A FAMOUS route to the summit of the Lake District's highest mountain has become dangerous to walkers following a recent rock fall.

Lord's Rake is a narrow ravine between Scafell and Scafell Pike, England's highest peak at 978metres, around 3,200 feet.

Legendary fell-walker Alfred Wainright described it as "a classic route, uncomfortable underfoot, but magnificent all around" and said: "The Rake is unique, and one's fell walking education is not complete until its peculiar delight and horrors have been experienced."

But now the route has become more challenging than ever as natural processes continue to change the face of the mountain.

Julian Carradice, team leader of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, explained that a pinnacle of rock fell into the first section of the straight and narrow Lord's Rake path last year, forcing walkers and climbers over or under the obstacle. Now a rock wall close to the fallen pinnacle has collapsed undermining its support and making the situation even more unstable.

Mr Carradice advised people to be aware of the increased danger. "It is not an area that many of us want to go to at the moment," he said.

The National Trust owns the Scafell range. Its Western Valleys property manager, Richard Palmer, said that, following a survey by a "geo-technical expert" last summer, the trust had decided to let nature take its course in what was already a naturally dangerous rocky area and see what impact this winter's freeze/thaw process would have.

"The information I have is that the natural processes are still at work," he said.

He added that the trust was trying to make people aware of the potential danger so they could make an informed decision for themselves. Pictures of the recent rock falls and the condition of Lord's Rake can be seen at www.wasdale-mountain-rescue.org.uk

January 3, 2003 12:00