Berry Head. Photo: Mark Robinson

Climbers are being warned to contact the Coastguard before tackling routes on a popular Devon sea cliff.

The British Mountaineering Council has been contacted by the managers of the Berry Head national nature reserve near Brixham, with concerns about climbers deepwater soloing on the cliffs. They say false rescue alarms are causing problems for the Coastguard service.

Deepwater soloing involves climbing sea cliffs without traditional protection. In the event of a fall, the climber uses the sea water as his or her safety, plunging into the water and swimming back to shore. To the unaware, it may appear the climber has got into difficulties when this is not the case.

A spokesperson for the BMC said: “The national nature reserve is supportive of climbing on the Berry Head crags, but false emergencies create significant problems for the Coastguard, and put the NNR in a difficult position by allowing deepwater soloing.

“More false emergencies may jeopardise access for climbers in the future.”

Anyone wanting to undertake routes on the Berry Head cliffs must call the Brixham Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre before they start climbing. The MRCC can be contacted on 01803 882704.