Walkers warned of path closures during Malcolm Wilson Rally (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Walkers warned of path closures during Malcolm Wilson Rally

7:10am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

WALKERS, cyclists and horse riders are being warned of disruption in the Lake District when the Malcolm Wilson Rally gets underway next month.

More than 100 cars and around 5,000 spectators will flock to the rally on Saturday, March 3 and rights of way will be closed as drivers race over woodland tracks and land around Grizedale Forest, Wythop and Whinlatter.

Footpaths, bridleways and trails between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite Road and others at Wythop and Whinlatter will be out of bounds during the event, and the Forestry Commission will also be closing most permitted paths, cycle routes, and open access land around the rally routes.

Clear signs will be in place explaining path closures and the Lake District National Park’s Access and Rights of Way Officer, Nick Thorne apologised for any inconvenience.

“We really have no option but to put public safety first,” he said. “It would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way when the rally is in progress”.

At Whinlatter, the Altura Trail will be closed for the morning, although all of the forest should be open as usual by lunchtime as the rally moves south. Closed paths and tracks will be clearly marked with notices.

* Information: www.malcolmwilson.co.uk and www.forestry.gov.uk