Several rights of way in the Lake District National Park are being closed next month when a major rally takes place in and around Grizedale Forest.
More than 100 cars will compete in the Malcolm Wilson Rally 2005 on Saturday 5 March, using forest roads on the western side of the Grizedale Forest complex, and on Forestry Commission land at Whinlatter and Wythop.

As a result, all forest footpaths, bridleways and unsurfaced roads between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead-Satterthwaite Road and a few others in the northern forests will be closed during the event. The Forestry Commission will also be closing most permitted paths in the affected forests.
"We are sorry if anyone is inconvenienced by this, but we really have no option but to put public safety first," said Lake District National Park Authority Senior Rights of Way Adviser Nick Thorne.
"We feel it would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way when the rally is in progress. There are many of other attractive paths and tracks in the area and National Park Authority information centre staff, rangers and voluntary wardens and the Grizedale Visitor Centre will be able to help people avoid the rally and still enjoy their day out," Nick added.
There are plenty of other paths between Coniston and Hawkshead via Tarn Hows and Hawkshead Hill to the north of the B5285. And all routes on the eastern side of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road will remain open. Alternatives will also be available for some other closed paths. The Grizedale visitor centre will remain open as normal.
The closed paths and tracks will be clearly marked with notices at the end of each closed section. They will re-open as soon as possible after the event.
For those wanting to watch the rally, spectator car parks will be clearly signposted from the Hawkshead direction. If possible, visitors should avoid using roads in the Nibthwaite area on this day.
More details on the rally route and the event in general can be found on www.malcolmwilson.co.uk