Grizedale Stages Rally

A renowned Lake District rally comes of age next month when 100 cars and 5,000 spectators are expected at an epic forest spectacular.

Grizedale Stages Rally – to be held on 5 December – first hit the woodland tracks in 1988 and attracts top competitors, including world championship contenders and British title holders.

Rights of way will be closed as drivers battle it out through Grizedale Forest and Broughton Moor.

All footpaths, bridleways and trails between Coniston Water and the Hawkshead-Satterthwaite Road, and two others at Broughton Moor, 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 route.

Signs will outline path closures and the Lake District National Park’s access advisor, Claire Redhouse, apologised for any inconvenience.

She said: ‘We really have no option but to put public safety first. It would present a serious risk if people were to carry on using the rights of way during the rally.’

World championship competitors Guy Wilks and Matthew Wilson, along with ex-British rally championship winners Paul Bird and Steve Petch, have all taken part in the classic event.

Recreation ranger for the Forestry Commission, Katie Jarvis, said: “The rally is a great event to watch, but for those who would rather walk or mountain bike there are alternate routes east of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road.

‘Although the North Face trail is closed for the day, a mapped alternative taking in Claife is available from our visitor centre and bike shop. On Sunday, it will be business as usual.’

Closed paths and tracks will be marked with notices. They will re-open as soon as possible after the event.

Spectator car parks will be signposted from Hawkshead. Visitors should avoid using roads in the Nibthwaite area on the day.

More details on the rally route and car parks can be found on www.grizedalestages.co.uk.

Tags: Coniston Water, Forestry Commission, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale Stages Rally, Hawkshead, Lake District Attractions