Future of Bedruthan Steps uncertain five years after dangerous rockfall

Bedruthan Steps, between Padstow and Newquay on the north Cornish coast
-Credit: (Image: Western Morning News)


The National Trust is still working to determine if access to a much-loved beach can ever be reinstated after a significant cliff fall nearly five years ago led to its closure.

Bedruthan Steps, between Padstow and Newquay, has not been safely accessible since January 2019 when a significant rockfall led to the emergency closure of its step access. Since then works have been ongoing to determine the extent of the danger and damage.

The initial cliff fall at Carnewas, a stretch of coastline maintained by the National Trust above the beach, caused damage to the lower section of the steps, as well as the protective netting and pinning on the cliff faces around the steps which are integral parts of the safety infrastructure. There was then a further cliff fall on neighbouring land, above the beach in January 2021.

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Due to the proximity of the beach both the RNLI and the National Trust have been urging people to stay away from it since. It's because there is no alternative route available and people risk being cut off by the tides and injured, or worse, killed by the conditions or by further cliff falls.

It hasn't stopped everyone though and this summer concerns were raised for a family seemingly trapped on the beach. They made their way to the top of the condemned steps where members of the coastguard let them through the padlocked gate.

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Local coastguard crews have raised awareness that Bedruthan Steps is off-limits after a family ran into trouble
Local coastguard crews raised awareness that Bedruthan Steps is off-limits after a family ran into trouble this summer -Credit:HM Coastguard Padstow

Following the initial cliff fall the Trust commissioned an exploratory survey by expert geologists. This report identified the need for further geotechnical assessment, including ground investigations, geotechnical data collection and stability analyses.

It said it was working with experts and the landowner of both the area of the cliff and the beach affected by the subsequent fall. In the latest update, it said: "This feasibility work alone is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds. We have now secured funding to start carrying out the work this year and will provide updates as soon as we can."

A spokesperson for the National Trust added: "This feasibility work alone is costing a significant amount of money. Once the feasibility is complete, we will engage with expert partners and the landowners of the beach, to consider the options.

"We cannot allow access to the beach until we know whether the cliff access can be made safe to use and ask all members of the public to avoid finding other ways down to the beach for their own safety.

"There is much still to enjoy at Carnewas with beautiful walks and far-reaching views along the coast including of Bedruthan Steps, all serviced by our recent and ongoing footpath improvements and new benches aimed at making the place more accessible, a tea room and National Trust car park and shop. "