Access to a stunning UK beach has been closed off by the National Trust due to safety concerns. Locals have shared their disappointment online, describing their love for the natural beauty spot. The beach was also made famous on television as it was used as a backdrop in Poldark. The National Trust said the decision was made due to coastal erosion, which has made the path down to the beach more dangerous.
Pedn Vounder beach is a popular spot of natural beauty located on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall. The beach has previously been named one of the best in the world, and is known for its crystal clear waters and its staggering surrounding cliff. The Nationaol Trust said that there has been a “significant increase in potential for serious injury”, leading to the decision to cut off access to the beach. Pedn Vounder is usually accessed via a steep cliffside footpath.
“As a charity that promotes access to nature and culture, we always try and maintain access wherever it’s possible to do so, but, due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff, we have made the difficult decision to close it,” the National Trust said in a statement. “We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly.”
The charity added: “In the meantime, we encourage visitors to use nearby Porthcurno beach and to follow all local signage and safety advice.”
People shared their disappointment online. One Facebook user shared a video of the scenic beach and wrote: “[I] can’t believe the National Trust have closed the path down to Pedn Vounder.”
One local in the Explore Cornwall UK Facebook group described the recent increase in visitors to the beach. She wrote: “It’s gone from a quiet naturist’s sanctuary to an overhyped danger spot.”
However, the National Trust has not pointed out an influx of visitors as a cause of the erosion, and it has not been listed as a reason for the closure by any official sources. The Daily Express has contacted the National Trust for comment.
The beach has received rave reviews from visitors in the past. One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Pedn Vounder Beach is hands down one of the most stunning places I’ve visited in the UK. Tucked away on the Cornish coast near Porthcurno, it feels completely untouched, with turquoise waters, soft sand, and dramatic cliffs. Photos don’t do it justice.”
Another shared: “This beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK!”
