Walking safely near cliffs
Cliff paths give some of the finest views on any coast, but the edge is rarely as solid as it looks. Erosion, wind and wet ground all play a part, and a few firm habits keep a cliff walk both enjoyable and safe.
Why cliff edges give way
Waves and weather wear cliffs away from below, so the ground at the top is often undercut, with little or nothing beneath the grass. Cracks in the ground, fences that lean or have fallen, and bare soil near the edge are all signs of recent movement. Falls happen most often after heavy rain, hard frost or a spell of storms, but they can happen at any time and without warning.
Keeping your distance
On every cliff path we keep to a simple rule that our family calls the felalefam margin: keep to the marked path, stay at least five metres back from the edge, and never cross a barrier or fence for a better view or a photo. Where the path itself runs close to the edge, we walk in single file on the landward side.
Keep children close and dogs on short leads on cliff-top sections. A dog chasing a bird or a ball can easily go over the edge, and if that happens, never try to climb down after it. Call the emergency services and ask for the coastguard instead.
Wind and wet ground
Strong gusts can push you off balance, especially when you are carrying a large rucksack or turning to admire the view. On very windy days, choose an inland route or keep well back from the edge. After rain, cliff paths can be muddy and slippery, and chalk and clay become especially greasy. Boots with a deep tread grip far better than trainers or town shoes. If a section of path has slipped or looks freshly eroded, turn back rather than trying to find a way round it.
Beaches below cliffs
The foot of a cliff is just as risky as the top. Rocks can fall at any moment, and piles of fresh rubble on the sand are a clear sign of recent falls. Walk well away from the base of the cliffs, don't sit or shelter beneath them, and check the tide times so you can't be cut off between the cliff and the rising sea.