HORSE riders and carriage drivers will be allowed to use Gatescarth Pass under a permit system as part of a bid to save the track from erosion and other damage

The measures will apply for the next six months and will help the Lake District National Park Authority plan for the future management of the route at the southern end of Haweswater.

Following a public inquiry last year, four-wheel drive vehicles and motorbikes are not allowed to use the pass while assessments of its condition following major repairs and research relating to users' perceptions and affects on vegetation are carried out.

Initially, horse riders were also prevented from using the route, but will now be able to apply for a monthly permit and will be given the combination number for opening the locks on gates at either end of the track.

Horse riders with permits will be asked to keep a log sheet of their use of Gatescarth Pass which will provide valuable data on the demand for equestrian use of the track.

To obtain permits, horse riders and people with horse-drawn carriages should contact the national park authority on 01539-724555.