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My first instinct is "this is exploitative and disgusting".

That said, after thinking about it for a minute, the devil may be in a lot of details here.

I've been to past free photo hot-spots that were beyond crowded and impossible to have any breathing room in, in complete disrepair and borderline-dangerous, dirty, no amenities like a restroom or water fountain, no parking, etc. Having a relaxed time trying to take an amazing picture and enjoy the view was impossible.

Some kind of fee to facilitate a special experience doesn't seem too unreasonable, though the price point mentioned seems far beyond reasonable unless the experience is truly luxurious and first-rate.

As a local of this side of the isle, I feel like the council are just being smart in getting more revenue.

I visited the Cliffs for the first time last year I believe, and I had a great time being up close to the cliffside. Me and my mam went along this cliffside walk that was difficult at times, but got us a great view.

When we finished and walked along the road to the visitor centre, it got incredibly foggy. But we made it, and when we were there, there was so many tourists that saw the visitor centre and the little lookout, and barely anyone besides locals walked the trail.

So for the council to capitalise on people wanting to see the cliffside, it's clever. The tourists can do the walk for free if they choose, the council knows a lot won't, mainly from laziness or time limit. They're just getting the bag, I respect it.

I cannot see where this fee is mandatory, either. It seems to be a value-add by the council. It says right in the article what the fees are for the Visitor's Center and path use from non-Council areas. So I feel like this is not the council trying to gatekeep or profiteer, but rather, they just want to package up something attractive for people who are wont to spend more than the minimum government-imposed fees.

And yes, "unaware" tourists can get "ripped off", but isn't that the nature of tourism? Do your homework and be wise about the spend!