Locals heartbroken as stunning UK beach shut after being ruled ‘too dangerous’

Access to one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches has been blocked by the National Trust over safety fears.

Locals expressed sadness online, sharing how much they loved the beauty spot. The beach is also well known from television after being featured in Poldark.

The National Trust explained the move was due to coastal erosion, which has made the path to the beach unsafe.

Pedn Vounder beach lies on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall. It has been ranked among the best beaches in the world and is admired for its clear waters and dramatic cliffs.

The National Trust said the risk of “serious injury” has grown too high, which led to the decision to close the path. Normally, visitors reach the beach using a steep cliffside trail.

The charity explained in a statement: “As an organisation that works to protect nature and heritage, we always try to keep places open wherever possible.

But with erosion making the cliff increasingly unstable, we have had to take the difficult step of closing access. We know this will disappoint both visitors and the community, but it was not a choice we made lightly.”

It added: “For now, we ask people to enjoy nearby Porthcurno beach instead and to follow all signs and local safety advice.”

Many locals shared their feelings online. One person posted a video of the beach on Facebook and wrote: “I can’t believe the National Trust has shut the path down to Pedn Vounder.”

Another member of the Explore Cornwall UK Facebook group commented on how busy the beach has become in recent years.

She said: “It used to be a quiet naturist’s hideaway, but now it feels like an overhyped danger spot.”

The National Trust has not suggested that rising visitor numbers have played a part in the erosion. Official reports also do not list this as a reason for closing the path. The Daily Express has contacted the National Trust for further comment.

In the past, visitors have given Pedn Vounder glowing reviews. One person wrote on TripAdvisor: “Pedn Vounder is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen in the UK.

Hidden away near Porthcurno, it feels untouched, with soft sand, turquoise water and towering cliffs. Photos can’t capture its beauty.”

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