RSPB Bempton & Flamborough Cliffs

Bempton cliffs on the eastern Yorkshire coast is home to a massive colony (about half a million!) of nesting sea birds between March and October. It’s a huge expanse of towering chalk cliffs with tufty grass tops which is ideal for

Birds to nest safely and gather nesting material. It’s a crazy,  noisy place with birds darting about using wind currents to kite around as you walk, watch and listen.

RSPB nature conservation has a visitor centre near the centre of the cliffs which is the main gateway to visit the cliffs and bird colonies. The cliffs are part of a coastal footpath so you don’t actually have to go via the visitor centre. (This does negate the need to pay entrance but if doing this please pay at the visitor centre still as the work they have done to maintain and provide viewing platforms deserves their fee)  

Walking this route, I chose to park up in the small village of Flamborough which is situation south of Bempton Cliffs. Flamborough itself is surrounded by coastal paths so it’s a perfect place to start this cracking coastal adventure.

From Flamborough There is a footpath that heads straight north for just over a mile. You will know you’re on the right route as there is an absolutely massive holiday caravan park on the right-hand side. (yuk!)

Once at the cliffs turn left (north west) and it wont take long before the noise of birds gets louder and louder. Its about a 2 mile walk to reach the visitor centre area. The cliffs have had many viewing platforms constructed and rails to keep people from being to much of a nuisance to the birds.

It’s a hugely popular location so if you can go out of weekends/holiday seasons then this is advisable.

The main species I wanted to spot were gannets. They are everywhere! Amazing birds to watch and photograph. I also saw a few Puffins (4 in total!) Razorbills, Guillemots, Fulmars and a barn owl. (the following morning when I returned)

Once you’ve had your fill of bird wildlife the adventure continues by heading back towards Flamborough and instead of heading down towards the village the way you came you just carry on along the coastal path. This coastal path passes many interesting geological coastal formations, especially around Thornwick Bay and Flamborough Head where the lighthouse is located. Heading down to the head from the lighthouse I was surprised to see about a hundred seals just lying on the beach. More surprising is how accessible the beach is to us which I’ve never seen before. (normally seen in inaccessible coves)

Flamborough Head is the most easterly point of the mainland so the path continues along a very quiet stretch of path that runs south westward. I thought this stretch was particularly beautiful, quiet and scenic. Even nicer to spot a barn owl out hunting in the early spring sunshine around the plantations.

Once you reach a beach area of South landing its just one small ascent up to Beacon Hill and then a footpath takes you northwards back up to Flamborough village to complete the walk.

At the time of writing (12^th May) , this has been the highlight of my spring walks in 2023. I had an absolutely great afternoon and evening in the spring sunshine. The landscapes are great but when you throw in a diverse mixture of wildlife as well it becomes a nature paradise.

I was extremely impressed with Bempton cliffs as a wildlife haven and a tourist destination. I had no problems returning at 6am the following morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean. It’s even better then!

Any questions please feel free to contact.

GPX Route available on request.