Bruce has kindly sent in this update on the problems at Abbots Cliff.

  I went to the beach yesterday and also spoke to people in the area about problems caused by a landslip early in April  at Folkestone Warren which lies to the west. Access to the beach from  the east  - from Samphire Hoe near Dover has always been available and for people arriving by car* it is probably the best option as there is plenty of parking space,albeit subject to charges. 

                             *pedestrians can reach Samphire Hoe using the no 64 bus service from Dover alighting at Aycliffe Community Primary School. From there a footbridge leads across the A20 to a footpath and the tunnel to Samphire Hoe.

                             The restrictions imposed on public access to Folkestone Warren appear to have been lifted.One can drive past the Martello tower and leave one's vehicle in the small parking areas before walking about two miles to the beach. Seawall barriers blocking access for  pedestrians have been removed. There remains access to the beach down cliff paths either from the cafe opposite Helena Road in Capel-le-Ferne or from the Royal Oak public house a quarter of a mile to the east  but if there is a return to prolonged wet weather or if Kent County Council fail to send in contractors regularly to clear the brambles these paths may become difficult to use. A pair of secateurs in hand luggage may come in useful.

                              There is one proviso. The steps leading from the railway  to the seawall have collapsed due to a small landslip. An alternative route is to turn right after crossing the pedestrian bridge over the railway and walk west  towards Folkestone. After about 100 yards steps appear down to a dirt track which leads to the seawall.There you turn left and walk about a mile and half towards Dover till the seawall ends. Here there is a problem. The metal ladder installed by some kind people years ago is now in a shaky condition. The rope and metal handhold implanted in the chalkface have disappeared. The drop to the beach is too far for people to jump. The ladder remains in use but it is hazardous. 

                            It is possible to walk from Folkestone along the beach but only at low tide. Signs have appeared in places warning of falling rocks and there is evidence of major rockfalls during the winter - but naturists were still in evidence on the beach during fine weather on May 11th.