The cliff walk is a path that goes along the ocean in Newport. It starts at the west end of first beach and goes along the coast for some miles past the mansions. I forget where it ends but you can access it from a number of the side streets that run next to the bigger mansions. there are few spots to fish right off the path but there are sveral areas where from the path you can get to the water. It has some dangerous areas too so be careful. I can remember as akid running up and down the 40 steps but now I feel like peeing my pants when I even just look down them. There are some spots that aren't too bad though.
If you go and leave the walk , remember that in some areas you'll have to get back up to the path by high tide or go for a swim. Going up is not always as easy as you think so plan ahead before you go down.
Here's a picture of one section near an access point. The Cliff Walk is that narrow line right along the shore.
http://ortho.edc.uri.edu/cgi-bin/sea...t=550&uid=1056