Sandy, grassy cliffs sweep down to a beach on a grey day

Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

A grassy path leading up to Kay Cliffs on a grey day

Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

Brown and yellow scrubland at Kay Cliffs on a grey day

Scrub at Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

©Margaret Holland

Kay Cliffs Nature Reserve

Accessibility

Staying safe

Perched on the clifftop at East Runton, this small oasis of blackthorn scrub provides a haven for birds – and a great view for humans – throughout the year. Donated in memory of Peter Crichton Kay.

Location

1.9km (1.2 miles) West of Cromer on the Cromer Road (A149).

NR27 9NZ

OS Map Reference

TG 197 428

Know before you go

Size

1 hectare

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

Please either park in the layby at the start of the public path or use the public car parks in West Runton

Walking trails

One footpath crosses the reserve. See map below for more details.

Reserve map

Access

Paths on this site are access grade 1. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Dawn till dusk, every day, all year round

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is in winter, sea watching with a telescope can bring views of great and Arctic skuas, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, and auks.

About the reserve

Up on the cliffs overlooking East Runton beach, this small piece of ‘rough’ ground provides shelter and a welcome resting place for tired birds during autumn migration.

Kay Cliffs is a great vantage point for visitors to watch passing sea birds in winter and take in the sweeping sea views all year round.

Donated in memory of Peter Crichton Kay in 2016.