Dawlish is definitely a place of many moods, depending on the weather it is possible to get pictures in bright sunshine when the day is warm, even in winter, but visit on another day and its wild stormy side is visible where the station and the railway tracks are constantly washed by violent waves that in the past have been known to have been to much for a variety of traction.

If you decide to visit by train there is a frequent service from bristol temple meads, and even if you decide to come by car the station car park is ideal and a whole days parking will cost around 3.50 (current feb 2009). Most of the best photo locations around here are just a brief walk away, but a lot will depend on whether the tide is in or not.

Location 1
This is the simplest location to get to, come out of the station and go under the bridge on your right. If the tide is out there is a large spur of wall that points out into the sea, and walking to the end of this gives a good vantage point of trains entering and leaving the station and indeed the whole bay.

Location 2
Continue west along the path with the railway on your right until you come to a small over bridge. From here in the afternoon the sun will light the front of trains heading west and with a 70-300 tele zoom you can capture dramatic shots on the curving tracks.

Location 3
Cross the bridge and you will see a path going up the hill, follow it until it splits to the left and you see a small covered shelter. Great full length shots of westbound trains can be shot from here.

Location 4
Back down towards the station keep following the path eastwards until you come to the first bridge. This gives great shots of east bound trains passing through the station. Although while you are walking in this direction it is worth looking over your shoulder as many great shots can be taken.

Location 5
This one is further east and should only really be attempted if the tide is out, and this is to walk to the furthest bridge you can see. From here you can get sweeping shots of trains coming around the corner from dawlish warren, or trains brought to a stop at the signal gantry. This location can be reached by road if the tide is in, but a walk along the path is much more enjoyable.

On any day there seems to be an endless procession of HSTs, class 143s with a few voyagers and even a few freights with the odd celebrity class 47 or steam engine.

An interesting day out.