Stair access to beach closure at Carnewas at Bedruthan

What happened?

A significant rock fall took place above Bedruthan beach in December 2019. Fortunately, the cliff stairs were closed to visitors at the time. However, it did cause damage to the lower section of the stairs, as well as the protective netting and pinning on the cliff faces around the stairs and which are integral parts of the safety infrastructure.

There was then a further cliff fall on neighbouring land, above Bedruthan beach in January 2021.

Can I access Bedruthan beach?

The stairs to Bedruthan beach remain closed while the National Trust and experts work to ascertain if access can be reinstated. No alternative route is available and the RNLI and National Trust are strongly advising visitors not to try and find alternative routes onto the beach.

Not only is the cliff face in an unstable condition, but there are strong sea currents here as well as a real danger of being cut off by the tide.

A brief history of the stairs

Providing stair access to the beach has proved challenging over the years. Since the 1960s, access has been closed multiple times when no safe route was possible due to cliff falls.

In 1973, the National Trust rebuilt the old cliff staircase at a cost of £25,000. However, by 1990, further fragmentation of the cliff meant it was necessary to close the staircase again. It was reopened in 1995 following stabilisation work and rebuilding 20ft of the staircase that had been washed away.

What else can we do at Carnewas?

Carnewas at Bedruthan is still a fantastic place to visit. It offers clifftop views across the giant rock stacks on the beach and far along the coast towards Trevose Head.

Wildlife lovers can look out for wildflowers and coastal birds, and the picnic area, popular tea-room, National Trust shop and toilets are all available to visitors.

There are lots of beaches in the area, including Mawgan Porth and Porthcothan, just a few miles along the coast. Nearby Trevose Head has a seasonal National Trust car park for access to Booby’s Bay and Mother Ivey’s beaches.

There are also walks to enjoy, including a stretch of the South West Coast Path. Improving accessibility at Carnewas continues to be a priority, with clifftop paths being significantly improved over recent years. More benches allow visitors to pause and really enjoy one of the best views in the country.

How will you decide if access should be reinstated?

A full geotechnical assessment and stability analysis has been carried out on the stairs and cliffs either side of them. Throughout this year, we will work with the RNLI, Coastguard and others to understand whether the stairs can and should be reinstated. Keeping in mind the safety of the public as well as the sustainability of any works are our primary concerns.

Latest update

The results of an in-depth feasibility study have provided a clearer picture of what would be needed to make the steps safe once again. While the findings confirm that repairs are technically possible, there are still important questions to answer. The National Trust is working closely with the RNLI, Coastguard, and others to fully understand the risks posed by further rockfalls on and off Trust land, as well as the sustainability of any intervention given the changing coastline, the initial and long-term costs of maintaining access, and the wider safety implications of reopening the route.

Until a final decision is made, access to the beach remains closed, and visitors are urged not to attempt alternative routes. This stretch of coastline is known for its strong currents and the risk of tidal cut-off.