Where did all the tourists go?

The countryside is open for business, says the government in an effort to re-ignite tourism in rural areas. But it will take more than that to tempt visitors back to the Lake District.

In the Herculean struggle to keep foot-and-mouth at bay, one area above all others has warranted widespread public concern - the Lake District.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Lake District National Park. Many believe its 880 square miles of dramatic rolling countryside incorporate England's most spectacular scenery and walking country.

Footpaths, bridleways and even some roads are closed

As news of foot-and-mouth spread in early March, the threat of the virus hung like a sword of Damocles over the area. After all, the Lake District accounts for one third of the county of Cumbria, which is the epicentre of the current outbreak.

A couple of weeks ago, the disease finally crossed the park's boundaries. The park now accounts for eight of the more than 400 cases identified in Cumbria.

For hotel manager Jay Anson, confirmation that foot-and-mouth had come to the park was largely academic. The footpaths and bridleways that weave across the district's trademark fells had already been cordoned off.

Walking is what draws holidaymakers to stay at the Seatoller Guest House, which Jay and his wife Morven have run for three years.

Only roads open

But the only trekking to be done at the moment is down tarmac roads, and so bookings at the Ansons' cosy nine-bedroom hotel are running critically low.

We have to heat the house, keep the hot water on. We have to carry food in case guests arrive

Jay Anson

"We had prior bookings of 75%-plus occupancy for the entire month of April. From the cancellations we've already received, we're down to 10%."

These days, Seatoller, a quiet hamlet at the best of times, which sits in the Borrowdale Valley, eight miles from Keswick, is virtually untouched by visitors.

"Easter is probably one of the best times of the year in the valley," says Jay, who had been fully booked for the holiday weekend. All but one of these bookings has been cancelled.

Creeping on all fronts

Foot-and-mouth has not yet encroached on the area around Seatoller, but Jay says it is creeping from three sides.

Some of England's most impressive scenery

Perversely, he admits, were the virus to hit it would almost come as a relief for locals.

"The big problem that we're all suffering from is not knowing what's going to happen next."

At the moment, life is an uncomfortable limbo. The Ansons are staying open, taking in the odd guest who, it usually turns out, is intent on a driving holiday.

But sticking it out is a terrible drain on the finances.

"We have to heat the house, keep the hot water on. We have to carry food in case guests arrive. Unfortunately we have a huge amount of wastage and most of the time we're heating an empty house."

Insurance claim

If infection spread to the area, the Ministry of Agriculture might order the hotel to close. Then, at least, the Ansons could make an insurance claim.

A popular pursuit in "the Lakes"

Until then, the void caused by waiting is filled with talk. And there's only one subject under discussion.

"It's taken over our lives. The conversations we have with friends, colleagues and people in the area always come back to foot-and-mouth.

"Both my wife and I would readily admit that we have good days and bad days.

"There are some mornings where you wake up and you just don't want to think about going downstairs waiting for the telephone to ring to get another cancellation; waiting to hear the mail hit the mat getting another couple of letters saying, 'I'm sorry we can't come'."

For all that, Jay and Morven count themselves lucky. They only run the guest house - it is owned by a small company, the directors of which are frequent visitors.

"We've been told that no matter what happens our jobs are secure. A lot of other people round here wish they could say the same."