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What do I need to know about military training areas along the route of the Coast Path?
The Coast Path meets a small number of military training areas where use by the public is sometimes restricted. Details of these are given below. Care must be exercised within these areas at all times – you must keep to the footpath, stay away from all installations and avoid approaching or touching any objects lying on the ground.
• Penhale Sands, south of Newquay, north Cornwall. The South West Coast Path is seaward of the training area and is always available.
• Tregantle Fort east of Downderry, south-east Cornwall. When the red flag is flying, firing is taking place and you must use the waymarked route around the landward side of the military ranges. When firing is not taking place, a more seaward permissive route takes you through the ranges.
• Chickerell, near Weymouth, Dorset. Two alternative routes are available, both of which are official routes of the South West Coast Path. When the red flag is flying, firing is taking place and you must use the waymarked route around the landward side of the military ranges. When firing is not taking place, a more seaward route takes you through the ranges.
• Lulworth, Dorset. The South West Coast Path follows a permissive route through the Army Ranges and this route is only available when firing is not taking place. Normally it is available during school holidays and at weekends. In 2008 this section of the Coast Path is open between 21-30 March, 3-5 May, 24 May-1 June, 26 July-31 August and 20 December - 4 January. Weekends when the Coast Path will not be available are 26-27 January, 15-16 March, 5-6 April, 19 and 20 July, 4-5 October, 15-16 November.) However you should always phone the 24 hour answering service 01929 404819 to check that the route will be open. When the route through the Ranges is closed, two lengthy inland detours (of either 13½ or 12 miles) following paths or roads are available. |
