Motorised vehicle ban for Lake District's Walna Scar
A permanent ban on motorised vehicles along one of the Lake District's most popular routes has been confirmed by the government.
Walna Scar Road, from Coniston to Seathwaite, will now only be used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and pony and trap drivers.
The decision, by a government-appointed inspector, brings to an end a lengthy row over access to the route.
The Lake District National Park Authority has welcomed the decision.
The authority originally banned motor vehicles from the 3.3 mile (6km) pass in 2006, but after objections an inquiry ruled it should be open to all.
The authority appealed against the decision, leaving a government-appointed inspector to decide on the issue.
Countryside Access Adviser Nick Thorne, said the complexities of the legislation and the high amount of documents and arguments put by all the parties involved had made this one of the most difficult investigations into rights of way status that the national park had ever undertaken.
He said more than 600 pages of evidence were examined, including guide books and maps from the 18th and 19th centuries.
He added: "Although complex, it was fascinating to be able to draw up a history of the route in this way.
"The Secretary of State has finally concluded that the correct legal status of the route is a restricted byway - which, unless legislation changes, will remain its status into the future.
"Consequently the route will be open to all traffic, except motorised vehicles."