The National Trust has closed access to one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, due to coastal erosion and a dangerous descent down to it. Pedn Vounder is famed for its clear turquoise waters and secluded location, popular with nudists as one of West Cornwall’s best-known naturist beaches.
Used as a filming location in the TV series Poldark, the beach is on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula of Cornwall, just up the coast from the Minack Theatre (one of the best open-air theatres in the UK). Footfall to the beauty spot has dramatically increased in recent years, with influencers and news outlets promoting the beach in their coverage.
“The route to Pedn Vounder has been closed for safety reasons,” the National Trust writes on its website. “The path has eroded in places making it unstable, with steep drops and ending in a near vertical 6m climb down onto the beach below.”
The Trust also referenced the dangerous rip currents at the beach. “There have been regular serious incidents involving the emergency services at this beach.” They instead recommended visitors use the beach at nearby Porthcurno.
The charity said the decision was made in consultation with local authorities and emergency services. This news follows the Trust’s launch of its Sustainable Futures Programme earlier this year, which will see cost-cutting measures introduced and a six per cent reduction in jobs.
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