Two cars used Ullswater shore as a racetrack – just yards from people swimming and on the lakeside.
People trying to enjoy the tranquillity of the Lake District at Glencoyne Bay on Wednesday said they were left horrified by the cars.
The National Trust told the BBC that stone barriers had been moved to allow the cars to get to the lake’s edge.
The woman who filmed the vehicles said: “I sound like I’m laughing in the video but it was more in disbelief not that I found it funny. I’m local to the area and go paddleboarding there regularly.”
A spokesman said: “We’re aware of reports of car users driving on Glencoyne Bay this week. Moving stone barriers or driving over them poses an environmental risk to the protected Ullswater Lake through potential oil or fuel spills and puts other beach users in danger.
“Our ranger team have since been on site to ensure that the stone barriers are in place and there are no access points for cars.
“While we want people to enjoy the Lake District, we’d urge all visitors to make use of car parks and be aware of access needs of emergency services, farmers and local residents. We will continue to work with the police and Cumbria County Council to enforce parking restrictions
