On a crisp, beautiful winter morning, I set off from Exeter for a rewarding 35-mile round-trip cycle ride to the charming seaside town of Teignmouth.
I followed the scenic Exe Estuary Trail along the river, enjoying the peaceful, mostly flat path through to Starcross and onward toward Dawlish. Along the way, I spotted my first of many trains rumbling past—always a treat on this route where the railway runs so close to the water.
After a quick wander around Dawlish’s seafront, I tackled the steeper road climb out of town to reach Teignmouth. Taking advantage of the quiet off-season, I opted for the stunning approach along the famous sea wall path, where trains thundered by just meters away and I shared the route with plenty of cheerful dog walkers enjoying the fresh air.
In Teignmouth, I soaked up the views before turning back the same way. On the return leg, I made a point to stop and explore Dawlish Warren, which felt wonderfully deserted in winter—peaceful beaches, empty dunes, and a serene atmosphere far removed from its busy summer crowds.
A perfect chilly adventure blending estuary trails, coastal drama, passing trains, and that special quiet only winter brings.
Teignmouth is a charming seaside town and fishing port in Devon, South West England, sitting right at the mouth of the River Teign estuary on the north bank. It’s often called the “Gem of South Devon” for its beautiful coastal setting, where the river meets the sea amid lush countryside and dramatic red sandstone cliffs.
With a population of around 15,000 (based on the 2021 census), it’s a classic English coastal spot that grew from a historic fishing and trading port—mentioned in the Domesday Book and tied to the Newfoundland cod trade—into a fashionable Georgian-era resort. The arrival of the railway in 1846 boosted its popularity further, and it remains well-connected today via the scenic Riviera Line (one of the UK’s most picturesque train journeys, hugging the coast from Exeter through Dawlish).
Key highlights include:
• Long sandy beaches — Teignmouth Town Beach is great for families, with dog-friendly areas year-round, plus a quieter “Back Beach” on the estuary side.
• Teignmouth Grand Pier — Dating back to 1867, it features amusements, arcades, and lovely sea views.
• Promenade and seafront — Perfect for strolls, with the famous railway line running dramatically close along the sea wall (trains thunder past just meters from walkers—very photogenic!).
• Georgian architecture — The town center has elegant historic buildings, a bustling high street with independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and a lively vibe without being overrun by big chains.
• Teign Heritage Centre (Teignmouth & Shaldon Museum) — An award-winning local museum packed with maritime history, shipwrecks (like the 16th-century Church Rocks Wreck), naval figures (Admiral Pellew, inspiration for Horatio Hornblower), and stories of the town’s past.
It’s super family-friendly too, with extras like a lido, play parks, crazy golf, tennis courts, and easy access to nearby Shaldon (a pretty village across the river, reachable by passenger ferry). The area is ideal for cycling (like along the Exe Estuary Trail you mentioned), walking, or just soaking up that relaxed seaside atmosphere—especially peaceful in winter or off-season.
If you’re into coastal drama, fresh seafood, or a mix of history and beach time, Teignmouth delivers in spades.
These observations are what this ride is all about. So hop on, come along, and let’s enjoy another awesome cycling adventure!
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26 Comments
Always interested to see Dawlish, I've followed progress on the new sea wall. Clearly, filmed before Storm Ingrid given that Teignmouth pier looked intact. Maybe a re-visit when weather improves to see what remains of pier and check on the black swans at Dawlish Water? Bet you're glad it was a Creo and not a 25kg MTB tackling those steps?
I enjoyed that ride Harvey.
Awww cycling on network rail land
Dogs on the warren ok oct to march
Great ride Harvey,im exactly the same as you dress up and get out there and enjoy the views,sitting on a turbo trainer staring at a screen isnt for me!!👎
Your home is beautiful.
Another great video m8 👌
I have never done the path down too dawlish warren might try it next time 😉
I’m also not interested in Zwift.
I’m looking at the clock all the time and everything starts to hurt.
During normal cycling no problem… 🤗
Sometimes riding on shared paths feels like you are accepting some kind of award. "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Thank you everyone" 😀
That's not a bad thing though, it's nice to be nice.
Dogs are allowed after googling between groyne 3-9 off lead all year round, so not so bad. Much rather see dogs enjoying themselves than those crappy amusements things. Lovely route. What size tyres did you have on the Creo? 😉
Lovely views as always. Nice to see Dawlish Warren as you passed through the tunnel, I delivered a lot of supplies to the fun park there when it was built, remember one day someone tried to stop me coming through the tunnel as they didn't think the truck would fit. I knew it would with about an inch to spare, good memories. When I can ride I find the trails quieter this time of year. Bit of a can of worms with dogs on or off leads, personally I much prefer to see dogs on leads on the shared trails as I feel it is safer for everyone. But there we go. Keep up the great videos and safe riding!
You're brave cycling the sea wall! I wouldn't dream of taking my bike along there. Not only is it somewhat dangerous – mainly due to unpredictable pedestrians on what is a narrow unfenced walkway – but cycling is very much verboten. For some reason there is very little clear signage – just a couple of relatively discrete ones at the Teignmouth end. It's definitely not allowed though – more's the pity!
I don't think you need a electric bike but it's great in the winter and off lite off road
is the pier still open i thought it had been damaged in last storm ?
Lovely ride Harvey stunning winter views .i did here that the last storm done a lot of damage round that coast ?🚴stay safe mate 👍
yep before the recent storm damage…
6:55 KY63HDC … What a wa… 🙄
Glad you enjoyed cycling to my home town of Teignmouth. That hill is my commute route to Exeter.
Another great route with some cracking scenery. Wish you didn’t live so far away as I’d love to ride along on some of your routes 👍
Another great video, thanks. I don't mind riding on the cold bright days like you, but if raining I resort to the indoor bike. What was the location at 3min 44, it looked lovely? I walked that Teignmouth sea wall last summer and it was busy with walkers, shame there isn't a cycle way all the way from Dawlish.
Sorry we're were the hills i didn't see any
I really don't mind dogs off lead when I'm riding, even the vocal ones. I find that they usually aren't bothered about cyclists and are just doing their own thing. They might take a sudden sharp turn as you're passing, but they can do that whilst on a lead.
The little, horrible terriers can get on a lead though.
Great to see Teignmouth before the storm!
I enjoy watching your videos. I'm planning a 3 day trip to Devon in June. Staying near Tavistoke and looking to cycle to Plymouth and also to Teinmouth and Dawlish. Quick question regarding your bike which, BTW, looks fantastic! When the motor cuts out after the 15.5mph limit does the bike ride like a standard analogue bike or is it harder to cycle? A few years ago I rode a emtb which had a Yamaha motor and when it cut out it was like applying the brakes!
Hi Harvey, apologies for this late comment on your video to Dawlish and Teignmouth, i have got behind on things due to a number of storms accuring here in southern Spain over the last 3 or 4 weeks, a fair bit of cleaning up had to be done and again and again, seems ok at the minute, anyway that was a lovely ride down from Exeter you had something I'd like to do one day, yes dogs should be on a lead compulsory in Spain, sept. 25 my wife and i wanted to cross over to Exmouth on the Ferry from Starcross but it wasn't working due to rough seas unfortunately, the river in Dawlish seems to get flooded a lot the last few years, I've walked down smugglers lane a number of times and stopped for a coffee at the salty dog refreshment cabin, i didn't know if you were going to be able to cycle along the sea wall I've never seen abody do it, yes love Teignmouth shame about the storm damage to the Pier, a quiet Warren, i like your electric bike Harvey pretty fast, i wonder what they cost as i am looking for a new one but don't know what i want and i have looked Brompton, electric ones, and gravel bikes but can't decide, lovely video Harvey, thanks for caring to do the sharing 👍👏👋