Grizedale’s forests will again reverberate to the sound of high powered engines next month.
All footpaths, bridleways and unsurfaced roads between Coniston Water and the Satterthwaite to Hawkshead road will be closed as contestants in the Malcolm Wilson Rally blast through the area.

The rally, on 3 March, will take place through Grizedale, Whinlatter and Wythrop Forests. Paths in the Tarn Hows and Hawkshead Hill area will be open, north of the B5285, as will those to the east of the Satterthwaite to Hawkshead road.

Lake District National Park Authority rights-of-way advisor Charlotte Emmens said: “We are sorry if anyone is put out by the closures, but safety has to come first.

“There are many other good paths and tracks in the area. Our information centre staff, rangers and volunteers, along with the Grizedale Visitor Centre, open as normal, will be happy to advise.”

The authority says closed paths and tracks will be clearly marked at each end and will open as soon as possible.

Any groughers in the area who want to watch the rallyers zoom past can use spectator car parks. Details of the rally are on its website.

• And on the subject of things speeding round the Lake District, a blind water skier is forcing the park authority to look again at its 10mph speed limit imposed on Windermere in March 2005.

Gerald Price and the Keep Windermere Alive Association are mounting a challenge under the Human Rights Act. Members of the authority will be asked their views on discussing what’s being called a ‘managed solution’, which grough would translate as ‘cave in’ at their next meeting.

The LDNPA chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby said he was awaiting further legal advice on the issue. He said: “A further statement will be issued in due course.

“In the meantime, both parties have agreed not to comment further.”