Welcome to the Dawlish Sea Wall Guide. Without any doubt, the section of railway which runs through the county of Devon, alongside the River Exe from Exminster to Starcross and then skirts Lyme Bay through Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Teignmouth, before paralleling the River Teign towards Newton Abbot, is one of the most photographed sections of railway in the world. The route offers some superb photographic vantage points from where to capture trains at most times of the day. The scenery is excellent, and within a few short miles the ability to capture trains running through lush farm lands and the Powderham Castle estate, along the rugged sea wall section past the red sandstone cliffs which abound in the area or running along the river estuary.

Although today the diversity of train types is much reduced, a small variety is still seen. All main line passenger trains are now formed of either Voyager (Class 220 or 221) or HSTs, local services are formed of 15x DMUs. In terms of locomotives, examples of Classes 47, (57) 60, 66 and 67 are seen most days. The Class 47 and 57 are in charge of First Great Western overnight sleeper trains on the Paddington-Penzance corridor. EWS operated Class 60s and 66s are the mainstay of power for the few remaining freight services which traverse the Sea Wall, while the daily Royal Mail services serving Plymouth and Penzance are powered by Class 67s, these are due to finish in early 2004. On the multiple unit front, local services are operated by Wessex Trains using Classes 150, 153 and 158 stock, while longer distance services are operated by Wales & Borders Trains, using Class 158 units. South West Trains also operate frequently over the Sea Wall section with a Waterloo-Paignton/Plymouth service, these trains are formed of Class 159 stock.

This guide provides information on where to take pictures of trains on the Sea Wall route, all areas mentioned are open to the public, however, could visitors to the area have a little respect for private property which surrounds the railway for most of its route. If you do use any of the gated crossings of the line please make sure the gates are closed behind you.

The Dawlish Sea Wall Guide will be updated frequently with new illustrations as well as details of special trains and any major alterations to the train services.

For those wishing to take a short break from their train viewing, why not pop into The Marine Tavern in Dawlish or The Ship Inn at Cockwood for a fine selection of drinks and food.