A gradually sloping pedestrian path will enable beach goers and picnic makers to access the lower slopes of The Dell in Clifton Springs without having to negotiate a steep incline or share the route with vehicles.

Coryule ward Councillor Tom O'Connor said Council had considered a number of options for improving access at The Dell and decided on a route that would improve the safe access of one of the Bellarine's favourite family swimming and picnic spots.

"In developing a route with a much less severe slope the City is responding to the concerns of those who had found the existing pedestrian access route too steep," Cr O'Connor said," and by reserving the route for pedestrians there are no risks associated with a conflict between walkers and motorists."

"The Dell has been a favourite picnic location for generations but the discovery of active land slippage at the site in 2002 that forced the closure of an old one lane vehicle path, has limited people's ability to use the reserve," Cr O'Connor said.

The City has consulted extensively with residents since the landslip was first recorded and has given ground works at The Dell high priority in the new Clifton Springs Coastal Management Plan.

"While the City had provided supplementary pedestrian access since the road closure we are aware that the lower portion of the Dell has been difficult to access for those with mobility difficulties.

"The provision of a path with a greatly reduced slope will provide for the possibility of 'all abilities' access through the use of golf carts by arrangement with the Clifton Springs Golf Club," said Cr O'Connor.

The City commissioned Coffey Geotechnics to do a geotechnical review of all the possible access options for the Dell, given the ongoing land slip situation at the site.

In total thirteen options were considered including the possibility of pedestrian and vehicle access.

The report found that vehicle access could not be provided without considerable expense and would encroach onto the 18th fairway of the golf course.

Cr O'Connor said the new pedestrian access path had an estimated cost of $75,000 and would be subject to Council's budget consideration process.