A charity has called for people to object to a proposed zip wire attraction at Thirlmere.

Cumbrian firm Treetop Trek unveiled its vision to create a new attraction, dubbed Thirlmere Activity Hub, in July.

It would feature two zip lines and an 18km-long family-friendly cycle way and would be located within the managed forestry around Thirlmere, with the lines stretching from one side of the lake to the other.

Friends of the Lake District believes the application is at odds with planning policies to protect the landscape and promote tourism.

It also expressed concerned over traffic and visitor management and said the project would impact on the 'beauty and tranquillity' of the Thirlmere Valley and set a precedent for more commercial development in the area.

It plans to formally respond to the application before Christmas.

Laura Fiske, planning officer at Friends of the Lake District, said: "If approved, this application would have significant harmful impacts on the landscape and tranquillity of the Thirlmere valley.

"Fundamentally we consider that introducing commercial activity into this area would be at odds with the reasons for the designation of the Lake District, as it conflicts with laws and planning policies that protect the spectacular landscapes of our National Parks.

"The development would also create an unacceptable precedent – if approved it would open up the whole Lake District National Park and other national parks to inappropriate development.

"National Parks are for everyone to enjoy not just those who can afford to participate in so called adventure experiences."

The charity said the Open Spaces Society, the British Mountaineering Council, and the Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District support its position.

It added that it would welcome a cycle way but did not believe the benefits would outweigh the impact of the zip line.

People can comment on the application to the Lake District National Park Authority until January 2.