Posted By: Editor
August 31, 2023
Welcome to the 2023 Dawlish Walking Festival. We are delighted to be back with a wide variety of walks on offer and some great new walks for 2023. There is something for everyone so have a good look through our programme.
The festival is organised by Sustainable Dawlish with sponsorship from The Shoe Centre and Dawlish Town Council with assistance from volunteers. Many walks are led by community organisations and individuals who generously give their time during the festival.
The Principal Sponsor of the Dawlish Walking Festival 2023 is The Shoe Centre The Shoe Centre is an independent family run shoe business in Dawlish with traditional values and good customer care who do a lot to support the community. Find them on Facebook at: @shoecentredawlish and their website is at: www.shoecentre.net/
Sustainable Dawlish is a group focussed on encouraging locals to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle to protect Dawlish and its environment. It champions walking through the annual Walking Festival because it is very beneficial for people’s health, wellbeing and the environment. www.dawlishtransition.org.uk
Please check individual walks for pre booking and starting points. The Piazza is at the bottom end of the Lawn in Dawlish. Please arrive in plenty of time and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. All walks are assessed as to the weather conditions each day and if cancelled we will do our best to let you know, if
you can follow us on social media. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Where dogs are allowed this is stated in the programme. Walks suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters are indicated next to each walk. Contact: dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com or 07999 218216
Saturday 9th September
1. A walk around Kenton Common
Start: 9.40am Piazza FREE
Led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers. Meet at the Piazza and take 9.52am bus to Kenton. The route is Kenton Common, Black Forest Lodge, into the Black Forest, Home Farm, Mowlish Farm, Westlake Farm, Church Brake, Haldon View, Kenton. About 5.8 miles. Return by bus from Kenton Triangle at 13.35 pm, (or
later buses at 02 and 35 minutes past the hour) arriving at Dawlish Green approx. 25 minutes later. Please bring own refreshments. For more information 07860 834307.
2. Sea Shanty – Welcome Walk of the Festival
Start: 11am Bandstand FREE
Meet at the Bandstand on the Lawn to begin with a sea shanty, then a gentle stroll down to the seafront and walk along the promenade to Coryton Cove. Stopping to sing as we go. Enjoy beautiful sea views, fresh air and the chance to hear and join in singing traditional sea shanty songs with the Wrecked Again Shanty Crew. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and finishes at 12 noon at the bandstand. A flat walk which is accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
3. History Group Walk – Eastern side of Dawlish Manor
Start: 1.45pm for 1.55pm No.2 bus Brookdale Terrace bus stop towards Exeter FREE
Alight at Cockwood Harbour and anyone coming from the Exeter direction can meet the walk there. The walk will cover the history of Cofton and Cockwood before walking back to Dawlish as close to the old route that would have been taken pre-1750. The walk will be on lanes, pavements and grass paths and there are
two hills. The walk finishes at St Gregory’s Church at the heart of old Dawlish.
4. Walk and draw along the seafront
Start: 2pm Piazza FREE PRE-BOOK
All welcome, no experience necessary! Draw local coastal views with local artist Angie Jenner. All materials free. Session lasts 2 hours. Dog friendly and wheelchair accessible. Pre-book
dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216
Sunday 10th September
5. Dawlish Seawall, Cockwood, Mamhead and return
Start: 10.30pm Piazza FREE
Led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers this is 9.5 mile walk. The route will be along Dawlish seawall to Dawlish Warren, then to Cockwood, on out to near Mamhead Wood, then back along Long Lane. Walkers should wear appropriate clothing. Please bring pack lunches as there will be stops for coffee and lunch.
Dogs on short leads please.
6. Sustainable Dawlish “Seed Bombing”
Start: 2pm Bandstand FREE
Up to Barton Hill and along the Knowle path towards Dawlish Museum, stopping to sow some wildflower seeds in designated areas. Walk along through the Manor Gardens and at the end of the Bartons, and then walk through the churchyard, up past the fire station and up to the Oakhill path. Sow provided seed in
selected areas. Walk to Lea Mount area and sow a special seed mix in open areas and hedgerow mix in shady areas. Walk down the cliff path, and along the seafront walk and up through the Lawn to the Bandstand. Please bring a dibber if possible. The walk will take up to 2.5 hours.
Monday 11th September
7. Wellbeing walks
Start:10.15am Piazza FREE
Join the Dawlish Walkers for their regular Monday Wellbeing Walks with short, medium and long walks for all abilities. The routes are decided on the day. No dogs.
8. Walk and draw the birds of Dawlish
Start:10.30am Piazza FREE
All welcome, no experience necessary! Draw the gorgeous waterfowl with local artist Angie Jenner. All materials free. Wheelchair accessible. No dogs. 2 hour session.
9. Trees from around the world in central Dawlish
Start: 2pm Piazza FREE
Travel round the world via the wonderful range of trees growing in central Dawlish. A one hour walk around the length of the Lawn and Brook. Wheelchair accessible. Dogs on short leads welcome.
Tuesday 12th September
10. Devon Loves Dogs walk
Start: 10am Dawlish Countryside Park, Exeter Road EX7 0PA FREE – PRE BOOK
Join Julie from Devon Loves Dogs and Jon the Countryside Ranger for a fun, sociable dog walk. The walk will last approximately 1.5 hours. Jon can answer all of your questions and tell you lots of hidden gems of information about the park and how it is managed for dogs, people and wildlife. The walk is FREE. Please
book your place on the Devon Loves Dogs website https://www.devonlovesdogs.co.uk/news-events. Maximum of 2 dogs per person. Please come dressed for the weather.
W3W: intend.ladders.cemented
11. Kenton to Powderham
Start: 10.15am Piazza FREE
Meet at the Piazza, take the 10.25am or 10.55am bus to Kenton Triangle (30 mins) Walk with Nigel Rhys via the Saw Mills to Powderham Church and then to the Powderham Estate. Refreshment stop at Powderham. Bus back to Dawlish. Approx: 3 hrs/ 6.5miles. Uphill for 50m.
12. Walk with Dawlish Library – 5yrs and under
Start: 10.30am Dawlish Library FREE PRE-BOOK
A short walk with stories. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-book at the library.
13. Walk with the Waterfowl Wardens
Start:10.30am Waterfowl Compound FREE PRE-BOOK
Walk with the wardens and learn about the famous Black Swans. No dogs and pre-book
dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
14. Dawlish and its rocks – deserts from 250 million years ago
Start: 11am Piazza FREE PRE-BOOK
Walk to Coryton Cove to look at the rocks on the way. Led by local geologist, Jenny Bennett, Vice Chair of the Devonshire Association Geology Section. Pre-book as limited numbers.
dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
15. A walk through Dawlish history
Start: 2pm Dawlish War Memorial, St Gregory’s Church FREE
Two-hour circular guided walk. Led by local historian David Force. Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday 13th September
16. Wellbeing walks
Start:10.15am Piazza FREE
Join the Dawlish Walkers for their regular Wednesday Wellbeing Walks with short, medium and long walks for all abilities. The routes are decided on the day. No dogs.
17. Walk to Cliff Curd’s productive garden in Cofton
Start: 1pm Velo Shack Dawlish Warren FREE PRE-BOOK
The garden which has featured on Gardener’s World and has a huge range of fruit and vegetables. It is on a slope with uneven surfaces and steps. Pre-book as limited numbers dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
Thursday 14th September
18. Walk in search of wild birds in Dawlish
Start: 9.30am Piazza FREE
Led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers. Approx 3.5 miles walk with one steep hill. A leisurely walk around Dawlish to Aller Hill and Lea Mount looking for the common birds around the town, and maybe even a cirl bunting! Suitable for beginners; bring binoculars if you have them. Finish around midday.
19. Dartmoor
Start: 9.15am Dawlish Community Transport in Barton Car Park £5 PRE BOOK
9.15am for 9.30am departure. Wander around Haytor Down and walk around Yarner Wood nature reserve, and on to Moreton and Bovey Tracey. Public transport back to Dawlish (additional cost). Take packed lunch and numbers limited so pre-book. Good level of fitness required as rough wet ground.
Pre-book dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
20. Walk along the new sea wall
Start: 11am Boat Cove FREE PRE-BOOK
Walk from Boat Cove along the new sea wall to Dawlish Warren. Have a brief refreshment break, walk back or catch the bus/train back. About 2 hours. dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
21 . Walk and draw along the seafront
Start: 2pm Piazza FREE PRE-BOOK
All welcome. Draw local coastal views with local artist Angie Jenner. All materials free. Session lasts 2 hours. Dog friendly & wheelchair accessible. dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216
Friday 15th September
22. Teignmouth and Dawlish Way
Start: 8.30am Piazza FREE
18-mile walk. A full day walk of possible 8-9 hours, led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers. Route: Holcombe, Teignmouth, Bishopsteignton, Luton, Ideford, Ashcombe, Dawlish. A serious, challenging walk, up and down at least 6 hills. Experienced walkers only. Be prepared with appropriate clothing, food and
drink for the day. No dogs.
23. Walk to Holcombe Community Orchard
Start: 10.30am Piazza FREE
Approx. 2.5 miles. About 1hr to 1hr 15 min walking with 15-20 minutes for stops and talks. The walk is predominantly paved with a short section through woods and field.
24. Walking meditation on the beach
Start: 10.30am Piazza FREE
Sharon Dow, a yoga and meditation teacher introduces meditation for 45 minutes.
Saturday 16th September
25. The highs and lows of Dawlish and Dawlish Warren
Start: 10am Piazza FREE
A walk led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers around the hills and meadows of the town returning via the nearly completed sea wall. Route: Seawall to Lea Mount, Shillingate Woods, Aller Hill, Empson’s/Badlake Hill, Gatehouse, Secmaton Lane, Shutterton Brook to Dawlish Warren and walk along the seawall back to Dawlish. Bring your own food and drink. ? 07715 728562.
26. Beach clean at Dawlish Warren
Start: 2pm Dawlish Warren FREE
Meet at the last beach hut along the front at Dawlish Warren. You need to walk a fair distance to start so please allow 2hrs. All equipment provided. Walk led by Dawlish Against Plastic.
www.dawlishagainstplastic.org.uk/
Sunday 17th September
27. Walk and draw the birds of Dawlish
Start:10.30am Piazza FREE
All welcome, no experience necessary! Draw the gorgeous waterfowl with local artist Angie Jenner. All materials free. Wheelchair accessible. No dogs. 2 hour session.
28. Walk to Mamhead and back
Start: 10.30am Piazza FREE
A walk to the Mamhead obelisk and back (approx. 11 miles) Route: Ashcombe Road to Houndspool, then Pitt Farm & Dawlish Lodge to Mamhead Crossroads. Then up the road past Mamhead Grange. Back via Long Lane if not too muddy, or else via Ashcombe Road. Moderately hard along lanes, paths, hills,
pavements and tracks. Suitable footwear essential. Please bring a drink and a picnic lunch. No dogs.
29. Rockpools: Walk on the rocks at Coryton Cove
Start: 2pm Piazza FREE PRE-BOOK
Toby Sherwin, PhD, co-Chair Shores of South Devon Marine Life Interest Association, will show many extraordinary animals living on our shore. Children must be supervised; stout shoes or wellingtons recommended. No dogs. Pre-book dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216.
Follow us on Facebook @dawlishwalkingfestival
Latest info: www.dawlishtransition.org.uk
Contact: dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com 07999 218216
