One of UK’s ‘most beautiful’ beaches shut off to sunseekers over safety concerns

One of Britain’s most beautiful beaches has been closed off to sunbathers due to safety concerns.

Pedn Vounder in Cornwall has been cut off by the National Trust as the path to access it is in danger of erosion.

The idyllic spot is known as an unofficial nudist beach with clear turquoise waters.

It also featured in the BBC drama Poldark as the fictional location Nampara Cove.

Access to the beach on the Penwith Peninsula is either by boat or, during low tide, via a path running from Porthcurno beach to the west.

However the National Trust has said that coastal erosion had left it with no choice but to close off the footpath.

Locals have said the sudden decision ‘makes no sense’ and that the access route had not significantly deteriorated in recent weeks.

Rebecca Foy, 46, said she visited the cove last weekend with her nine-year-old child.

She told heT Independent: ‘Getting down was always a bit challenging, it’s definitely not one for flip flops, but I can’t say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child.’

The National Trust said it had taken the decision to close the beach in consultation with the local authority, adding that the cove had become ‘increasingly unsafe’.

A spokesperson for the charity said: ‘Due to increasing coastal erosion, an unofficial and steep pathway across National Trust land leading to Pedn Vounder beach in Cornwall has become increasingly unsafe and is now temporarily closed.

‘This decision has been made due to the significant increase in potential for serious injury and has been made in consultation with local authorities, emergency services and other partners.

‘We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly.

‘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.’

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