Blocked Footpath Sparks Outrage: Gwithian Walkers Fight to Reclaim Lost Route

More than 60 join Easter Saturday walk through historic dunes – only to find cherished path fenced off

Over 60 people from Camborne, Gwithian Village and Gwithian Towans took part in a special Easter Saturday walk on 19th April, uncovering centuries of history along the stunning dunes of Gwithian. But the day, filled with learning and community spirit, ended in frustration and anger when walkers discovered that part of a well-trodden historic footpath had been blocked by a landowner.

📷St Gothian Sands LNR

From Bronze Age Settlements to Lost Coastguard Paths

The event began with a talk in Gwithian Church Hall by local historian Jean Charman, who shared fascinating stories of Gwithian’s past. Walkers learned about Bronze and Iron Age settlements, the area’s long-standing mining heritage — including tin, copper, lead and arsenic — and more recent sand extraction activities.

Jean was joined by local naturalists and members of Butterfly Conservation, who described the unique biodiversity of the rare sand dune habitat, highlighting its importance for species such as the endangered Silver-studded Blue butterfly.

Shock at Blocked Path

A key part of the planned walk – a historic footpath linking Gwithian Village to the Jam Pot and Sheep’s Pool – was found to be blocked by fencing. This path has been used by generations of coastguards, postmen, lifeguards, fishermen, holidaymakers, and locals from Camborne who traditionally travelled by bus and walked this direct route to the beach.

Walkers expressed disbelief and anger that access had been cut off. Many recalled using the path for decades and were especially upset that the route also included a listed well and pump — once the only fresh water source for the nearby chalet community.

There is now growing support among locals to formally register the blocked section as a public right of way. Anyone who has used the path for more than twenty years is encouraged to email gwithianlandscape2025@gmail.com to request a registration pack.

📷Tailings from tin mines in 1978

Environmental Concerns Mount

Walkers also raised serious concerns about the condition of the surrounding landscape. According to those on the walk, both current and former landowners have failed in their duty to care for the protected Priority Sand Dune Habitat under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Local naturalists say unauthorised engineering works have damaged the area, and poor land management has allowed invasive species to overwhelm native dune plants. Dumping and mechanical disturbance have also caused the loss of valuable flora, threatening wildlife that depends on the habitat.

From Industrial Use to Nature Reserve

The walk ended at the Jam Pot, formerly a coastguard lookout, before looping back through land once used for sand extraction. Over 25 years ago, a landmark agreement saw Hanson Plc relinquish their extraction rights, leading to the creation of the St Gothian Sands nature reserve.

Gwithian local Tyson Jackson shared how the man-made lagoon and scrapes have since become vital habitats. “These wetlands are now home to many resident and migrating birds that were formally absent from this area,’’ he said.

In April 2023, ornithologist Martin Rule recorded over 74 species of birds in the area.

📷Listed ancient Well/Pump. Originally the only source of fresh water to the Gwithian Towans Chalet community. Unauthorized engineering works around this historic and listed Well.

Calls for Legal Protection

Dr Colin French, a leading national botanist, has identified the walked area as one of the most biodiverse in Cornwall. Yet despite repeated appeals, Natural England has refused to grant the site Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status — something supporters say is vital to protect the dunes from encroaching development.

How You Can Help

Anyone who has walked the blocked path regularly over the last two decades can help by requesting a registration pack from gwithianlandscape2025@gmail.com.

The fight to protect Gwithian’s footpaths and unique dune habitat continues — and the local community is determined not to let it slip away.

📷Group learning about history of St Gothian Sands Local Nature Reserve

📷Silver-studded Blue butterfly