THE owners of the iconic Roche Rock in the Clay Country have confirmed to the Voice that access to its peak will remain closed indefinitely.

The granite outcrop at Roche, topped by a ruined chapel, has been a draw for locals and visitors for many centuries.

But now Lord Falmouth’s Tregothnan Estate, which owns the land, has closed off access to the chapel.

For years, the chapel has been reached by an old metal ladder up a steep rockface. It is believed that there were once steps cut into the rock but these have long since disappeared.

Those who used the ladder had to be very careful because there was a scary drop on one side.

The climb up to the chapel and then out onto the top of the 20-metre (66ft) high outcrop was rewarded with magnificent views across the surrounding countryside and the nearby village.

Roche Rock, whose Cornish name is An Garrek, has long been regarded as a special place in Cornwall. For instance, in 1933, the annual meeting of the Cornish Gorsedd was held in the shadow of the outcrop.

The rock is linked with legend and folklore and has also been used as a film location.

The chapel is dedicated to St Michael and is thought to date from the early 15th century and to have been a pilgrimage site in the past.

Now the bottom section of the access ladder to the chapel has been fitted with a large metal plate and a substantial padlocked chain. A warning sign says: “DANGER DO NOT CLIMB”.

A spokesperson for the Tregothnan Estate told the Voice: “Roche Rock is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a County Wildlife Site and access is damaging the area.

“Following an incident where a member of the public suffered an injury and had to be airlifted off the rock, the estate were advised to close the ladder.”

When asked if the closure was permanent, the spokesperson said: “For the moment it will remain closed, but the estate will continue to take advice and act as appropriate.”