Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Friday 29 March 2024

Access to Bempton Cliffs via the Headland Way Public Footpath

 I am regularly asked about accessing Bempton Cliffs on the public rights of way.

Bempton Cliffs is served by the Headland Way (England Coastal Path), public footpath, which runs from Bridlington to Speeton. The path can be accessed by other public footpaths notably Hoddy Cows Lane (Buckton), the "permissive" footpath from Stonepit Lane, Bempton over Metlands and  from Cliff Lane, Bempton.  All of these routes are free of any charges but car parking is very limited. Parking should not occur on the single track Cliff Lane, Bempton.

When you get to the top of Cliff Lane (c1mile from Bempton village)



Turn left towards the gate (RSPB overflow car park)

At the gate


Turn immediately right

Continue downhill on rough grass





Continue to metalled path next to the RSPB complex. Continue straight down to the cliff path. Do not divert left or right until you reach the cliff top path.



When you reach the cliff top path, you can walk left or right on the designated footpath


RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a charity / business and charges a "facilities" fee for entry. Details can be found by following this link:

RSPB members and residents of Bempton & Buckton (on proof of residence) get free access.

Please note that the car park, visitor centre (with café, toilets, shop and information), paths off the Headland Way on the reserve and viewing platforms are private RSPB facilities. Part of the facilities fee also assists with maintenance.

If you wish, and do not pay the facilities charge, you can make a suitable donation either in the visitor centre or a donations box located outside.

I hope that this helps.