Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps is one of the most popular places to visit on the North Cornish coast and is an absolute must-see. The landscape is synonymous with shipwrecks and smugglers and spectacular clifftop views look out over Bedruthan Steps, where a rank of colossal, pointed stacks march out of the atlantic waves against a dramatic backdrop.

Beach access at Bedruthan closed due to cliff fall (May 2021)

In November 2019 a significant cliff fall took place at Bedruthan beach (beach not National Trust), with a further rock fall nearby in January 2021.

The initial rock fall caused damage to the lower section of the steps to the beach as well as the cliff face safety netting. Following the first fall, the National Trust commissioned an initial geological survey to determine the stability of the cliff face and assess whether access could be reinstated. The report concluded that further, in-depth, specialist feasibility studies would be required. These will identify whether there are options for stabilising the rock face and repairing the steps and safety infrastructure.

The unprecedented situation over the past year has, inevitably, delayed this important work. The steps are expected to be closed for the foreseeable future, with no confirmed timescale for the assessment and potential repairs.

Carnewas at Bedruthan is still a fantastic place to visit offering great walks and cliff top views across the giant rock stacks on the beach and along the coast towards Trevose Head.

Enjoy magnificent walks on the South West Coast Path meandering past a succession of picture-postcard coves, windswept headlands and old-fashioned holiday resorts, this stretch of the coast path running north of Bedruthan ranks among the prettiest in the south west.

Note: the Coastguard and RNLI urge visitors not to try and find alternative routes down the cliffs. Toilet not always available.

Shopping & eating: Browse in the National Trust shop (open 28 May to 31 Oct). Treat yourself in the popular café (National Trust-approved concession). Relax in the clifftop tea garden, adjoining the café.

Poldark connection: The cliff tops at Park Head offer stunning views across to the towering sea stacks at Bedruthan Steps - an unforgettable view of north Cornwall’s dramatic coast. It’s these very views which appealed to the team creating Poldark, so keep an eye out for scenes featuring Ross on horseback galloping across this very headland.