As mentioned in the previous section, pictures around the Powderham Church area can be very pleasant, with parts of the grounds of Powderham Castle (the home of the Earl and Countess of Devon) able to be included, together with the church. The road which skirts the railway towards Starcross offers some superb views of the line, lighting being at its best during the afternoon. Parking along this road is possible but please exercise care. In addition to viewing trains, some excellent views of Powderham Castle and its surrounding deer park can be obtained.

At Starcross the main A379 road joins back in and a village car park is available, the area around here, including the station with a footbridge offers some good views of the line and trains. The grass park area adjacent to the carpark is good in the afternoon, while a small jetty protruding into the River Exe provides a wonderful viewpoint for morning down trains. The station gives a reasonable view of trains but please be

careful of fast moving trains. From Starcross, the A379 hugs the railway westward to Cockwood Harbour, probably the most photographed location on the entire route. From the Exeter side of Cockwood Harbour, a slightly raised embankment offers some excellent views of up trains passing over the harbour, the view is better if the water is in, but the presence of small boats in the harbour area makes for a good picture with or without water. In terms of light the best time for a picture is during the late afternoon. By walking around the harbour area a wide and varied selection of views can be obtained, including broadside views of trains above the boats in the harbour.

Views from the Dawlish side of Cockwood Harbour are also very good, with, from the right position, the original Starcross atmospheric pumping house chimney visible. Lighting at this point is good from early afternoon. At this location it is possible to see across the River Exe to Lympstone

and observe trains operating over the Exeter-Exmouth line, if one is very lucky a picture can be obtained of a train traversing both lines at the same time.

Just Dawlish Warren side of Cockwood a gated crossing goes over the line to the river shore, pictures can be obtained from this crossing but you are very close to the line and special care should be exercised.

On towards Dawlish Warren, the line skirts the River Exe and passes through some farm land with views possible from the road, but closer to Dawlish Warren the line skirts the massive holiday camp grounds in this area and photography is not easily possible. The next point at which to gain access to the line is at Dawlish Warren station. A large car park exists here, but for those who do not wish to pay, free parking is technically available for rail passengers at the station.