Cliff walking

The cliffs tops on the Devon and Cornwall coast form part of the South West Coast Path.

The organisations responsible for managing the Coast Path have developed these guidelines to help you have a safe walk. Please read and always follow them.

• Let someone know where you are going and what time you are likely to be back - mobile phone reception is patchy on the coast
• Informal paths leading to beaches can be dangerous and are best avoided
• If you are crossing a beach, make sure you know the tide times so you won’t be cut off.
• Keep to the path and stay away from cliff edges - please follow advisory signs and waymarks.

Whilst it is tempting to go close to cliff edges to peer over you should stay back from them:

• as a slip or trip could be fatal
• some cliffs overhang or are unstable and this is not always obvious

Take special care of children and dogs and look after them at all times.

• Keep your dog under close control – chasing a bird over the edge of a cliff could have disastrous consequences
• Children may not see potential dangers – such as cliff edges - especially if they are excited

Dress sensibly for the terrain and weather. To enjoy your walk, stay within your fitness level – some sections of the Coast Path can be strenuous and/or remote.

• Find out about the section you plan to walk
• Turn back if the walk is too strenuous for anyone in your group
• Remember that in remote areas or at quiet times you may not see another person for some time if you are in difficulties
• Take a fully charged phone with you.

In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

To help the emergency services locate you quickly they need to know where you are, so:

• Learn to read a map to be able to accurately report your position – visit Ordnance survey .co.uk or download the OS Locate app for smartphones.
• Download the What3 Words App.
• Look out for the small signs with the location and grid reference that are on many fingerposts and signs along the path.