they had to go up ladders, here's more info on that:
http://www.normandie44lamemoire.com/versionanglaise/fichesvillesus/pointduhus2.htmlLa Pointe du Hoc on the Norman coast was a strategic objective in the sector of Omaha Beach. The Germans had built there a major coastal battery that could threaten the Landing beaches. On 6 June 1944 at 5:45 a. m., Colonel Rudder’s 2nd Rangers Battalion transfered in the landing ships, three assault crafts out of twelve transporting the men sank before reaching the coast. With fitted ladders and grabs the Rangers climbed the cliff under German machine-guns fire. At the top they discovered a lunar landscape and they noted the absence of the guns in their hollows. The next day the Rangers found the guns in a path beyond the coast road and attempted to destroy them. In the evening of 7 June, after a mercyless fighting 90 men out of 225 Colonel Rudder’s battalion were still able to fight. On 8 June the 29th Infantry Division arrived from the east and relieved the Rangers after two days beleaguering.
Some places you just walk up and the rise is minimal. Here is a picture of Utah beach in recent times on a stormy day. Notice the bunkers at the edge of the grass:
![](http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/jlaskey/France%208%2008/P8120122.jpg)