Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.dawlishwarren.co.uk
;
The Warren; open access; )
Clinging to the coast on the
southern shore of the mouth of the River Exe, the curling sand spit here reaches far out in-
to the water, offering exhilarating views up the river and out to sea. The variety of habitats
is remarkable, ranging from dunes and grasslands, to salt marshes and mudflats, and the
reserve is a key roost for wildfowl and wading birds. It has more than 30 nationally rare
species of flora including the Sand Crocus. Also look out for Black Spleenwort, Adder's-
tongue and Hart's-tongue Fern.
Dawlish Warren is 5 miles north of Teignmouth by road, and trains shuttle between the
two roughly hourly (12 minutes). A water taxi (
Click here
)
runs to the reserve from Ex-
mouth, or hike the spray-spattered coast path from Teignmouth (6 miles).
Walks
The 6-mile stretch of coast between Teignmouth and the nature reserve at
Dawlish Warren
is
edged by red sandstone cliffs that have been eroded into a series of bizarre stacks, coves
and undulating headlands. Here the coast path is sandwiched between the sea and a train
line that is itself squeezed in alongside rocks. It makes for an atmospheric hike - taking
the coast path north out of Teignmouth actually involves walking on the breakwater.
About a mile along, the trail cuts sharply inland, skirting the striking
Parson and Clerk
rock
formation, before descending steeply to the seafront at the resort of
Dawlish
, a mile further
on. Look out for the weirdly shaped
Horse
,
Old Maid
and
Cowhole rocks
on the way. From
Dawlish, a 2-mile stroll leads past deeply eroded russet cliffs, a wide beach and a cluster
of fairground rides to the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve itself.
If the walk back seems too far, you could ride the route instead: there are train stations
at Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Teignmouth (times vary so it's best to check).
WALKING
Sleeping
Old Salty House
( 01626-879574;
www.oldsaltyhouse.co.uk
; 21 Northumberland Place; s/d £40/60)
With its oh-so-suitable
name, Old Salty is hidden away in the warren of lanes bordering Teignmouth's atmo-
spheric Back Beach; ancient warehouses and fishermen's pubs lie all around. Inside it's a
cosy, comfy affair, all sanded wood, wicker and painted floorboards; buttered crumpets
and warm potato cakes are among the breakfast treats.
B&B
£
Bay
HOTEL
£
