Dawlish to Exeter
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Where to Start?
This is a difficult one as it really depends on ability and how far you want to cycle. If you have children and they are still a little wobbly or have relatively little cycling experience the Dawlish leg is probably not the best start point if you are bringing bikes on a bike rack or using the train. We would recommend starting from Exeter as the Exe Trail section between Powderham and Turf Lock is still very narrow and involves crossing a railway line which can cause worry, particulary after the governments latest advertising campaign highlighting the perils of crossing an unmanned Level crossing. The plan in the future is that this segment will be bypassed via a bridge over the railway line, but for now if you want to follow the proposed route you have little choice.
BE AWARE IF YOU FOLLOW THE PROPOSED ROUTE YOU WILL HAVE TO CROSS A RAILWAY LINE AT THIS time and the path after this stage is quite difficult if you or the people accompanying you are novice cyclists.
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With the concerns regarding the route highlighted, we will propose two routes; one for those looking to follow the full route and secondly a family friendly easy route that takes into account car parking and easy access to train stations etc.
Route 1 (NOT FOR NOVICE CYCLISTS)
Google Maps have a beta version of the cycle route which I have found very useful and to save you searching please click here and the link should take you to the start point if taking the Dawlish option.
The following imagery should give give a rough idea of what surfaces and pathways you will encounter on your ride from Dawlish to Exeter.
Route 1 (NOT FOR NOVICE CYCLISTS)
Google Maps have a beta version of the cycle route which I have found very useful and to save you searching please click here and the link should take you to the start point if taking the Dawlish option.
The following imagery should give give a rough idea of what surfaces and pathways you will encounter on your ride from Dawlish to Exeter.
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After parking at Dawlish railway station or disembarking the train you will be effectively at the back of the railway station ready to start your adventure. As its worth looking, if you can walk the 50 yards down to the sea front, have a look at the lovely beach pictured in photograph 1. After that you need to head back to the station and look for Beach Street. This should be pretty much opposite the station and have a dead end sign. Although Google depicts it as a cycle route it is not, as you will have to lift your bike up a quite a few steps Photo 4.
When you reach the top of the steps follow the signs and you should come out at the top of the hill and on the shared cycle/pedestrian pavement. You will pass Sea Lawn House and Coastguards which has a famous heritage and is well worth a look. carry on parallel to the main road past a news agents (watching cars turning into the car park) until you see a Texaco station on your right. Again be careful of cars turning in, and just past the filling station you will see what looks like a little alley. This is the cycle route and will take you down over Langstone Cliff to Dawlish Warren. You will now come out at the car park adjacent to the Dawlish Warren holiday complex, so stop off and enjoy the amusement arcades or have a sun bathe or carry on the cycle path, looking for the entrance. At this point you will come out at photograph 9 and need to turn onto the shared walkway (photo 10) |
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Following the main road you will eventually reach photos 14 and 15 which will allow you to get off the main road and carry on to Cockwood which is worth stopping at to behold the view. (Photo 17). At present you have to go on the road again and if you are a little wobbly or not confident on a bike, you may find it difficult as cars can get close to you. Back on the trail at the main road (photo 23) you will run down to Starcross and past another one of Brunels achievements, the Atmospheric Railway. At this point, you could take the ferry across to Exmouth (see prices in photo 21 or carry on cycling down towards Powderham Castle, the outstandingly beautiful home of the 18th Earl and Countess of Devon. As you follow the route avoiding the main road and following the back road around Starcross you will eventually cross back onto the opposite side of the road and the sea to your right. As the path ends you will again have to take the roads. These are relatively quiet but still be aware that you do get car drivers lads using the road as a cut through and enjoying a bit of speed. Another one to be careful of with kids.
At present you cannot access the castle from this end of the trail but you may see the Deer or other wildlife. We will keep you updated on developments with regard to access when the trail is complete but as of the time of writing (July 2013) you cannot access Powderham without resorting to the very busy main road.
As you continue on the road you will eventually see a Church on the left. This is where some of the final work is planned (subject to land negotiations) and as stated previously if you have any concerns about your cycling ability or crossing a railway line, do not start from this end of the trail. |
Turf Lock to Countess Wear
After cycling the incomplete parts of the route you will now encounter a traffic free route all the way to Countess Wear swing bridge. There is so much to see and it is worth stopping off at Turf Lock and enjoy the view or enjoy a drink in the beautiful gardens. Turf is closed during the winter months so please be aware if you are planning a winter ride.
Onwards past the RSPB car park before finally arriving at Topsham ferry, where if you are feeling a little tired and want to cut the corner of the trail you can take the ferry accross. At this point you can also stop at the Lock Keepers Cottage (as featured on BBC's Countryfile). The venue is stunning and the menu is famed amongst the cycling and walking fraternity.
If you choose to go the long way you will pass the Nuoli class motor gunboat moored on the canal and after approximately 3 miles you will arrive at the Countess Wear Swing Bridge.
You have a choice on which way to progress. Either go into Exeter past the Double Lock Pub and enjoy some of the history of this beautiful city or aternatively follow the cycle route to Topsham via bridge road.
After cycling the incomplete parts of the route you will now encounter a traffic free route all the way to Countess Wear swing bridge. There is so much to see and it is worth stopping off at Turf Lock and enjoy the view or enjoy a drink in the beautiful gardens. Turf is closed during the winter months so please be aware if you are planning a winter ride.
Onwards past the RSPB car park before finally arriving at Topsham ferry, where if you are feeling a little tired and want to cut the corner of the trail you can take the ferry accross. At this point you can also stop at the Lock Keepers Cottage (as featured on BBC's Countryfile). The venue is stunning and the menu is famed amongst the cycling and walking fraternity.
If you choose to go the long way you will pass the Nuoli class motor gunboat moored on the canal and after approximately 3 miles you will arrive at the Countess Wear Swing Bridge.
You have a choice on which way to progress. Either go into Exeter past the Double Lock Pub and enjoy some of the history of this beautiful city or aternatively follow the cycle route to Topsham via bridge road.