 Running parallel to the open sea at the base of cliffs for four miles, the sea wall has always been prone to damage during rough weather.In December 1852 a large landslip from the cliffs east of Teignmouth caused the railway to close for four days, and in 1855 and 1859 the sea broke through the line at Teignmouth.There have been many more closures since, caused by landslips from the cliffs and by breaches by the sea, especially in winter.