The lighthouse path

The supply boat put us ashore much later than planned, leaving only a few hours of daylight. Our printed map showed a footbridge across the inlet, but when we reached it only two broken posts remained. We tried to contact the lighthouse keeper for directions, but the radio battery was empty. Low cloud covered the lighthouse itself, removing the landmark we had expected to follow. Near the headland, part of the cliff edge had crumbled away, reducing the path to a narrow strip.

Describe what made it difficult for the party to reach the lighthouse. You may support your points with brief quotations.