Walkers, cyclists and horse riders are being given advance warning of disruption to woodland routes during an annual Lake District forest motor challenge next month.

The 39th Malcolm Wilson Rally, which takes place Saturday March 8, brings around 130 cars and up to 6000 spectators to forestry tracks in Grizedale Forest, Wythop and Whinlatter.

All footpaths, bridleways and trails between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead-Satterthwaite road, and others at Wythop and Whinlatter, 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 rally routes.

Closures are necessary to avoid potential danger, according to Lake District National Park’s countryside access assistant Julia Knott, who apologised for any inconvenience.

She added: 'We have to put public safety first and it would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way while the rally is in progress.'

'Signs will be in place and maps of affected routes displayed on access points. Routes on the east side of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road will remain open as usual.'

All the rights of way will be re-opened as soon as possible after the rally has passed through, says the National Park.

Details of the closurses are available at the Lake District National Park website.