require temporary closure of this stretch though when it is completed access for walkers, cyclists and disabled should be significantly increased with new ways on both sides of the railway line.
Stage 3. Work on sea defences between Boat Cove and Dawlish Station has now been largely completed but this final stretch could also be subject to restricted access at times.
Other considerations:
• Conservation concerns are being voiced concerning over-use of the outstanding Holcombe to Dawlish stretch (Stage 2). Access may become subject to future restrictions.
• The eastern end of Stage 1 can be impassable around high tide during spring tides, especially in strong onshore winds, and the stone walkway under the bridge can become flooded. This is generally only an issue between October and April.
• Considering a circular route using TEIDAWONE and TEIDAWTWO? To best appreciate the scenery, and for greater walking comfort, TEIDAW1 is recommended walked from Teignmouth to Dawlish and TEIDAW2 from Dawlish to Teignmouth. (Routes share a common section between Dawlish Station and Lea Mount.).

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