SEVERAL rights of way in the Lake District National Park are being closed next month when a major rally takes place in and around Grizedale Forest.

More than 100 cars will compete in the Malcolm Wilson Rally 2005 on Saturday, March 5, using forest roads on the western side of the forest complex and on Forestry Commission land at Whinlatter and Wythop.

As a result, all forest footpath bridleways and unsurfaced roads between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road, and a few others in the northern forests, will be closed during the event. The Forestry Commission will also be closing most permitted paths in the affected forests.

"We are sorry if anyone is inconvenienced by this, but we really have no option but to put public safety first," said LDNPA senior rights of way adviser Nick Thorne.

"We feel it would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way when the rally is in progress. There are many other attractive paths and tracks in the area and national park authority information centre staff, rangers and voluntary wardens and the Grizedale Visitor Centre will be able to help people avoid the rally and still enjoy their day out," he added.

There are still plenty of other paths between Coniston and Hawkshead, via Tarn Hows and Hawkshead Hill to the north of the B5285. All routes on the eastern side of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road will remain open. Alternatives will also be available for some other closed paths. The Grizedale visitor centre will remain open as normal.

More details on the rally route, and the event in general, can be found on www.malcolmwilson.co.uk or www.grizedalestages.co.uk.