Temporary Closures of rights of way are usually to allow works to take place, for example, helicopter stonelifts for Fix the Fells work or replacement of large bridges. They may also be made for reasons of public safety, for example motor rallies, forestry, utility works or building works that affect public paths. Orders are planned in advance, and can last up to six months. Notices are for very short term issues and come into effect immediately.
A longer term Traffic Regulation Order is a legal order regulating traffic on public highways. This includes footpaths, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and carriageways with a predominantly unsealed surface. They can be made for reasons such as:
They can restrict:
If you have any queries, please contact Nick Thorne, Senior Rights of Way Officer; nick.thorne@lakedistrict.gov.uk or
Decisions to make traffic regulation orders are taken under delegated powers. Under the Openness of Government Regulations 2014 we publish all these decisions which can be seen on the Openness Of Government page.
There are a couple of regular motor rally events which necessitate the temporary closure of Rights of Way in forestry areas to ensure public safety each year; the Malcolm Wilson Rally (usually held on a weekend in early March) and the Grizedale Stages Rally (usually held on a weekend in early December).
There are two sets of information below:
Before we make an Order we have to tell people what we intend to do and why. These Notices of Intention are published in the local press and on this website at least 7 days before the Order is made.
Date of change: 27 November 2023
We intend to make an Order to temporarily close part of this bridleway whilst Forestry England carry out forestry harvesting operations at Whinlatter Forest. In order for this work to be carried out safely a temporary closure of part of bridleway 201006 will be in place between the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre entrance (Point A) and Sunny Brow (Point B), as shown in red on the order plan. The order will be in force for up to 6 months, or until works are complete, if earlier. The works will begin from 2 January 2024 and it's anticipated that they will take around 12 weeks, dependent on the weather. An alternative route (shown in green on the plan) will be available using the road and a forest track to reach the section of the bridleway which remains open. There will also be closures in place on some of the Forestry England created and maintained trails at Whinlatter, for further details of these please visit: www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter.
Notice, Plan and Site Notice
Date of change: 16 November 2023
We have made an Order to temporarily close rights of way to all traffic within the forests because of danger to the public from fast moving vehicles during motor rally events.
The forest paths and roads will be closed to all public access during the Grizedale Stages and Malcolm Wilson Rallies. The paths affected are:
Friday 1 December 2023 - Grizedale East
Saturday 2 December 2023 - Grizedale West and Broughton Moor
Friday 8 March 2024 - Whinlatter and Wythop Woods (Wythop only from 12:00)
Saturday 9 March 2024 - Grizedale West, Wythop Woods
Although the Order duration is for 6 months, it will only be in effect on the four days stated above. At other times the paths will be available as usual.
Site Notices, Order, Notice and Plans
Expires: 11 March 2024
Date of change: 7 August 2023
We have made an Order to temporarily close Cockmoss Bridge on Public Footpath 514021 - the abutment and parapet have been damaged and there is a danger that the bridge will collapse. The structure will need to be lifted out for repairs to be made and the bridge will be closed until works are complete. No alternative public right of way between Whitebeck and Moss Side exists other than the public roads (A5074/C5047).
Expires: 8 February 2024
Date of change: 20 June 2023
Westmorland and Furness Council have made a Temporary Closure Order prohibiting all traffic over a 50 metre section of bridleways 342017 and 3054007 where a bridge crosses the River Lowther. The purpose of this Order will be to allow the re-decking of the Westmorland and Furness Council maintained bridge. There is no suitable alternative route. This Order is for a period of 6 months (expiring 20 December 2023) but it is anticipated that it will only be required for up to 3 months and will only be in force when appropriate signs are displayed whilst works are underway. At other times the bridge will remain open to all bridleway traffic.
Expires: 20 December 2023
Date of change: 29 August 2023
The Department for Transport has extended the Order temporarily closing the bridleway between the A6 at Huck's Bridge (Low Borrowbridge) and Breat High Road, which has been affected by landslips, which are still deteriorating. The route is no longer safe for users on the original line of the bridleway. An alternative route exists adjacent to the closed path for walkers, but for cyclists and horse-riders the only alternative is Breast High Road (ford) and the A6 – which is sometimes impassable at the ford/stepping stones.
Expires: 3 September 2024
Date of change: 5 December 2023
The Department for Transport has extended the Order temporarily closing the footpath that passes alongside the Watermill Inn car park is narrow, and the riverbank revetment is collapsing - and this poses a high risk to people using the footpath. We have closed this section of footpath, and there is no suitable alternative route other than the local road and footway network. Repair works are due to be carried out – and the path will be re-opened when completed.
Expires: 31 October 2024
Following damage during Storm Arwen and subsequent rockfalls, the footpath to the waterfall in Stanley Ghyll remains closed because it has been damaged, made unstable, and unsafe - creating a danger to the public. The section closed is between the bridge at SD 1742 9958 and the lower falls at SD 1743 9953. There is no access to the lower falls, but the upper falls are now visible from the new viewing platform.
We are currently investigating what we can do to rebuild / restore this path, and also making the rockface above it stable to minimise danger to the public. We don’t yet know what we can do, and so this may take some time.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REACH THE BASE OF THE FALLS
All other rights of way in Stanley Ghyll are open, as is the viewing platform at the top of the site.
Notice, Extension Letter and Order- Stanley Ghyll Lower Falls, FP 408037- temporary closure
Expires: 1 December 2024
Date of change: 5 December 2023
Part of footpath 201023, along the bank of Newlands Beck south of Little Braithwaite (shown A-B in red on the attached plan) is closed to the public because the river washed away the bank and footpath during Storm Ciara (February 2020) with further subsequent damage. The extent of the damage has grown significantly since then.
The Order came into effect on 18 February 2020 and was extended until 31 December 2023 - the Secretary of State has now further extended this - until 31 December 2025. We intend to make a diversion order to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, please use alternative routes following public roads to the east or west and other footpaths, which can be seen on the map.
Case Officer: If you have any queries, please contact Nick Thorne, Senior Rights of Way Officer on 01539 792621 or nick.thorne@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Notice, Order and Extension Approval Letter- Newlands Beck, part of Footpath 201023
Expires: 31 December 2025
We need at least 10 weeks notice to process a Temporary Closure Order. Notices for 5 or 21 days can be processed immediately as we do not have to advertise them in the press. Costs of orders and notices are usually met by the applicant.
Please contact either your local Ranger of a member of the Ranger Service on
