Residents and holidaymakers planning to spend the hottest day of the year so far at a pretty beach on North Devon's coastline could be out of luck - with the sandy stretch expected to be out of bounds for the foreseeable future. Broadsands beach, between the villages of Watermouth and Combe Martin, was shut off by local authorities after a landslide appeared to destroy its cliffside walkway. A wooden step structure leading down to the sea was damaged by a landslip of earth and loose rock that rendered it unaccessible, according to local reports, with cracks in the cliff sparking fears that more material could yet become further dislodged.

Watermouth Valley Camping Park, which owns the beach, confirmed that access had been cut off until a council assessment was complete. "You are advised not to attempt to access Broadsands until Devon County Council has completed their assessment and required works," a spokesperson said.

"We will be able to provide no more information until this has been completed, which we are told will be by April 21," they added.

Nick Wassall, who works at the campsite, said: "We are aware of the damage caused by the landslide and have notified the council, who are responsible for the upkeep of the access."

"Obviously, until they have assessed and carried out the work required, we would advise people to stay away from Broadsands," he told North Devon Today.

Barriers have reportedly been installed at the top of the beach path, alongside a notice from Devon County Council warning people not to attempt climbing down to the shoreline.

One resident described the landslide as a "nasty slip". "There's no other way down, you could probably get there from Combe Martin, but just by kayak," they told DevonLive.

The pretty and secluded beach spot has been popular with residents and visitors for years, renowned for its relative isolation - which landed it a place in The Times's ranking of the UK's best secret coastlines.

"This is a beach for the brave-hearted," the newspaper said. "It involves a dramatic descent via steps through heavily wooded cliffs, with occasional railings to cling onto, but the reward is worth it."

Devon County Council has been contacted for comment.