A well-used access route into Penrith’s Beacon forest is to be closed off after being vandalised by bikers.
Stones were dragged from a wall close to the Roundthorn Hotel, to widen a gap for motorbike access, and landowners Lowther Estates say that fires had also been lit in the forest, with the potential to cause untold destruction.
A notice was erected at the access point this week by Lowther Estate, saying it regrets that the wall gap previously used without authorisation to access the Beacon will now be repaired and closed.
“This action has been taken to protect the Beacon from damage caused by repeated and deliberate misuse, which has increased significantly in 2025.
“The damage undertaken to widen the gap and allow access for motorised and mountain bikes, particularly over the past few weeks, has left us with no alternative, but to take this step,” the notice says.
Damage was also said to have been caused by increased instances of unauthorised barbecues and camp fires, some of which have led to wildfires, creating a significant strain on local fire and police services.
In response to the notice, a spokeswoman for the Friends of Penrith Beacon said: “We have always felt grateful to Lowther Estates that we have been able to access this wild and beautiful forest and we appreciate the rich variety of species to be found there.
“We are, therefore, deeply saddened to learn that a few individuals have abused this privilege and caused damage to the forest. So we have asked our supporters to spread the word that the Beacon is a precious area to be protected and respected.
“We understand why Lowther Estates has felt it necessary to post this notice, but hope a resolution can be found so the vast majority of responsible users can continue to enjoy the forest now and in the future.”
Patricia Bell, a Westmorland and Furness councillor for Penrith, said: “It is shocking that people have damaged the forest in that way, and totally unacceptable.
“To light a fire in a forest, especially after all the dry weather we have had, is unbelievable. I am sure people are just not stopping to think about what might happen.”
Forestry and conservation manager Kelvin Archer told the Herald that Lowther received a report from a member of the public who had watched as the gap in the wall was widened to make it easier for mountain and motorised bikes to get access.
“There are two main issues with this change to the access,” said Kelvin.
“Beacon Forest contains fine examples of woodland and priority heathland habitat and we are very keen to preserve this. Because of the bikes and the number which are now going over this land, damage has been caused to these special and rare habitats.
“Not only that, but there has been a large number of unauthorised barbecues and camp fires — some of which have led to wildfires. Obviously wildfires are a danger not only to the woodland but also to the public at large.
“Moreover, we now find the Beacon littered with mountain bike jumps. Members of the public who are not on bikes are at risk of injury by those who are going over obstacles at speed. The issue is the enlargement of the gap in the wall on the Roundthorn Hotel side. We simply wish to protect the woodland and to make sure that nobody comes to any harm.
“There is still a permissive footpath from Beacon Edge and there are no plans to stop access to the Beacon monument.
“We are very much hoping that the public will work with us to protect this wonderful place,” he added.
The Herald understands that work to close the gap in the wall could start as early as next week.
