Walna Scar
Status: Bridleway
Walna Scar was closed to mechanically propelled vehicular traffic from 2 May 2006 because of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Local vehicular users claimed Walna Scar to be a BOAT using the exemption clause contained in the NERC Act 2006.
After the receipt of the BOAT modification order application, we assessed all the evidence we had and concluded that the route should be a restricted byway (for all traffic except motorised vehicles). We made an order for this in 2007.
After objections were made and further evidence received, an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State decided that the route was a Byway Open to All Traffic – including motor vehicles.
On 15 June 2010 the route again became available for all traffic.
Following an appeal to the High Court, the inspector’s decision has been quashed, and the whole process must start again.
This means that as from 20 August 2010, the Walna Scar Road between the fell wall above Coniston to the tarmac road near Seathwaite once again has the legal status of public bridleway. Therefore, any usage by motorbikes or 4x4 vehicles will again be a criminal offence until the status is finally resolved. Users are asked to respect this.
We will now begin the process again, and we expect to take a report to our rights of way committee in January 2011.
Further information
Please contact Tony Hill, Area Ranger on 015394 40263 or TonyHill@lake-district.gov.uk
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