Elleray Wood, gateway to Windermere's famous viewpoint at Orrest Head, has been re-opened to walkers and mobility- scooter users after a six-week closure.

The footpath had been closed following damage caused by caused by Storm Arwen in November, all of the public footpaths were blocked by fallen trees, though these were cleared in the first few weeks.

However, numerous hanging trees and broken branches remained, posing a ‘significant danger’ to visitors.

Councillor Adrian Legge, Mayor of Windermere and Bowness, said the town council and the Lake District National Park hada duty of care and so had ‘no choice’ but to temporarily close the footpaths.

Cllr Legge said that local tree surgeon Will Hicks had done a ‘superb job’, working during the Christmas and New Year breaks and by Monday had removed the last of the dangers which threatened the footpaths.

Cllr Legge cautioned that visitors must remain on the footpaths as it will take ‘many’ more months before hanging trees can be removed from all parts of the wood.

Restoration of the 19th Century carriage drive to Orrest Head was completed last summer, for the first time allowing people with prams and those reliant on wheelchairs and electric scooters to reach the viewpoint.