Holywell Cave, much loved by locals and visitors for its vibrant colours and selective access, may not be seen again by a living soul.
That is the fear voiced by Cubert's parish council clerk, who has visited the site of an immense rockfall on Holywell Beach earlier today [August 30].
David Hawken, who works as Cubert Parish Council's clerk, has urged visitors to take extreme care if they are visiting the area following last night's cliff collapse, saying that other cliff areas may also be at risk of similar falls.
He described the scene he witnessed as a "major cliff fall", adding that there were bits that were "still unstable" in the immediate vicinity.
He explained: "It's not the only cliff fall along that stretch of beach. We've had such a dry period followed by rain, which may have had an effect."
David said he visited the scene on Sunday morning where he saw a number of people examining the rockfall.
He explained: "The low tide was around 2pm and you could see how much has fallen.
"I'd say there were hundreds of tonnes now covering the cave. Sadly, I won't see it again in my lifetime.
"If the cave itself hasn't collapsed then nature will eventually take care of it, but it could be some time."
David urged visitors and sightseers to be careful as a consequence of the cliff fall.
He explained: "I would certainly want to urge people to stay away from the cliffs in general. As I said there's other places along the beach where the cliffs have been falling recently.
"Along the southside there's been several rock falls over the years but this is one of the first on the northside."
Local man Kev Richens, who said he regularly visits the area, was among the first to take pictures of the dramatic scene.
He told Cornwall Live: "It happened overnight. As it was there at around 9pm last night and gone by 10am this morning when I went to see if the rumours were true.
"Someone was looking out for me and my lad I tell you.
"I took the picture this morning around 10, it was there last night as I went in the cave as I always do every year.
"And I was on top of the exact spot that collapsed on Tuesday when I walked to Newquay with my son. I spoke with the lifeguards to tell them of people climbing on the rocks and what's left of the cliff and they said they'll go down and cone it off and maybe speak with the coast guard."
Newquay Coastguard repeated the warnings in a post on their Facebook page. They explained: "Sadly overnight a substantial rock fall has sealed off the cave to Holy Well on Holywell Beach.
"This area is still unstable and we advise that you to stay clear of this rockfall.
"Heavy rain after a prolonged dry spell may lead to further incidents along the coast path. Keep clear of the edge whilst walking along the top of cliffs and stay clear of the bottom."
Cliff Fall Seals Famous Cornish Cave