Network Rail Condemns Surfers Spotted Walking Along Cornish Railway Line

Rail officials have condemned a dangerous trespass incident in Cornwall after surfers were spotted walking directly along a live railway route while carrying surfboards.

Network Rail said two people, both wearing wetsuits and holding surfboards, were seen casually walking down the middle of the railway line at St Ives. The incident took place while engineering work was under way, with crews in the area laying new track.

Images shared by Network Rail show the pair on an otherwise empty stretch of railway, despite the activity taking place on an operational part of the network. The organisation said the individuals appeared to be searching for a route down to the sea so they could go surfing.

Network Rail described the behaviour as illegal and said it posed a serious risk, particularly given that workers were present nearby. Officials stressed that entering railway land without permission can have fatal consequences, regardless of whether trains are visible at the time.

In a public warning issued on social media, Network Rail urged people to stay away from railway lines and highlighted the danger posed by such actions. Whilst the railway line was closed at the time to facilitate the renewal works, engineering trains can be traversing the line.

Posting to X, Network Rail said:

"No wave is worth risking your life on the railway. These surfers illegally went on the tracks looking for the sea near St Ives in Cornwall while our teams were working to lay new track. Stay off the tracks."

Image: Network Rail