These are the remains of the cliffs at Sidmouth through which the Harbour Company attempted to cut a railway line . The track was to begin on the pedestiran promenade (left); enter a tunnel cut through the red cliffs (left), and emerge onto the beach at the point where the rock colour changes to limestone (centre). Track was then to be laid on the beach to continue the route to the next point of importance - stil undetermined when the company collapsed!.

Since the Company's efforts ceased, there have been numerous cliff falls, large and small (this photo was taken in 2006 and since then even more has disappeared in the winter storms with the result that the old cliff path on the top has long since disappeared into the sea together with the gardens of the homes which were built along Cliff Road and were originally some distance from the sea.

© Richard J. Brine

Update 2017:

Heavy rain has etched away more of this cliff and householders who live on the top have now been told that the Council has no more funds to spend on its protectection.  Most who live in this once coveted position have already lost at least half of their gardens to the angry seas below and a street light dangled half way down the cliff for some weeks but is now lost

Go to

www.irsociety.co.uk/Archives/55/Sidmouth.htm

to read a fascinating article by Michael J, Messenger about the scheme for opening up a busy harbour area - complete with railway sidings - at Sidmouth in the early 1830s - there's even a map which shows how this lovely place could have been changed for ever had the scheme succeeded!