Today all of the fences, barriers and closure signs along the Thirlmere West Road have been removed and replaced by two low level barriers (see photo).  These are designed to allow horses and their riders to pass by, which they can now do legally. All other people and modes of transport are still forbidden to pass these barriers and threatened with prosecution if they do so. 

This ridiculous situation is a result of a quirk in the legislation being used to close this road, as that does not allow restrictions to be placed on horses. 

However the good news is that the footpath has now been reopened so walkers can complete a circuit of Thirlmere for the first time in over 2 years ! And United Utilities are working towards completing the clean up exercise of Rough Crag before the bird nesting season begins. Once this work is completed it should be possible to reopen the road to all users.