A footpath on a cliff top in west Dorset has been forced to close for longer than expected.

A new notice about the closure of a footpath from West Bay to Freshwater has been issued by Dorset Council.

The closure was issued back in June for health and safety reasons, due to severe erosion and danger from cliff falls.

It will now remain in place until June 2, 2026.

Map of road closure and alternative routesMap of road closure and alternative routes (Image: Dorset Council) The map shows the footpaths, with the closure in place from point A to point B. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Council, said: "All pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists will be prohibited from proceeding along Footpaths W7/18 and W1/25 from grid reference SY 464 902 (point A on the map below) to grid reference SY 474 897 (point B on the map below) a distance of approximately 1200 metres.

“The alternative route will be; from point A head North/Northeast for approximately 200 metres along Marsh Barn road until you meet footpath W7/17, point E, at SY 466 904. Follow W7/17 east until you reach point D at SY 478 899.

"At this point head Southeast along footpath W7/17 through the holiday park until you meet point C at SY 480 896. From this point follow footpath W7/18 West until you reach point B at SY 474 897.

"This order came into operation 03 June 2024 and has been extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport, it will now be in place until 02 June 2026."