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
- Photos
- Facilities
- Challenges
- Obstacles
- Accessibility
- Measurements
- Successfully completed
- Expert recommendations
- Terrain
Grading
Path surface grading
Accessibility grading
Photos
Photos from surveys are coming soon.
Facilities
- Public toilet
- Wheelchair accessible toilet
- Supermarket
- Restaurant
- Vegan restaurant
- Accommodation
- Accommodation < £50
- Campsite
- Bothy
- Free wifi
- Public phone
- Mobile Phone Coverage
- Train station
- Bench
- Picnic table
- Bus stop
- Ferry
Challenges
- Scrambling
- Wading
- Swimming
- Climbing
- Stepping stones
- Very slippery
- Very muddy
- Very icy
- Likely to flood
- Long grass sections
- Crops encroaching on path
- Diverted path
Obstacles
- Stiles
- Step and kerbs
- Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
- Flights of steps
- Gates
- Kissing gates
- Locked gates
- Disables access gates
- Cycle barriers
- Ladders
- Cattle grids
- Fords
- Narrow bridges
- Ferry required
- Acceptable road walking
- Unacceptable road walking
- Dangerous road crossings
- Walking on paths beside roads
- Walking on verges beside roads
- Railway crossings
- River crossings
- Cattle possible
- Horses possible
- Tidal area
- Potential falls
- Exposed to elements
- Remote area
- Mountainous area
- Military training area
- No visible path
- Seasonal nesting birds
- Other hazards
Accessibility
- Free of stiles
- Free of single steps/kerbs
- Free of flights of steps
- Free of other obstacles
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
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
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
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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