Walkers wanting to use right-to-roam areas in the National Parks need to check before setting forth this weekend.

Large area of Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) access land in the Peak district remain out-of-bounds because of the high fire risk. All public rights of way – footpaths and bridleways – remain open.

National Park ranger Sean Prendergast explained the access areas would remain closed until there was a forecast of five days clear of the ‘exceptional’ fire-risk category. The risk is expected to rise again on Monday.

Sean explained: “I’ve just come back from a fire site [on Bleaklow] that’s a good hour’s walking from the footpaths.

“We need to keep people away from the remotest areas.

“But the Peak District is not closed. People can still use the rights of way. The areas will be re-opened when we can. We’re not in the business of closing things for closing’s sake.”

Climbing is still allowed on Stanage Edge and Burbage Edge.

Rangers have also cancelled their guided walks in the area. Helicopters have been helping douse peat moorland which is alight in the area. Further fires have occurred on Rainow and Black Hill. Park authorities ask walkers who plan to join guided walks next weekend to ring the rangers on 01629 816290.

A spokesman for the North York Moors authority, where CRoW access areas are also closed, said: “We have had no rain at all, so it is still high risk. The situation will be assessed on Monday.”

In the Yorkshire Dales National Park, most areas have re-opened, except for parts of Wharfedale, including Barden Moor, Barden Fell, Malham Moor and the Arncliffe area. National Park officers hope to open these up again next Tuesday.

Check out our links page for website addresses of the National Park authorities.