The National Trust has sparked uproar from the mountain biking community after banning them from using a scenic footpath at Borrowdale.
The narrow track, over Walla Crag between Castlehead and Ashness Bridge, is popular with walkers due to its spectacular views over Derwentwater.
Historically, it has also used by mountain bikers for competitions and as a means of avoiding the busy B5289 which runs alongside the lake.
However, following complaints by walkers, the landowners the National Trust has now put up no cycling signs at either end of the route – much to the disgust of mountain bikers, who have vowed to formally contest the decision.
Richard Gale, who organises rough-terrain cycling excursions from his base in Keswick, is now lobbying the Lake District National Park Authority to upgrade the track to a bridleway – thereby making it accessible to bikes.
It requires people to make submissions to the LDNPA via https://tinyurl.com/2p97hb2d
