The historic seaside town of Dawlish is celebrating 180 years of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s world famous coastal railway, with the re-launch of ‘The Brunel Trail’.
The Brunel Trail is a free self-guided walking route between Coryton Cove in Dawlish through to Langstone Rock in Dawlish Warren, with engaging information boards about the history of this incredible railway to read along the way.
The trail boards are sited mostly along the South West Coast Path and walkers are able to access these from either the sea wall if tides and sea conditions allow, or via the cliff path.
In May 1846, Brunel opened this magnificent stretch of railway, which hugs the vibrant red sandstone sea cliffs. Snaking through a series of tunnels, it only took his team around two years to complete this monumental project. The section of railway that travels along Dawlish Sea Wall is often described as one of the most scenic in the UK and is frequently marketed as one of the highlights of any heritage steam or diesel rail tour travelling through the region.
The next heritage steam and diesel rail tour to pass through Dawlish is scheduled to take place on Saturday 2nd May, making it the perfect time to enjoy our glorious seascape whilst taking in some fresh sea air and soaking up the nostalgia of a vintage locomotive. All while learning more about this amazing feat of engineering right on our doorstep.
The free trail maps can be collected from Dawlish Town Council at The Manor House, local shops and cafés around the town, with ‘The Cove Café’ and ‘Buddy’s @ Red Rock’ being two of the closest stockists to the trail.
The trail was originally launched by Robert Vickery in 2007 with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Dawlish Town Council now have ownership of this trail and have funded the amendments and re-print of the trail maps, ensuring it remains a free activity for the whole family to enjoy.

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