Parking restrictions to be introduced near Linhope Spout waterfall in Northumberland
Parking restrictions are to be introduced near a Northumberland beauty spot.
Safety concerns had been raised about vehicles travelling beyond the highway at Hartside on the approach to Linhope Spout waterfall.
A prohibition of motor vehicles restriction is to be introduced, while a planning application is being considered to improve the road layout and turning area and potentially ‘stop-up’ a section of highway.
A report to county councillors states: “Hartside is located between Ingram and Linhope and the U1086 road which flows through the area is the access road to Linhope Spout, one of Northumberland’s most popular tourist spots.
"The route is therefore congested with vehicular traffic during the peak summer months and Hartside is the last point of public highway where visitors have the opportunity to park and walk towards Linhope Spout.”
The report continues: “Concerns have been raised by Northumberland National Park Authority regarding vehicles travelling beyond the highway in an effort to drive directly to Linhope Spout via private land which is not set up to accommodate such levels of vehicular traffic.
"Observations show that visitors utilise the private area owned by Northumberland Estates to either park or manoeuvre back around to leave the vicinity and in turn create road safety issues.”
While there is already signage in place to inform drivers not to proceed beyond Hartside, there are no permanent features prohibiting access.
"Consideration is being given to improve the turning area at this location and install physical features to obstruct access should an area of the road be removed from the public highway,” adds the report.
Vehicles which require access to private properties beyond the highway would be exempt from the formal prohibition of motor vehicles restriction.
The scheme is supported by Northumberland National Park Authority and Northumberland Estates. It is to be funded through the 2025/2026 Local Transport Plan programme.
Linhope Spout is a dramatic 60-foot (18m) chute of water that plunges into a deep pool, 6ft (2m) wide and 16ft (5m) deep. To get there, take the turn off the A697 signed ‘Ingram’ just north of Powburn. Continue on this road through Ingram for some five miles and park on the grass verge on the left.