Cars abandoned in south Cumbria for a week due to heavy snow

On December 2, a multi-agency response was launched to support those impacted by the unprecedented snowfall, making roads impassable and resulting in people having to abandon their vehicles.

At Grizedale Forest, approximately 500 vehicles had to be abandoned, and people were stranded as they attended a rally car event, which had to be cancelled at short notice.

The multi-agency operation, assisted by mountain rescue teams, was conducted to escort those stranded to a place of safety. 

Although most cars have been collected, clearing cars off the roads has taken all week due to heavy snow.

Car trapped by the snow in Grizedale Forest. (Image: Coniston Mountain Rescue Team)

Graham Parker, Manager of Grizedale Stages Rally, said at least 12 vehicles had been left in the forest.

"Some of them have gone now, and the rest will be collected by their owners tomorrow (Saturday 9)," he said.

Forestry England, the government agency that manages England's forests and woodlands, is currently arranging access for collecting vehicles stuck in the forest after the rally. 

Mr Parker said that cancelling the event was a straightforward decision. 

"We have had snow in the event, but we have never had snow so bad that it stopped it.

"The rally cars will make it through the snow, but that was not the problem; it was the fact that we had marshals and spectators in the forest and had there been an accident with the rescue, the recovery crews wouldn't be able to get there. If you can't guarantee access for rescue and recoveries on grounds of safety, we shouldn't be running it."

Jonny Winter of Forestry England said: "Whilst it was a difficult and unforeseen situation for all involved, it was great to see the community coming together and helping each other, with local village buildings opened up for those stranded by the weather.

"We’re grateful to everyone, including the Mountain Rescue and police, for all their support."

Cars left in Tarn Hows blocking the road. (Image: National Trust Beatrix Potter's Hill Top)On Thursday, December 7, cars stranded at Tarn Hows near Coniston made National Trust Rangers unable to get it through the road.

The road was impassible, and they worked with the relevant agencies to get them removed.

David Poniznik, Welcome Manager at the Tarn Hows site, said that the two vehicles had been removed within 24 hours and that the road was passable.

"The road was icy, but having the two vehicles blocking the road didn't help," he said.

Hardknott Pass and Corney Fell Road are still closed both ways due to snow.

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place for South Cumbria today, December 9.

Winds are expected to reach between 60-70 mph along Irish Sea coasts with gusts of 45 to 55mph likely region-wide.

The warning is in place from 9am until 11.45pm the same night. 

Winds will increase in the west during the morning and then will move across other areas throughout the afternoon.