Written by
Tim Squires
-
25 Jan 2013
last update by
Craig Allan
-
28 Jan 2004
and by
Bob Pickering
-
07 Feb 2017
New Mobile Site
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Location notes
On the Great Western Main Line about halfway between Exeter and Newton Abbot.
Railway type and traffic
A busy two track railway, and station, with frequent First Great Western HSTs and local units (of 143, 150, 153 and occasional 158 varieties), as well as Cross Country Voyagers and HSTs. Some freight, namely a weekly DB Schenker fuel oil train and Colas log train, occasional Network Rail test trains too. There is a weekly China Clay train that runs on Thursdays in the late afternoon from the west and the locomotive returns light a few hours later.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Dawlish This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
Dawlish is situated on the South coast. You can walk along the sea wall between the beach and the railway. There are a few places to duct and cover if it rains. The sea wall and it's attached footbridges are great locations for photography, but do get rather busy in the summer, tripods are definitely not a good idea as space is limited. The station is staffed during peak times, but can get some undesirable types gathering in the evening.
Road directions
The location is directly off the A379 just to the south of the station.
Plenty of seaside parking (though finding a space can get tricky in high season), as well as a fairly large car park at the station.
Public transport
Good bus links from most of Devon and roughly hourly rail departures to Exeter/Exmouth and Paignton, and a few trains to and from London and the North as well.
Toilets on the station when it's open, as well as a few public conveniences in the area. As Dawlish is a seaside resort, there are plenty of restaurant and takeaways in the area.
Accommodation
Lots of accommodation in the area, with at least two B&B's overlooking both the railway and the sea! Dawlish
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin: It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Dawlish
Given that the line runs from north to south, the sun is better placed up until mid afternoon, although some sort of short is nearly always available! For seafront shots a set of small steps will gain you the necessary height to get over the fence.
Extra Video notes:Given the seafront location strong winds are frequent, and as above the area can get very busy with people and traffic in high season.
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The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
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