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Dawtop Survey

2XJune 2022 by Tony Leigh

Route description

The route hugs the flat coastline with much of it being along the sea wall exposed to the English Channel, the flood defensive wall along the tidal estuary or the tow path alongside the canal. It shadows 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, for stretches, 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 meets all Slow Route criteria for inclusion. However, there are stretches which may be considered inappropriate by some mobility users and if Topsham Ferry is not operating it needs to be recognised that a further 1.5 – 3km will have to be walked to reach a main road and bus stop. Temporary Warning valid until 07 September 2022 Access to the sea wall and beach are currently closed at Dawlish Station as part of the British Rail Resilience Project to strengthen sea defences. This is likely to remain the case until 07 September 2022. This alternative short detour is required at the start: Follow the shared cycle/pedestrian way up broad steps from Richmond Place, and the footpath skirting Lanherne sheltered accommodation. Immediately on joining the A379 turn right down past Coastguard Cottages and cross the railway bridge to join the Coast Path. Further route details are available in the route review.

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

2 Grade 2: Mostly smooth and compacted surfaces, but there may be some loose gravel, muddy patches or cobbles.

Accessibility grading

X Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.

Photos

Photos from surveys are coming soon.

Facilities

  • Present at time of survey Public toilet
  • Present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Present at time of survey Supermarket
  • Present at time of survey Restaurant
  • Present at time of survey Vegan restaurant
  • Not present at time of survey Accommodation
  • Maybe present Accommodation < £50
  • Present at time of survey Campsite
  • Not present at time of survey Bothy
  • Free wifi
  • Not present at time of survey Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Present at time of survey Train station
  • Not present at time of survey Bench
  • Not present at time of survey Picnic table
  • Present at time of survey Bus stop
  • Present at time of survey Ferry

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Challenges

  • Not present at time of survey Scrambling
  • Not present at time of survey Wading
  • Not present at time of survey Swimming
  • Not present at time of survey Climbing
  • Not present at time of survey Stepping stones
  • Not present at time of survey Very slippery
  • Maybe present Very muddy
  • Not present at time of survey Very icy
  • Not present at time of survey Likely to flood
  • Not present at time of survey Long grass sections
  • Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path
  • Maybe present Diverted path

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Obstacles

  • Not present at time of survey Stiles
  • Present at time of survey Step and kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
  • Present at time of survey Flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Gates
  • Not present at time of survey Kissing gates
  • Not present at time of survey Locked gates
  • Not present at time of survey Disables access gates
  • Not present at time of survey Cycle barriers
  • Not present at time of survey Ladders
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle grids
  • Not present at time of survey Fords
  • Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges
  • Present at time of survey Ferry required
  • Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings
  • Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads
  • Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads
  • Present at time of survey Railway crossings
  • Not present at time of survey River crossings
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle possible
  • Not present at time of survey Horses possible
  • Not present at time of survey Tidal area
  • Present at time of survey Potential falls
  • Present at time of survey Exposed to elements
  • Not present at time of survey Remote area
  • Not present at time of survey Mountainous area
  • Not present at time of survey Military training area
  • Not present at time of survey No visible path
  • Present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds
  • Maybe present Other hazards

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Accessibility

  • Present at time of survey Free of stiles
  • Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps
  • Maybe present Free of other obstacles

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Measurements

Narrowest part of path: no data

The steepest uphill gradient East: no data

The steepest uphill gradient West: no data

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Very clear

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Successfully completed

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Expert recommendations

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Terrain

No data yet

60.00% of the route is paved

There is no data on how much of this route is lit at night

There is no data on how muddy this route is

There is no data on rough ground

There is no data on long grass

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