Drifting towards the end of the UK's summer of heatwaves, I decided it was time to head to the coast. But rather than looking for sand and donkeys, I met up with my parents at Dawlish Warren for a short stroll along the South West Coast Path. You can walk between the train stations from Dawlish Warren to Dawlish itself, and the entire way is a brilliant view of sea, trains, and red rocks.

I've never been to Dawlish before, but it felt familiar because I'd spent quite a lot of time watching the YouTube videos about the new sea wall being built. After significant flooding, and to help protect the railway line in such a vulnerable position, curving sea walls were built, and it was great to see them in real life. They seem to be doing the job, as well!

Through Dawlish itself, with just time for an ice cream by the sea, and then up the path on the other side just far enough to get an incredible view of the town and the coastline leading back the way we'd come.

What an absolutely gorgeous day!