Rallying in Grizedale Forest. Photo: Steven Brown CC-BY-SA-2.0

National park bosses are warning walkers and mountain bikers that all rights of way will be closed later this month in a popular Lakeland forest.

Footpaths and bridleways in the Grizedale Forest will be barred to the public to allow 100 cars to thunder through the area as part of the Grizedale Stages Rally.

The event is being extended this year with an evening stage on Saturday 26 November, with the rallying continuing on Sunday 27 November.

Up to 5,000 spectators are also expected to view the stages, which attract top-class world championship contenders and British title holders.

The Lake District National Park Authority said all footpaths, bridleways and trails between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead-Satterthwaite Road and two others at Broughton Moor will be out of bounds during the event. The Forestry Commission will also be closing most permitted paths, cycle routes and open access land around the route.

The closures will take effect from 4pm on the Saturday with signs detailing path closures.

The Lake District national park’s countryside access adviser Nick Thorne apologised for any inconvenience.

He said: “We really have no option but to put public safety first. It would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way during the rally.”

Recreation ranger for the Forestry Commission, Katie Jarvis, said: “The rally is a great event to watch, but for those who would rather walk or mountain bike there are alternate routes east of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road.

“Although the North Face Trail is closed for the day, a mapped alternative taking in Claife is available from our visitor centre and bike shop.”

Closed paths and tracks will be marked with notices. They will re-open as soon as possible after the event, the authority said.

Visitors are also advised to avoid using roads in the Nibthwaite area on the day. Spectator car parks will be signposted from Hawkshead.