Cliff Walk Competition

I walked four different cliff walks over four months: one in Rhode Island, two in Ireland and one in Canada.  As the self-appointed judge, I declare Newport's Cliff Walk the winner as the most beautiful, interesting and varied terrain.

1. CLIFF WALK - NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

I live near this 3.5 mile gorgeous stretch.  The Atlantic Ocean is on one side and the back yards of Newport's mansions are on the other. Along the way, the path varies from paved sidewalk to jumbled boulders and from sandy beaches to treacherous precipices. Depending on the weather, it can be a balmy stroll or a battle against the whipping wind.


2. CLIFFS OF MOHER - COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND

This famous walking trail in County Clare traces the boundary of one of Ireland's most outstanding landscapes (according to the Cliffs of Moher visitors' center). The trail continues past the visitors center along a 20 km coastal path with views across to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Even before getting too far from the visitors' center, you can feel how exposed the trail is. There are no handrails except on the stiles that go over the fences and walls. Some of the path passes by private farms with cows and sheep dotting the fields.


3. CLIFFS OF KILKEE - IRELAND

Kilkee is a holiday beach resort in County Clare, Ireland. The Cliff Walk in Kilkee winds around the perimeter of a rocky point that destroyed many ships over many years. Not surprisingly, the wind whips up over the cliff's edge, making it a challenge to trudge forward up the hills and around the bends.

4. CLIFF WALK - CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK
IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The main attraction in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is, of course, the suspension bridge. It is 460 feet long and a 230 foot drop to the floor of the chasm it crosses. In addition to the suspension bridge, the park includes a Cliff Walk, an elevated footbridge through the forest, wrapping around the wall of one of the cliffs.  (In my opinion, the Capilano Cliff Walk is not in the same league as the first three above, but since it calls itself "Cliff Walk", I let it slide in).

My fave? The home court advantage. Newport's Cliff Walk.
Why? It is a winning combination of beautiful sea views and variation in walking terrain, punctuated by majestic architecture.