The National Trust has sparked backlash from beachgoers after closing a beautiful stretch of the UK coast for 'safety reasons' - despite visitors insisting it doesn't pose major danger. Access to Pedn Vounder in Cornwall, an unofficial nude bathing spot that has been voted among the top 10 beaches in the world by EnjoyTravel.com, was blocked by the heritage conservation charity after concerns were raised about "dangerous" rip currents and an unsafe footpath. As well as roping the route off, the Trust erected a sign warning that "erosion" has made it "unstable", "with steep drops and ending in a near vertical six-metre climb down on to the beach below".

But holidaymakers including Rebecca Ley, who visited Pedn Vounder last weekend, questioned the extremity of the measures, as well as the Trust's claim of obstructive erosion. "Getting down was always a bit challenging, and it's definitely not one for flip-flops, but I can't say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child," she said.

"The final section is quite steep but it's made of granite rock and has certainly not eroded," the 46-year-old told The Times.

"My nine-year-old made it without difficulty, as did the more than 100 other people on Saturday. It's a real shame. I know the beach has seen a big increase in visitors in recent years, but this decision doesn't make any sense to me.

"I really hope it doesn't hit the village campsite and cafe too badly."

The Trust also said the closure was linked to "regular serious incidents involving the emergency services" on the stretch.

RNLI logs reviewed by news outlet suggest that no serious incidents have been recorded since October 2023, with five reports over the past five years - two linked to injuries on the path and three to people in the water.

In a statement released in response to public frustration about the closure, the charity said: "We understand this 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 to maintain access wherever it's possible to do, but due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff, we have made the difficult decision to close it.

"In the meantime, we encourage visitors to use nearby Porthcurno beach and to follow all local signage and safety advice."