Siccar Point: Safety

There are several specific safety issues arising on the Siccar Point excursion:

Old Cambus Quarry is a vegetable distribution centre. Please be aware of Heavy goods vehicles. Follow the road to the left of the warehouse and do not cross the yard between stacks of turnip crates.

Vegetable distribution complex

When you emerge in the field beyond the warehouse complex, please follow the fence until you reach the gate near the far wall. Please do not climb the fence!

Gate access to cliff-top

At Siccar Point there is a steep grassy slope descending about 25m from the cliff-top to the shore-line. The path is usually a little muddy. The descent is not considered dangerous as the slope is concave-up and a stumble would not lead to a precipitous fall. However, some students may experience mild vertigo and may elect to wait at the cliff top.

Steep slope to the Point

Please do not stand on rocks adjacent to the sea if there are waves breaking. Case history: a few years ago an extra-large wave washed three students off the rocks on the Mull field excursion. They were lucky to be able to scramble ashore. One was injured and had to go home.
Large boulders covered in dark green or black algal slime are extremely slippery and should be avoided. Case history: on the 1995 Pease Bay excursion a student slipped on a damp, slimy rock and suffered a broken ankle.