Robin Collings 〓〓

PLEASE TAKE EXTRA CARE AROUND CORNWALL'S CLIFFS Good afternoon everyone, Following the substantial cliff fall at Holywell Bay near Newquay, we wanted to put out a little reminder to everyone visiting Cornwall's beaches and coastline over the coming days. The recent rockfall has completely sealed the entrance to the famous Holywell Cave, sometimes known as St Cuthbert's Cave or Holy Well. The cave was particularly well known for its beautiful coloured mineral deposits and had been visited for centuries, but the important thing right now is that the surrounding cliff area is still considered unstable. So please, as tempting as it might be to wander over for a closer look, stay well away from the rockfall and the bottom of the cliffs. No photograph, video or Facebook selfie is worth several tonnes of Cornwall suddenly deciding to introduce itself from above! And this isn't just something to think about at Holywell Bay. Cornwall has hundreds of miles of spectacular coastline, but those beautiful cliffs are constantly being changed by rain, wind, waves and erosion. A cliff can look perfectly solid from underneath or above while cracks and unstable sections are hidden from view. Newquay Coastguard has specifically warned that heavy rainfall following the prolonged dry conditions we've experienced could contribute to further cliff falls, so it's worth being a little more cautious than normal at the moment. After long dry periods, cracks can develop, and material can loosen. When substantial rain then arrives, water can penetrate weaknesses within the cliff. Add the continuous work of Atlantic waves attacking the base, and you've got a beautiful coastline…but definitely not permanent. If you're walking along the South West Coast Path, please stick to the recognised path and keep well back from cliff edges. Cornwall Council and the South West Coast Path also warn that some cliffs can overhang or be unstable without it being obvious from above. And please keep an especially close eye on children and dogs near cliff tops. Dogs don't understand coastal geology; they see a seagull and suddenly decide they're auditioning for Mission: Impossible. Keeping them under close control around cliff edges really can save a life. The same applies when you're down on the beach. Try not to sit, picnic or shelter immediately underneath cliffs, particularly where you can see loose rocks, fresh debris or evidence of a recent fall. If there is already a pile of newly fallen rock at the bottom, that's a pretty good hint that the cliff above isn't somewhere you want to spread out the picnic blanket! Also remember your tide times. Some areas beneath Cornwall's cliffs can become cut off very quickly as the tide comes in, leaving people trapped between an incoming sea and an unstable cliff definitely not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in. Holywell Bay itself remains an RNLI lifeguarded beach at this time of year, with the RNLI currently listing daily patrols from 10am until 6pm through 27 September 2026, but remember that lifeguards cannot make an unstable cliff safe. If you see a significant new cliff fall or someone is in immediate danger anywhere around the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Don't put yourself at risk trying to rescue someone from underneath an unstable cliff. Cornwall's coastline is absolutely stunning, and we want everyone to enjoy it just enjoy it from a sensible distance. The sea can move quickly, the weather can change quickly…and unfortunately cliffs can move pretty quickly too. Please share this one around, especially with anyone heading out walking, surfing, exploring beaches or visiting Cornwall over the next few days. Stay safe, everyone. Kind regards, KWT Dave