South Devon Railway sea wall

The South Devon Railway sea wall is a protective structure running along the coastline between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth that shields the railway tracks from waves while accommodating pedestrian passage. The wall forms part of the route that links these two communities while handling constant exposure to marine conditions.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed this coastal railway section in 1846 as part of the South Devon Railway connection between Exeter and Newton Abbot. The challenging seaside location required innovative engineering solutions from the start of construction.

The railway wall forms a section of the South West Coast Path that connects local communities while offering train enthusiasts a vantage point to watch coastal trains pass by.

Train services can be disrupted during high tides and rough weather when sea spray and safety protocols take effect. Plan your visit with attention to coastal weather conditions and check conditions beforehand.

This railway section requires more frequent maintenance per mile than most others in the country due to relentless marine erosion. The ongoing repair costs make it one of the most expensive stretches to maintain in the entire rail network.

GPS coordinates: 50.56900,-3.46940

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41