THE blanket closure of footpaths in the Yorkshire Dales has been lifted, although land where cases of foot-and-mouth disease were confirmed will remain off-limits until further notice.

Yesterday's announcement follows an earlier decision to lift blanket closures affecting Wensleydale, Bishopdale and parts of Cumbria, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

However, head of park management, Jon Avison, said: "While there are increasing opportunities for people to walk, cycle or ride in the national park, it is advisable to contact one of our National Park centres which have the latest information on which routes have been opened and which ones remain closed.''

Routes to Gordale Scar, the foot of Malham Cove, Pen-y-Ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale, are among those which should reopen this weekend.